Welland Capt. Craig Bowman died last week of esophageal cancer last week but was denied worker's comp benefits due to his 23 years on the line.
Under current law, only firefighters with 25 years are eligible for benefits if they are diagnosed with occupational cancer.
At his funeral Tuesday, his daughter, Alexis, vowed to fight for a change to the policy as well as for the health and safety of other firefighters.
Residents lined the streets to join hundreds of firefighters from across Ontario and the U.S. paying tribute to Bowman, remembered for his dedication to helping others, CHCH reported.
A fire truck carried the coffin and Bowman’s wife and children to the Welland arena for the funeral.
Local Member of Provincial Parliament Jeff Burch agrees that the law should be changed so more firefighters diagnosed with occupational cancers are eligible.
