Senators Cramer and Klobuchar call for benefits for firefighters diagnosed with cancer

(Fargo, ND) -- Senators Kevin Cramer and Amy Klobuchar are teaming up to sponsor a bill called the "Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act". 

"It is only right that we treat cancer caused by on-the-job exposure, and that's what it would be, it has to be on-the-job-exposure, the same way we treat other physical injuries," said Klobuchar.  

Under the bill, first responders who develop permanent disabilities or die from exposure to carcinogens, would qualify for Public Safety Officers' Benefits. 

Klobuchar says the legislation honors the memory of St. Paul Fire Captain Michael Paidar, who died from cancer. 

Currently, the PSOB Program provides monetary benefits to law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders who become permanently disabled or pass away due to injuries sustained in the line of duty. 

These may be physical injuries or duty-related conditions like heart attacks, strokes, post-traumatic stress disorder, and illnesses associated with 9/11. 

The PSOB Program also extends to the families of qualifying first responders.