The Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted 202–1 Monday to approve legislation that would establish a statewide cancer screening program for firefighters, marking a major step forward for an initiative championed by Spring-Ford area leaders.
The vote came hours after Spring City Mayor Adam Alberico joined State Rep. Joe Ciresi and a bipartisan group of lawmakers, firefighters, and medical professionals on the steps of the Capitol in Harrisburg to advocate for House Bill 2826.
The legislation, which would provide cancer screenings for eligible volunteer and career firefighters, now moves toward consideration in the state Senate. It would also require Gov. Josh Shapiro's signature to become law.
During Monday morning's press conference, Alberico challenged Pennsylvania lawmakers to move beyond thanking firefighters for their service and take action to protect their health.
"I've been in many meetings throughout the last few months, and I always hear, 'Thank you for your service. I support you,'" Alberico said. "Show your support by backing this bill."
Alberico, who serves as a volunteer firefighter with the Royersford Fire Department, urged legislators to put political differences aside.
"When a firefighter goes into someone's home, they don't ask, 'Did you vote for me?' They don't ask, 'Are you Republican or Democrat?'" he said. "They say, 'Get out of the way so I can save a life.'"
"Do not make this a political bill. Make this a human bill," Alberico added
The mayor also spoke about the long-term health risks firefighters face from exposure to hazardous substances during emergency responses, noting that those risks can affect their families as well.
He pointed to Dave Panetta, a fellow Royersford firefighter who recently underwent cancer treatment and has since returned to responding to emergencies.
"Talk about service above self," Alberico said.
Trappe Mayor Heather Blumenthal also participated in the event. She told Spring-Ford Press that her borough relies entirely on volunteer firefighters and that a recent live-burn training exercise with the department was "the most terrifying experience of my life."
Blumenthal said the experience helped her better understand the hazardous chemicals firefighters encounter and the importance of early cancer detection.
"I want them to be able to come back to see their children, their loved ones," she said, emphasizing her desire for firefighters to live longer, healthier lives.
Ciresi Credits Local Leaders
Ciresi, a Democrat whose district includes Royersford and Limerick Township, is the prime sponsor of the legislation. He credited Alberico with bringing the idea to his attention and helping develop the proposal.
The effort originated with Alberico and former Royersford Fire Chief Kevin Kerwin, who began exploring statewide cancer screening legislation after discussing the risks firefighters face and learning about similar efforts in other states.
Ciresi emphasized that firefighters routinely expose themselves to dangerous conditions to protect others and should receive comparable support from the Commonwealth.
"These people go into these fires and situations and are exposed to chemicals that cause them to get cancer," Ciresi said. "We have an obligation as a Commonwealth to stand with them and make sure that their families have them here after they've saved countless families throughout our Commonwealth."
He also addressed concerns about the financial implications of establishing the screening program.
"We can't put a price on what this bill does for people," Ciresi said. "Early detection of cancer saves lives."
Bipartisan Support
The press conference brought together legislators from both political parties, including Democratic Reps. Greg Scott, Jared Solomon, and Chris Pielli, along with Republican Reps. Mark Gillen and Michael Stender.
Scott, who also serves as a volunteer firefighter, echoed Alberico's call to keep politics out of the issue.
"The fire may be out, but the danger doesn't always leave with the smoke," Scott said, describing firefighters' exposure to hazardous chemicals and synthetic materials.
Stender, a former career firefighter in Harrisburg, recounted seeking cancer screenings years ago after hearing from retired colleagues undergoing cancer treatment. He said his physician declined to order additional testing because he had no symptoms.
Also speaking was Bob Brooks, president of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association and the Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District. Brooks, a retired career firefighter, urged lawmakers to act without further delay.
"Early detection saves lives, but too many firefighters skip screenings because of deductibles and copays," Brooks said. "Cancer doesn't wait."
Representatives from Fox Chase Cancer Center also participated, including a registered nurse and Stage 4 lung cancer survivor who spoke about the importance of detecting cancer before it advances.
What the Bill Would Do
Under the House-approved version of House Bill 2826, eligible firefighters would be able to receive cancer screenings once every three years through a state-administered program, subject to available funding.
The legislation provides for up to $2,000 in screenings per eligible firefighter, with that amount adjusted annually for inflation. Available services would include blood tests, ultrasounds of vital organs, skin cancer screenings, and lung CT scans when indicated.
Generally, firefighters would qualify after serving at least 12 continuous months and responding to 15 or more fire or rescue emergencies during the previous calendar year. The bill also provides an alternative eligibility pathway tied to Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act.
The proposal was originally introduced as House Bill 2394 and advanced out of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee in June. The revised legislation, introduced earlier this month, includes changes to the program's structure and funding.
The House Appropriations Committee voted unanimously, 37–0, to advance the revised bill Monday before the full House approved it by a nearly unanimous margin later in the day. State Rep. Arvind Venkat, a Democrat representing the 30th House District, was the only lawmaker to vote against the bill.
The bill's passage represents its most significant legislative milestone to date, although its future will depend on action in the state Senate.
Before the House vote, Alberico closed his remarks with an appeal for lawmakers to act together.
"I don't see red, I don't see blue, I only see you," he said. "And that's what you as legislators need to do by backing this bill, getting it passed, and doing it right now.
