Kasich Signs Law Recognizing Firefighter Cancer As On-The-Job Illness

"COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio Gov. John Kasich on Wednesday signed a law inspired by a Beachwood fire captain, which will make it easier for firefighters to get worker's compensation and pension benefits when they are diagnosed with cancer.

The "Michael Louis Palumbo Jr. Act" creates a presumption that when a firefighter has cancer, it was caused by on-the-job activity. The law will take effect in 90 days.

Palumbo, a fire captain from Beachwood and Willowick, was diagnosed last year with brain cancer. He attended Wednesday's bill signing in Columbus with friends and family, including his brother, Mark, a fire lieutenant in Mayfield. Mark was an advocate for the bill and also has worked to inform fire personnel about on-the-job dangers of cancer. "

Robert Higgs reports for the Cleveland Plain Dealer January 4, 2017.