Firefighting is inherently risky, but the long-term effects on firefighters’ health, particularly the potential link to cancer, remain a subject of debate among lawmakers. Studies by the International Agency for Research on Cancer have labeled firefighting as “carcinogenic,” with firefighters experiencing cancer rates nine percent higher than the general public and a 14 percent higher fatality rate.
Senate Bill 114, introduced by Rapid City Republican David Johnson, aimed to establish a presumption of workers’ compensation for firefighters with occupational cancer. Brian Povandra, chief of the Rapid City Fire Department, supported the bill, highlighting firefighters’ efforts to protect themselves by implementing measures to reduce exposure to carcinogens.
The bill faced criticism for bypassing the state’s workers’ compensation advisory board and going directly to lawmakers. Some argued that this undermined the legislative process, while others viewed it as a necessary step to address the issue promptly. Despite support from advocates, including Povandra, the bill was defeated 7-2, with concerns raised about the lack of broader healthcare policy changes.