WASHINGTON — A D.C. firefighter with pulmonary fibrosis is fighting for work-related illness benefits.
NBC Washington reported that the Presumptive Disabilities Act was passed in 2012, allowing firefighters who contract a work-related illness to retire with full benefits. However, funding for the benefits was never approved. Officials say funding for the benefits will cost about $7 million each year.
“It feels like we’re not being supported,” former firefighter Lawrence DiPietro said. DiPietro contracted pulmonary fibroisis after 27 years of breathing in smoke.
“You feel discarded, while there is plenty of recognition — the mayor and the council have been very supportive at all levels — there’s this last piece, the money,” Ed Smith, president of IAFF Local 36, said.
D.C. Fire and EMS Chief Gregory Dean said he supports the law, but that district government must find the money to pay for it.
“That’s what the mayor and council will do. They will look at ways to figure out if and when they can do this,” Chief Dean said.