AUSTIN, Texas — A proposal at the Texas Capitol could do more to protect first responders across Texas.
On Monday, the House Subcommittee on County and Governmental Relations took up House Bill 198. It would require periodic cancer screenings for firefighters.
According to the National Association of Firefighters, cancer caused 66% of firefighter deaths from 2002 to 2019. Multiple studies have linked cancer to chemicals commonly used to extinguish fires.
At the Capitol on Monday, lawmakers and firefighters spoke about Wade Cannon, a firefighter in Flower Mound who died from cancer at 33 years old.
The head of the Flower Mound Firefighters Association said HB 198 could help first responders catch cancer early.
“Had they caught Wade’s early, Wade would still be with us today,” Tim Mackling said. “His fight actually tested two other firefighters in our department that caught it in Stage 1, and they’re still with us today.”
HB 198 was left pending in committee.