Cancer-stricken firefighter in Frankfort for new law

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) – A bill that reclassifies a Kentucky firefighter’s cancer death as ‘work-related’ becomes official Tuesday.

Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes says Tuesday she will formally receive and file Senate Bill 195. The General Assembly passed the bill unanimously. It became law without the Governor’s signature last week.

Under the bill, families of firefighters who die from certain types of cancers would receive $80,000 as an ‘in the line of duty’ death benefit. Supporters of the bill say it’s necessary because firefighters breathe in smoke and other hazardous materials while on the job.

Several firefighters will be at the ceremony Tuesday including Matt Logsdon, a 10-year veteran of the Lexington Fire Department.

After helping fight the Blue Grass Stockyards fire on January 30th, his co-workers remarked that he looked sick.

Logsdon was diagnosed with stage four cancer days later.

The filing of the bill will take place Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the State Capitol.