For Immediate Release: Piscopo Joins Burlington's Jeff Bond to Testify in Support of Greater Cancer Screenings for Firefighters
Mackinnon, Greg
For Immediate Release:
Piscopo Joins Burlington's Jeff Bond to Testify in Support of Greater Cancer Screenings for Firefighters
Good afternoon,
Below is a news release regarding today’s Public Safety Public Hearing re: SB 410: An Act Concerning Firefighter Cancer.
WATCH the testimony here.
PHOTO: State Rep. John Piscopo (left) and Burlington Vol. Fire Dept. Jeff Bond (right) testify before the Public Safety and Security Committee on Thursday, March 12.
Thank you for your consideration.
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Piscopo Joins Burlington's Jeff Bond to Testify in Support of Greater Cancer Screenings for Firefighters
HARTFORD – On Thursday afternoon, State Rep. John Piscopo (R-76) joined Burlington Volunteer Fire Department member Jeff Bond to testify in support of S.B. 410, An Act Concerning Firefighter Cancer. The bill, currently under consideration by the Public Safety and Security Committee, would create statewide standards for cancer screenings for firefighters throughout Connecticut.
According to Bond, a collaboration between the Litchfield County Firefighter Cancer Support Group and the Hartford HealthCare Cancer Institute led to a groundbreaking cancer screening event in September 2025 that built on prior legislation.
“For the first time, we have data from a large-scale cancer screening event,” Bond said during his testimony. “Senate Bill 410 will ensure that Connecticut firefighters receive defined cancer screening guidelines.”
The results were striking. Of the 50 firefighters screened, 30—about 60 percent—were referred for follow-up care.
“It is well documented that certain cancers affect firefighters at higher rates than the general public,” Piscopo said. “I proposed language that will help curtail the need for costly treatment and reduce untimely deaths among our bravest.”
Piscopo also noted that the legislation could ultimately save resources currently allocated to the Firefighter Cancer Relief Fund. By implementing regular screenings, early detection could reduce the number of advanced cancer cases, leaving more resources available for firefighters actively battling the disease.
After discussion with committee members, the bill will receive further consideration. It must receive favorable action by Tuesday, March 17, to move forward in the legislative process.
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Greg Mackinnon
Communications Department
House Republican Office
O: 860-240-8485
C: 860-836-0960
