ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) —
An Asheville firefighter’s death from cancer has been ruled in line-of-duty, a huge step for the fire service and beneficial for his family, the Asheville Fire Department said in a news release Tuesday.
The North Carolina Industrial Commission’s ruling highlights the increase in cancer among firefighters, which is now the leading cause of death, the news release said.
Jeff Lyons, a safety and training officer, joined the Asheville Fire Department on Sept. 30, 1996, and worked full-time until 2022, when he was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer. Lyons remained a certified member of the AFD until his death on Nov. 16, 2022, at age 61.
“He was a mentor to many, a great firefighter,” Deputy Fire Chief Chris Budzinski said. “He was just an all-around good person and a great man. Jeff always put others ahead of himself.”
The ruling reassures other firefighters that if they contract cancer as part of their job, the state will help support them and their families, Budzinski said.
“This significant decision honors Jeff’s dedication and acknowledges the tremendous risks firefighters face every day. His unwavering commitment is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of all who serve in our ranks,” Asheville Fire Chief Michael Cayse said in a news release.
There have been three other Asheville firefighter line-of-duty deaths linked to cancer — Will Willis in 2018, Karen Shuart in 2019 and Dewayne Fender in 2022.
In December 2023, the Office of State Fire Marshal announced continuing and enhancing the “Firefighters’ Health Benefits Pilot Program” as the North Carolina Firefighter Cancer Benefit Program, effective Jan. 1, 2024. OSFM is now directly administering the program, eliminating the dependence on private insurance.
Highlights of the program include:
Eligible firefighters will receive reimbursement of up to $12,000 for out-of-pocket medical expenses related to each cancer diagnosis, covering deductibles, copayments or coinsurance.
A lump sum benefit of $25,000 will be payable for each diagnosis of cancer, provided sufficient proof is furnished by a board-certified, licensed physician. The cumulative benefit shall not exceed $50,000.
Eligible firefighters experiencing total disability due to cancer will receive disability benefits beginning six months after the disability occurs. For non-volunteer firefighters, a monthly benefit equal to either 75% of the firefighter’s monthly salary or $5,000, whichever is less. For volunteer firefighters, a monthly benefit of $1,500.
In addition, a comprehensive cancer prevention training program will be initiated. These programs aim to provide training and education to local, regional, and state-wide firefighter organizations, reinforcing a proactive approach to health and safety.
AFD will request that the NC Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation honor Lyons at the State Memorial in Raleigh and the National Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland.