According to a report from KTAR News, a Tempe firefighter has passed away after his battle with occupational cancer. 52-year-old John Garza is being mourned by his family and the community. Unfortunately, firefighters face a heightened risk of job-related cancers. Here, our Phoenix workers’ comp lawyer provides a more comprehensive overview of the case, the risks, and the options for firefighters and their families in Arizona.
Tempe, Arizona Firefighter Fought Occupational Cancer
A well-respected member of the Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department (TFMRD), 52-year-old John Garza died following a long fight with occupational cancer. Mr. Garza served as a paramedic with the department for roughly 20 years. His passing highlights the serious risks first‐responders face when battling fires and hazardous exposures. He is survived by his wife and two daughters. The Tempe Fire Department honored his service to the community.
According to a specialized fire service news outlet called The Daily Dispatch, Mr. Garza died after battling Glioblastoma. That is a very aggressive type of brain cancer. Because glioblastoma arises in the brain, it does not always appear in occupational‐cancer lists for firefighting exposures, the connection to his fire service is less direct than for cancers like bladder or lung. However, it has been linked to firefighting as an occupation.
The Link Between Firefighting and Cancer
Medical researchers have established a strong association between firefighting and increased cancer risk. Firefighters experience chronic exposure to a mixture of combustion byproducts, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other carcinogenic agents. These toxins are released during structural fires, vehicle fires, and industrial incidents. When inhaled or absorbed through the skin, many of these compounds can cause DNA damage and oxidative stress that contribute to cellular mutation and malignant transformation.
Epidemiological studies, including those by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), show significantly elevated rates of several cancers among firefighters compared to the general population. The most prevalent types include bladder, testicular, colon, prostate, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. There is also an observed increase in multiple myeloma and certain brain cancers. Notably, synthetic polymers, plastics, and treated fabrics emit dioxins and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These are often called “forever chemicals.” PFAS compounds are now detected in firefighter blood at levels far exceeding those of the general public.
Note: NIOSH operates a National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer. The goal is to gather comprehensive data to better understand the problem so that it can be solved.
An Overview of the Law for Firefighters and Occupational Diseases in Arizona
Cancer is a legally recognized risk that comes with being a firefighter. In Arizona, the workers’ compensation laws provide special legal protections to firefighters who develop occupational diseases, including cancer. More specifically, the state has enacted presumptive coverage provisions under its workers’ compensation system. Here is a more detailed overview of the law:
- The Firefighter Cancer Presumption: Arizona’s workers’ comp laws make it easier for a firefighter to prove that his or her cancer (assuming it is a recognized type of cancer) is job-related. Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 23-901.01, certain cancers are presumed to be occupationally related for qualifying firefighters. To receive the presumption, the firefighter must have undergone a pre-employment physical exam that showed no evidence of cancer, completed at least five years of hazardous duty, and been assigned to fire suppression or related emergency response duties. Some of the most notable covered cancers include bladder, brain, colon, leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, kidney, prostate, and testicular cancer.
- The Burden of Proof and Opportunity for Rebuttal: Workers in Arizona generally need to prove that their injury is work-related in order to qualify for workers’ comp benefits. However, for firefighters with cancer, the presumption can shift the initial burden of proof from them (the claimant) to the employer or insurer. Once established, the cancer is presumed to have arisen out of employment unless substantial evidence demonstrates an alternative cause unrelated to occupational exposure. It is a very important part of the law because it allows firefighters to access benefits even when direct exposure records are incomplete or unavailable.
- The Available Benefits for Affected Firefighters and their Families: Under the Arizona workers’ compensation law, qualified firefighters may obtain compensation for medical treatment, temporary or permanent disability, and, when applicable, death benefits for surviving dependents. Notably, the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA) administers these claims. Some examples of different types of benefits include coverage for diagnostic imaging, chemotherapy, surgical procedures, and rehabilitation, as well as wage replacement based on average monthly earnings.
- The Procedural Requirements: As with other workers’ comp claims, these are time-sensitive cases. In Arizona, firefighters must file a claim with the ICA within one year of learning of their diagnosis and its potential link to employment. A comprehensive case is key to getting the maximum available evidence. Among other things, a firefighter and/or their family should be prepared to provide supporting documentation that includes medical records, a physician’s report connecting the cancer to occupational exposure, and evidence of eligible service time. An Arizona workers’ comp lawyer can help you build a claim.
Our Work Injury Law Firm Represents Firefighters and their Families in Arizona
Firefighters face serious occupational safety hazards. One big safety risk that is only now starting to receive the attention that it warrants is the exposure to potentially toxic firefighting chemicals. Sadly, firefighters in Arizona are at a disproportionately high risk for developing work-related cancer. At Arizona’s Work Injury Firm, we have the experience that firefighters can trust when it matters most. Our case results tell the story of what we can do for workers and their families.
Call Our Arizona Workers’ Comp Attorney for a Free Case Review
At Arizona’s Work Injury Firm, our Arizona workers’ comp attorney has the knowledge, skills, and experience that you can count on when it matters most. If you or your loved one is a firefighter who developed any form of occupational-related cancer, we are here as a legal resource. Call us at (877) 370-5788 or contact us directly online to set up a free, no obligation consultation. We serve communities throughout Arizona.