State fund would cover fire fighters’ cancer fund

The quick response by U-S fire fighters to the airplane attacks of 9-11 led years later to cancer disease for some of the heroic responders. A South Carolina state senator wants to assure that his state doesn’t neglect fire fighters who, through their service, contract cancer. State Senator Thomas Alexander reports progress in the last 24 hours to a bill he introduced to create a cancer fund for fire fighters. The Oconee-Pickens lawmaker believes his bill will get broad support. Data have convinced Alexander of the worthiness of a recurring $3.5 to $4 million annual state expense to cover what South Carolina fire fighters, full time and volunteer, will need for premiums.