Governor talks about firefighter health at St. Clair Shores department

ST. CLAIR SHORES — On May 9, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited the St. Clair Shores Fire Department to tour the fire station and to give a speech about the work being done to support Michigan firefighters.

Robert Cook, President of the St. Clair Shores Fire Fighters Union Local 1744, welcomed the governor and thanked her for her support in addressing health risks firefighters face and for her commitment to firefighter health.

“By investing in the health of our firefighters, we’re ensuring that they can continue to perform their duties to the best of their abilities, protecting our citizens and their property from harm,” Cook said.

Fire Chief James Piper and Matt Sahr, president of the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union, also spoke. Piper said he hopes the firefighters who die from occupational cancer in the line of duty will not be viewed any differently than those who lose their lives to fire or injury.

“They, too, have given their life to the fire service and a dedication to saving lives,” Piper said. “They should be memorialized and remembered in an equal way.”

Sahr said the union will continue to work with Whitmer and anyone who wants to work with them. He introduced the governor.

Whitmer said the things being done to help firefighters includes rolling back the retirement tax, boosting local revenue sharing by 29% and new budget recommendations, including $500 million for first responders and EMS.

“As firefighters, you put your lives on the line to keep us all safe. The least we can do is to make sure you have the equipment and resources to do your job effectively and to retire with dignity,” Whitmer said.

She also talked about House Bill 4172 as a bipartisan effort that expanded the cancer presumption fund to retirees and added three additional forms of cancer.

“I know that, for you, these are not just lists of things, these are personal priorities,” Whitmer said. “It’s about the people that you’ve worked with, your brothers and sisters, firefighters that you’ve shed blood and tears with.”

Whitmer then recognized firefighters such as Scott Schwabe, who is fighting lymphoma for the second time in three years, and Shawn Golde, who recently died after a battle with cancer.

“For Scott and Shawn and every firefighter working hard to serve their community, we need to continue to take action here,” Whitmer said. “We can and we will do more.”