HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) - A state law meant to help firefighters suffering from cancer because of the job, isn't working.

For almost a decade, firefighters in the state fought to get this law on the books, a law designed to make it easier for firefighters diagnosed with cancer to receive benefits.

A ten year firefighting veteran, he currently works for the UConn Fire Department.

Asked what he likes most about the job, Greg says, "Obviously the brotherhood. The fact that we get to help people on their worst day."

Now it's Greg who needs the help. In September, the 39-year-old was diagnosed with colon cancer.

"My heart sank, I just looked at my wife and said, what do we do now?" says Greg.

A month later he had surgery to remove a tumor, he's currently going through his second round of chemo. Treatment that will continue until the end of May.

"The doctor has been pretty adamant that I wasn't allowed to work," says Greg.

PRESUMPTION OF CANCER:

A state law passed in 2023 is supposed to help make Greg's life easier.

The law created a presumption that any cancer diagnosis a firefighter receives is the result of their hazardous occupation, unless proven otherwise.

It's similar to a workman's comp claim, says Dan Starvish, president of IAFF Local F15. "When that claim is approved, it'll do wage replacement and potentially coverage of any treatments that are necessary," says Starvish.

The money is paid by the Firefighters' Cancer Relief Fund, part of the state budget.

But the third party administrator representing UConn denied the claims, saying his condition is not work-related.

"That sent me into a panic because I'm trying to find out how I'm going to pay my bills. I have Christmas coming up," says Greg.

Greg is the first state firefighter to file a claim under this law.

"It's been a terrible process," says Greg.

And because of that, a judge that was brought in to oversee the case didn't know how to proceed.

"The judges have some confusion on how the statute is actually written," says Starvish.

Starvish says he hopes the legislature can work to clear that confusion come January while Greg's case continues.

"The law says cancer is covered and this process should be simpler for everybody," says Starvish.

A life may depend on it.

"One would hope that when we need help, someone would help us," says Greg.

OTHER ISSUES:

Late last month, Greg says UConn also put him on unpaid leave, saying firefighters could no longer swap shifts with him, shifts he'd work for them once he was back to work.

It's called shift swaps, and common among firefighters. Once we became involved, the union said UConn rectified the situation and said it was an HR mistake.

"UConn doesn't discuss personnel or medical matters regarding any employees. Speaking in general terms, however, every circumstance is approached with care and concern for the employee involved, and handled in keeping with the applicable policies and procedures."