Personally, one of the most satisfying announcements was that the NC General Assembly (finally) passed a “Pilot Program for Supplemental Insurance for Firefighters Diagnosed with Cancer.” (S105, section 30.4A) Why was that important to me?

Years ago, I met the family of the late Butch Cummings and learned about “Presumptive Disability."  Butch was a retired 30-year Greensboro firefighter. At the age of 59 he died from a job-related cancer. At the time of his death 33 states recognized the scientific research of “Presumptive Disability” (the cumulative impact of exposure to toxic chemicals while fighting fires). North Carolina was not one of those states.

Recently, Ramzidden ”El” El-Amin died from job related cancer. He was a 20-year Greensboro firefighter. At the time of his death, 48 states recognized Presumptive Disability. North Carolina still did not. 

After meeting Butch’s family, I added the City’s support of Presumptive Disability Insurance to our Legislative Agenda. I’ve spoken with our legislators, walked the halls in the General Assembly, and lobbied our Metro Mayors to do the same. 

This year, my mayoral opponent recommended that we omit it from our current agenda, since there hadn’t been much movement. I fought back. I believe in perseverance over expedience.  

This year, we officially joined every other state in recognizing this critical issue.  

The credit goes to our Greensboro Professional Firefighters and their colleagues across the state. Rep. Jon Hardister has been at the forefront of this issue. Hard work pays off!

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