The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Firefighter loses cancer battle
Crusader for passage of bill dies
Firefighter Michael Palumbo, who crusaded for the passage of a law to enable firefighters in the state of Ohio to file a Workers’ Compensation claim for presumptive occupational cancer, has lost his own battle with cancer.
Palumbo, of Concord Township, died May 24 after a long battle with glioblastoma multi forme, a very aggressive form of brain cancer with no known cure.
Palumbo fought for the passage of the Michael Louis Palumbo Act, which Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed into law Jan. 4, knowing neither he nor his family would benefit it.
Palumbo worked with the Beachwood Fire Department since 1992.
There he was a captain, SWAT medic, part of the hazmat team and member of the honor guard. He also was a member of Local 2388.
He worked up until his health no longer permitted him to do so.
Palumbo, who grew up in Willowick, served more than 25 years with the Willowick Fire Department in addition to Beachwood.
According to a news release from Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters, Palumbo was proud to be a firefighter, and it was his lifelong dream.
He leaves behind his wife of 23 years, along with five children ranging in age from 8 to 21.
Senate Bill 27 was renamed after Palumbo when he became the “poster child” for the bill. This occurred after he shared the story of his battle with glioblastoma multiforme, a very aggressive form of brain cancer, presumably a result of his 25 years as firefighter.
The bill allows firefighters who are diagnosed with cancer and who meet the set qualifications to now file a claim with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
It basically presumes that cancer is an occupational illness incurred while performing official duties.
At the time of its signing into law, Palumbo stated that he had no regrets in being the face behind the bill and his efforts to aid in passage.
“There are no regrets, just sad that this has happened to me,” Palumbo said.
“But I am glad that I am able to help so many firefighters and their families because cancer is ugly, cancer is hard and now we finally have a bill that will help the families.”
Palumbo traveled to the Statehouse in Columbus along with his brother Mark Palumbo, who is also a firefighter, and five other members of their families to witness the signing of this legislation into law.
“We are happy this bill is being signed by the governor,” Mark Palumbo said at the time.
“This legislation has been long anticipated with much effort put forth from so many in the fire service.
“We wish there was no need for such legislation, but we are all too familiar with the prevalence of cancer amongst firefighters. The signing of this bill will help firefighters and their families have one less worry if and when they get cancer.”
Several firefighters who worked with Palumbo also were present, along with a legislative aide from the Ohio Association of Professional Firefighters.
“An untold amount of time and hard work has gone into making this law a reality,” said Lt. Bill Mastroianni of Euclid Fire Department at the time.
“It is appropriate that Gov. Kasich is giving this law the attention it deserves by signing it surrounded by the firefighters that it will help protect.”