To the editor:

Last week's Phoenix featured a front page story regarding recent bills passed overwhelmingly by the Rhode Island Legislature which provides that any current or deceased full time firefighter who presents with high blood pressure, stroke, or heart disease is presumed to be the result of an on-the-job injury, entitling these employees or their heirs to a lifetime two-thirds pay tax free accidental disability pension. And while there were a very small number of anti-union politicians who opposed this bill, I want to publicly thank our two local state representatives, Susan Donovan and June Speakman, for voting to pass this important piece of legislation.

Over the years there have been numerous detailed medical studies which prove that full-time firefighters have a much greater chance of suffering from high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease compared with other occupations, and I commend Donovan and Speakman for voting this legislation into law. While Susan and June have been very supportive of organized labor in general during their tenure at the statehouse, I have been particularly impressed and appreciative of their strong support of legislation concerning unionized firefighters in particular.

Firefighting is an extremely dangerous profession, and this piece of recently passed common sense legislation is a huge step in protecting the financial wellbeing of full time firefighters and their families, and recognizes the sacrifices they make every day they go to work and answer the call for help.

Mike Proto
245 Chestnut St.