After public pressure, Glendale reversed course and agreed to cover a firefighter’s worker’s compensation claim.
Kevin Thompson has been working for Glendale Fire for more than 25 years. This year, he was diagnosed with a type of cancer that’s presumed to be caused from firefighting activities and considered an occupational cancer under state law.
Glendale originally denied the claim, which would cover out-of-pocket expenses beyond city-provided insurance. After public criticism from state Sen. Paul Boyer (R-Phoenix) and media reports, Glendale’s mayor released a statement Thursday saying the city has approved the firefighter’s claim.
Mayor Jerry Weiers said a third-party administrator originally denied the claim and city attorneys advised Glendale could not override that decision. Weiers said the Industrial Commission of Arizona advised Glendale it could override the decision.
