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Resolution
File Number: 16-00945
Final Action Date:
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION URGING GOVERNOR RICK
SCOTT AND THE MEMBERS OF THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO STUDY
POTENTIAL LEGISLATION TO CREATE A PRESUMPTIVE LINE -OF -DUTY DEATH
BENEFIT, INCLUDING THE PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS' BENEFITS PROGRAM,
THAT COVERS FIREFIGHTERS AND PARAMEDICS WHO DIE FROM OR ARE
DISABLED BY CERTAIN CANCERS IDENTIFIED THROUGH SCIENTIFIC
RESEARCH; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMITA CERTIFIED COPY
OF THIS RESOLUTION TO GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT AND THE MEMBERS OF
THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE.
WHEREAS, firefighters and paramedics are trained to risk their lives to protect the lives and
property of the public; and
WHEREAS, firefighters and paramedics are exposed by reason of their employment to varying
levels of smoke, fumes, and burning substances of a toxic, carcinogenic, or poisonous nature and are
required by their employment to enter uncontrolled environments in the performance of their duties,
unaware of and without regard for potentially harmful exposures; and
WHEREAS, the development of cancer may be slow and may not be manifested until many
years after exposure to the cancer -producing agent; and
WHEREAS, certain studies have preliminarily discovered potential links to mild increases in the
incidence of cancer as a result of exposures to toxic fumes, poisons, and uncontrolled environments
depending on the number and duration of exposures to these contaminants; and
WHEREAS, further studies should be conducted regarding the potential increase in incidents
of cancer; and
WHEREAS, the Miami City Commission believes it is fair and proper that firefighters and
paramedics be compensated for death or disability due to exposure to cancer -producing substances
they encounter only because of their employment;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA;
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to this Resolution are adopted
by reference and incorporated as if fully set forth in this Section.
Section 2. The Miami City Commission urges Governor Rick Scott and the members of the
Florida Legislature to study potential legislation creating a presumptive Fine -of -duty death benefit,
including the Public Safety Officers' Benefits program, that covers firefighters who die from or are
disabled by certain cancers identified through scientific research and linked to their employment,
City of 1Niand Page I of 2 File Id: 16-00945 (version: 1) PHided On: 7/512016
File Number; 16-00945
Section 3. The City Clerk is directed to transmit a copy of this resolution to Governor Rick
Scott and to the members of the Florida Legislature,
Section 4. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and signature
by the Mayor,{1}
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
VICTORIA MENDEZ
CITY ATTORNEY
Footnotes:
{1} If the Mayor does not sign this Resolution, it shall become effective at the end of ten calendar days
from the date it was passed and adopted. If the Mayor vetoes this Resolution, It shall become effective
immediately upon override of the veto by the City Commission.
City of Miami Page 2 of 2 File Id: 16-00945 (verslort: 1) Printed Orr: 7/5/2016