680C1BB8B05D563A87258A1A007137B8 Hearing Summary

PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For SPECIAL DISTRICT ASSOCIATION

INTERIM COMMITTEE WILDFIRE MATTERS REVIEW COMMITTEE
Date Aug 29, 2023
Location LSB A

Special District Association - Committee Discussion Only


	02:37:00 PM	Michael Valdez, Director of Policy, Special District Association (SDA), introduced himself and Fire Chief Don Lombardi.
	02:40:16 PM	Don Lombardi, Fire Chief, West Metro Fire & Rescue, discussed the Colorado Firefighters Heart, Cancer, and Behavioral Health Benefits Trust's (Trust) origins and purpose. The Trust helps cover the out-of-pocket expenses for a firefighter's cardiac and cancer health treatments. He explained that the program has been very effective in both treating and preventing health issues for firefighters.
	02:46:46 PM	Chief Lombardi discussed the need to ensure that all firefighters are eligible for the benefits of the Trust.
	02:49:50 PM	Mr. Valdez discussed the funding structure for the Trust.
	02:50:47 PM	Dianne Criswell, SDA, discussed the benefits of a trust model in lieu of a workers compensation model for the firefighter cardiac and cancer programs.
	02:57:08 PM	Ms. Criswell responded to questions from the committee on the Trust's funding mechanisms.