The Virginia Commerce and Labor meeting on January 13, 2025, featured a poignant testimony in support of Bill 920, which addresses occupational cancer among firefighters. A speaker, whose husband served over 20 years with the Virginia Beach Fire Department, shared a deeply personal account of his battle with stage 4 esophageal cancer, attributed to occupational exposure.

The speaker highlighted her husband's exemplary health prior to his diagnosis, noting his active lifestyle and commitment to fitness, including being a black belt in jujitsu. Despite undergoing conventional treatments and participating in clinical trials at MD Anderson in Houston, he ultimately succumbed to the disease in August 2024.

This testimony underscored the urgent need for legislative action to protect firefighters from occupational hazards that can lead to cancer. The speaker's emotional appeal resonated with the committee, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing the risks faced by those in the firefighting profession.

The meeting also included discussions on other labor-related issues, but the focus on Bill 920 and the personal story shared highlighted the critical intersection of health, safety, and legislative responsibility. The committee's next steps will likely involve further deliberation on the bill, which aims to provide better protections for firefighters and acknowledge the risks they face in their line of duty.