Fayette County approves firefighter insurance

In order to comply with a new state law, Fayette County has agreed to purchase cancer and long-term disability insurance coverage for its firefighters. The Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 on Nov. 9 to approve the $26,589 annual cost through the Association County Commissioners Interlocal Risk Management Agency.

The policy takes effect Jan. 1 and includes a lump-sum benefit for cancer treatment (up to $50,000 per firefighter) and long-term disability for three years (minimum $100 and maximum $5,000 per month). The coverage is mandated by passage of House Bill 146 in the Georgia legislature last March.