Captain Omar Blanco receives Florida Professional Firefighter of the Year Award


On Sept. 30, 2021, during a ceremony held at the Florida State Capitol sponsored by CFO Jimmy Patronis, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) Captain Omar Blanco was awarded the 2020 Florida Professional Firefighter of the Year Award as part of the 2021 Fire Service Awards.

Former IAFF Local 1403 President, Captain Blanco was selected to receive the 2020 Florida Professional Firefighter of the Year Award for his work during the 2019 Florida State Legislative Session in raising awareness about the high incident rates of cancer among firefighters and how this has become one of the most serious occupational health risks associated with the fire service.

“It is an incredible honor to be recognized by my fellow brother and sister firefighters across our great state and to represent the incredible work they all do, day in and day out,” said Captain Omar Blanco.

Captain Blanco’s work in raising awareness also included spearheading lobbying efforts alongside elected officials, Florida Professional Firefighters (FPF) and other affiliates to begin an initiative that would help to remind elected officials of the importance of sponsoring a bill that would provide cancer coverage for all firefighters. This initiative involved placing sets of bunker gear throughout the Florida Capitol Complex in Tallahassee, with each set of gear representing a fallen firefighter who died from cancer. These bunker gear displays served as a badge of honor for elected leaders to show their support for firefighter cancer coverage and helped the bill gain over 80 cosponsors in a short period of time.

Due to Captain Blanco’s efforts, on May 3, 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 426 (SB-426), granting certain benefits to firefighters upon receiving a diagnosis of cancer. Additionally, SB-426 ensures “best practices” in the fire service that would set guidelines in order to reduce the number of cancer incidents among firefighters.

“The passing of Senate Bill 426 will forever save the lives of hundreds of Florida firefighters. We are grateful to all who worked tirelessly to make firefighter cancer coverage a reality in Florida; honoring our brothers and sisters who lost their battle and those who continue the fight,” said Captain Blanco.

With the passage of SB 426, Florida became one of 44 states that have passed laws granting certain rights and benefits to firefighters who are diagnosed with cancer to receive the financial assistance they need.

Congratulations to Captain Omar Blanco on this great achievement.

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