Surviving Your Career, financially. And how tor avoid the SCARIEST situation possible.

1. Kevin Murray, FF. Engine 42-C
(904) 509-2407
509.2407@gmail.com
www.insureyourpay.com

2. Lt. Bebernitz once told me
what this job is truly about.
“We are called to
help those who
cannot help
themselves.”
On a fundamental level I think
that is absolutely correct.
Its in our DNA, its what
we do.
However, what will
help us when the role
is reversed?

3. ASSISTANCE
Physically: We have RIT, EAP, updated/revised
SOP’s for firefighter safety, and various other
safety protocols.
Financially: Good question.
For the most part it can be summed up as follows: “Well, it
depends.”
Let’s look at a few…
 Workman’s comp? Maybe, is it reasonable to say they could deny a claim?
 Light duty? Possible given spots, staffing, and administration.
 Time donation? Good chance, but how long will that last?

4. I could list some scenarios but I think you get
the picture, as you probably know someone
personally who has had to send a financial
Mayday.
TO: Fire, FireandRescueStations
Firefighter K. Murray is in need of
assistance as they are OJI UFN – or just as
likely and scary, Firefighter K. Murray’s wife
or child is seriously sick and is in need of
help…
I’m sorry for being doom and gloom here as that is
not what I’m about. However, if you do not
comprehend the gravity of our situation then how or
why should you do anything about it.
Example: We match the hose line with the severity
of fire…So why not match the degree of income
protection with the severity of illness.
This is the culture I intend to change in our department on a
fundamental level.

5. “...statistically, a firefighter only
lives 5 years after retirement.”

7. In a three-year study completed in 2005 by the
University of Cincinnati, researchers concluded that
firefighters face a:
• 102% greater chance of contracting
testicular cancer than any other type of
worker;
• 53% greater chance of multiple
myeloma;
• 51% greater chance of non-Hodgkin
lymphoma;
• 39% greater chance of skin cancer;
• 32% greater chance of brain cancer;
• 28% greater chance of prostate cancer;
• 22% greater chance of stomach cancer;
and
NOTE:
According to the IAFF…..”2007 was the first
year that more firefighters died in the line-of-duty
• a 21% greater chance of colon cancer.
from Cancer than heart attacks and
structure fires combined !”
(Heart Disease, too!)

8. Study: Firefighters Face Higher Cancer Rates
We report that firefighting may be associated with increased risk of solid
cancers. Furthermore, we report a new finding of excess malignant
mesothelioma among firefighters, suggesting the presence of an
occupational disease from asbestos hazards in the workplace.

9. The Wade Chemical Fire:
Landfill Fire of 1978
Contained Carcinogens and Non-
Carcinogens
Over 200 Police and Firefighters
To Date: 45 reported health issue
• Cancers, Vascular and
Neuromuscular Disorders, Kidney
Failure
• N2O8T Ea:r eTh De EmAoDst recent casualty was Clarence Banks, who as a 16-year-old
volunteer junior firefighter, spent eight hours at the burning dump carrying
snacks to the men. He had a massive stroke at the age of 28 triggered by a
brain tumor and died last Aug. 28.

10. If you become a statistic, how long
will you be off work and how long
will you be able to pay your bills?

11. Seattle Fire Department Statistic:
Research has found that:
“…1 out of every 3 fireman hired before 1977 is either dead or
dying of cancer…”
Cancer is a presumptive disease in
firefighters -- more than a third of Seattle
fighters hired before 1977 have developed
some form of the illness.
Remember: According to the International
Association of Firefighters, more union
firefighters now die of cancer than from
heart attacks or fire-related injuries

12. More than a third of Seattle firefighters hired before 1977 have developed cancer.
Under Washington law seven forms of cancer are assumed to be job related when
they are diagnosed in a firefighter, but Seattle firefighters say the city isn't doing
enough to help screen them for health risks. Breakdown of firefighters hired before
1977 with cancer by type of cancer, diagnosed between Jan. 2005 and June 2008:
Skin: 137
Prostate: 99
Bladder: 17
Trachea, bronchus and lung: 17
Plasma and immune system: 10
Lymphoid, blood and bone marrow: 9
Colon: 8
Kidney and urinary organs: 8
Breast, reproductive and urinary system: 7
Lymphoid leukemia: 5
Brain: 5
Other: 25
Firefighters hired before 1977: 975
Firefighters hired before 1977 and diagnosed with cancer: 347
Source: Blue Cross and the Seattle Firefighters Pension Board

13. In most states cancer is considered an
occupational hazard for firefighters…Not
Florida!
Why is that?
At this point one may be
saying something like, “I
already have a
cancer/accident plan.”
Can you tell me about it?

14. Surviving your career….FINANCIALLY
The Next Chapter
If you knew that next week something bad like cancer, OJI-UFN,
or death was going to happen to you, what would you do different
today so your family does not suffer financially tomorrow?
If you can answer these questions, then you are better then
most. If you cannot, then I hope you realize the potential trouble
that awaits you.

15. We don’t plan to fail,
We fail to plan!
Let’s put this in perspective.
We check out our SCBA every shift, as we know if
it fails, then we may fail with it.
When was the last time you checked your current
income protection plan for yourself and family?
How do you know it’s not a disaster just waiting to
happen?

16. A simple test:
Ask Yourself the following…
“How long will my current
income protection plan pay
my mortgage and fixed
expenses?”
“What limitations and exclusions
would keep my current plan from
paying out according to
contract?”.

17. Do you have life insurance
you don’t have to die to
use?
If not, then why?
Most often, the premium is the same - or less -
than what you are currently paying .

18. I think it’s safe to say that RIT teams are essential for our survival
on the fire ground. Fundamentally, if you are trapped or in trouble
you want the best coming to rescue you…quickly and successfully.
Now ask yourself: How confident are you in your current
financial RIT plan?
In case you are wondering, this is the part where you
contact me if you have questions on what was just
discussed, as your current income protection plan
may be in need of remediation or overhaul.
Kevin Murray, FF. Engine 42-C
(904) 509-2407
509.2407@gmail.com
www.insureyourpay.com