Georgia Firefighters name Rep. Micah Gravley Legislator of the Year

Two groups representing Georgia's firefighters say a West Georgia lawmaker is their top state legislator for 2017. District 67 State Rep. Micah Gravley, R-Douglasville, was named Legislator of the Year for the second consecutive year by the Georgia Association of Fire Chiefs and the Georgia State Firefighter Association at the annual 2017 Georgia Fire Service Conference held in Athens, GA.
The Legislator of the Year Award is given to a legislator who goes above and beyond in their role to support Georgia's fire service. Gravley, whose district includes portions of Douglas and Paulding counties, was selected this year for his dedication and hard work in passing the Firefighter Cancer Protection Act. HB 146, a bill which mandates certain cancer insurance provisions for firefighters. Said Gravley, “I am deeply humbled and extremely honored to receive this award and recognition. HB 146 is a tribute to Douglas County Fire Fighter Michael Richardson and Atlanta Fire fighter Frank Martinez, both of whom lost their battles with cancer. They served their communities with dignity and honor.”
During this year’s legislative session, Gravley sponsored the legislation which creates an insurance benefit for firefighters diagnosed with certain types of cancer most common among firefighters. The benefit is determined by the cancer stage, as well as, the level of severity. The diagnosed firefighter will be eligible for a cash payout towards medical expenses, as well as, salary protection for 36 months thus allowing them to focus on treatment and time with family.
“I could not have done this without the 100 percent support of House Speaker David Ralston, Senator John Albers, and Paulding Firefighters Travis Boatright, Douglas County Fire Chief Scott Spencer and the everyday firefighters across Georgia that advocated for this bill at the Capitol on their off days,” Gravley said. The legislation went through some fine-tuning from its first version presented in the prior year’s session and vetoed by Gov. Deal. “We were able to address concerns that the Georgia Municipal Association and the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia had about the bill.”Georgia has around 34,000 firefighters, and about 70 percent of those are volunteers. “Every fire fighter in the state will have access, both volunteer and career firefighters,” he said. “This legislation is personal to me because my family is full of firefighters," Gravley said. "These men and women who have been diagnosed with cancer due to their service deserve a fighting chance and I sincerely believe HB 146 gives them that chance.”

District 67 State Rep. Micah Gravley, R-Douglasville (left), House Speaker David Ralston at the annual 2017 Georgia Fire Service Conference held in Athens, GA. (Photo(s) submitted) 2. Rep. Gravley, Senator John Albers, 2017 Georgia Fire Service Conference.