NASHVILLE, Tenn. State Rep. Jerome Moon, R-Maryville, has passed a law unanimously approved by the General Assembly to provide critical health protections for arson investigators, recognizing the risks they face in the line of duty.
The new law, signed by Gov. Bill Lee, now extends the same presumptive disability benefits currently available to firefighters to qualified arson investigators. Arson investigators are routinely exposed to hazardous environments, including smoke, toxic chemicals and carcinogens while performing fire investigations. Certain job-related illnesses, including lung disease, hypertension, heart disease and specific cancers are presumed to have been caused by exposure to hazardous environments during fire investigations. The new law now extends the presumptive protection to arson investigators employed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation or serving as sworn deputies within county sheriff’s departments.
The law was inspired in part by the story of Mike Serrat, a veteran fire and arson investigator now battling Stage four colon cancer. Serrat’s diagnosis has galvanized his community, sparking “Fight Like Mike” walks and gatherings to raise awareness and support for those facing similar occupational health risks. Arson investigators, like Serrat, often spend years working in hazardous environments without the same level of protection historically extended to firefighters. Research shows firefighters can face up to 12 times higher cancer risk compared to those with no exposure to fire scene environments.
“After seven years of fighting for this important piece of legislation, I’m grateful to see it finally cross the finish line,” said Moon. “This new law recognizes the real health risks arson investigators face every day and ensures they are not left behind when it comes to critical protections. “Stories like Mike Serrat’s make it clear that these risks are not theoretical. They are real, and they are impacting Tennesseans who have dedicated their lives to public safety. If we acknowledge these dangers for firefighters, we must do the same for those investigating fires in the same hazardous conditions.”
The law maintains existing eligibility standards, including required medical examinations and documentation, ensuring that claims are supported by medical evidence while still providing strong and fair protections for those who develop job-related illnesses.
Rep. Jerome Moon represents District 8, which covers part of Blount County.
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