New Jersey passed a bill aimed at helping firefighters get access to early cancer detection tests.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer introduced the legislation.

The Hackensack Fire Department is one of many New Jersey departments that has suffered losses due to cancer.

"We have experienced three of our own members while actively on the job being diagnosed with late-stage cancer, which took their lives," says Hackensack Fire Chief Thomas Freeman. "So, I'm very confident that any pre-screening that is afforded to the fire department will definitely save lives."

Officials say cancer has caused 66% of career firefighter deaths from 2002 to 2019.