TEXAS STATE ASSOCIATION of FIRE FIGHTERS

627 Radam Lane p : (512) 326-5050

Austin, Texas 78745 f : (512) 326-5040

www.tsaff.org

VIA EMAIL and HAND DELIVERY

May 29, 2018

Mr. Stephen DonCarlos

Mr. Rick Davis
City of Baytown
P.O. Box 424
Baytown, TX 77522

RE: City of Baytown’s Litigation Against Firefighter Patrick Mahoney

Dear Mayor DonCarlos and City Manager Davis,

Our Association and the more than 18,000 firefighters we represent around the state of Texas are deeply
concerned about the City of Baytown’s commencement of costly, taxpayer-funded litigation of thyroid
cancer-stricken Baytown firefighter Patrick Mahoney.

As a Baytown firefighter, Mr. Mahoney is at increased risk for developing thyroid cancer and numerous
other illnesses caused by repeated exposure to hazardous materials. The International Agency for Re-
search on Cancer (IARC) has shown the higher risks of thyroid and other cancers for firefighters.

As you may know, Chapter 607 of the Texas Government Code ensures treatment of job-related illnesses.
Sometimes known as the presumptive statute, this code was specifically created to help first responders
like Mr. Mahoney receive the medical treatment they have earned as they risked their own lives protect-
ing others.

In the case of Mr. Mahoney, we are astonished that you chose to sue Mr. Mahoney after he twice pre-
vailed in Texas Department of Insurance – Division of Workers Compensation (DWC) proceedings.

We urge you to immediately reverse course and ensure Mr. Mahoney that he will receive the insurance
benefits promised to him. We also urge you to not condone denial or delay of coverage for cancer treat-
ment for any City of Baytown firefighter with a legitimate insurance claim. We also note that as the City
is recruiting firefighters from other Texas communities, this litigation sends a troubling message not only
to prospective firefighter hires but also to your taxpayers.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please contact me at your convenience if you have new in-
formation or if we can help resolve this matter.

John Riddle
President

cc: Baytown City Council

Dallas Webb, President, Baytown Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 1173