Workers’ comp didn’t cover a New Mexico firefighter’s cancer — a new bill would change that

By: Joshua Bowling

Outlets: Source New Mexico

Published: February 16, 2026

Words: 1,348

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 6 days ago

Body Text Preview

Albuquerque Fire Rescue Lieutenant Paramedic Mark Jaquez had been on duty with the department for nine years when, in 2017, he received an unexpected diagnosis: colorectal cancer that required surgery.

His medical team removed 18 polyps and discovered that the growth had narrowly avoided a critical junction. If it had spread just a fraction of an inch further, he recalled, he would have needed a colostomy bag for the rest of his life.

Jaquez, a …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

Email Us