VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – The Virginia Beach City Council meet Tuesday night to vote on topics ranging from the city’s partnership with the Sportsplex, to more medical screenings for city firefighters.
Councilmembers voted to approve increased medical screenings for public safety personnel, the decision coming more than a month after Virginia Beach firefighter Matthew Gallina died from esophageal cancer.
Last week, on Sept. 24, councilmembers supported a proposal for improved cancer and cardiovascular screenings for firefighters in the city.
During the meeting, Virginia Beach Fire Chief Ken Pravetz said cardiac issues and cancer are the two major dangers firefighters face, stating that the currently existing screening process does not identity any of the cancers that typically impact firefighters.
Pravetz added that firefighters have a 9% higher risk of cancer diagnosis, and a 14% higher risk of death compared to the general population.
City councilmembers agreed with Pravetz’s statements, saying that this is an important issue that must be solved.
In addition to the increased medical screenings, councilmembers are also voted to extend the city’s partnership with the current operator of the Virginia Beach Sportsplex.
Hometown Sports Management has operated the facility since 2009. The proposal from city council for the new contract includes the operator conducting at least 35 events a year at each facility.
Now, the partnership will continue through 2045.
For more information on Tuesday’s meeting, click here.
