William Harnedy, a 10-year veteran firefighter/paramedic of the North Las Vegas Fire Department, lost his battle with a rare form of kidney cancer on December 11, 2003, at the age of 40. William fought for state legislation designed to help firefighters who suffer as a result of on-the-job exposure to carcinogens. He joined the North Las Vegas force in 1993.
Harnedy put a name and a face to legislation that clarified existing state laws that certain cancers are occupational diseases for professional firefighters. His impassioned testimony before the Nevada Legislature in the spring led to the passage of Assembly Bill and Senate Bill 451.
” I probably won’t make it to my 40th Birthday, ” Harnedy said during testimony on the bill before the Assembly in April. “I’m doing this for my friends and family and my brothers and sisters in the fire service.”
He was born in Castro Valley, CA, was a veteran of the Marine Corps. Before coming to Souther Nevada Harnedy was a member of the Carson City Fire Department. He was survived by his fiancee Bridgette John of Las Vegas and a brother Michael Harnedy of Chico, CA.