Firefighters gathered at the state Capitol in Hartford on Tuesday to push for better cancer protections.

They're asking for mandatory screenings and extra turnout gear for those at higher risk, driven by personal experiences like that of Wallingford firefighter Dave Perrelli.

Perrelli, who developed renal cancer on the job, shared his story: "I went to my primary care physician, just for a normal check-up. By September of that year, I had half of my right kidney removed along with a two-inch tumor." He wants all fire departments to provide these safeguards.

Cities and towns support the concept but express concern over the potential costs.