Research shows firefighters are diagnosed and die from cancer at higher rates than most people. Some states, including Indiana and Ohio, have laws meant to cover health care costs for firefighters with cancer. But Side Effects Public Media finds these laws don’t always help.

Jerome Wiese of Rantoul, Illinois served as a combat medic in the Army during the Vietnam War from 1970-1971. Destined to become a soldier, he loved the friendships he developed in the Army and has no regrets about what he and other soldiers did during the war.