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A Massachusetts state police trooper has filed a lawsuit alleging he developed prostate cancer from hazardous material exposure while training a bomb-detection dog at Logan Airport. The suit seeks line of duty injury benefits after the Massachusetts State Police denied his claim.

Bomb Dog Cancer Suit : Exposure and Allegations

The lawsuit, filed in Middlesex County Superior Court, details Kevin Mullen's exposure to a variety of explosives such as ammonium nitrate, C-4, urea nitrate, and PETN during weekly training sessions with his K9 partner. Mullen, 58, believes the exposure led to his cancer diagnosis and subsequent surgery in 2022.

Mullen's lawsuit names Massachusetts State Police Superintendent Col. John Mawn and the agency, along with the state and its Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. He argues that the agency improperly denied his claim for benefits, asserting that his cancer and subsequent surgery qualify as physical injuries under state law.

Bomb Dog Cancer Suit : Legal Battle

The Massachusetts State Police Board on Claims denied Mullen's request in November 2023, citing that he didn't meet the requirements of the injured in the line of duty statute. The board also stated that a separate "Cancer Bill" pertains only to retirement benefits for public safety employees with job-related cancers.

Mullen's appeal emphasizes the long-lasting impact of his surgery and cancer diagnosis as qualifying injuries. He also contends that the "Cancer Bill" should influence the determination of benefits.

Superintendent Mawn upheld the denial based on Major Robert G. Schumacher's recommendation, who manages standards and training. Schumacher noted Mullen had not been screened upon his 2013 assignment to Logan Airport's K9 unit, according to court documents.

Legal Representation and Response

Mullen, a state trooper since 1988, is represented by Daniel J. Moynihan and Mark A. Russell of the Law Office of Daniel J. Moynihan PC. Counsel information for the Massachusetts State Police was not immediately available on Monday, which was a state holiday.

Messages for comments from Mullen's attorneys and a State Police spokesperson did not receive immediate responses.