Henderson, Rebecca

Rebecca Henderson, a probation officer supervisor for the County of Butte Probation Department, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2021 and claimed it arose from carcinogen exposure while providing mutual aid during the 2018 Camp Fire and other fires in 2017-2018. The WCJ found she qualified as a peace officer under Penal Code sections 830.1 and 830.5 and was entitled to the cancer presumption under Labor Code section 3212.1, and that the QME's opinion supported that her cancer fell within the relevant latency period. Defendant petitioned for reconsideration, distinguishing the County of Imperial (Martinez) decision and arguing the applicant was merely providing mutual aid rather than performing regular peace officer duties. The Appeals Board adopted and incorporated the WCJ's report, found the petition timely (based on a Batch ID showing e-filing on June 4, 2024) despite EAMS docketing irregularities, and denied reconsideration.