BOSTON (WWLP) – New legislation would provide financial support to first responders disabled by violent acts while on duty.
Bill S.2887, An Act relative to disability pensions and critical incident stress management for violent crimes , guarantees full regular compensation until retirement age for a first responder who is permanently injured as a result of a violent crime while serving their state, county, city, or town. The Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed the legislation Thursday.
Mass. Senate approves funding for health and human services According to the bill, those entitled to the compensation include: “…any firefighter, any call, volunteer, auxiliary, intermittent or reserve firefighter, any call, volunteer, auxiliary, intermittent or reserve emergency medical services provider who is a member of a police or fire department and who is not subject to chapter 152, any police officer, any auxiliary, intermittent, special, part-time or reserve police officer or any municipal or public emergency medical technician or licensed health care professional who is unable to perform the essential duties of the member’s job by reason of a violent act injury…”
“I’m pleased that the Senate has closed this loophole in the Commonwealth’s retirement system by installing full accidental disability retirement benefits for injuries sustained by violence upon a first responder,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “Our brave first responders deserve this protection, as they put their lives on the line every day and are often subject to violent attacks while performing their jobs. Any member who sustains permanent bodily injury should not have their retirement compensation penalized if they are a victim of a violent attack.”
“Today my colleagues and I took meaningful action to ensure that those we trust most in our communities are able to receive the full benefits that they are entitled too if they should sustain injuries through violence while performing their jobs,” commented Senator Adam Gomez (D-Springfield). “In a world increasingly filled with violence and threats to our service members and community leaders, I am glad that we were able to ensure that these individuals and their families will still benefit if the worst should happen and can continue to serve our communities devoid of fear for their financial wellbeing.”
The House passed their bill on the issue, H.476 . The legislation will need one more enacting vote in each branch before being sent to the Governor to approve or veto.
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