Governor Healey Signs Legislation to Support First Responders Injured in the Line of Duty

Governor Healey Signs Legislation to Support First Responders Injured in the Line of Duty:

 

Boston, MA -- Governor Maura T. Healey signed into law An Act relative to disability pensions and critical incident stress management for violent crimes. This legislation ensures that first responders who are seriously injured in the line of duty can receive their full compensation until retirement. This applies to police officers, firefighters, public and municipal EMTs, and public and municipal licensed health care professionals. 

 

“Our first responders go above and beyond to keep our communities safe and respond to emergencies. That’s why it’s critical that we support them when they experience emergencies of their own,” said Governor Healey. “This legislation ensures that first responders who are injured in the line of duty have access to the pay and health care, including mental health care, that they need to support their families and their road to recovery. I’m grateful to the Legislature for prioritizing the safety and well-being of our first responders and proud to sign this bill.” 

 

“First responders always have our backs – we need to make sure we have theirs,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This legislation sends a clear message that our heroes aren’t alone when they sustain serious injuries. Massachusetts will make sure they have the resources and support needed to get through this difficult time.” 

 

“We depend on our emergency responders to bravely run toward danger when others are running away. It is imperative they have our full support in the event they are seriously injured while performing their duties,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “This legislation is representative of our deep commitment to the health and well-being of our first responders and their families.” 

 

“This legislation is about ensuring that we support our first responders during a time of significant need, just as they do for us every single day,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank all my colleagues in the House, along with our partners in the Senate, for sending this legislation to the Governor’s desk for her signature.” 

 

“Every day when our first responders leave for work, they do so not knowing what the day will bring,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Today, with the Governor’s signature, we have acted to ensure that our first responders and their families have financial security if the unthinkable does happen before they return home. I’m grateful for the Governor’s signature, the support of my colleagues in the Senate, and our partners in the House.” 

 

“I have fought to authorize full disability pensions for first responders violently injured on duty dating back to my time working with and for my predecessor, Senator Ken Donnelly,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington). “As a former firefighter, there was no bigger advocate of honoring the service and sacrifice of first responders of Massachusetts than Ken, and I am honored to have been able to play a role in getting this bill signed by the Governor, further cementing Ken’s incredible legacy. This legislation will change the lives of first responders and their families who have had to suffer through tremendous hardship.”  

 

“By Governor Healey taking this step, we send a powerful message that we value the sacrifices made by those who serve on the front lines. As the daughter of a retired Police Sergeant, I know all too well the risks that our police officers face every day when they begin a shift,” said Representative Jessica Ann Giannino (D-Suffolk). “When I first met with advocates to discuss this legislation, and they shared with me that their families would have been better off if they did not survive each accident, it stayed with me. No family or police officer should ever carry that burden. I am thankful for Speaker Mariano and his leadership getting this bill over the finish line.” 

 

The legislation allows first responders who cannot perform the essential functions of their job due to a violent act injury to receive a disability pension equal to 100 percent of their regular compensation. This amount will be reduced to 80 percent when they reach the mandatory retirement age. 

 

A first responder is eligible if they sustained a catastrophic, life-threatening or life-altering and permanent bodily injury due to a violent attack. Retirement boards will be charged with determining if an employee is physically unable to perform the essential duties of their job due to a violent act injury, and whether it is likely to be permanent.     

 

The legislation also requires employers to provide education about critical incident stress management debriefing programs, included mental health supports, to impacted first responders. 

 

Statements of Support: 

 

Chief Michael J. Bradley, Jr., Executive Director, Massachusetts Chiefs of Police:

“The passage of this legislation is a significant milestone, as it provides 100% disability benefits to public safety personnel who are incapacitated due to serious violent attacks while carrying out their duties. This is a crucial step in recognizing and supporting the dedicated service and sacrifices made by public safety employees across the Commonwealth. The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association expresses sincere gratitude for the unified support from the Massachusetts Senate, House of Representatives, and Governor Maura Healey's Office.” 

 

John E. Nelson, Vice President, Massachusetts Coalition of Police:

"The Massachusetts Coalition of Police started working on the Violent Crimes Disability Pension Bill with its original sponsor, the late Senator Ken Donnelly. There has been a lot of hard work put in by many people to get this important piece of legislation to the finish line. Our entire membership is grateful for the legislature's and Governor's work on this bill.  While we hope this new law does not have to be used often, it will help those who have sacrificed more than anyone will know.” 

 

Frank G. Frederickson, Director of Governmental Affairs, Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police:

"We are extremely pleased with the passage of the Violent Crime Pension and Stress Management law. Officers on the front lines in our communities handle difficult and dangerous calls every day.  We hope that the measures in this law never have to be used, however the reality is that there will be officers who will become permanently disabled due to a violent attack. We appreciate that the Legislature recognized that disabled officers have enough struggles to deal with and should not be worried about financial stability. This law sends a good message to our officers and acknowledges the stressful and dangerous work they do."