On the heels of the new legislation signed by Governor Maura T. Healey, first responders in Massachusetts injured in the line of duty can breathe a collective sigh of relief. The new law, titled An Act relative to disability pensions and critical incident stress management for violent crimes, guarantees full compensation for seriously injured first responders until retirement. Included in the coverage are police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and licensed health care professionals working in public and municipal settings.
Gov. Healey, in a statement obtained by Mass.gov, emphasized the legislation's importance, stating, "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.” She asserts that with this law, first responders have their pay and health, including mental health care, covered, enabling them to support their families and their road to recovery. Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, meanwhile, alludes to the support first responders consistently provide, indicating the legislation is an embodiment of the state having their backs.
The acknowledgment of the inherent risks taken by first responders was echoed by various state officials. Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy told Mass.gov, “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.” House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano and Senate President Karen E. Spilka also conveyed their support, with Spilka lauding the movement to anchor financial security for first responders' families.
Senator Cindy F. Friedman, speaking to Mass.gov, highlighted that the legislation honors the legacy of the late Senator Ken Donnelly, a former firefighter and advocate for first responders. Representative Jessica Ann Giannino reflected on personal ties, as the daughter of a retired Police Sergeant, she resonated with the protectors' familial perspective and the weight they carry, acknowledging that no officer or family should ever contend with the notion that they might be "better off" if the officer did not survive each shift. This legislation creates a disability pension equal to 100% of a first responder's regular compensation, prior to reducing to 80% at mandatory retirement age, for those who suffer catastrophic injuries due to a violent act.
Core support elements within the legislation include mandatory education on critical incident stress management and mental health supports. These are to be made available to impacted first responders. Throughout, Massachusetts law enforcement and police associations have acknowledged and celebrated the passage of the act. Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Executive Director, Chief Michael J. Bradley, Jr., credited the legislation as a "significant milestone," and John E. Nelson, of the Massachusetts Coalition of Police, expressed relief for the hard-fought battle to establish security for those who have sacrificed "more than anyone will know."
