The state Senate recently passed legislation to expand the Public Safety Fund, originally created to support families of police officers killed in the line of duty, to cover the families of other first responders including firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics
S.B. 1239 cleared the Senate on a unanimous vote, sending the bill to the House for consideration before the legislative session’s June 4 adjournment date.
Sen. Herron Keyon Gaston, a Bridgeport Democrat who co-chairs the Public Safety and Security Committee, said this legislation ensured that when tragedy strikes, the families of first responders will not face financial uncertainty and will continue to have the support they need during a difficult time
“First responders across Connecticut should all receive the same level of support, recognizing the risks they face every day on the job,” Gaston said. “We owe our emergency services personnel, including police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics, a debt of gratitude for their selfless dedication to keeping our communities safe.”
Under the bill, $100,000 will be given to the surviving family members of any police officer, firefighter, EMT, or paramedic who loses their life while on duty. The bill also includes continued health insurance coverage for the surviving family members for one year, with the option to renew coverage annually for up to five years.
In written testimony submitted by the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut, President Peter Brown wrote, “This bill is crucial for providing essential support to the families of firefighters who make the ultimate sacrifice in service to our communities. These brave men and women put their lives on the line every day, facing dangers that most of us can only imagine. When tragedy strikes, and a firefighter is lost in the line of duty, their families are left to cope with unimaginable grief while also facing significant financial burdens. SB 1239 offers a lifeline to these families during their most vulnerable time.”
Brown said, according to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), 89 firefighters were killed in the line of duty in the United States in 2023. In Connecticut, four firefighters have lost their lives in the line of duty in the past 10 years.
