Senator Gaston Leads Passage of Bill Expanding The Fallen Hero Fund

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport), Chair of the Public Safety & Security Committee, led Senate Passage of a bill that will expand the Public Safety Fund originally created to support families of police officers killed in the line of duty.

Senate Bill 1239, ‘An Act Concerning The Fallen Hero Fund And Providing Health Insurance Coverage To Survivors Of First Responders Who Are Killed In The Line Of Duty,’ expands the Public Safety Fund to provide the same financial assistance and health benefits to families of other emergency first responders including firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics.

“First Responders across Connecticut should all receive the same level of support, recognizing the risks they face every day on the job,” said Sen. Gaston. “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. This legislation ensures that when tragedy strikes, the families of these brave men and women will not face financial uncertainty and will continue to have the support they need during an incredibly difficult time.”

Under this 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 for 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. This bill provides financial assistance and extends healthcare coverage for surviving spouses and dependents. These expanded benefits are not merely a gesture of goodwill; they are a vital necessity.”

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.

The financial burdens faced by families after losing a firefighter are often overwhelming. After the unexpected death of a firefighter, a family not only faces the emotional burden of losing a loved one; they also face the significant financial hardship. This bill will help provide them with financial security and peace of mind they need to rebuild their lives after such a devastating loss.