Fiola helps pass legislation to aid families of fallen heroes

House Passes Legislation to Increase Aid for Families of Public Safety Employees Killed in the Line of Duty

Will retroactively apply to the families of Lieutenant Walsh, Firefighter Kennedy, and Police Officer Maloney

(BOSTON) – Representatives Carole Fiola joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to pass legislation that increases the benefits for families of public safety employees killed in the line of duty from $100,000 to $150,000.

This change represents the first increase in the benefit since 1994. It will retroactively apply to the families of Lieutenant Edward Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy who were killed while fighting a fire on Beacon Street last week, and Plymouth Police Officer Gregg Maloney who was killed in the line of duty on April 1, 2014. These funds are included in a supplemental budget.

“These local heroes make a sacrifice everyday. Unfortunately, some of them have recently made the ultimate sacrifice,” Representative Fiola said. “The families of these brave first-responders deserve appropriate compensation for their loved ones’ service, and I’m proud to have supported this legislative initiative.”

The legislation passed the house 146-0.