By Bob Katzen
Gov. Healey signed into law legislation that would provide police officers who have suffered a violent act injury, 100 percent regular compensation and pension benefits, until they reach the age of mandatory retirement. Violent act injury is defined as “a serious and permanent personal bodily injury sustained as a direct and proximate result of a violent attack upon a person by means of a dangerous weapon, including a firearm, knife, automobile, explosive device or other dangerous weapon.”
“Our first responders go above and beyond to keep our communities safe and respond to emergencies,” said Gov. Healey. “That’s why it’s critical that we support them when they experience emergencies of their own. 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.”
Supporters said that under current law, a first responder forced to retire due to a violent act injury can only receive benefits through the local retirement board via the home rule legislative process. They said this process is onerous and has resulted in disparate benefits being granted on a case-by-case basis.
“This legislation ensures that first responders who are forced to retire due to a violent injury received in the line of duty do not struggle to make ends meet,” said Sen. Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington). “Frankly, this cannot come soon enough. Recognizing the extreme burden placed on these first responders and their families, mandating 100 percent compensation until retirement age is the right way to honor their service and sacrifice.”
Rep. Steve Xiarhos (R-Barnstable) said workers who are the victims of traumatic events at work would also be eligible to receive certain mental health services to assist with their recovery. “The bill was inspired in part by several recent cases of first responders who suffered serious injuries in the line of duty, including retired Somerville Police Detective Mario Oliveira and Springfield Police Officer Nestor Santos,” said Xiarhos.