The Rockland County Legislature has unanimously approved an expansion of the Rockland County Volunteer Benefit Act, officially renaming it the Jared Lloyd Act in honor of fallen Spring Valley firefighter 2nd Lieutenant Jared Lloyd. The new legislation broadens the scope of benefits to include not only volunteer firefighters but also members of EMS, Auxiliary Police, Hazardous Materials (HazMat), and Technical Rescue Teams.
Under the updated law, survivors of volunteers who die in the line of duty will now be eligible for financial assistance, rather than only dependents. This includes children who may not have yet been born at the time of the volunteer’s death. The total benefit per fallen volunteer is capped at $1 million, distributed directly to beneficiaries in 10% annual payments over a 10-year period.
“Jared made the supreme sacrifice as he carried out his firefighting duties, and naming this law after him is the right thing to do,” said Rockland County Legislator Paul Cleary, who chairs the Legislature’s Public Safety Committee and sponsored the measure. Cleary explained that he was motivated to act after seeing families of fallen volunteers struggle financially and rely on public fundraisers to make ends meet. “I was shocked and appalled that the families of volunteers who put their lives on the line for the community were left struggling — often greatly — because the main breadwinner had died in service to their neighbors,” he said.
The new version of the law was developed with input from members of the firefighting, emergency medical services, and auxiliary police communities, as well as the County Executive’s Office. Among those who contributed were Frank Bifulco, Chairman of the Rockland County Fire Advisory Board, and board members Howard Gerber and George Cich, along with county staff.
Jared Lloyd, 35, lost his life on March 23, 2021, while ensuring that all residents were rescued during the devastating fire at the Evergreen Court Home for Adults in Spring Valley. Thanks to the heroic efforts of Lloyd and other rescuers, 112 people were saved. One resident, 79-year-old Oliver Hueston, tragically perished in the blaze.
The adoption of the Jared Lloyd Act underscores Rockland County’s continued commitment to recognizing and supporting the brave volunteers who dedicate their lives to protecting the community, and to ensuring their families are never left without help in the wake of tragedy.