Rockland County legislators voted unanimously tonight to create a new program that will provide grants of up to $1 million to the dependents of volunteer firefighters, EMS and Auxiliary Police members who are killed in the line of duty.
The new law, the Rockland County Volunteer Benefit Act, recognizes the importance of the volunteers and their service to the overall community, and provides financial assistance to dependents to honor their loved ones’ commitment and sacrifice.
Rockland County Legislator Paul C. Cleary, who is chair of the Public Safety Committee and introduced the resolution, sought the input of the firefighting, emergency medical services and auxiliary police communities, along with the County Executive’s Office. He was prompted to act, in part, after seeing announcements for fundraisers, such as Go Fund Me campaigns, to help deceased volunteers’ families pay their bills.
“I was just flabbergasted and then appalled to see that the families of these volunteers, who give so much to our communities, were struggling to pay their mortgage or rent, or even to put food on their table because their breadwinner had died while in service to the community,” Legislator Cleary said. “Helping out these families as they struggle to rebuild their lives is the least that we can do.”
Rockland County Executive Ed Day, a retired NYPD Lieutenant-Commander, backs the bill.
“As a former first responder, above all, I recognize the courage and sacrifice of our volunteer first responders and am proud to support this new bill for those killed in the line of duty,” the County Executive said. “This tribute ensures loved ones of our heroes are cared for, while reflecting our deep gratitude for their service and dedication.”
Among those offering input for the effort was Frank Bifulco, Chairman of the Rockland County Fire Advisory Board.
“I want to express my gratitude to Legislator Cleary, the other Rockland County legislators and County Executive Day on the development of the Volunteer Firefighter LODD Benefit legislation,” Chairman Bifulco said. “I was proud to be included on the team that helped develop the criteria for this benefit. Though we hope that this benefit will never have to be initiated, this law will be a great financial support to a family in distress due to the line of duty death of their family breadwinner.”
Rockland County Legislator Will Kennelly, a retired NYPD First Responder, joined his legislative colleagues in voting to adopt the new law.
“I was honored to support this bill,” Legislator Kennelly said. “This is a message to all first responders that we appreciate you and thank your families for all you do to keep the residents of Rockland County safe. You are the real heroes.”
The Rockland County Volunteer Benefit Act defines what a line of duty death is, and who is eligible to receive a grant, including a married spouse, children, and qualifying relatives. The benefit payable to all beneficiaries of a single volunteer is capped at $1 million and will be paid directly to each beneficiary. Each payment will be 10 percent of the total due to each beneficiary, with payments disbursed annually for up to 10 years.
Beneficiaries must be designated by the volunteer prior to the time the volunteer was killed in the line of duty. Beneficiaries have up to one year to submit an application for a grant to the county Department of Insurance and Risk Management. Applications will be reviewed and approved by a panel consisting of the Legislature’s Public Safety Chair, the County Executive or his representative, and the Rockland County Fire Advisory Board Chair.
Funding for the grants will be provided through the appropriation of funds from the County’s general fund. The local law takes effect as soon as it is filed with the New York State Secretary of State. The law is not retroactive.
Why don’t you give them better life insurance instead? This is a misuse of taxpayer funds.