Rockland lawmakers to adopt benefit program for families of fallen first responders

NEW CITY — Dependents of Rockland volunteer first responders would become eligible for benefits of up to $1 million if volunteers are killed in the line of duty.

The 17-member Legislature voted unanimously on Tuesday night to create the Rockland County Volunteer Benefit Act, which would cover families of firefighters, EMS and auxiliary police.

The benefits program recognizes the importance of the volunteers and their service to the overall community and would provide financial assistance to dependents to honor their loved ones’ commitment and sacrifice.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day said he will sign the adopted resolution into law.

Legislator Paul Cleary, D-Haverstraw, introduced the program after seeing announcements for fundraisers, such as GoFundMe campaigns, to help deceased volunteers’ families pay their bills. Cleary said he spoke with members of the firefighting, emergency medical services, and auxiliary police communities, along with the County Executive’s Office.

“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,” Cleary said in a news release. “Helping out these families as they struggle to rebuild their lives is the least that we can do.”

The law is not retroactive, and will take effect after its filed with the New York Secretary of State's Office.

Deaths in the line of duty have not been commonplace for Rockland volunteers, though fatalities have occurred over the years ‒ especially among firefighters.

The most recent death occurred on March 23, 2021, when Spring Valley Fire Department Lt. Jared Lloyd, 35, died helping to evacuate residents of the Evergreen Court Home for Adults on Lafayette Avenue in Spring Valley. Parts of the massive building collapsed on top of Lloyd, the father of two young boys. Evergreen Court resident Oliver Huested, 79, died in the inferno. Both families have pending lawsuits against the owners of the burned-out facility and others.

What would Rockland Volunteer Benefit Act provide for families?

The Rockland County Volunteer Benefit Act would provide financial payments to the married spouse, children, and qualifying relatives. The benefit is capped at $1 million, and would be paid directly to each beneficiary. Each payment will be 10% of the total due to each beneficiary, with payments disbursed annually for up to 10 years.

Beneficiaries must be designated by the volunteer before the time the volunteer was killed in the line of duty.

Beneficiaries would have up to one year to apply for a grant to the Rockland 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.

Of interest: Rockland wants Evergreen Court owners to clear the wreckage from fatal fire

Benefit program draws bipartisan support in Rockland

The law drew bipartisan support from the governing body's 12 Democrats and five Republicans.

Among those applauding the law was Frank Bifulco, who chairs the Rockland County Fire Advisory Board.

“I was proud to be included on the team that helped develop the criteria for this benefit," Bifulco said in the news release. "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.”

County Executive Day, a Republican and retired NYPD lieutenant commander, said the bill honors the county's volunteers.

“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,” Day said. “This tribute ensures loved ones of our heroes are cared for while reflecting our deep gratitude for their service and dedication.”

Rockland County Legislator Will Kennelly, R-Clarkstown, a freshman lawmaker and retired NYPD officer, said he felt honored to support the law.

“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," Kennelly said. "You are the real heroes.”

Steve Lieberman covers government, breaking news, courts, police, and investigations. Reach him at slieberm@lohud.com Twitter: @lohudlegal

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This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Rockland NY to adopt benefit program for families of volunteers killed