Bill seeks to help firefighters' families

By SUSAN M. COVER, Kennebec Journal February 2, 2010

AUGUSTA — Some families of firefighters would be eligible for better benefits from the state retirement system under a bill being considered by the Legislature's Labor Committee.

Sen. Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, is sponsoring L.D. 1558, which expands the definition of "accidental death" to include certain deaths within six months of active service.

Accidental-death benefits are now paid only when a firefighter dies in the line of duty. Jackson's bill would expand the definition to include deaths from pulmonary or cardiovascular disease within six months of being a firefighter.

"Somebody willing to put their life on the line should receive benefits if they pass away from a heart-related illness," Jackson said.

In many cases, the financial difference between an "ordinary" death and an "accidental" death is substantial.

The Maine Public Employees Retirement System provided one example to the committee that showed a difference of more than $1,500 a month, with $1,279 paid for an "ordinary" death and $2,831 paid for an "accidental" death.

Several factors go into that calculation – annual salary and years of service among them – but in nearly all instances, the benefits paid to the families of those who die "accidental" deaths are substantially higher, said Kathy Morin of the retirement system.

She said her analysis shows there would be "no immediate impact" on the retirement system by expanding the definition.

Still, the proposal doesn't sit well with the Maine Municipal Association.

Jeff Austin, who spoke on behalf of the association's Legislative Policy Committee, said while there would be few beneficiaries, additional costs would be imposed on cities and towns.

Rep. Herb Clark, D-Millinocket, said there's more to consider than the impact on cities and towns. "It's a small issue to you, but it's a big issue to the people behind you," he said, referring to the firefighters in the audience.

Rick Cailler of the Lewiston Firefighters Association said a family can be financially devastated by such a death.

John Martell, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Maine, said, "It is medically recognized that a heart attack can be triggered by an event that has happened days or even months before the patient is mortally stricken."

Clark said he would like to see the firefighters, the state retirement system and the municipal association get together to seek an agreement on the bill. The committee will vote on it in the coming weeks.