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HARTFORD, CT - Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has signed into law legislation (Public Act 25-61) modifying the state’s Fallen Officer Fund, which was created last year and provides survivor benefits to the families of fallen police officers, by expanding its availability to include the families of all first responders, including firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and paramedics, and correspondingly renames it the Fallen Hero Fund.
The legislation also modifies state law to allow the surviving family members of firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics who were covered by that first responder’s health insurance at the time of their own death to remain on that coverage for up to five years, similar to existing state law concerning fallen police officers.
“All first responders – police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics – face dangers as part of their job duties that put their lives at risk, and whenever we may be faced with a tragedy it is our responsibility as a state to support their families during that horrific time,” Governor Lamont said. “It is my hope that we never have to use this fund, but I appreciate that it is available should the unthinkable happen. I thank Comptroller Sean Scanlon and all the advocates who worked to get this legislation to my desk so that I could sign it into law. Connecticut is proud to support first responders and their families.”
Comptroller Sean Scanlon was one of the leading proponents of this legislation. His office is responsible for administering the fund.
“Connecticut’s first responders put their lives on the line for us each and every day, often without recognition and always without hesitation. In the tragic event where one of our police officers, firefighters, EMTs, or paramedics loses their life in the line of duty, the Fallen Hero Fund will support their families, providing immediate monetary support and access to healthcare coverage,” Comptroller Scanlon said. “I am beyond honored to administer this fund and thank the members of the legislature for their support and passage, as well as Governor Lamont for signing this into law.”
Established in May 2024 through legislation signed by Governor Lamont, the Fallen Officer Fund provides a lump sum, non-taxable payment of $100,000 to the surviving family members or beneficiaries of any Connecticut state or local police officer killed in the line of duty or who sustained injuries that are the cause of an officer’s death. That 2024 legislation also created a law allowing the surviving family members of police officers killed in the line of duty who were covered by that officer’s health insurance at the time of their own death to remain on that coverage for up to five years.
Public Act 25-61, which expands these benefits to include the surviving families of fallen firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics, takes effect July 1, 2025.