Sen. Cicarella Applauds Senate Passage of Measure Extending Workers’ Compensation Coverage for Firefighters & Police Officers

State Sen. Paul Cicarella (R-North Haven), ranking member of the Public Safety and Security Committee, today applauded the final passage of a measure extending workers’ compensation coverage for certain medical emergencies for firefighters and police officers in the line of duty. The bill (H.B. 5279) extends workers’ compensation coverage for the death or disability of a firefighter or police officer to include deaths or disabilities resulting from a cerebrovascular incident or pulmonary embolism, and expands the period of time when such a firefighter or officer is considered in the line of duty to include 24 hours after attending training or engaging in duties.

Sen. Cicarella offered this bill in response to the tragic death of North Haven Fire Department 23-year veteran Anthony DeSimone, who died last year after completing a 38-hour shift.

“Thank you to my colleagues in the senate and house for advancing this important measure. The entire town of North Haven was shocked by Anthony’s passing. He gave everything he had for our community. The families of these hero first-responders should not have to worry about how they’ll make ends meet when tragedy occurs in the line of duty. This bill will hopefully prevent those situations from occurring. I look forward to the Governor’s signature so that it can become law,” said Sen. Cicarella.