Governor Patrick Signs Line of Duty Act Increasing Death Benefits

Governor Deval Patch has signed the “Line of Duty Act” increasing the death benefit of public safety employees killed in the line of duty to $150,000, a $50,000 increase to the original amount that remained unchanged since the law passed in 1994.

The Governor was joined at the bill signing by Senate President Therese Murray and House Speaker Robert DeLeo.

“I am honored to sign the Line of Duty Act to ensure that our first responders and public safety officials killed serving and protecting the citizens of the Commonwealth are appropriately cared for,” said Governor Patrick in a statement released Friday morning. 

The bill passed through the House and Senate following the deaths of Boston Fire Lieutenant Edward Walsh and firefighter Michael Kennedy, and Plymouth Police Officer Gregg Maloney.

“I am proud of the Legislature for providing much-needed support for the families of Lieutenant Walsh, Firefighter Kennedy and Officer Maloney,” said Senate President Murray. “We will always be grateful to these brave men for dedicating their lives to public service and keeping the people of Massachusetts safe. Moving forward will be very difficult for their families and this is the least that we can do for them. As Reverend John Unni said during the firefighters services, we have to take care of each other and this is our opportunity to take care of the families.”