Senate Unanimously Approves Expansion Of Fallen Hero Fund

HARTFORD, CT — In a unanimous vote Wednesday, the Connecticut Senate passed legislation to expand the state's Fallen Officer Fund to cover all first responders killed in the line of duty.

The passage of Senate Bill 1239, "An Act Concerning the Fallen Hero Fund and Providing Health Insurance Coverage to Survivors of First Responders Who Are Killed in the Line of Duty," took place during National Police Week, amplifying the symbolic significance of the measure.

Championed by Senator Herron Keyon Gaston, D-Bridgeport, chair of the Public Safety & Security Committee, the bill extends the fund — previously limited to police officers — to include firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics. The renamed Fallen Hero Fund will provide a $100,000 death benefit and up to five years of continued health insurance for the surviving families of first responders who die while serving the public.

"First responders across Connecticut should all receive the same level of support, recognizing the risks they face every day on the job," said Gaston during debate on the Senate floor. "This bill ensures that when tragedy strikes, the families of these brave men and women will not face financial uncertainty and will continue to have the support they need during an incredibly difficult time."

Gaston noted the bill's passage coincided with events honoring fallen officers on the Capitol grounds.

"Today actually is also a royal day where we're recognizing officers and folks who have lost their life in the line of duty right outside our chambers," he said. "And so I want to just highlight that and thank the men and women for their hard work and dedication they provide every day to keep our community safe."

The legislation defines first responders to include emergency medical technicians, firefighters, paramedics, and police officers. It mandates a lump sum payment to surviving families and continued health coverage for one year, with the ability to renew annually for up to five years.

Senator Paul Cicarella R-North Haven, speaking in support, emphasized the comprehensive nature of the bill

"When there is an emergency, whether it's medical or fire, the brave men and women on the front lines run toward it — not just law enforcement. It's our firefighters, our EMS. This could give them a little peace of mind knowing that, God forbid, if a horrific accident (occurred), their loved ones would be taken care of."

In written testimony submitted earlier this year, Peter Brown, President of the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut, stated, "SB 1239 offers a lifeline to these families during their most vulnerable time… These expanded benefits are not merely a gesture of goodwill; they are a vital necessity."

Brown cited National Fallen Firefighters Foundation data showing 89 firefighter line-of-duty deaths nationally in 2023, and four in Connecticut over the past decade.

The bill also provides mechanisms for municipalities to either continue or begin enrolling eligible survivors in health plans, with costs reimbursed through the Fallen Hero Fund. The benefit will be in addition to, and not offset by, any workers' compensation or other survivor benefits.

Comptroller Sean Scanlon released a statement applauding the Senate's passage.

"That is the very least we can do for those who do so much for us," he said, "I am grateful to the Senate for their unanimous passage of the bill."

In 2024, Scanlon worked to pass legislation creating a "Fallen Officer Fund" administered by his office that would provide $100,000 of immediate support and health insurance for the surviving spouse and children of a Connecticut Police officer killed in the line of duty. The fund has been used twice in the last twenty months.

The bill is slated to take effect on July 1, 2025, pending House passage and the governor's signature.

Meanwhile, the Senate also approved several other bills Wednesday including:

HB 7095, requiring the University of Connecticut to develop a formal plan to seek membership in the Association of American Universities, a consortium of top research institutions.

In consumer protection, SB 1336 sets a 10-year statute of limitations on foreclosure actions involving "zombie" second mortgages, addressing concerns over predatory debt collection. SB 9 enhances the state's environmental resilience planning by coordinating municipal, regional, and state-level responses to natural disasters and climate-related threats.