Bill Seeking Retirement Pay For 2 Falmouth Officers On Gov's Desk

FALMOUTH, MA – A bill that would provide full retirement benefits to two Falmouth police officers is awaiting a signature from Gov. Charlie Baker after the Massachusetts House of Representatives and state Senate passed a bill authorizing the benefits on Monday.

Ryan Moore and Donald DeMiranda were shot while on duty on July 27, 2018, when they encountered an agitated man near Seacoast Shores Blvd. after responding to a report of someone breaking bottles in the street. The man fled when the officers approached him and DeMiranda was shot at close range in the shoulder and chest after chasing the man into a house. A bullet grazed Moore’s neck, which led him to be treated at a hospital at a local hospital.

DeMiranda’s injuries required surgery and he was hospitalized for several days, according to a report. The Cape Cod Times reported that officers shot in the line of duty are typically eligible for 72 percent of their retirement benefits.

The legislation, which is sponsored by Rep. Theodore Speliotis, was filed to state officials after the Falmouth voted to fast-track retirement benefits for the two officers and requested that a bill seeking full retirement benefits be submitted. Speliotis told the newspaper that Baker has 10 days to sign the bill now that it has reached his desk.

21-year-old Malik Koval of East Falmouth was indicted on two counts of armed assault to murder and other weapons and assault charges in the incident. In December 2019, the attorney for Koval told a Barnstable grand jury that his client had shot at just one of the officers and accidentally hit the other during the encounter. Koval was hit several times and required treatment at a Boston hospital after officers returned fire during the encounter.

Moore and DeMiranda were awarded the Medal of Honor for bravery by Baker at a ceremony last fall.