Milford State Rep. Supports Increase in Death Benefits for Families of Fallen Officials

A recent vote to increase the death benefits for the families of public service officials who are killed in the line of duty received support from a Milford official. 

Massachusetts State Rep. John Fernandes (D-Milford) was among the members in the House of Representatives last week to pass legislation that increases the benefits for such families from $100,000 to $150,000. 

The move, which passed the House 146-0, came last week after the recent deaths of Boston Fire Lt. Edward Walsh, Boston Firefighter Michael Kennedy and Plymouth Police Officer Greggory Maloney, all of home died in the line of duty, and marks the first increase in the benefit since 1994, according to Fernandes. 

"These three individuals courageously and without any hesitation performed their perilous duties and ultimately lost their lives in order to preserve the lives and safety of others," Fernandes said in a statement. "I thought it was critical on our part to directly assist their surviving families in light of these sudden and shocking events, combined with the fact that the benefits compensation has not been adjusted since 1994."

Maloney was killed in a motorcycle accident, and his wake and funeral were planned for Monday and Tuesday this week. Last week, Walsh's funeral was held in Watertown, and Kennedy's was held in West Roxbury. The two firefighters died while battling a massive nine-alarm fire in Boston's Back Bay on March 26. 

The increase in benefits will apply to the families of all three officials.