Murphy Changes Mind: Firefighters Keep $33M For Burials, Medical

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has changed course, saying Tuesday he wants to preserve $33 million in funding that firefighters use for burials, medical expenses and related expenses.

Murphy changed his mind after defending cuts to that fund, saying it had too much money. The controversial decision drew fierce opposition from even people in his own Democratic Party.

“We have listened to the concerns of our brothers and sisters in the firefighter community, whom I have the utmost respect and admiration for,” said Murphy. “As a result, I can say unequivocally that we are taking this budget option off the table."

Those critics included Senate President Steve Sweeney, who said the money assists the New Jersey State Firefighters Association and 538 local relief groups. The money, he said, is dedicated to financial assistance, retirement homes, burial benefits and in-home medical care for New Jersey’s firefighters.

“There is no reason and no excuse for denying firefighters support and assistance in their time of need,” said Sweeney. “They put their lives at risk every day in service to others. Refusing or reducing emergency responders and their families the care they deserve in order to prop up the budget is unacceptable."

Established in 1885, the fund is available to active and retired career and volunteer firefighters and their families.

“Firefighters and first responders are increasingly being treated for PTSD and other work-related illnesses,” Sweeney said. “This fund is used as a safety net for the men and women putting their lives on the line and who often suffer the consequences.”

The Firefighter’s Association fund will continue to retain more than six years-worth of program costs, totaling roughly $185 million, Murphy said.

Murphy said the administration "remains committed to ensuring that no family of a fallen New Jersey firefighter will go without help during their greatest time of need."

"I remain open to working with the Legislature to explore options to loosen the restrictions on the use of these funds so we can provide greater assistance for firefighters and their families," he said.

Firefighters ultimately applauded Murphy's change of heart.

“We thank the governor for hearing us out and taking our concerns to heart,” said Eddie Donnelly, [resident of the New Jersey Fighters Mutual Benevolent Association (FMBA). “This fund provides critical services to our families during extremely difficult times and we are pleased that this mission will not be altered.”