Colo. law grants death payment for seasonal firefighters
Colo. law grants death payment for seasonal firefighters
21 March 2014
published by www.firerescue1.com
USA — The Associated Press reported that Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper signed the bipartisan-sponsored bill Thursday.
Seasonal wildland firefighters, who are temporary employees of state and local agencies, generally dont receive any health or insurance benefits.
The federal government provides death benefits for state and local firefighters, including part-time firefighters. But Colorado lawmakers say the $10,000 payment is designed to immediately help surviving families while they wait for federal benefits, according to the report.
The legislation was inspired by the deaths of 19 firefighters at Arizonas Yarnell Hill fire last year.
