Providing certain death benefits for the widow of a former firefighter of the city of Boston
The bill outlines that Pamela Thompson will receive an annual pension amount equivalent to the salary Anthony Thompson would have earned had he continued his service as a firefighter. Moreover, this benefit will be adjusted to align with collective bargaining agreements that govern pay increases for Boston firefighters, thus maintaining parity and fairness in compensation. For each eligible surviving child, an additional sum of $312 will be provided annually until they reach certain age milestones, ensuring continued support for the family.
House Bill H5055 aims to provide certain death benefits for the widow of a former firefighter of the city of Boston, specifically addressing the needs of Pamela Thompson, the widow of Anthony Thompson. The bill proposes that the Boston Retirement Board pays a line of duty death benefit to Pamela Thompson, which will include a lump sum payment equal to the total retirement deductions made by Anthony Thompson into the annuity savings fund. This payment is intended to promote the public good by ensuring financial support for the deceased firefighter's family.
One notable aspect of the bill is the provision that allows surviving children of Anthony Thompson to be eligible for original appointment to the Boston Fire Department. This means that these children will have the opportunity to follow in their father's footsteps, provided they meet the necessary qualifications and pass the requisite examinations. This provision not only recognizes the sacrifice made by Anthony Thompson but also offers a pathway for his children to pursue careers in public service, which could spark discussions around employment opportunities for survivor families within public safety sectors.