CHELMSFORD — Nearly three months after legislation was filed to provide injury benefits to a severely injured firefighter, officials in Chelmsford have expressed frustration that the bill has not yet moved forward.
After Chelmsford firefighter Nicholas Spinale suffered a catastrophic injury while working his second job at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in Stow in April, state and local officials had to grapple with how to provide injury benefits to someone who had been actively working a part-time job where they had no insurance.
Spinale’s injuries, which he suffered after falling 40 feet from the academy’s burn building, led to tension between the Chelmsford International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1839 and town officials.
The union pushed for a quick solution to granting Spinale injury leave somehow, while the Select Board and then-Town Manager Paul Cohen were given advice from the town’s legal counsel that they could not legally grant him leave themselves because Spinale was not actively working as a Chelmsford firefighter when he was hurt.
Progress was finally achieved for Spinale in May when Gov. Maura Healey filed a bill in the state Legislature to ensure Spinale would get full pay and benefits while he recovers. After the bill was filed, the Select Board voted to grant Spinale paid leave for the time it takes for the bill to pass, with the understanding that the funding will be reimbursed to the town after it does.
In early June the bill was the subject of a public hearing before the state Legislature’s Joint Committee on Public Service, where it received unanimous praise. On June 29 the bill was referred favorably to the House Ways and Means Committee, where to the frustration of Chelmsford officials it has remained ever since.
During a discussion of the bill Monday, Select Board member Aaron Cunningham acknowledged that a lot goes into running the Legislature and into passing a bill, but he said this one is “pretty straight forward.”
“I think, candidly, and I am not speaking for the rest of the Select Board, to be clear, I am speaking for myself, I think it’s ridiculous that this is tied up and taking time. I think it is a no-brainer,” said Cunningham. “I think it is something that, although it affects us locally and affects firefighter Spinale directly, a letter to Ways and Means I think is something we should do. I just don’t see this being this hard, there is plenty of time in their day to get this vote done.”
Select Board member Jon Kurland said Spinale and his family “deserve the attention that the Ways and Means Committee should afford anybody in that situation.”
“I am hoping we can impress upon the Ways and Means that Nick Spinale is not a statistic. He is a human being who deserves the type of immediate attention that they can provide. We are not asking for a lot,” said Kurland.
Fellow board member Jeffrey Hardy said the situation is now “the state’s responsibility,” with the bill still pending.
“Any delay is just, like you said it, irresponsible,” said Hardy, echoing the desire of other board members to pen a letter to Ways and Means. “You’ve got an individual who was working for the state and the town who got seriously injured, and now you are going to drag your feet to take care of him? It makes no sense.”
Board member David Boisvert said “it shouldn’t take this long.”
“It is just unacceptable in my opinion that they are there, this is an easy one,” said Boisvert.
The board voted unanimously to direct Select Board Chair Pat Wojtas to draft a letter to the Ways and Means Committee to urge speedy passage of the bill.
In a statement to The Sun Wednesday morning, Chelmsford Fire Chief Gary Ryan said he shares the Select Board’s feelings on the delay of the bill.
“Given the significance of this legislation and the circumstances that led to its filing by Governor Healey, I believe everyone involved would like to see it advance more quickly,” said Ryan. “That said, I remain hopeful that we will see some progress once the Legislature returns from its summer break, and hopefully the bill will move forward within the next few weeks.”
Ryan said he spoke recently with Spinale about the bill, and that Spinale “is also looking forward to the bill’s passage.”
“While we are certainly eager to see movement on the legislation, we remain appreciative of the continued support and advocacy demonstrated by the Town, the Select Board, and our legislative delegation,” said Ryan.
Ryan also gave an update on Spinale’s recovery.
“I am happy to report that he is doing well. He continues to undergo physical therapy and has been making steady progress in his rehabilitation,” said Ryan. “Like all of us, Nick is anxiously awaiting the opportunity to return to the department. While it is still too early to provide a definitive timeline for his return to duty, his recovery remains headed in a positive direction, and we are encouraged by the progress he has made so far.”
IAFF Local 1839 President Robert Albon said the union “hoped this bill would be fast-tracked through the legislative process.”
“We will say that we are appreciative of the Select Board’s decision to place and subsequently keep Nick on administrative leave while this bill navigates the State House,” said Albon. “We remain confident and steadfast in our approach to ensure this bill’s passage and have full faith in the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts legislative agents to ensure this bill is a priority once the Legislature reconvenes.”
House Ways and Means Committee Chair state Rep. Aaron Michlewitz did not immediate return requests for comment Tuesday and Wednesday.
Original article
Comments