Jailed Ex-Cop who Killed RI Firefighter Still Collecting Check
Source The Providence Journal, R.I. (TNS)
The House Finance Committee held for further study a bill to provide financial help to the family of a Cranston firefighter who was murdered in 2008 by his neighbor — a former Providence police officer now imprisoned but still collecting a disability pension. Lead sponsor Rep. Robert B. Jacquard, D-Cranston, and co-sponsor House Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello, D-Cranston, and others wants to extend annuity and tuition benefits to families of firefighters killed by homicide while not on duty — and it would be retroactive to the date of the murder.
The late Lt. James A. Pagano was shot to death by Nicholas Gianquitti in 2008, and the bill, if passed, would give the widow $3,600 a year until she marries again. Pagano's two children would receive $1,200 a year until they turn 18. The children also get up to four years of tuition paid if they attend the University of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College or another state school — and start between the ages of 16 and 21.
No one spoke for or against the legislation, and a fiscal note said it would be a $54,000 expense in the relief fund for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
