The city is drafting emergency state legislation that would designate firefighter Chris Engeldrum's death in Iraq as a line-of-duty fatality so his widow can collect a full pension and benefits for the rest of her life.
Under current regulations, Sharon Engeldrum would not be entitled to any benefits because her husband had been with the FDNY for only five years.
Mayor Bloomberg, in announcing plans for the emergency legislation, noted that Engeldrum "spent his life protecting the people of this city and democracy. This designation will honor his sacrifice and make sure his family knows that the city he served so well will never forget his heroism."
If approved, it would mark the first time in memory that such a pension was granted, City Hall sources said.
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