The new law increases the maximum annual entitlement to $15,000, up from the $5,000 limit set in 1968.
The move is a direct reaction to the deaths of several volunteer firefighters in high-profile tragedies, as well as an attempt to provide comfort for potential volunteers who are concerned about the welfare of their families, said Jessica Savidge, an aide for N.J. Senator Stephen M. Sweeney, who sponsored the bill.
Sweeney began work on the bill, S-1432, after the death of West Deptford Firefighter James Heenan in January 2000. Heenan died after a long hospitalization, after a floor collapse dropped him into a basement at a house fire. In addition, volunteer firefighters James E. Sylvester and John D West of Mt. Ephraim died on July 4, 2002 when they became trapped while searching for victims in a house fire in Gloucester City.
"These volunteers are the real heroes of our communities," said Sweeney in a prepared statement. "A pension benefit of up to $15,000 for surviving family members is the least we can do."
The new measure will be retroactive to benefit the families of volunteers killed in the line of duty since January 2000. The law applies to firefighters, first aid workers and EMS workers.
"It is my hope that this new law will provide some incentive for men and women across New Jersey to volunteer for emergency service work in their communities," Sweeney said in his statement. "At the same time, it will provide assurance to those who do volunteer that their families will receive some respectable benefit in the event of their deaths."
Other primary sponsors of the bill include N.J. Senator John J. Matheussen, Assemblyman Robert J. Smith II, Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli, and Assemblyman Joseph J. Roberts, Jr.
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