FIREFIGHTERS ANSWER THE CALL ON SB 202 (FIREFIGHTER DEATH BENEFITS BILL)

Tallahassee:  Firefighters stand with widow and son of fallen firefighter to lobby legislators

What:  Kristen and Owen Curry, widow and son of fallen firefighter John J. Curry, and firefighters from across the state lobby legislators

When:  Thursday, April 29th, 9:00 am
Where:  Florida Capitol Building, 4th Floor Rotunda Outside House Chamber

Background:  Firefighter John Curry was killed while training with the Volusia County Fire Services Firewalker Team in 2007 when a dead pine tree fell on his back.  Two days later, the County of Volusia sent a letter to his widow, Kristen Curry, informing her that their family health benefits would be terminated.  Mrs. Curry was not able to put her husband to rest before having to worry about her health benefits.  Firefighter casualties caused by training exercises are not included in our current firefighter death benefits statute (f.s. 112.191).  This bill aims to include death benefits for firefighters killed in mandatory training. 

The Curry family has lobbied this bill for two full legislative sessions to prevent families from having to undergo a similar tragedy in the future.  Unfortunately, five families have had to experience this type of devastation in the past 20 years, having a family member die in firefighter training.  State Representative Darren Soto and State Senator Carey Baker are sponsoring this bill.  Senate Bill 202 passed unanimously in the Senate this Monday.  The House version has over 20 co-sponsors who are eagerly waiting to hear the bill on the House Floor.

 Contact:  Christine Aleknavich

Legislative Assistant, Representative Darren Soto

407-249-4743 or Christine.Aleknavich@MyFloridaHouse.gov

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