Governor Kathy Hochul signed S4562/A6767 sponsored by Senator John E. Brooks (SD-8) and Assemblywpman Carrie Woerner (AD-113) today, recognizing the importance of life threatening injuries suffered by volunteer firefighters in the line of duty across New York State. Also known as “The Chief James Brooks Jr. Act” [no relation]this legislation would create a presumption of coverage under the Volunteer Firefighters’ Benefit Law for vascular ruptures suffered in the line of duty and clarify that these types of injuries suffered on the job are assured coverage in the same way that heart attacks suffered in the line of duty are covered.
“This is a significant victory for the families and loved ones of Volunteer Firefighters who have later fatally succumbed to these type of injuries suffered in response to an emergency,” said Senator Brooks. “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s action today these families will no longer have to contend with issues of delay, denial of claims, and litigation costs in trying to collect highly-deserved benefits from certain insurance companies. I hope this allows Chief Brooks’ family some added comfort in this holiday season and I applaud Governor Hochul for her steadfast support of first responders everywhere.”
Senator Brooks is proud to have worked closely with Prime Co-Sponsor Senator Daniel Stec (SD-45) and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner (AD-113) in bringing about this much needed assurance of protection for Volunteer Firefighters and their families.
“I am happy to sponsor this legislation in the Assembly and I thank Governor Hochul for signing this bill,” said Assemblywoman Woerner. “Volunteer firefighters are an invaluable part of our safety and this legislation is a small way to provide security for the families of firefighters who incur this life-threatening injury while volunteering on our behalf. Firefighters and their families deserve this benefit for the risks and sacrifices they make to help and protect our community.”
“Our volunteer first responders deserve any support we can give them,” said Senator Stec. “I’m pleased Gov. Hochul signed this bill, which will provide added protection to firefighters who suffer injuries in the line of duty. I’m thankful to Sen. Brooks for sponsoring this legislation and was proud to cosponsor it.”
“I am grateful to hear this new legislation has passed,” said Bryan Brooks, Fire Chief of Whitehall Volunteer Fire Company. “Firefighters protect lives and property under very strenuous conditions. I am pleased to know that the injuries my cousin, Assistant Chief James Brooks received in line of duty could someday help another firefighter facing similar circumstances.”
Chief James Brooks Jr. was a Second Assistant Fire Chief for the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Company, serving the Company for over 27 years. On May 2, 2020, Chief Brooks suffered an aortic rupture while responding to a structural fire in the Town of Dresden, located in Washington County. After a significant battle toward recovery, Chief Brooks succumbed to ailments arising from of his injury on September 17, 2020. Since the time of injury, Chief James Brooks Jr., and subsequent to his death – his family, have been fighting for benefits under the Volunteer Firefighters Benefit Law.
