Chelmsford firefighter would qualify for paid leave for specific injuries

Chelmsford would provide Spinale with paid leave while his injuries prevent him from performing firefighter duty. This covers his April 7, 2026 injuries while working for the department of fire services. Leave would stop when a state- or town-designated doctor determines that his inability to perform firefighter duty has ended. Workers’ compensation payments would reduce his leave benefits without requiring him to give up his workers’ compensation rights. Leave eligibility would apply retroactively to April 7, 2026.

Spinale’s disability pension would track pay for the firefighter grade he held when disabled. This applies if his April 7, 2026 injuries permanently prevent Chelmsford firefighter duty and he retires on disability. Permanent incapacity would make him eligible to apply for disability retirement; the state or town could also file the application. At 65, the higher pension would end, and his payment would follow the disability retirement law the bill cites.

Massachusetts would reimburse Chelmsford for injury leave pay and other covered costs. Reimbursement covers costs the town incurs under the bill for Spinale’s April 7, 2026 injuries while working for the department of fire services. Medical care must be necessary and directly result from the covered injuries. Reimbursement would apply retroactively to April 7, 2026.

Spinale’s surviving spouse would continue receiving his higher disability pension. This applies if he retires because of permanent injuries sustained on April 7, 2026. He must be married when he retires and die before turning 65, with that spouse surviving him. When Spinale would have turned 65, his spouse would become eligible for the surviving-spouse allowance under the retirement law the bill cites.