AREA LEGISLATORS LEAD EFFORT TO ASSIST THE FAMILIY OF FALLEN FIREFIGHTER MARTIN McNAMARA

Boston (MA) – Senator Robert A. Antonioni (D – Leominster), Senator Stephen M. Brewer (D – Barre) and Representative Harold P. Naughton (D – Clinton) led efforts to draft legislation that would set aside $650,000 from the General Fund for Claire McNamara and her children.  Senator Harriette L. Chandler (D – Worcester) and Representative James B. Eldridge (D – Acton) are cosponsors on the bill which would ensure an annual pension for the family of Marty McNamara.

Representative Harold Naughton praised the work of call and volunteer firefighters throughout the state and called for a statewide system to ensure pension benefits will be extended to their families in the event of another death. "These men and women put their lives on the line for our homes and families with little expectation of reward or recognition.  They are our brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors and it is vital that our communities and the Commonwealth recognize that sacrifices and ensure the protection of their families in times of tragedy"

"Unfortunately, the only way we can ensure that Claire McNamara and her children are provided for is through an act of the legislature.  I will not rest until volunteer firefighters, who put their lives on the line to protect us every day, can rest easy knowing that their families will never have to endure the pain and anguish experienced by the McNamara family," Brewer said.
 
Said Senator Antonioni, “Tragically, it has taken this tragedy to bring to light the lack of resources available to our call and volunteer firefighters and their families.  We in the legislature must address this failing, but in the meantime it is our duty to ensure that Claire McNamara, and her children are provided for by the state.  We at least owe that much to a family who lost so much a year ago.”