MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A bill passed during this year’s regular legislative session providing partial disability benefits to members of the West Virginia Municipal Police and Firefighters Retirement System went into effect Thursday.
Geno Chiarelli
The lead sponsor, Republican Rep. Geno Chiarelli of Monongalia, said the measure was a small token of appreciation for the sacrifices made every day to keep residents safe.
“It makes sense to support our firefighters and police officers. You know, we have a staffing problem in this field,” Chiarelli said. “They do a great job and the best we can do is support them.”
The law provides for partial disability compensation equal to 45% of the paramedic’s average monthly compensation contributed to the plan during the 12 months prior to the disability.
“Initially, we wanted full disability benefits,” Chiarelli said, “but after the bill passed both finance committees, we were able to pass the bill with this compromise.”
The new law makes significant changes to the compensation system, giving injured emergency responders more options while they recover from their injuries.
“If a medical professional says you can bag groceries or work the front door of a Walmart, you can’t get disability benefits,” Chiarelli said. “Before this bill, your disability benefits weren’t contingent on whether you actually did the job, only whether they determined you could do it.”
Chiarelli said the bill passed the same year it was introduced, which is unusual.
“You know, some bills need to be tended to and watched all the way through the deliberative process, but this bill took off on its own terms,” Chiarelli said. “I’m very happy with this bill and I’m grateful to the House and Senate finance chairmen and the governor for signing it,” Chiarelli said.