Governor Ned Lamont has signed legislation expanding Connecticut’s Fallen Officer Fund to include all first responders, renaming it the Fallen Hero Fund. Effective July 1, 2025, the new law—Public Act 25-61—extends benefits to the families of firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics killed in the line of duty.

The fund, established in 2024, provides a $100,000 non-taxable lump sum to the surviving family members or beneficiaries of fallen first responders. The new law also allows surviving family members to remain on the deceased’s health insurance plan for up to five years—paralleling existing protections for police families.

“All first responders – police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics – face dangers as part of their job duties that put their lives at risk, and whenever we may be faced with a tragedy it is our responsibility as a state to support their families during that horrific time,” Governor Lamont said. “It is my hope that we never have to use this fund, but I appreciate that it is available should the unthinkable happen. I thank Comptroller Sean Scanlon and all the advocates who worked to get this legislation to my desk so that I could sign it into law. Connecticut is proud to support first responders and their families.”

Comptroller Sean Scanlon, who advocated for the expansion, will continue to oversee the fund. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the sacrifice of all emergency personnel.


“Connecticut’s first responders put their lives on the line for us each and every day, often without recognition and always without hesitation. In the tragic event where one of our police officers, firefighters, EMTs, or paramedics loses their life in the line of duty, the Fallen Hero Fund will support their families, providing immediate monetary support and access to healthcare coverage,” Comptroller Scanlon said. “I am beyond honored to administer this fund and thank the members of the legislature for their support and passage, as well as Governor Lamont for signing this into law.”

The legislation received strong bipartisan support and is seen as a major step in strengthening Connecticut’s commitment to its frontline responders and their loved ones.