AUGUSTA - The Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety voted unanimously Wednesday to advance a bill to support Maine's emergency responders and their loved ones by formally recognizing death by suicide within these professions as a death while in the line of duty.
As amended, LD 439 will empower the Maine State Police Colonel, the State Fire Marshall, the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections and the Director of Maine Emergency Medical Services, as appropriate, to administer the line of duty death benefit in the heartbreaking instance that an emergency responder dies by suicide.
"Our emergency responders regularly face disturbing and traumatic events where they are asked to perform at the highest level," said Salisbury. "These experiences leave too many in need of support that our society has so far failed to provide. While we work to address underlying causes, we must simultaneously acknowledge this reality and honor the sacrifices these individuals have made for the health and safety of our communities."
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, public safety personnel are five times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression than those outside of the emergency response field, leading to higher rates of suicide among this population. More first responders die of suicide each year than those actively in the line of duty.
The bill faces further votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
Salisbury is serving her second term in the Maine House and represents District 128, part of Westbrook. She serves as House chair of the Legislature's Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Salisbury], 305-965-2744