Rockland County, NY – The Rockland County Legislature has unanimously approved the Jared Lloyd Act, a newly expanded law honoring the legacy of fallen firefighter Jared Lloyd while extending benefits to a broader group of emergency service volunteers and their families.
The legislation, previously known as the Rockland County Volunteer Benefit Act, was renamed and strengthened to reflect Lloyd’s heroism and the sacrifice of countless others who serve their communities. The new Jared Lloyd Rockland County Volunteer Benefit Act extends coverage beyond volunteer firefighters to include members of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Auxiliary Police, Hazardous Materials (HazMat) teams, and Technical Rescue units.
“Jared made the supreme sacrifice as he carried out his firefighting duties, and naming this law after him is the right thing to do,” said Legislator Paul Cleary, chair of the Legislature’s Public Safety Committee and lead sponsor of the bill.
Lloyd, a 35-year-old second lieutenant with the Spring Valley Volunteer Fire Department, lost his life on March 23, 2021, while ensuring all residents had been rescued from the Evergreen Court Home for Adults during a devastating fire. His bravery helped save 112 lives that day.
The expanded law provides enhanced financial support for survivors of volunteers who die in the line of duty. Importantly, it now designates the assistance for survivors rather than dependents, ensuring that all loved ones — including children born after the volunteer’s passing — are eligible for support.
Under the act, total benefits for each fallen volunteer’s beneficiaries are capped at $1 million, distributed directly to recipients in annual installments over ten years. Each beneficiary will receive 10 percent of the total amount annually.
Cleary said the measure was inspired by the hardship families often face after the loss of a volunteer who dies in service. “I was shocked and appalled that the families of volunteers who put their lives on the line for the community were left struggling — often greatly — because the main breadwinner had died in service to their neighbors,” Cleary said.
In developing the law, Cleary sought feedback from Rockland’s firefighting, EMS, and auxiliary police communities, along with input from the County Executive’s Office and members of the Rockland County Fire Advisory Board, including Chairman Frank Bifulco, Howard Gerber, and George Cich.
The act clearly defines what constitutes a line-of-duty death and outlines who is eligible to receive financial support. It underscores Rockland County’s recognition of the invaluable contributions made by its volunteer emergency responders — individuals who risk their lives daily to protect others.
“The Jared Lloyd Act ensures that the ultimate sacrifice made by our volunteers is never forgotten — and that their families are never left behind,” Cleary said.