Nick Spinale, center, stands with fellow firefighters during a visit to the station just after his release from Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. (Photo courtesy Chelmsford Fire Dept.)
Governor Maura Healey today filed legislation to ensure that Chelmsford firefighter Nicholas Spinale, who was injured last month while supporting firefighter training at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, receives full pay and benefits while he recovers from his injuries.
Spinale serves as both an active-duty firefighter for the Chelmsford Fire Department and a Support Branch staff member at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. On April 7, he suffered a catastrophic injury after falling approximately 40 feet while preparing for the day’s training exercises at the Academy. Because he was injured in state service, he is not currently eligible for injured on duty compensation from the town.
The legislation would ensure that he receives full pay and benefits and maintains his full-time position with the Chelmsford Fire Department while he recovers from his injuries.
“Nicholas Spinale is a hero. Firefighters run into danger every day to keep people safe, and Nick went even further to lend his expertise to train the next generation of firefighters,” said Governor Healey. “He suffered from a tragic, life-altering accident while doing this important work, and the last thing he needs is to worry about whether he will continue to be able to support himself and his family. This legislation will ensure that he receives the full pay and benefits that he deserves so that he can rightfully focus on his recovery. Nick and his family, and his community at the Chelmsford Fire Department are all in our thoughts during this difficult time, and I am grateful for the strong leadership of the Department of Fire Services, Fire Marshal Davine and the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts.”
The issues surrounding how Spinale would be paid once his accrued time expired was the topic of a Daily Pulse Podcast Monday with Rob Albon, President of Chelmsford Firefighters IAFF Local 1839. The interview took place shortly before Spinale left Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Charlestown. Before heading home, he stopped at one of the town’s fire houses to visit with co-workers.
At the time, there were still unresolved issues surrounding the legislation. Among them, how Spinale would be paid and whether it would come directly from the state or whether the state would reimburse the Town of Chelmsford. There was some concern that following the town avenue would require a Town Meeting, which would slow down the process.
The wording of the final legislation avoids that issues, and Chelmsford Town Manager Paul Cohen informed the Select Board this afternoon that this coming Monday’s meeting agenda would include a vote on endorsing the proposed legislation.
“We want to thank the Governor and her team, State Rep. Rodney Elliot who has been instrumental throughout this process,” said Albon. “We also want to thank PFFM President Mackinnon, the PFFM Legislative team, and the team at Barrault and Associates for their guidance navigating such an important complex issue. We are happy Nick will have some relief so he can focus on getting back on a truck.”
“Thank you to the governor and her team for working on this to take care of Nick,” said Elenor Spinale, Nicholas’ mother. “Thank you to the PFFM, Leah and her team and the Chelmsford Fire Fighter Local 1839 Union. Thank you for all of the support from the community of Chelmsford and around the state.”
(Click here to view full legislation)
