Firefighter Nick Spinale took a major step forward in his recovery, leaving a rehab center and returning to his Chelmsford home this morning.
Rob Albon, President of Chelmsford Firefighter IAFF Local 1839, revealed the news during an appearance on today’s Daily Pulse Podcast.
In a follow up text, Albon added that Spinale even stopped by the fire station to visit his fellow firefighters.
Spinale suffered life-threatening injuries as a result of a 40-foot fall during a training session at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, where he works as an instructor.
During the podcast, Albon provided further details about the horrific accident, Spinale’s injuries and his already remarkable road to recovery, which finds him already walking, talking and even talking about returning to work.
He also discussed efforts at the State House to craft emergency legislation that would assist the 28-year old in solving an issue regarding whether the Town of Chelmsford or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts bears certain financial responsibilities due to the fact the serious injuries were incurred his part-time job at the Firefighting Academy.
State Representative Rodney Elliott told InsideLowell that House Counsel has been working on the matter, but it is somewhat complicated based on whether the town or the state directly supplies the funding.
While all sides remain optimistic a resolution will be crafted, the situation is further complicated by the fact Spinale’s accrued time expires in about a month.
One response to “Firefighter Nick Spinale Comes Home”
Firefighter Nick Spinale is very young, 28 years old, and this is GREAT news that he is doing so well!
The most immediate, fair and urgently necessary fix SPECIFICALLY for Firefighter Nick Spinale, is a locally negotiated Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the town and the union, which takes effect immediately upon signing and does not require state-level legislative approval. As Union President Rob Albon stated, time is of the essence, and this is a very unique and unforeseen situation, and the Legislative route is a lengthy one.
BUT, it should include the State Fire Academy’s responsibility in the MOA to ensure the academy remains responsible. The MOA should be structured to include the state academy rather than just acting as a “stop-gap” by the town alone. The MOA can stipulate that the town covers the immediate pay gap for right now, with a legal stipulation that the town will be reimbursed by the state later. That this is just a temporary, good-faith fix pending a final determination that the primary liability is with the state academy. Lawyers will know how to FAIRLY word this to protect the town and its hardworking taxpayers as well as the very valued , appreciated and dedicated firefighter.
However, this IS an issue that DOES require legislative action as well as the need for broader policy changes, because the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts have highlighted this as a statewide “loophole,” and they urge “all municipalities to adopt MOUs that protect full-time firefighters who work for the state academy”. But MOU’s aren’t enough to close the “loophole” and legislative action is still VERY necessary for a comprehensive and uniform permanent standard for ALL Firefighters in ALL cities and towns.