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Personal Appeal for Family of Paramedic LODD

5 comments

Loophole Leaves Family Unprotected

DANIEL McINTOSH WAS A POLICE OFFICER by occupation but also served his community as an active volunteer firefighter and a paramedic with the Bensalem, Pennsylvania, EMS Squad.

Daniel "Danny Mac" McIntosh

Two years ago in March 2010 he died of a massive heart attack while tussling with a mental patient who was engaged in destructive behavior.  If he had been on the clock in his police duties, or serving on a fire truck, he would have been covered under the Federal Safety Officer Benefit program.  But since he was acting under the umbrella of the EMS squad, he was not covered because it is a non-profit organization.

Congressman Fitzpatrick of Bucks County introduced a bill named for Danny. This bill would provide "equal protection under the law" for the families of EMTs & Paramedics who died in the line of duty. The bill was passed by the House and by the Senate. It should’ve become law last week. One hour and ninety minutes before the bill became law, a staffer who works for Congressman Mica pulled the language. As a result, his family's final appeal for Danny’s death benefit will most likely be denied this March.

This Wednesday February 15, a group of fire and police representatives will be escorting Danny Mac's widow to Washington for a face-to-face meeting with Congressman Fitzpatrick to see what needs to be done in order to get this bill resubmitted and passed into law.

Read more about this venture and learn what you can do to help by going to the WEBPAGE HERE that has been set up to spread the word.

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Posted by on February 13, 2012 • Filed under: current events, EMS Topics • Tagged: ,
  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1298397913 Andrew Tucker

    Wait, a staffer for a congressman changed the bill? Some damn secretary just arbitrarily decided she didnt like the law and changed the way it was written after it had been passed by the house & senate? Why did that have any effect whatsoever? If a law is passed by the house & senate it goes to the President in the form voted on, regardless whatever some janitor or receptionist tries to delete from or add to it.

  • xyz

    Isn’t is amazing what BULL$H!T happens in our government? Just another reason for someone to not aknowledge EMS personel. No one ever thinks about EMS unless they need us. 

  • Bill

    Andrew-
    You are correct.  Every bill that has been passed by the House & Senate goes to a Conference Committee because most of them have some differences.  The bills have to be identical when the President signs it into law. The purpose of the Conference is to RECONCILE- not CHANGE the bills.  The way I’ve heard it, a staffer who works for Congressman Mica (multi-millionaire from Orlando Florida) used the Conference process to pull the language.  Basically- the President of the United States doesn’t havethe power to do a “line item veto”, but a kid right out of college who works for a power ful Congressman does?!?!?!?!? And they wonder why their approval rating never gets above 10%.
    Bill

  • Auggie Mayo

    Danny served his community and Country well.  It is time for the feds to stand up.  This loophole has actually existed for many years and needs to be closed.  Our community has career firefighters that work as municipal employees and volunteer firefighters that belong to private non-profit entities.

    I could die with one of my brothers on the same incident and only one widow and children get support.

    The law needs to be fixed.  There are many different ways fire and EMS services are provided throughout the US.  If you are answering the bell for 9-1-1 your family should be protected.  We sacrifice too much everyday to let this to continue happening.

    As far as Mica… none of my staff changes any documents without my knowledge.  Who is to blame on this one.

  • Top

    Dan’s loss was tragic for our organization and our community.  He was dedicated to the emergency services.  A paramedic, a police officer, and a volunteer firefighter.  However the most tragic loss… Dan was a father to two wonderful young girls.  He worked hard to secure their future, he missed many family events to work helping others.  He took time away from his wife, mother, father, brothers, sister, and children to better himself through training.

    All of us in the business do the same.  But many of us, myself included, always felt there would be means in place to provide for our families if any of the dangers we face on a daily basis ever took us from this life.

    My personal appeal to all who read this is simple.  Take 10 minutes out of our busy day to write a letter and tell a friend about the Danny Mac bill.

    http://www.honoringheroes.com/2012/02/call-to-action-honoring-danny-mac-2/ 

    This will be Dan’s legacy in public service as this bill will help our families in the future.

    Thanks for your help.

    Thomas Topley
    Chief Bensalem EMS