US Bill to Help Paramedics Now Law After Vt. Death - FOX44 - Burlington / Plattsburgh News, Weather & Sports

US Bill to Help Paramedics Now Law After Vt. Death

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MONTPELIER, Vt. -

(AP) - A bill pushed by U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy after the death of a Vermont ambulance driver will extend to all paramedics the benefits given to police, firefighters and medics who are killed or disabled while working.

Leahy says the "Dale Long Act" will remedy coverage gaps in a federal program that provides a crucial safety net for the families of first responders who are killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.

The program was created more than three decades ago, but only public safety officers were eligible. Dale Long of Bennington was working for a non-profit when he was killed in June 2009.

The Dale Long Act was part of a defense authorization that is due to be signed by President Barack Obama.

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