UTAH

Special session will address death benefits for Utah firefighters

May 17, 2023, 9:37 AM

One of the issues that Utah lawmakers will address during the first special session of 2023 involve...

FILE: Unified Fire Authority's Matt Hambleton is carried downstream after releasing his rescue belt during swift-water rescue training in the Provo River on Thursday, May 10, 2018. Hambleton's death in 2023 exposed a flaw in firefighter death benefits that lawmakers will address in special session (Laura Seitz, Deseret News)

(Laura Seitz, Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — One of the issues Utah lawmakers will address during the first special session of 2023 involves death benefits for fallen firefighters.

It’s a clerical mistake explained Rep. Ryan Wilcox, R-Ogden, that for some Utah families has far-reaching effects.

Related: Firefighter death benefits added to special session of the Utah Legislature

“If somebody passed away while they were in service, but hadn’t yet retired,” Wilcox told KSL Newsradio, “then their families, even though they were eligible to retire, their families received a dramatically reduced retirement benefit.”

Wilcox said that Utah splits firefighters into Division A and Division B categories. Category B firefighters like Hambleton were left out of a 2018 law that gives a benefits package to the families of first responders that die.

Related: Special session of Utah legislature is called by Gov. Cox

The issue of Utah firefighters’ death benefits came to light last month when Unified firefighter Matt Hambleton died. Hambleton joined the department almost three decades ago, and went to New York City after 9/11 to assist in cleanup efforts. However, his family was only left with half of his life insurance policy following his death. 

There are thirteen Utah fire departments that are entirely Division B firefighters, meaning thousands of first responders are in death benefits limbo. 

“We call on our worst days, at our worst moments. And they show up over and over again,” he told KSL NewsRadio, “and then they pay the price for being there on our worst days. We can’t let that go without getting them the treatment, the help, and the support that they need.”

 

This week Utah lawmakers will address a new bill that will fix the error, Wilcox said.

 

 

 

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Utah

A West Jordan man was arrested Tuesday for investigation of negligent homicide after he allegedly t...

Pat Reavy, ksl.com

West Jordan man shot, killed best friend while trying to ‘be funny,’ police say

A West Jordan man was arrested Tuesday for investigation of negligent homicide after shooting his "best friend."

8 hours ago

FILE: The bust of 30 pounds of fentanyl in American Fork on March 21 highlights the drug problem Ut...

Heather Peterson and Curt Gresseth

DEA warns fentanyl most deadly drug in U.S. and Utah history

The DEA said Utah is on pace to see double the amount of fentanyl this year than last.

11 hours ago

1040 form shown, tax refund season is here...

Sam Herrera

Should you spend or save your tax refund?

Filing your taxes can be a headache but figuring out how to spend your tax refund might be a headache in its own right.

13 hours ago

Single-family homes under construction in Saratoga Springs are pictured on Tuesday, July 19, 2022....

Adam Small

2023 saw far fewer building permits in Utah, report says

The Ogden-Clearfield metro area had the biggest percentage decline in building permits year-over-year, nose-diving by 34%.

14 hours ago

the aster building in utah, affordable housing apartment...

Don Brinkerhoff

New study says Utah is the most affordable state — and why that’s not necessarily true

A new report from USA TODAY says Utah is the most affordable state in the nation. This comes just days after another report ranked Utah among some of the least affordable places to live.

15 hours ago

Over 30% of people in Utah are considred prediabetic because of the amount of soda they drink....

Amanda Dickson

Is Utah’s soda obsession behind our levels of prediabetes?

Here in Utah, our soda drinking habits might be making us particularly at risk for prediabetes and diabetes.

16 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Special session will address death benefits for Utah firefighters