It's way past time to overhaul the Illinois line-of-duty death definition.
Chicago firefighter Walter Patmon died after he had a heart attack in the firehouse while cleaning his equipment. That'll be good for $250,000 from the People of the Great State of Illinois.
When was his health condition first noted? Was he under treatment? Why was he on duty if he was having heart trouble?
Being a firefighter is a strenuous job. Should there be a mandatory age for firefighters? Should there be mandatory annual physical exams?
The definition of "line-of-duty death" should be overhauled.
If you die rescuing children (as did Capt. Herbert "Herbie" Johnson recently) or a roof falls on you (or, if you're a cop and get shot during an arrest), that's a line-of-duty death that can qualify for $250,000. If you are driving to work or driving home or cleaning your boots, that's not a line-of-duty death.
Just because you are at your workplace should not qualify an employee for a $250,000 payment from the State. It's time for the law to be changed.
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Why are you offended by someone getting paid for their death? This wasn't work connected enough for you?
You should consider this (during your deep legal analysis) If we were to use the Gus rule, that would make it harder for everyone to get benefits, even when they perfectly matched your criteria. (Because they don't need to go to a hearing to determine whether they meet the GUS criteria)
I would rather that our fireman are paid quickly ... in a related note ...
only $250,000? I am pretty sure the cost for life insurance here is like under $8 dollars a month per fireman. Well worth the investment.
Let's hope they keep you away from public policy.
Just another LIBERAL sticking up for FREE handouts. Washing a firetruck is not in the line of duty... WAKE UP. Oh your probably a one of those FREE RIDE FIREMAN.
Washing the Firetruck is not "In the line of duty" its a job. Gus is right stop the free rides. Illinois is broke, quite looking for handouts.
Was he having heart trouble while on duty?
People die from heart attacks every day without any warning whatsoever. That's why heart disease is called the silent killer?
Again, was he having heart trouble while on duty?
I think one of the stories said he had returned from a relatively-minor call (kitchen fire or something) and was cleaning his equipment, when he felt short-of-breath.
How you can suggest that was not duty related ... I can't fathom.
The fireman is your friend!
Barrington officer wrestling a arrestee has heart attack and dies...no pay out as it was ruled MEDICAL.
Johnsburg officer killed in department squad is ruled not line of duty.
This was Chicago and there has always been a double standard. Remember that CHICAGO loves their firemen but kick the cops every change they get. IF they say it is line of duty , who is ti disagree, the mighty Quinn?
This all goes back to Daley's dislike of the police and his love of the fire dept.
I agree, as always, with Ray.
You suggest that ONLY if he had died while on a "relatively minor" call that he should get the benefit. But what if "minor" was a fire in a trash can? Only half the benefit?
He died while on the job. Keeping his equipment ready and clean for the next "minor" or major event is on the job. Stop being such a creep.
So, Kat's, if he had died in his sleep in his bed in the firehouse while on a 24-hour shift, would that still be a line-of-duty death?
I guess you'll be the judge of that one, Gus.
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