Bill > S07910

This bill allows the widow of Luis Palermo, a Nassau County police officer who participated in World Trade Center rescue and recovery operations, to apply for an accidental death benefit from the New York State and Local Police and Fire Retirement System. Luis Palermo worked for the Nassau County Police Department from 1994 until his death on September 4, 2017, and passed away from end-stage pulmonary fibrosis, which he reportedly contracted during his 29 hours of rescue and clean-up work between September 11, 2001, and September 12, 2002. The bill specifically grants his widow, Deborah Palermo, the right to file a new application for an accidental and special accidental death retirement benefit, despite potential previous legal restrictions. The bill requires the application to be filed within one year of the act's effective date, and all associated costs will be borne by Nassau County, with the option to amortize these expenses over a 10-year period. The estimated one-time cost of this benefit is approximately $5.93 million, which would translate to annual payments of $757,000 if amortized. The bill aims to provide financial support to the family of a first responder who suffered health consequences from his service during the 9/11 aftermath.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7910