Bill > A08645

This bill provides a special retirement benefit for Richard Stueber, a deputy sheriff from Suffolk County who participated in the World Trade Center rescue, recovery, and cleanup operations and subsequently passed away due to mental illness related to those operations. Specifically, the bill entitles Stacie Stueber, Richard's surviving spouse, to receive a 75% accidental disability retirement benefit retroactive to the date of his retirement on March 1, 2019, based on a determination by the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement System that Richard was permanently incapacitated as a result of his WTC operations participation. All costs associated with implementing this special retirement benefit will be borne by Suffolk County, with the fiscal note estimating an immediate past service cost of approximately $1.04 million to be paid as a one-time payment. The bill is intended to provide financial support to the family of a first responder who suffered significant health consequences from his service during the 9/11 rescue and recovery efforts, and it will take effect immediately upon passage.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8645