Friday, July 8, 2011

** 9/11 compensation fund for New York medical responders to kick in October 1

** June house blaze that killed California paramedic/firefighter likely related to home’s wiring, report

UNITED STATES NEWS

** 9/11 EMS responders, forced into near bankruptcy over post World Trade Center illnesses, may get financial relief October 1 when the new Zadroga Act Victim’s Compensation Fund kicks in. The Downtown Express (Aline Reynolds/July 6) said while survivors are buoyed money will be made available, the decision to release only $8.75 million of the $2.78 billion fund is not sitting well with all. Although the remainder of the money will be accessed after 2016, limitations will also increase as payouts are balanced against the number of individuals who apply. That and the fact that life insurance, pensions, and benefits can weight against awards has created some grumbling. Fund spokesman Sheila Birnbaum, who is holding town hall meetings to get the word out on the fund, said while people are generally pleased with the idea, claimants need to understand the fund is new and terms and conditions could change.

** The cause of a house fire that killed a Sacramento, California paramedic/firefighter last month was likely related to the home’s wiring. That is the word from the Sacramento Bee (July 1) which said Anthony Valerio and partner Lt. Vincent Perez were killed June 2 when super hot gasses inside the abode prompted a flash fire. Although Valerio lived for two days after, Perez died later that night. Fire officials said definitive answers are proving elusive because of incomplete material from the home’s electrical components. A report on the two firefighters’ conduct at the blaze, meanwhile, is set for release in August.