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The Montgomery County Council today unanimously passed Expedited Bill 32-26, Employees’ Retirement System – Survivor Benefits – Death During Line of Duty – Expanded Eligibility to Groups E and J, legislation co-led by Councilmembers Dawn Luedtke, Sidney Katz, and Evan Glass.
This legislation expands the HERO Act, which the Council enacted in December 2025 following the tragic death of Master Firefighter Christopher Higgins in January 2025. The HERO Act increases survivor benefits available when career firefighters or police officers are killed in the line of duty and ensures financial support is delivered to the family without delay.
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Expedited Bill 32-26 extends the HERO Act’s expedited survivor benefits to deputy sheriffs and frontline correctional and rehabilitation officers who are killed in the line of duty.
“The HERO Act is an incredibly important piece of legislation that demonstrates our commitment to firefighters, police officers and their families,” Councilmember Luedtke said. “I am proud that this bill expands those protections to ensure that deputy sheriffs, frontline correctional and rehabilitation officers, and other public-safety personnel receive the same support and recognition for the sacrifices they make in service to our community.”
“Our first responders on all fronts show up for our County every single day,” Councilmember Katz said. “It’s our responsibility to ensure their families are not left behind. We need to continue to stand by those that stand for us.”
“When our first responders risk their lives to protect us, we must protect them and their families in return,” said Councilmember Glass. “This legislation expands the HERO Act by further strengthening public safety, fixing critical gaps and honoring those who make the ultimate sacrifice.”
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Additional information can be found in the staff report.
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Read the original article at mccouncil
