Press Release  Governor Healey Files Legislation Ensuring Full Pay and Benefits for Injured Chelmsford Firefighter

Boston — Governor Maura Healey today filed legislation to ensure that Chelmsford firefighter Nicholas Spinale, who was injured last month while supporting firefighter training at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, receives full pay and benefits while he recovers from his injuries. 

Spinale serves as both an active-duty firefighter for the Chelmsford Fire Department and a Support Branch staff member at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. In April, he suffered a catastrophic injury after falling approximately 40 feet while preparing for the day’s training exercises at the Academy. Because he was injured in state service, he is not currently eligible for injured on duty compensation from the town. Governor Healey’s legislation would ensure that he receives full pay and benefits and maintains his full-time position with the Chelmsford Fire Department while he recovers from his injuries. 

“Nicholas Spinale is a hero. Firefighters run into danger every day to keep people safe, and Nick went even further to lend his expertise to train the next generation of firefighters,” said Governor Healey. “He suffered from a tragic, life-altering accident while doing this important work, and the last thing he needs is to worry about whether he will continue to be able to support himself and his family. This legislation will ensure that he receives the full pay and benefits that he deserves so that he can rightfully focus on his recovery. Nick and his family, and his community at the Chelmsford Fire Department are all in our thoughts during this difficult time, and I am grateful for the strong leadership of the Department of Fire Services, Fire Marshal Davine and the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts.” 

“In the hours following Nick’s injury, we gave our word that we would help support him in his recovery however we could,” said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. “We are deeply grateful for Governor Healey’s leadership in finding a way to make good on that promise.” 

“Thank you to the governor and her team for working on this to take care of Nick,” said Elenor Spinale, Nicholas’ mother. “Thank you to the PFFM, Leah and her team and the Chelmsford Fire Fighter Local 1839 Union. Thank you for all of the support from the community of Chelmsford and around the state.” 

"We are grateful for Governor Maura Healey and her administration for the continued support of the PFFM and our members. The PFFM's top priority like any union is the health, safety, and wellbeing of our 13,000 members across the Commonwealth,” said President Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts Rich MacKinnon Jr. “We are pleased that this legislation will give Nick the pay, benefits, security and healthcare he needs to rehabilitate and return to the firefighting job he loves." 

 “We want to thank the Governor and her team, State Rep. Rodney Elliot who has been instrumental throughout this process,” said Rob Albon, President of Chelmsford Firefighters IAFF, Local 1839. “We also want to thank PFFM President Mackinnon, the PFFM Legislative team, and the team at Barrault and Associates for their guidance navigating such an important complex issue. We are happy Nick will have some relief so he can focus on getting back on a truck." 

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