NEW CITY, NY – The Rockland County Legislature has unanimously approved an expansion of a local law aimed at supporting the families of fallen volunteers. The revised legislation also honors the legacy of Spring Valley Volunteer Firefighter Jared Lloyd, who lost his life in the line of duty in 2021.
The law, formerly known as the Rockland County Volunteer Benefit Act, will now be titled the Jared Lloyd Rockland County Volunteer Benefit Act, or simply, the Jared Lloyd Act.
“Jared made the supreme sacrifice as he carried out his firefighting duties, and naming this law after him is the right thing to do,” said Legislator Paul Cleary, chair of the Legislature’s Public Safety Committee and sponsor of the legislation.
The updated law expands eligibility to include more volunteer first responders and their surviving family members. It offers up to $1 million in financial support to the families of:
-
Volunteer Firefighters
-
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Personnel
-
Auxiliary Police Officers
-
Hazardous Materials (HazMat) and Technical Rescue Team Members
Legislator Cleary said he was moved to act after seeing numerous fundraisers launched to support the families of deceased volunteers.
“I was shocked and appalled that the families of volunteers who put their lives on the line for the community were left struggling—often greatly—because the main breadwinner had died in service to their neighbors,” Cleary said.
In drafting the legislation, Cleary consulted with members of the fire, EMS, and auxiliary police communities, as well as the Rockland County Executive’s Office.
Jared Lloyd, a 35-year-old second lieutenant with the Spring Valley Volunteer Fire Department, died on March 23, 2021, while ensuring all residents were evacuated from the Evergreen Court Home for Adults, a nursing home in Spring Valley. Thanks to the heroic efforts of Lloyd and fellow rescuers, 112 residents were saved. Tragically, one resident, Oliver Hueston, 79, also died in the fire.
Lloyd’s bravery and sacrifice have since become a symbol of selflessness and heroism in Rockland County. The renaming of the law in his honor ensures that his legacy will continue to support and protect the families of those who serve their communities in the most critical moments.
