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| Death |
One-Time:
There is a benefit of $50,000 if the State Fire Marshal determines the firefighter died in the line of duty. If there is no surviving child, the surviving spouse receives total benefit. If there are both a surviving spouse and children, 50% goes to the spouse and the other 50% to the child or children in equal shares. If there is no surviving child or spouse, the benefit goes to the parents in equal shares.
Contact: Office of the State Fire Marshal. 52 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333. Phone: (207)287-3473.
Workers Compensation:
The benefit is 80% of after-tax average weekly wage for up to 500 weeks. Maximum amount applies. Act includes active members of volunteer fire associations as employees. The average weekly wage must be taken to be the earning capacity in the occupation in which the employee was regularly engaged.
Contact: Maine Workers' Compensation Board. 27 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333. Phone: (207) 287-3751 or (888) 801-9087.
Funeral:
Maximum of $4,000 for burial expenses and $3,000 incidental compensation to the volunteer's estate.
Child's Education:
Tuition waivers are available for children of firefighters killed in the line of duty or as a result of injuries received during the performance of their duties. Tuition waivers are valid within the University of Maine system, the Maine Technical College system or at Maine Maritime Academy.
Contact: Finance Authority of Maine. 5 Community Drive, P.O. Box 949, Augusta, ME 04332-0949. Phone: (207) 623-3263 or (800) 228-3734. www.famemaine.com
Spouse's Education:
Tuition waivers are available for spouses of firefighters killed in the line of duty or as a result of injuries received during the performance of their duties. Tuition waivers are valid within the University of Maine system, the Maine Technical College system or at Maine Maritime Academy.
Contact: Finance Authority of Maine. 5 Community Drive, P.O. Box 949, Augusta, ME 04332-0949. Phone: (207) 623-3263 or (800) 228-3734. www.famemaine.com
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| Education |
Training is available through Maine Fire Training & Education in conjunction with the Community College System. Members of fire departments are eligible for a scholarship that reduces the cost of each course by fifty percent.
Contact: Maine Fire Training & Education, Eastern Maine Community College, SMTC, 354 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME 04401. Phone: (207) 974-4628. Fax: (207) 974-4672. |
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| Workers Compensation |
Volunteers are eligible for workers' compensation. For this purpose, their average weekly wages are considered to be their wages from regular employment. The amount of the benefit depends on the severity and permanence of the disability. |
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| Funding |
The Forest Service administers the Cooperator Assistance Program provides fire suppression equipment at a lowered cost.
Contact: Main Forest Service, Department of Conservation. 22 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0022. Phone: (207) 287-2791. |
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| Health |
Communicable diseases that firefighters are frequently exposed to, such as Hepatitis, are considered line-of-duty injuries for the purposes of disability retirement. Maine can require firefighters to be vaccinated against such diseases. |
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| Legal |
N/A |
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| Malpractice |
Any person who provides emergency care without the expectation of compensation is not liable for damages for injuries or death, unless the injuries or death were caused willfully, wantonly, recklessly, or by gross negligence. |
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| Retirement |
None. |
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| Tax |
N/A |
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| Additional |
Volunteer firefighters are eligible for special license plates. One-time fee is $5.
The first Saturday in October is Firefighters' Recognition Day. |
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