New federal law

helps paramedics

A bill pushed by U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., after the death of a Bennington ambulance driver will extend to all paramedics the benefits given to police, firefighters and medics who are killed or disabled while working.

Leahy said the “Dale Long Act” will remedy coverage gaps in a federal program that provides a crucial safety net for the families of first responders who are killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.

The program was created more than three decades ago, but only public safety officers were eligible. Dale Long of Bennington was working for a nonprofit group when he was killed in June 2009.

The Dale Long Act was part of a defense authorization that is due to be signed by President Barack Obama.