Two Boston Police Officers injured in the line of duty have had their retirement and pension benefits guaranteed through legislation filed by Rep. Adrian Madaro and signed into law by the Governor in January.
On the night of October 12, 2016, officers responding to a 911 call at Gladstone Street in East Boston concerning a man with a gun were fired upon by the suspect. Two officers, Officer Richard Cintolo of East Boston and Officer Matthew Morris of Dorchester, were shot and rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital in critical condition after receiving first aid from their fellow officers at the scene. The suspect was killed in the ensuing shootout.
Officer Cintolo and Officer Morris both thankfully recovered, but the injuries they sustained prevented them from returning to work with the Boston Police Department, and both retired from the force.
The bills filed by Representative Adrian Madaro, alongside Representative Dan Hunt of Dorchester, were originally approved as Home Rule Petitions by the City of Boston. The bills guarantee that each officer will receive the same full pension benefits they would have received if they had not been forced into early retirement as a result of their injuries. Additionally, the bills indemnify the officers from the medical costs of any injuries received in the line of duty.
“These officers put their lives on the line to protect our community, and I thank them for their service,” said Representative Madaro. “I was proud to stand with them and help ensure that they and their families get the full benefits they deserve.”
The legislation has taken effect retroactive to the end of January 2022.