A proposed bill from Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar aims to allow the family of former FDNY firefighter Derek Floyd to collect death benefits despite his termination. Floyd had been let go by the FDNY in November along with 10 others as the city looked to cut costs related to the migrant crisis. Rajkumar’s bill is intended to provide Floyd’s family with much-needed financial support following his passing, acknowledging his sacrifices for the city. Floyd had worked as a probationary firefighter for nearly five years in the ceremonial unit but had faced obstacles due to health complications following a heart attack. He passed away from a second heart attack on April 15, leaving behind a widow and two young children.
The bill proposed by Rajkumar would retroactively make Floyd eligible for death benefits that he would have received had he completed five years on the job with the FDNY. The aim is to prevent financial devastation for his family and ensure they receive the support they deserve for his service. FDNY Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh has indicated that the responsibility lies with lawmakers to change the pension eligibility rules to accommodate Floyd’s family. Despite the tragic circumstances of Floyd’s death, Mayor Eric Adams has defended the decision to let him go, citing the necessity of maintaining eligibility requirements for full-duty firefighters and the responsible use of taxpayers’ dollars.
The FDNY had initially stated that the termination of Floyd and the other probationary firefighters was part of a larger budget-cutting initiative in November. However, sources within the department revealed that the decision was driven by pressure to reduce spending and that probationary firefighters were seen as an easy target. Following Floyd’s firing, the department had planned to cut almost 200 firefighters on long-term light duty in response to Mayor Adams’s directive for a 5% budget reduction. Ultimately, this reduction was reversed in January and only affected firefighters who had completed the academy, according to the administration. Despite pushback on tying Floyd’s termination to budget cuts, the bill proposed by Rajkumar seeks to provide financial support to his family in recognition of his service to the FDNY.
Overall, the proposed legislation from Assemblywoman Rajkumar is aimed at amending pension eligibility rules to allow the family of former FDNY firefighter Derek Floyd to receive death benefits retroactively after his termination from the department. Floyd’s passing following complications from a heart attack left his wife and children in a difficult financial situation. While Mayor Eric Adams defended Floyd’s termination as necessary given his inability to meet full-duty requirements, the bill seeks to provide support to the family following his years of service. The decision to let go of Floyd and other probationary firefighters was initially linked to budget cuts, but it was later clarified that the termination was based on other factors, prompting a reconsideration of the eligibility rules for death benefits. Ultimately, the bill is intended to recognize Floyd’s sacrifices and provide his family with the financial lifeline they need during this time of grief.
