New bill aims to help families of fallen firefighters in Montgomery County

In a new push to help the families of fallen firefighters, Montgomery County leaders introduced a bill Tuesday to ease the financial burden for those whose loved ones are killed in the line of duty.

One firefighter’s death sparked the call for change after his family faced financial hardship in the wake of the tragedy.

Master Firefighter Christopher Higgins responded to a house fire in Laurel, Maryland in January 2025 — a call to action he had responded to countless times throughout his 20-plus year career.

It would be his last call.

He suffered a medical emergency on scene and ultimately died.

There was an outpouring of love and support for Higgins' family, but as the months went on, the family not only had to deal with their grief, but also faced financial struggles.

It took close to six months before they ever received a pension check, a problem the Hero Act looks to fix.

“I would not wish this journey upon anyone, and I just appreciate what everyone's doing to help support my children and myself,” said Lisa Higgins, Christopher Higgins’ wife.

If passed, the bill would ensure that spouses, domestic partners and children of career firefighters would get the equivalent of a 20-year pension, regardless of how long they served. It also fixes the current delays in processing so that survivors get benefits much quicker, beginning one month after the firefighters death.

“Whatever amount of red tape there might be, we need to cut through it,” said Montgomery County Councilmember Evan Glass, one of the bill’s sponsors. “We need to help, and that's what this legislation is doing.”

Christopher Higggins' fellow firefighters and friends also spoke out in support of the bill.

“Nothing prepares you for the knock on that door. Nothing prepares you for the silence that follows,” said Lt. Michael Moore. “Let me be clear, no amount of money can replace the love, the laughter or the life lost. […] The hero's bill is more than policy. It's a promise. a promise that the sacrifices made by our families and their families will not go forgotten.”

The sponsors of the bill say they're confident it will pass and be enacted into law before the end of the year.

The death benefits made available by the county are in addition to benefits for spouses under collectively bargained agreements.

You can watch the NBC4 story here.