BILL NUMBER: S7844A
SPONSOR: BASKIN
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to authorize the widow of Gerald J. Sullivan to file an applica-
tion with the New York state and local police and fire retirement system
on behalf of such deceased member and deem such application as timely
filed
 
PURPOSE:
This legislation would allow the widow of Gerald J. Sullivan to file an
application with the New York state and local police and fire retirement
system on behalf of Mr. Sullivan.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Authorizes the widow of Gerald J. Sullivan, Bonnie E. Sulli-
van, to file an application for accidental disability retirement with a
firefighters cancer disability presumption pursuant to section 363-d of
the retirement and social security law.
Section 2: States that additional costs for this act shall be paid by
the City of Buffalo. Section 3 sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This legislation authorizes the widow of a retired Buffalo firefighter
to file an application for accidental disability retirement benefits
under the firefighters' cancer disability presumption and to have such
application deemed timely by the Office of the State Comptroller.
Gerald J. Sullivan was a dedicated member of the Buffalo Fire Department
who devoted his life to public service. He was widely regarded as a
pillar of the South Buffalo community, both for his years with the
Buffalo Fire Department and for his longstanding presence as the owner
of Doc Sullivans, a well-known neighborhood establishment that has
served as a gathering place for generations of residents. His passing in
December 2020 was a profound loss to his family and to the community he
served.
Following her husband's passing his widow was navigating the loss of her
spouse, the responsibilities of raising her family as a single parent,
personal health concerns, all in the midst of a global pandemic. These
circumstances contributed significantly to the delay in filing.
This bill provides a one-year period from the effective date to submit
the application and does not expand eligibility or create a new benefit
under existing law.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2025: S.7844 Referred to Civil Service and Pensions
2024: S.6751A Referred to Civil Service and Pensions
2023: 5.6751 Referred to Civil Service and Pensions
2022: 5.8087 Referred to Civil Service and Pensions
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
There will be an immediate past service cost of $245,000 borne by the
city of Buffalo as a one time payment.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.