Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich to Sign HERO Act (Bill 32-25), Ensuring Faster, Increased Benefits for Families of Fallen First Responders

For Immediate Release: Friday, December 19, 2025

Monday, Dec. 22 at 10:30 a.m.

Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department, Station 15

13900 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will be joined on Monday, Dec. 22 by County Councilmembers Evan Glass and Sidney Katz, County Fire Chief Corey Smedley, and the family of Master Firefighter Christopher Higgins, for a bill signing ceremony for Expedited Bill 32-25, also known as the HERO Act.

Introduced by Montgomery County Councilmembers Evan Glass and Sidney Katz, the HERO Act is a legislative measure designed to strengthen and expedite survivor benefits for families of first responders—specifically career firefighters and police officers—who die in the line of duty. Prompted by the passing of firefighter Higgins and the delays his family faced in receiving benefits after his line-of-duty death in January, the bill aims to close administrative gaps and ensure timely financial support for surviving spouses and children. 

Under current law, survivors of Group G members (which include career firefighters and rescue personnel) are entitled to certain pension benefits. The HERO Act expands these options by allowing the surviving spouse to choose from three benefit scenarios, including one that treats the deceased as if they had completed 20 years of service. This new option ensures that families receive a more substantial and predictable pension, regardless of the responder’s actual years of service at the time of death.

WHAT: Bill signing ceremony for the HERO Act (Expedited Bill 32-25)

WHEN: Monday, Dec. 22 at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department, Station 15, 13900 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring (Parking is available behind the station, along Old Briggs Chaney Road at Old Columbia Pike.)

WHO:

• County Executive Marc Elrich
• County Councilmember Evan Glass
• County Councilmember Sidney Katz
• Lisa Higgins, surviving spouse of fallen Master Firefighter Christopher Higgins
• Corey Smedley, Chief of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service
• Scott Kitner, Captain, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service
• Michael Moore, Lieutenant, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service
• Jeff Buddle, President of the Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters Association

Media Contact: Mark Roper 240-962-1743