Governor Healey Ceremonially Signs Legislation Honoring Fallen Boston Firefighter Mathew Troy
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August 31, 2026
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Governor Healey Ceremonially Signs Legislation Honoring Fallen Boston Firefighter Mathew Troy
Law provides benefits to surviving spouse of longtime Boston firefighter
BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey today joined the family of Boston firefighter Mathew Troy, fellow firefighters and legislative leaders for a ceremonial signing of legislation honoring his service and providing accidental death benefits to his wife, Rachel Troy.
Mathew Troy dedicated his career to protecting the people of Boston. He died from cholangiocarcinoma, a cancer connected to his service as a firefighter. Because his diagnosis came just four months short of the timeframe required under state law, his family did not automatically qualify for accidental death benefits.
“Mathew Troy dedicated his career to protecting the people of Boston,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our firefighters put their lives and their health on the line every day to keep us safe, and we have a responsibility to support them and honor their service. I’m proud to sign this legislation recognizing Mathew’s service and making sure his family receives the support they deserve.”
“Public safety is about more than responding to emergencies—it is about making sure the people who protect us are protected, too,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are grateful to Mathew Troy for his service and to his family for the sacrifice they made alongside him.”
The legislation, An Act Providing Accidental Death Benefits for the Surviving Spouse of a Former Firefighter of the City of Boston, sponsored by Senator Nick Collins and Representative Daniel Hunt allows Rachel Troy to receive the benefits she would have been eligible for had Mathew’s cancer diagnosis met the statutory timeframe, including a payment based on his retirement contributions and continued health insurance coverage.
“Boston Fire Fighter Mat Troy’s service came with risks that ultimately affected not only him, but also his family”, said Senator Nick Collins, primary sponsor of the legislation. “This law ensures that we uphold our sacred commitment to take care of our first responders and their families, who make the ultimate sacrifice for our safety. I am grateful to Boston Firefighters Local 718 and the PFFM for standing up for the Troy family, to my Senate and House colleagues for advancing this bill, and to Governor Maura Healey for signing it into law.”
“Matthew Troy dedicated his life to serving others as a Marine, a firefighter, and a member of Boston’s Special Operations and Technical Rescue team,” said State Representative Daniel J. Hunt. “His courage and selflessness touched countless lives, and his family made an enormous sacrifice in sharing him with our community. This legislation is about making sure that sacrifice is recognized and that Rachel has the support and security she deserves. I’m proud to have co-filed this bill with Senator Collins and deeply grateful to Local 718 and PFFM for their steadfast advocacy, to my colleagues in the Legislature for acting swiftly, and to Governor Healey for signing this legislation into law and standing alongside the Troy family today. We will never forget Mat’s service, his courage, or the legacy he leaves behind.”
“Two years ago, the life Mat and I shared was forever changed after his passing. While nothing can bring him back, today brings a profound sense of peace and comfort,” said Rachel Troy. Mat spent his life putting others first, first as a Marine and then as a Boston Firefighter. Losing him left a void in our lives that can never truly be filled, but seeing his service recognized like this means the world. I am deeply grateful to Governor Maura Healey, Senator Nick Collins, and Representative Dan Hunt for their leadership. I also want to share my heartfelt thank to President Sam Dillon, Mat’s Union Local 718, and the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts for fighting endlessly for Mat and for our family. Mat gave everything to protect others and I am so thankful to see his sacrifice honored today.”
“Two years ago, Boston Firefighter Mat Troy gave his life in his battle against Occupational Cancer,” said Sam Dillon, President, Boston Firefighters IAFF Local 718. “A loving husband, dedicated public servant, and a United States Marine, Mat Troy embodied the principles of service to others. Boston Firefighters Local 718 is proud to join the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts and the Boston Fire Department in ensuring that Mat’s family receives the benefits that he earned through his service and his sacrifice. Local 718 thanks Governor Maura Healey, Senator Nick Collins, and Representative Dan Hunt for their advocacy on this issue, without which, today would not have been possible. Local 718 remains relentless in our battle against the Occupational Cancers that continue their devastating toll on our Firefighters and our families and we respect those who recognize the gravity of this fight and join us in our mission. We pause today to call to mind the memory and legacy of a young man taken far too soon and we ask that all take the time to reflect upon the sacrifices of others that keep our City and our Commonwealth safe.”
Governor Healey has worked to protect the health and safety of firefighters across Massachusetts. In 2024, she signed legislation phasing out toxic PFAS chemicals in firefighter turnout gear, which have been linked to cancer and other serious health risks. She also expanded access to free cancer screenings for firefighters, with the number of screenings nearly doubling from 2024 to 2025, and invested millions of dollars in new turnout gear, protective equipment, thermal imaging cameras, communications equipment and other tools to help firefighters stay safe on the job. Earlier this year, the administration awarded $5 million to more than 300 local fire departments for firefighter safety equipment.
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