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(Editor’s Note: The following story is based in part on a press release issued recently by state Rep. Jessica Giannino’s office.)
State Police Lt. Donald Bossi of Saugus, who six months ago suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck by a teenager driving a stolen motorcycle, joined a small gathering in Governor Maura Healey’s office last month where the governor signed a new law to make sure state troopers and their families are better protected from line-of-duty injuries. Lt. Bossi thanked state Rep Jessica Giannino and her cosponsors for presenting and amending House Bill 2536, and the governor for signing the legislation into law.
“This bill demonstrates the administration’s commitment to us,” Lt. Bossi said during the bill signing ceremony on Dec. 29.
“As the victim of a violent, near fatal assault, I take great consolation in knowing that if I had succumbed to my injuries, or if I am not able to return to the career that I love, my family will be taken care of,” he said.
Bossi’s daughter Sadie and his wife Sue also attended the ceremony, along with state Rep. Giannino (D-Revere), who represents Precincts 3 and 10 in Saugus.
Lt. Bossi, station commander of the State Police Revere Barracks, was seriously injured last June 23 when a Revere teenager drove over him in front of the State Police Barracks in Revere, ditched his motorcycle and then fled the scene. Akram El Moukhtari, 18, of Revere, later turned himself in. He was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, receiving a stolen vehicle and leaving the scene of personal injury. Officials say Bossi was thrown 45 feet across the road, leaving him with serious injuries.
Lt. Bossi is an East Boston native. He bought a home in East Saugus in 1994, got married to a Saugus native and they raised three children – all graduated from Saugus High School. Lt. Bossi’s wife – Susan Bossi – is a longtime Saugus educator who is currently a reading teacher at Belmonte STEAM Academy.
Rep. Giannino is the original sponsor of the law that created violent injury pension benefits for municipal police officers and the amendment expanding this benefit to State Troopers, ensuring that officers who suffer serious and permanent injuries as the result of violent acts receive full disability pension protections. The bill signed into law last month builds on that work by extending the same protections to State Troopers, who face identical risks in the line of duty.
“This expansion closes an important gap in the law,” Rep Giannino said.
“I am proud to have been the sponsor of the original legislation that guaranteed full benefits for police officers permanently injured by violent acts,” she said, noting that the bill’s signing ensures that Massachusetts State Troopers are afforded the same protection.
“When an officer or trooper puts their life on the line and suffers a devastating injury while protecting others, they should not face financial uncertainty on top of physical and emotional trauma,” Rep. Giannino said.
The original legislation was inspired by real-life incidents in communities, including Revere and Saugus, where officers sustained life-altering injuries during violent encounters. Extending the law to cover State Troopers reinforces the Commonwealth’s commitment to stand behind all law enforcement professionals who serve with courage and sacrifice.
“This law reflects our responsibility to care for those who protect our communities,” Giannino said. “I will continue working to ensure that no officer or trooper injured in the line of duty is left behind.”
