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| 麻州州長Maura Healey簽署「藍星家族」紀念車牌法案。（周菊子攝） |
(Boston Orange 編譯)麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）15日簽署一項新法，為因公殉職警員家屬發行專屬的「藍星家族」（Blue Star Family）紀念車牌，以表彰警員為保護社區安全所付出的最高代價。
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麻州警察兄弟會（Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police）政府事務主任
Frank Frederickson（前左二），以及John Nelson（前左一）出席見證法案簽署。
（周菊子攝） |
這項法案獲得跨黨派支持，由麻州參議員布魯斯·塔爾（Bruce Tarr）與眾議員克里斯·華許（Chris Walsh）共同提案，未來符合資格的遺族可向麻州機動車輛管理局（RMV）免費申請。
奚莉州長在簽署儀式時表示，警察佩戴警徽出門執勤時，他們自己和家人都知道這工作有風險，一但他們因公殉職，那不僅是他們家人，警局，更是社區的損失。希望這車牌能成為路上人人可見的致敬標誌，提醒所有人記得在道路上為人民奉獻生命的英雄。
根據新法，麻州機動車輛管理局（RMV）將發行印有「藍星家族」字樣的特殊汽車與機車車牌，殉職警員的父母、子女、手足、孫子女或配偶都可申請。麻州公共安全與安保部部長Gina Kwon指出，這是對執法人員家庭表達尊重的重要象徵，州府將全力協助家屬完成申請程序。
麻州參議會議長凱倫·史匹卡（Karen E. Spilka）強調，這法案雖無法抹去家屬的傷痛，但能為家屬留住關於殉職者的記憶與榮耀。眾議會議長羅納德·馬里亞諾（Ronald J. Mariano）則表示，麻州藉這措施，確保為社區奉獻生命的執法人員永遠不被遺忘。
RMV局長柯琳·奧吉維（Colleen Ogilvie）表示，將盡快公佈申請細節，讓符合資格的家屬能早日取得這塊象徵服務與支持的紀念車牌。
麻州警察兄弟會（Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police）政府事務主任Frank Frederickson，以及John Nelson這天和許多藍星家族成員在州長辦公室儀式廳，一同見證了法案簽署。
Governor Healey Signs Blue Star Family License Plate Legislation Honoring Families of Fallen Police Officers
New law establishes commemorative license plates for family members of officers who made the ultimate sacrifice
BOSTON — Today, in a ceremony with families of fallen Troopers and Officers, Governor Maura Healey signed S2903, An Act honoring Blue Star families, creating a new commemorative license plate for eligible family members of those killed in the line of duty. Thanks to bipartisan legislation filed by Senator Bruce Tarr and Representative Chris Walsh, the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) will issue the plates free of charge in recognition of the extraordinary sacrifice made by police personnel and their families.
“Every day, police officers put on the badge knowing the risks that come with serving their communities. Their families understand those risks, too. And when an officer is killed in the line of duty, that loss is carried not only by a department, but by parents, spouses, children, siblings, grandchildren, friends, and entire communities,” said Governor Healey. “These Blue Star Plates will be a visible tribute to their loved ones’ sacrifices. I hope everyone who sees them on the roads will pause and remember those who gave their lives in the service of others. I’m deeply grateful for the advocacy of the Blue Star families who shared their stories in support of this bill and to the legislators whose leadership made it possible.”
“We appreciate the work of our colleagues in the Legislature on both sides of the aisle who shared our vision to make this important tribute a reality,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Creating a new license plate is a small gesture from the people of Massachusetts that means so much to Blue Star Families.”
“Blue Star Plates provide a symbol of respect for law enforcement families who made the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of Massachusetts communities,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Gina Kwon. “We appreciate the Legislature’s work to deliver this bill to the Governor’s Desk, and we pledge our full support to families applying for a plate through the forthcoming Registry of Motor Vehicles’ process. We will never forget the fallen heroes of this Commonwealth.”
"There is no larger sacrifice a public servant can make than giving their lives in the line of duty to protect the public. The Blue Star plate is one way we can honor the families of those heroes for their loss, and in my opinion, we can never do enough to honor our fallen and stand together, in remembrance, with their families and loved ones," said Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble.
“We are honored to have a role in making the Blue Star Family License Plate a reality. Creating this plate serves as a meaningful way to recognize these fallen heroes and their families. We are grateful to all of those who helped to make this possible and look forward to making these plates available so eligible family members can proudly display this symbol of service and support,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie.
“Every day, law enforcement officers across the Commonwealth put themselves between danger and the people they serve. These heroes left their families and never came home,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “This law won’t erase these tragic and heartbreaking losses, but it will ensure their memory, and the memories of all our fallen officers, travel with the families who carry it every day. I’m grateful to my Senate colleagues for prioritizing this important bill and to Governor Healey for signing it into law.”
"This bill is about recognizing the sacrifice made by the families of fallen law enforcement officers,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “By making license plates available to the spouses, parents, and children of law enforcement who were killed in the line of duty, Massachusetts is ensuring that the legacy of those who gave their lives in service to our communities is never forgotten. I want to thank Governor Healey for signing this important legislation into law, as well as my colleagues in the House and our partners in the Senate for their hard work on this issue.”
"It’s especially fitting to bestow this highly visible blue license plate in honor and recognition for families of law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting their communities. With the Governor signing this bill into law, the special plate proudly displaying the “Blue Star Family’ emblem will now be available to spouses, children, and parents of fallen law enforcement officers all across the Commonwealth, at no additional charge from the Registry,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means (D-Westport). “This initiative is a meaningful token of appreciation that will forever honor these brave men and women who paid the price when answering the call to duty.”
"When family members lose a loved one who dies while protecting our public safety, they make an incalculable sacrifice that endures for every day they carry on without that person in their lives,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “That sacrifice should be recognized and honored with a license plate that allows all of us to be aware of it, and to capture every opportunity to express our respect, gratitude, and support.”
The bill requires the RMV to issue distinctive motor vehicle license plates and motorcycle license plate emblems that read “Blue Star Family” upon the request of the parent, child, sibling, grandchild or spouse of a law enforcement officer who was killed in the line of duty. The RMV will begin implementing the new license plate program and will announce application details once they become available.
Governor Healey previously submitted testimony in support of this legislation.
Statements from Impacted Families
Maral Bucci, mother of Massachusetts State Trooper Tamar Bucci
“As the parents of fallen Massachusetts State Trooper Tamar Bucci, my husband and I know that no law, honor, or tribute can ever replace the child we lost. But knowing that Massachusetts has chosen to recognize Blue Star families is a powerful reminder that the sacrifices made by our loved ones, and by the families who stand behind them, will never be forgotten. This legislation is more than a bill. It is a promise that the service, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice of those who wear the badge will continue to be honored for generations to come. We are grateful to the legislators, advocates, and everyone who worked to make this recognition reality. We hope this serves as a lasting tribute not only to Tamar, but to every family whose life has been forever changed by the loss of a loved one in the line of duty. Tamar lived with courage, compassion, and a commitment to serving others. We will continue to honor her legacy by ensuring that her sacrifice, and the sacrifices of all fallen heroes, are never forgotten.”
Barbara Trainor, mother of Massachusetts State Trooper Kevin Trainor
“Our family is grateful to everyone supporting the Blue Star plate and helping ensure Kevin’s service and sacrifice are never forgotten.”
Shannon LaPorta, wife of Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen A. LaPorta:
“As the wife of Uxbridge Police Officer Stephen A. LaPorta (E.O.W. 01-07-26), I want to express my heartfelt gratitude, on behalf of myself, my son Matthew, and our entire family, to State Representative Thomas P. Walsh, presenter of S.2903, “The Blue Star Family License Plate”; to everyone who supported this meaningful legislation; and especially to Governor Maura Healey for signing it into law. This symbol means more to our family than words can fully capture. As a Blue Star Spouse and mother, I am deeply grateful for the kindness, compassion, and support shown to us, and to all Blue Star families who will now be able to proudly display this symbol of sacrifice, service, and remembrance.”
Kristin Tracey, widow of Waltham Police Officer Paul Tracey:
“As the widow of fallen Waltham Police Officer Paul Tracey (EOW December 6, 2023), I am beyond grateful and deeply moved by the passing of the Blue Star License Plate bill. This legislation is more than just a license plate—it is a meaningful symbol of recognition, remembrance, and support for the families who continue to carry the loss of a loved one who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community. Knowing that my family will now have this visible tribute is both comforting and inspiring. I sincerely thank everyone who worked tirelessly to make this bill a reality and for honoring the legacy of our fallen heroes and the families they left behind. A special appreciation and acknowledgment to Fraternal Order of Police Director Frank Frederickson and MCOP VP John Nelson for their continued efforts for years to get this bill supported and passed.”
Denise Morency Gannon, mother of Yarmouth Police Sergeant Sean Gannon:
“On behalf of Patrick, Dara and my children and their spouses, we're so grateful to know such compassion and support from everyone who participated in the process of producing the Blue Star License Bill and its passage into Law. We are not present today because even 8 years after the murder of our son, Sergeant Sean Gannon from Yarmouth Police Department, we are entering a second appeal by the defendant, Thomas Latanowich to appeal his case for the second time. Today, as you celebrate the passage of this Bill into Law, we are in the District Attorney's office with his team to listen to the next steps of the Appellate process. We're thinking and praying with you and for you.
On behalf of all families who have experienced a line of duty death and the years that justice for the victim, the Officers who died often takes a toll on their families' physical and mental health, this Gratitude Plate can be a reminder to the public of the daily expense that Police Officers willingly give on behalf of public safety. The streets of Heaven are too crowded with Blue angels. We pray that all officers who serve will remain safe and return home at the end of every shift. God bless everyone who helped to make this Blue Star License Plate a reality.”
The Tarentino Family, family of Auburn Police Officer Ronald Tarentino Jr.:
As a family, we are so gracious for everyone who has had a hand in making the Blue Star License Plates possible, from creating the initiative to where we are today. It was an all-around team effort from all involved and we are beyond proud to support the Blue Star License Plates. This is near and dear to our hearts, and we make every effort to honor the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice and support their families in the same way our own family has been supported - and what a tremendous honor it is, to display the pride we have for our heroes and remind those passing by that Law Enforcement Officers are humans. In honor of Officer Ronald Tarentino, Jr., our son, brother, father, husband, uncle and friend - and every officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice in the Line of Duty - you will NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
Les Vitale, brother of Saugus Police Officer Harold L. Vitale:
“When I receive my Blue Star Plate, I plan to take it in my arms and hold it to my chest, because it will make me feel like I’m getting to hug my brother one more time. Then I’ll probably drive around town with my Blue Star Plate and it will feel like my brother is my guide riding with pride that only a Blue Star family can really understand and appreciate.”
Jim O’Leary, son of Boston Police Patrolman James B. O’Leary:
The passage of the Blue Star License Plate bill is deeply personal to me and brings a lifetime of emotions to the surface. The grief and sorrow of losing a loved one in the line of duty never truly disappear. They remain just beneath the surface, even after nearly 63 years. I was only six years old when my father, A Boston Police Officer, was killed during an armed robbery. Like so many families of fallen officers, we have carried that loss every day. While time moves forward, the sacrifice made by our loved ones is never forgotten
This legislation ensures that Massachusetts’ fallen law enforcement officers will be honored every day on the roads of our Commonwealth. Too often, the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice fades from public awareness. The Blue Star License Plate will not only commemorate their courage, dedication, and service, but also serve as a lasting reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers willingly face to protect our communities.
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