Subcommittee recommends special act to allow violent-act injury retirement benefits for retired Revere officer Leo McCaskill

The Legislative Affairs Subcommittee voted to recommend a special act that would permit retired Revere Police Officer Leo McCaskill to apply for retirement benefits under the violent-act injury provisions of state law, subject to the retirement board's determination.

The motion, presented by Councilor Cogliandro, would allow Mr. McCaskill to reapply under Section 7 of Chapter 32 of the General Laws, as amended by Chapter 149 of the Acts of 2024. The text states that if the retirement board determines Mr. McCaskill is retired for a violent-act injury, "all of his retirement benefits dispensed after such determination shall be paid and administered in accordance with retirement for a violent act injury pursuant to section 7 of said chapter 32 as so amended." Section 2 provides the act "shall take effect upon its passage."

Councilors expressed unanimous support. Councilor Novoselski said, "No one deserves it more than Leo. Leo was an exemplary police officer and I'm proud to say he's my friend." Councilor Hass thanked the motion's sponsor and praised McCaskill's service.

David Callahan, Chief of the Revere Police Department, addressed the committee in support, describing the assault on McCaskill and saying the officer "was feloniously assaulted in the line of duty" and is unlikely to be able to work again because of his injuries. "We really appreciate the support to help him," Chief Callahan said.

Other speakers included McCaskill's former partner, who described McCaskill's service and supported the motion.

On roll call the subcommittee recommended the special act favorably to the full City Council; the recommendation was unanimous. The act will be forwarded to the council for final approval and, per the text, would become effective upon passage.