CAPE COD, Massachusetts (WBZ NewsRadio) —A newly elected state representative on Cape Cod said he plans to file legislation regarding fundraising efforts for first responders injured in the line of duty.
State representative-elect Steve Xiarhos says he is planning to file legislation supporting fundraising efforts for first responders seriously injured in the line of duty.
This effort comes after questions were raised on the legality of a GoFundMe page set up by friends of the Massachusetts State Trooper shot during a traffic stop in Hyannis, earlier this month.
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"There's nothing wrong with what they did, they set up a GoFundMe to help this trooper survive and hopefully come back to work," Xiarhos said.
The GoFundMe was set up last week for trooper John Lennon and Xiarhos said he'll need the money while his severely damaged hand recovers.
"People think he was shot in the hand and it may not sound that bad, but he was shot in the chest. He put his hand out instinctively to defend himself and the bullet went through his hand and into his body armor," Xiarhos said.
He adds he supports ethics laws preventing public employees from abusing their position for personal fundraising but says legitimate fundraising efforts to support injured first responders deserve special consideration.
WBZ NewsRadio's Tim Dunn reports
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