Everett McCain v. the Town of North Providence, by and Through Its Mayor Charles Lombardi

Summary

The Rhode Island Supreme Court affirmed the Superior Court’s judgment that Everett McCain qualified as a “firefighter” under G.L.1956 §45‑19‑1(c) and was therefore entitled to injured‑on‑duty benefits. The Court applied a de novo review and held the statutory language was clear and unambiguous, rendering any distinction between “first‑responders” and civilian linemen irrelevant. Justice Goldberg dissented, arguing that the statute should be limited to true first‑responders and that extending benefits to maintenance personnel produces an absurd result.