New Law Ensures Police Survivor Benefits

Senator Browne cosponsored measure for families of fallen officers

A new state law ensures that the families of public safety employees killed in the line of duty receive death benefits, according to state Senator Pat Browne, co-sponsor of the measure.

Act 51 of 2009 guarantees death benefits to the spouse or minor children of a paid law enforcement officer, firefighter, ambulance service or rescue squad member killed-in-service equal to the amount of the decedent’s monthly salary. The benefit will be paid monthly for the life of the spouse and for children under 18 years of age or until age 23 if they attend college.

"Act 51 recognizes the role that police officers/public safety employees play in Pennsylvania’s communities. They put their lives on the line every time they go on duty," Senator Browne said. "We, in turn, have a duty and a responsibility to repay that dedication by guaranteeing that we will step up and take care of their families."

Since 2002, 32 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty. Earlier this year, Trooper Joshua D. Miller of Monroe County died as the result of a wound suffered in a June 7th gun battle following a 40-mile vehicle pursuit. In addition, a Philadelphia officer was killed in February and three Pittsburgh police officers were killed in April.

Prior to this new law, boroughs and townships paid the entire cost of benefits for their police/public safety employees. Act 51 shifts these costs to the state. A Senate study estimated the annual cost to the state to be $9,000 for each officer killed in the line of duty.

Contact:

Matt Moyer
(610) 366-2327