Bipartisan Effort Aims to Secure Benefits for Families of Fallen Retired Police Officers

Bipartisan Effort Aims to Secure Benefits for Families of Fallen Retired Police Officers

FIRST ON FOX: A pair of bipartisan senators has come together to support legislation aimed at providing benefits to the families of former law enforcement officers who die during retirement. This significant initiative ensures that these families are not left without support in their time of need.

Sens. Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky, and Catherine Cortez Masto, a Democrat from Nevada, introduced what they call the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act. This important legislation was shared first with Fox News Digital on Monday. The act seeks to amend the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program to include families of retired law enforcement officers who are killed or permanently disabled post-retirement.

The bill is named after Chief Herbert D. Proffitt, a retired officer tragically shot in his own driveway by an individual he had previously arrested. This poignant connection underscores the bill’s importance and intent.

Despite serving a commendable 55 years in law enforcement, Proffitt’s family was denied financial benefits due to his retirement status before the violent incident. This scenario prompts critical questions about the safeguards in place for those who have dedicated their lives to public safety.