Governor Rick Scott has signed a measure into law allowing the surviving spouses of law enforcement or first responders killed in the line of duty to receive a proper death benefit.
Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings has been advocating on behalf of the family of one of his deputies killed in the line of duty in 2014.
“When we enter this profession, we don’t know that we may somehow be exposed to the potential of death or that death may occur, and for a young family, it’s very important for the surviving spouse—particularly if they have children—that they have the ability to take care of their families,” he said.
Because of the retirement option he chose, Bridget Pine and her family did not really receive a death benefit, upon Deputy Scott Pine’s death. Under the new law, she would now get 100 percent of her late husband’s monthly salary. That holds true for other surviving spouses of those considered special risk. The new law takes effect July 1st. In the coming weeks, Governor Scott is expected to hold a ceremonial bill signing.
For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.
