Governor Nixon Grants Death Benefits to Families of First Responders

June 22, 2009 – Standing inside a Kansas City fire station, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon signed a bill to benefit the families of Missouri emergency personnel killed in the line of duty. House Bill 580, which establishes the Line of Duty Compensation Act, allows a claim to be filed with the Division of Workers' Compensation on behalf of a law enforcement officer, fire fighter, emergency medical technician, air ambulance pilot or air ambulance registered nurse for a benefit of $25,000.

Nixon signed House Bill 580 at Kansas City Station #19. The bill-signing ceremony was attended by fire fighters and law enforcement officers.

"These brave men and women put their lives on the line every day to protect the citizens of Missouri," Governor Nixon said. "Too many times, they have given their lives in the performance of their duties. This financial benefit for surviving family members is an appropriate way to recognize those who make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty."

"It is an unfortunate part of the job that first responders die in the line of duty," said IAFF Second District Vice President Mark Woolbright. "With the signing of this bill, when one of our own falls, it is reassuring that the families of the fallen will receive the assistance they deserve in their time of tragedy and need. We are grateful to the General Assembly and applaud the governor for expediting the signing of this critically important piece of legislation."

The governor was joined at the bill signing by state legislators and by representatives of law enforcement and fire fighting agencies and organizations. To determine eligible claims, the bill defines "killed in the line of duty" and excludes deaths resulting from willful misconduct or intoxication. The bill contained an emergency clause, meaning the law took effect upon the governor's signature. Any benefits paid under the new law are in addition to any other benefit to which the claimant might otherwise be entitled.