MERIDEN, Conn — Family members of a police officer who falls in the line of duty will receive financial support from the state in the form of a lump sum payment and can stay on the fallen officer's insurance for some time, according to legislation Gov. Ned Lamont signed into law Wednesday.
The law establishes the Fallen Officer Fund, which will provide a lump sum, non-taxable payment totaling $100,000 to the surviving family members or beneficiaries of any Connecticut local or state police officer who is killed in the line of duty or dies from sustained injuries, the governor's office said.
Family members covered by the fallen officer's health insurance at the time of their death can remain on that coverage for up to five years under the new legislation.
Lamont signed the legislation Wednesday at the Connecticut Law Enforcement Memorial in Meriden. He said it's one of the "ways that we can show our respect for folks who every day put themselves at risk to keep us safe."
"If the ultimate sacrifice is made, we want you to know that we are standing with you and standing with your families, making sure they get the bonus they need," Lamont added.
"Today is about making sure that we say loud and clear to those officers that if the worst case happens, we will be there for your family," said Comptroller Sean Scanlon, whose office will administer the Fallen Officer Fund.
Since 1833, the state of Connecticut has lost 157 officers in the line of service, according to the state Dept. of Emergency Services and Public Protection.
Wednesday, May 15 is also Peace Officers Memorial Day.
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