by Hudson Kamphausen CTNewsJunkie
MERIDEN, CT – Gov. Ned Lamont signed the Fallen Officers Fund into law on Wednesday, codifying a fund that will provide a lump sum of $100,000 and health insurance to the families of police officers who are killed in the line of duty in Connecticut.
On a rainy day in front of the Connecticut Police Memorial at the state police academy, the governor was joined by legislators, state officials, and members of law enforcement from throughout the state while he signed into law Public Act 24-27, which strengthens the provisions of the Fallen Officer Fund.
Through the fund, non-taxable benefits of up to $100,000 will be provided to the families or beneficiaries of police officers who are killed while on duty, and those family members will be able to stay on that officer’s health insurance for another five years after.
The fund will also be available to the families of officers who die from injuries they sustain while on the job.
Lamont said that the law is another way the state is showing its appreciation for police officers and their sacrifice.
Flanked from L to R by Comptroller Sean Scanlon, Rep. Pat Boyd, DESPP Commissioner Ronnell Higgins, and (not shown) Rep. Vincent Candelora, Gov. Ned Lamont signs a new law codifying the Fallen Officers Fund on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the Connecticut Police Memorial in Meriden, Connecticut. Credit: Hudson Kamphausen / CTNewsJunkie
“Our local and state police officers put their lives on the line every day while protecting our communities, and they should know that this fund is there to provide their families with some support should the unthinkable happen,” he said. “We need to always remember that the families of police officers are consistently making many sacrifices over the course of their loved one’s commitment to protecting and serving our communities.”
The now-codified law was previously funded during both years of the biennium budget, which ends with fiscal year 2025.
The fund is controlled by the Office of State Comptroller Sean Scanlon, and has already given benefits to the family of a Hartford Police detective who was killed last year.
Scanlon said that he was familiar with what police officers face on daily basis, and that he was grateful to be able to contribute to the passage of the law to solidify the fund.
“As the son and brother of police officers, I know the risks our officers take every day to keep our communities safe,” he said.
Ronnell Higgins, commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection and a former police chief and son of a police officer, said the Fallen Officers Fund will help sustain families in their time of need on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the Connecticut Police Memorial in Meriden, Connecticut.
Credit: Hudson Kamphausen / CTNewsJunkie
Ronnell Higgins, commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection – and a former police chief and son of a police officer – said that the fund will help sustain families in their time of need.
“Families of those men and women live each day in fear of the worst: that their loved one isn’t coming home,” he said. “The Fallen Officer Fund makes sure that the state of Connecticut wraps its arms around a family in need, after that officer has made the ultimate sacrifice.”
High-ranking law enforcement officers in the state gave their support and thanks for the new law.
Avon Police Chief Paul Melanson said that the new law is more than just codifying policy.
“This act is not just a legislature measure, but a lifeline for families grappling with loss,” he said.
The event fell on “Peace Officers Day” during “Police Week,” and several of those present took the opportunity to mention and honor some of the officers in Connecticut who had lost their lives in recent years.
The name of Det. Robert Garten, who was killed in a car crash while responding to a call, will be added to the police memorial.
Reps. Vincent Candelora, R-North Branford, and Pat Boyd, D-Pomfret, attended the event and stated their support for the new law and law enforcement in the state.