McConnell, Cortez Masto work to expand benefits for families of retired police

A bipartisan effort led by Sens. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) aims to pass crucial legislation that will provide benefits to the families of former law enforcement officers who are killed in retirement. The Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act, unveiled exclusively to Fox News Digital, seeks to amend the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program to extend benefits to families of retired officers who are killed or permanently disabled after retirement.

The legislation is named after Chief Herbert D. Proffitt, a retired officer who tragically lost his life when he was shot and killed in his driveway by someone he had arrested many years ago. Despite serving in law enforcement for 55 years, Proffitt’s family was denied benefits because he had retired before the attack occurred.

Sen. Cortez Masto, herself a former law enforcement official, emphasized the importance of supporting the families of fallen officers, stating, “When a law enforcement officer is killed because of the work they did to keep our communities safe, it’s our responsibility to make sure their family is cared for.” She expressed pride in introducing this legislation to rectify the injustice experienced by Chief Proffitt’s family and prevent similar situations from happening in the future.

The bill would also extend eligibility for benefits to claims by former law enforcement officers who retired on or after Jan. 1, 2012. Sen. McConnell echoed the sentiment, calling Chief Proffitt’s loss a tragic reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers every day. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that families like the Proffitts are supported and reassured that the service and sacrifice of their loved ones are never forgotten.

The Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act has garnered support from various police advocacy groups, including the Fraternal Order of Police, the Nevada Association of Public Safety Officers, the Kentucky Sheriffs’ Association, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Foundation, and Supporting Heroes.

A similar version of the bipartisan legislation was introduced in the House by Reps. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) and Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) last month, underscoring the widespread bipartisan support for providing benefits to the families of retired law enforcement officers who are killed or disabled in retirement.

The initiative underscores the commitment to honoring the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers and ensuring that their families are taken care of in times of need. It is a crucial step towards recognizing and supporting the contributions of these dedicated public servants.