When Tragedy Strikes

In 2018, according to the FBI’s “Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted” report, 106 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty. That’s nine more than in 2017. Fifty-five of these officers were killed by felonious acts, while 51 died in accidents. No matter the circumstances surrounding these incidents, 106 of our brothers and sisters had their final call in 2018.

Those of us who have known and served with officers killed in the line of duty know the emotions and turmoil that goes through an agency and community after these events. We try our best to cover our fallen comrades’ families but, in the disorder and confusion, we often do not know where to turn. That’s why the U.S. Department of Justice’s Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Office (PSOB) has put together a few simple documents that will assist both the officer’s survivors and the agency in knowing what is needed to apply for death benefits.

The first document is the “Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Death Benefits Program.” This document details the required documents for filing a PSOB death claim. It gives a quick checklist of necessary steps to file for death benefits for the deceased officers survivors.

Additionally, there is the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Filing a PSOB Appeal.” This one-page list explains the process for appeals if survivors have been denied a claim. For example, a letter from the PSOB office will be sent, if benefits are denied. Survivors then have 33 days in which to notify the PSOB that they wish to appeal.

These are in no way comprehensive in scope, but they are great resources to have handy to help agencies focus on what needs to be done in times when everything but paperwork is on their mind.

Another great resource is the Department of Criminal Justice Training’s Law Enforcement Professional Development and Wellness Branch (LEPDW). A responsibility within this branch is aiding officers and their families in crises. The branch has dedicated employees who will assist the agency and the officers’ survivors in how to deal with Kentucky’s Officer Death Benefit’s program. You may contact Line of Duty Death Benefits Coordinator Andrea Eslami for further information by calling (859) 622-2967.

Finally, the Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation can assist state law enforcement agencies in helping families apply for private benefits from the foundation and understand the process of adding an officer’s name to the Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial. You can contact the foundation at (859) 622-8081.

I hope you never have to use this information. However, if the unthinkable happens, I hope you are prepared. Remember, be safe and check your six!