An Arizona lawmaker wants the state’s voters to approve a measure that would ensure the families of police, firefighters and other public safety officers get at least $1 million if their loved one dies on the job.
Sen. David Livingston said his intent is to add state money to any other work-related death benefits the families receive to reach the $1 million threshold. Besides state and local law enforcement officers, sworn employees of public fire agencies and state and private corrections officers, U.S. Border Patrol agents who live in the state and Arizona National Guard members also will be covered.
All fallen public safety officers get a federal death benefit that now tops $350,000. Many also get state benefits and work-related life insurance. Survivors of National Guard members who die on active duty get a $100,00 benefit and can buy additional live insurance.
And families often are awarded lifetime pensions if their loved-one was enrolled in the state public safety retirement system.