On the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Michigan Senate takes bipartisan steps to bolster support for first responders
LANSING, Mich. (Sept. 11, 2024) — On the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Senate Veterans and Emergency Services Committee voted in a bipartisan fashion to advance Senate Bill 834 for the full chamber’s consideration. Introduced by Sen. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores), this legislation would double survivor benefits for public safety officers who are killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.
“Over two decades after the world witnessed the greatest valiance Americans had to offer in the wake of devastating tragedy, we are taking decisive action in their honor to strengthen our support for the first responders here in Michigan who answer the call to serve day in and day out,” said Sen. Hertel, Vice Chair of the Senate Veterans and Emergency Services Committee. “Despite the threat of personal physical and mental harm, these patriots put service above self to ensure the safety and security of their neighbors. Their heroism and sacrifice must be met with our support, which is what this legislation aims to do.”
Currently under the Public Safety Officers Benefit Act, if a public safety officer dies or is permanently disabled in the line of duty, the officer’s surviving spouse and dependents are eligible for a one-time payment of $25,000. Public safety officers include members of law enforcement, firefighters, rescue squad and ambulance crew members — including those serving in a volunteer capacity.
The amount has not been updated in two decades, failing to keep up with the increased cost of healthcare and funeral arrangements. This legislation seeks to rectify the issue by amending the Public Safety Officer Benefit Act to increase the benefit amount from $25,000 to $50,000 to ensure adequate support for the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, providing them with the financial stability and recognition they deserve for their loved one’s service.
“Every day, Michigan firefighters demonstrate boundless courage, running into fire to help those in need while everyone else is running away,” said Matthew Sahr, President of the Michigan Professional Firefighters Union and 16-year veteran of the Harrison Township Fire Department. “As someone who has held families reeling from a profound loss and has witnessed colleagues suffer physical disability from the job, it is clearly evident that we are not answering the call to serve alone — our families answer too. Senator Hertel’s legislation acknowledges the risks our families face alongside us and sends a powerful message that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
“Police officers in every corner of our state put on their uniform each day knowing the risks involved, but we also know that our families bear those risks with us” said Kenneth E. Grabowski, Legislative Director of the Police Officers Association of Michigan. “When tragedy strikes, it’s our loved ones who are left to pick up the pieces. This legislation recognizes the immense burden they face, not only providing gratitude to the families of our fallen officers, but also ensuring they have the resources they need in the aftermath of an unimaginable loss.”
Senate Bill 834 now awaits the full Senate’s approval.
Sen. Hertel and Monty Nye from the Michigan Professional Fire Fighters Union testify in front of the Senate Veterans and Emergency Services Committee on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Photo Credit: Jose Romero, Michigan Senate Democrats
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