Dept Approves First Line of Duty Claims to Assist Survivors
This month, the Missouri Labor Department’s Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) mailed the first checks to families of loved ones killed in the line of duty after approving the two claims filed in 2010. These Missouri families each received $25,000 from the Line of Duty fund, for a total of $50,000.
“This is significant as it is the first time for our state to compensate families for their loss through this fund,” says Department Director Larry Rebman. “By no means could this money replace those individuals who put their lives on the line to protect the well being of our neighborhoods and communities, however, we hope this small token can assist with the financial hardships families experience when losing a loved one.”
This money was made possible through the Line of Duty Compensation Fund established by the Missouri Legislature in 2009, to pay tribute to the brave men and women who made great sacrifices by serving in the line of duty every day to ensure the safety of our citizens.
Benefits are available for survivors of firefighters, volunteer firefighters, law enforcement officers, air ambulance pilots, air ambulance registered professional nurses, and emergency medical technicians who are killed in the line of duty when:
- The individual was on duty at the time of an injury that resulted in death;
- The individual was engaged in the active performance of the duties of his or her profession; and
- The injury resulting in death occurred as a result of the individual’s performance of his or her duties.
For more information about the fund or to file a Line of Duty Compensation Claim, visit Survivor Benefits. Claims must be filed with the DWC no later than one year from the date of death.
Protecting children and their wellbeing is Dub’s number one priority and he says he will continue to educate employers, parents, school officials, and youth about the laws surrounding young workers in the workplace. 