New law provides death benefit to parole officers

By DEBORAH A. MILES
A new federal benefit was signed into law that applies to PEF members who are in the state Division of Parole and probation officers PEF represents in Albany County. The Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefit Act of 2003 closes a loophole for survivors’ benefits for families of public safety officers.

Families will now receive a one-time payment of $267,494 as a federal survivor benefit, if a public safety officer dies of a heart attack or stroke resulting from their duty. “While I hope no one ever needs to make use of this benefit, it is reassuring to know this is available to families if necessary,” said PEF President Roger Benson. “This change in federal law is a step in the right direction.”

“The members of the state Division of Parole are thankful to the federal government for the substantial benefit the Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefit Act of 2003 provides,” said Richard Mata, PEF Executive Board member for Parole.

Although PEF leaders are encouraged by the passage of this bill, they still feel it isn’t enough, as it is a survivor benefit and not a disability benefit.

Gov. Pataki signed the New York State Heart and Retirement Bill into law in December 1999. It provides a disability retirement allowance of 75 percent of a disabled member’s final salary if they are permanently incapacitated and not able to work due to a heart condition that developed while on the job. The bill, however, does not include parole officers.

“Parole managers and the union must strongly advocate to the governor and state legislators to provide our members with the Heart and Retirement bill,” Mata said. “We need equitable benefits that all law enforcement agencies are provided.”

Benson said PEF will continue to campaign for passage of the Heart bill for parole officers.

Communicator Home June 04

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Take agencies out of the shadows
Law could reduce contracting-out
Keep pressure to save Fulton CF
Heroes plant feet in NH

Departments
President's Message
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Nurses' Station
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