Nelson County Democratic Chair Backs Bill to Expand Benefits for Police Officers

 

Nelson County Democratic Committee Chair Connie Brennan today urged the Virginia State Senate to pass legislation that would provide benefits to the families of officers employed by private police departments and nonprofit private colleges who are killed in the line of duty.  

The legislative effort to expand the Line of Duty Act follows the June 16 killing of Mark Christopher “Chris” Wagner II, a Wintergreen Police Department officer who was fatally shot while responding to a violent attack on two men.  

“Police officers like Chris Wagner put their lives on the line every day to protect us,” said Ms. Brennan. “And when one of them is killed in the line of duty, we have an obligation to do what we can to protect their families. This bill would do just that. It would provide financial assistance to ensure that families of slain police officers have money for basic necessities, such as paying rent or buying groceries.” 

The Nelson County Board of Supervisors is also urging passage of the legislation, as are a number of nearby counties, including Augusta, Amherst and Fluvanna. The Senate bill is cosponsored by Sen. Creigh Deeds, a Democrat whose district includes Nelson County, and sponsored by Republican Sen. Mark Obenshain of Harrisonburg.   

The bill, SB 466, will next be considered by the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee. Ms. Brennan urged Nelson County residents to contact members of the committee to voice support. The committee members are:

 
NewsBob Garsson