Edited by Chris Graham
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Gov. Bob McDonnell today signed legislation which will extend short-term disability benefits for Virginia State Police officers injured in the line of duty.
SB95, sponsored by Sen. Fred Quayle, R-Suffolk, extends the length of time that a State Police officer subject to a work-related injury in the line of duty will receive supplemental short-term disability coverage equal to 100 percent of their compensation. Currently, officers are only eligible for coverage for 125 days of work. SB95 expands the coverage to six months.
Additionally, if certified by the superintendent of State Police, this coverage can be extended to one year if a medical evaluation indicates the officer is likely to return to service within the additional six months.
Del. Bill Carrico, R-Galax, sponsored similar legislation in the House. Attending today’s ceremonial bill signing, in addition to Sen. Quayle and Del. Carrico, were Del. Beverly Sherwood, R-Winchester; Secretary of Public Safety Marla Decker; Deputy Secretary of Public Safety John Buckovich; Virginia State Police Deputy Superintendent Lt. Col. Robert B. Northern; and Wayne Huggins, executive director of the Virginia State Police Association.
“Virginia’s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day they report for duty. It is their selfless service and heroism that helps to ensure Virginia’s streets and neighborhoods remain safe. Understanding the dangers of their job, it is critical that we provide adequate support should they be injured in the line of duty,” McDonnell said.
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