Gov. Ned Lamont signs law to help families of Connecticut officers killed in line of duty

MERIDEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Gov. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.) signed a law establishing the Fallen Officer Fund in front of the Connecticut Law Enforcement Memorial on Wednesday.

The fund gives a lump sum, nontaxable payment of $100,000 to families of local and state police officers killed in the line of duty. It also allows families to stay on the officer’s health insurance for up to five years. The Fallen Officer Fund will be administered by the Office of the State Comptroller.

“This bill is one way to say to you that we have your back, your families’,” Lamont said. “If there is a tragedy, we’ve got their back.”

The family of Hartford Police Detective Bobby Garten was the first recipient of this money. Garten was killed in a crash while responding to a call in September.

Last Wednesday, a group of Hartford police officers biked 300 miles to police week in Washington, D.C. Hartford Police Chief Jason Thody also went to D.C. He reflected on the ceremony honoring Garten and the hundreds of officers across the country who died this past year.

“Listening to the speeches at the candlelight vigil, you get a sense you’re not alone, that other people have gone through this,” Thody said. “And while it will always be a hole, it will get better.”

He said this support makes a difference to families who have to deal with finances following a tragedy.

“When we start talking about having a wake at Yard Goats and a funeral at the XL Center, while people do donate, there is a cost associated with it,” Thody said.

The signing was a somber moment, with flags lowered to half-staff to recognize Peace Officers Memorial Day, a national observance paying tribute to law enforcement who died while wearing the badge.

“I’ve been a police chief, and as the son of a police officer, the families of those men and women live each and every day in fear of the worst that their loved one isn’t coming home,” said Ronnell Higgins, the Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.

Next week, Garten’s family and Hartford police officers will be at the memorial to honor Garten’s name, which has been added to the list of fallen officers in Connecticut.