Troopers seek benefits for those killed in line of duty

By Terrie Morgan-Besecker tmorgan@timesleader.comLaw & Order Reporter

The head of the union representing state police troopers is pushing for the passage of a state Senate bill that would provide the full salary to the spouses of troopers and other officers killed in the line of duty.

The death Sunday of Trooper Joshua Miller, killed in a shootout with a man who had kidnapped his son, exemplifies the need for speedy passage of the bill that was introduced last year, said Bruce Edwards, president of the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association.

Under state law, surviving spouses and children of police officers employed by boroughs and townships are eligible for death benefits equaling 100 percent of the officer’s salary if he or she dies in the line of duty. The law does not apply to state police, officers in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh or municipal police in third-class cities, Edwards said.

Edwards said the disparity exists because borough and township police are covered under the state’s Act 600, while officers in the state’s cities are governed by policies in their individual municipalities.

The only payment the state offers a slain trooper’s family is a $100,000 flat payment, Edwards said.

“It’s a fairness issue,” Edwards said. “Our troopers are not afraid to put their life on the line, but the one thing they do worry about is that their loved ones are taken care of if they are killed.”

State Sen. Sean Logan, D-Monroeville, introduced a bill last year that would extend death benefits to all police officers, as well as other rescue personnel, such as firefighters. The bill is currently being reviewed by a committee.

Edwards said one of the key issues blocking the bill’s passage is concern over the cost. He said he believes the cost will be manageable because other programs, including workers’ compensation and pension system, would pay the bulk of the benefits. The state would only be responsible to pay the difference between those benefits and the officer’s salary.

Edwards said he hopes Logan’s bill will make it to the House and Senate floors for a vote later this year.

That won’t help the wife and three children Miller left behind because the bill will not be retroactive. Edwards said he’s hopeful the young trooper’s death with provide the final push to get the legislation passed.

“We don’t want any more families to be in this situation of not getting that full coverage,” he said.

Funeral arrangements for Miller

Funeral arrangements have been made for Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Joshua Miller, who was killed in the line of duty on Sunday.

The viewing will be held 1-8 p.m. Thursday at Pittston Area High School.

The funeral will be 11 a.m. Friday at the high school, with interment to follow at the Lacey Street Cemetery in Laceyville.