The father of a Kentucky State Police trooper who was fatally shot in the line of duty last week is urging state lawmakers to implement legislation to help improve safety for law enforcement.

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Joe Ponder's son, Trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder, was shot and killed on Sept. 13 after a driver who fled a traffic stop exited his vehicle during a pursuit and opened fire on the 31-year-old's cruiser, according to WLKY-TV.

Ponder spoke to Kentucky's house speaker and other legislators on Tuesday, saying that bulletproof windshields would have saved his son's life.

"Today, we are addressing an issue that can save the lives of our law enforcement men and women that defend and protect us every day, so help us honor their lives and those who followed in their path by supporting this bill to equip police cruisers with bulletproof windshields," Ponder said. "A bulletproof windshield would have saved my son's life."

Kentucky House Speaker Greg Stumbo said he would look at all possible options that would increase safety for state troopers. One option being considered is to use a coating to put on the windshields of cruisers that makes the outside bulletproof.

"All of Kentucky owes a debt of respect and gratitude to the men and women in law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to make our citizens safe and our communities secure," Stumbo said in a statement. "I know that members of the General Assembly want to provide as much support as possible for our front line defenders. With this in mind, I would (like) to reach out to you and ask for guidance on what we can do to help the Kentucky State Police return home safely at the end of each day's lifesaving shift."

Lawmakers say that they hope to have legislation prepared by the next session in January.