Families of First Responders Who Die from Covid-19 Denied State Benefits
Source ABC 8/wfaa.com
TEXAS-First responders haven't had a break since the pandemic began. Within the Texas prison system, 23 correctional officers have died due to Covid-19. In some cases, even if the Texas Department of Criminal Justice has deemed a first responders death "in the line of duty" their families have still been denied benefits such as worker's compensation.
In one case, a widow was initially denied benefits until she sent proof that her spouse contracted the virus while on duty. Once she sent in proof of text message conversations between her and her spouse, she was given benefits.
CLEAT (the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas is actively working towards changing the law that is keeping first responder's families from receiving benefits. Currently the law does state that 'respiratory illnesses" count but not Covid-19 specifically. CLEAT is also working on policy and law changes so families of first responders who have died from the virus can also receive "line of duty" benefits.
Hilary Rodela
Hilary Rodela is currently a Surveillance Officer, a former Private Investigator, a former Crime Scene Investigator, and Evidence Technician. She worked for the Ruidoso (NM) Police Department as well as the Lubbock (TX) Police Department. She has written for several public safety publications and has extensive law enforcement and forensic training and is pursuing forensic expertise in various disciplines. Hilary is a freelance public safety writer and curriculum developer for the National Investigative Training Academy.
