Exclusive: PSOB Delays Painful for Survivors

When Lancaster Township, Pa. Fire Lt. Keith Rankin collapsed and died while conducting a training drill, a video camera mounted nearby captured it.

That video along with a number of photos of the exercise at the Lancaster County Fire School as well as medical records and certifications were submitted to the Department of Justice which oversees the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program.

Survivors of firefighters, EMS personnel and law enforcement officers who die in the line of duty receive about $340,000.

Getting the money, however, is not easy.

The fourth anniversary of Rankin’s death – Sept. 25 – came and went. And, the check still isn’t in the hands of his wife, Abby Rankin Wood.

“I thought we did a good job sending as much documentation as we did,” said Glenn Usdin, Lancaster Township deputy chief and a friend of Rankin. “I know there aren't many incidents that are caught on video. I just don’t understand the delay.”

Among the items sent were copies of Rankin's training records and awards including life membership.

As the latest anniversary approached last month, a DOJ official called asking that Usdin verify Rankin was a member of the department.

“He was the training officer. He was training volunteers in his department and others that day,” Wood told Firehouse.com in a telephone interview Monday.

Rankin, 38, was talking with others at the drill when he keeled over. Despite immediate intervention, he could not be resuscitated.

An autopsy showed he died of a cardiac megaly.

Wood pointed out that the funeral procession stretched for more than three miles. To question his affiliation makes no sense.

Rankin, 38, was talking with others at the drill when he keeled over. Despite immediate intervention, he could not be resuscitated.

 An autopsy showed he died of a cardiac megaly.

Usdin nor Wood ever imagined the process would take this long. But, Rankin's widow says the delays have cost the families of other fallen heroes their home.

A registered nurse, she went back to work about two weeks after the tragic incident. "I'm fortunate to have a career. Others don't, and some have kids to care for..."

About every six weeks, she sends an e-mail or calls someone at DOJ. "All I ever hear is that it's still in legal. That's their standard response. How long could it take? This is ridiculous."

Wood said she's learned that high profile incidents are settled quickly, while others, like her's, remain mired in red tape. 

The families of the Granite Mountain hotshots are among those whose checks were in the mail rather quickly.

Officials have learned there are about 600 pending claims for firefighters and law enforcement officers.

A PSOB official could not be reached for comment.

"There are way, way to many families waiting," said Steve Austin, past president of the Cumberland Valley Vol. Firemen's Association, adding that a group of fire service and police officials have been working together on the issue.

"This isn't just a fire service problem. That's why we've been meeting to come up with develop strategies," he said, adding that he's heard that one police officer's family has been waiting 11 years.

Among those working on the problems are representatives of CFSI, NVFC, IAFC and IAFF.

"We understand it's government money, and they have to be careful. But, to drag it out so long doesn't make sense."

The delays don't just involve those who die of heart attacks within 24 hours of an emergency response, but officers who've been shot and firefighters killed at scenes or responding.

Austin also pointed out that the PSOB snafu is not a political one as the problems have occurred during both Republican and Democratic administrations. 

"The families are entitled to the award, and we're working together to help them get it in a timely matter."

Wood added she doesn't believe officials understand how painful it is for survivors as the process drags on.