Safety & Health

IL Doubles Death Benefits for Fallen Firefighters

June 27, 2019

A new law signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday raises the limit the state can reimburse the families of first responders killed in the line of duty to $20,000.

By Andy Kravetz

Source Journal Star, Peoria, Ill.

CHICAGO—A day after Fulton County Sheriff's Deputy Troy Chisum was killed, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law Wednesday a measure that would double the death benefits for families of fallen law enforcement officers and firefighters.

Previously, the amount of money the state would reimburse a family was capped at $10,000, but the new law raises that limit to $20,000. The bill will apply to all deaths from June 30, 2018, onward.

"While no amount of money can ease the terrible grief of families who have lost their loved ones because they were killed in the line of duty, I hope we can at least lessen the financial burden of an immeasurable loss of our state's finest," the governor said in a news release. "My heart breaks for the families, friends and fellow first responders every time a brave soul leaves us in the noblest of ways. A grateful state will always honor your legacies."

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