By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a proposal that would provide a 100 percent regular compensation pension benefit for police officers who have suffered a Violent Act Injury — defined as “a serious and permanent personal bodily injury sustained as a direct and proximate result of a violent attack upon a person by means of a dangerous weapon, including a firearm, knife, automobile, explosive device or other dangerous weapon.”

“When a police officer is involved in an incident where they have been shot, stabbed or beaten so violently that they are no longer able to work, they should not have to suffer financial devastation as well,” said sponsor Rep. Jessica Ann Giannino (D-Revere). “Their life has already been altered by their physical disability. They should not suffer a financial penalty for stepping up and protecting the communities they serve, nor should their family. These violent crimes are thankfully few and far between, however when an officer is injured serving and protecting so severely that they can no longer work and provide for their family, they should be covered, one hundred percent.”