Missouri Creates Death Benefit for Emergency Responders

Family members of Missouri emergency responders who are killed while on duty will be entitled to a death benefit.

Gov. Jay Nixon was at a Kansas City fire station Friday to sign legislation creating the benefit. Nixon says the money is a proper way to honor those who die to protect Missourians.
Under the bill, the families of firefighters, police officers, paramedics and air ambulance pilots and nurses can claim a $25,000 benefit on top of existing pension and workers' compensation entitlements.

The death benefit is to be paid from a newly created state fund that can receive money from state revenues and gifts. The extra death benefit will expire after six years if lawmakers don't vote to renew it.