On Friday, June 19th Missouri Governor Jay Nixon was at KCFD Station 19 to sign into legislation a new bill which created a Public Safety Officers Benefit (HB-580) for Missouri Emergency Responders who die in the line of duty.  Under this bill, the families of police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, nurses and the pilots of air ambulances will receive $25,000 death benefit over their pension and workers compensation.  The legislation created a new fund that will be used specifically for this cause.  The fund expires in six years unless lawmakers vote to extend this benefit. 

Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters President Sherwood Smith speaks at the ceremony at Station 19.