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Category: Readers' Opinions

Fund for heroes

Aug 08

7:51 AM

The recent tragic deaths of police officers in Hampton Roads got me to thinking. Shouldn't the immediate family (spouse and children) be given a tax-free monetary stipend and other necessary benefits by the public at large?

For starters, I would respectfully suggest $1 million (tax free), full scholarships for spouse and minor children, adequate medical coverage and other such necessities within reason. After all, this is the least that we could do for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf. I cannot understand why donations for spouses and children have to be sought after an officer dies.

Thank God, these dire circumstances are rare in our community. However, when these disasters do occur, we should rise to the occasion and do the right things for the officers and their immediate family.

We can do this. We should do this. And we need to do this. In this case, our actions would speak much louder than our words. We owe these deserving law enforcement officers and families our very best.

John L. Horton

Norfolk

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Go ahead

Submitted by Ira Tateu on Wed, 08/20/2008 at 11:43 am.

Write the check for the difference.

I know that is sarcastic but at times it seems that the writers who want to give away money don't think about where it will come from. Per the post below they currently receive more than my family will from my life insurance.

Unless you elect Obama who we all know has a magic money wand. Abracadabra. LOL.

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There are some benefits out there...

Submitted by ed baskins on Wed, 08/20/2008 at 9:28 am.

$303,000 from the federal government:

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/psob/psob_main.html

There are also benefits from the state, including free college tuition for the spouse and children:

http://www.nationalcops.org/benefits/virginia.pdf

I think there is also some social security income available if there are children under a certain age.

I am pretty sure that these would all apply in this situation. I was unable to find what benefits Virginia Beach would have, maybe someone could clarify all this. I know no amount of money for his family could replace him, but I am glad to see that there is at least some out there.

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