MEMPHIS, TN. ---  The Memphis City Council Personnel Committee will consider a resolution on Tuesday, August 4, 2015, sponsored by Councilman Jim Strickland, that will make permanent, health insurance benefits for spouses and dependents of City employees killed in the line-of-duty.  Strickland will present the resolution during the Committee meeting at 8:45 am.

 

Currently, spouses and dependents continue on the deceased employee's health care plan with a 70% City subsidy. Changes to the health care plan for employees/retirees last year left some uncertainty as to whether these benefits would be extended beyond December 31, 2015, when the City subsidy to retirees would cease.

 

"These widows and dependents deserve the benefits their heroes died for, and the comfort in knowing that they will continue to be available forever." said Donna Kirk, founder of Our Fallen Heroes Foundation. Kirk's husband, Lt. Trent Kirk, along with Pvt. Charles Zachary, died in an arson fire at the Family Dollar store in Frayser on Father's Day, 2003.

 

If the Personnel Committee approves the resolution, it will then be presented for approval by the full City Council during its regular meeting at 3:30 pm.

 

With the death of Officer Sean Bolton, Saturday night, August 1, 2015, this resolution could not be more timely, needed and appreciated.