Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senators Mitch McConnell and Catherine Cortez Masto have introduced the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at ensuring that families of retired law enforcement officers killed due to their service are not denied benefits. The legislation is named after Chief Herbert D. Proffitt, a Korean War veteran and long-serving officer who was fatally shot in 2012 by someone he had previously arrested.

The proposed act seeks to amend the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program eligibility criteria to include retired officers who have died or become permanently disabled from targeted attacks linked to their service. It also plans to retroactively apply these changes for claims starting January 1, 2012.

Senator McConnell emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating, “The loss of Chief Herbert D. Proffitt is a tragic reminder of the risk that follows our finest every day of their lives.” Berl Perdue, Jr., President of the Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police, expressed gratitude for the bill's introduction, noting its significance for families affected by similar circumstances.

Kerry L. Denton, Chief of Police in Tompkinsville, also praised Senator McConnell’s efforts to honor law enforcement families and remember Chief Proffitt's legacy. The bill has received endorsements from several law enforcement organizations in Kentucky and was introduced in the House by Congressmen Andy Barr and Dan Goldman.