This is a letter written by Troo

This is a letter written by Trooper Faulk to his spouse about what can/should be done if he were to be killed in the line of duty.

He has done some great research regarding line of duty death benefits. Most of it applies to all members, but not all (unless you are a member of the Eagles). It is worth taking a look at:

As of 2007, here are the different benefits that are available to you in the event of my death while in the line of duty:

The federal government provides over $303,000 under the Public Safety Officers Benefit Act. The forms, rules and regulations have been saved in our WSP Documents folder as well as linked below. You will need to submit the report of death and the benefit claim forms, which can be done online. If I am completely disabled, there are disability benefits that are also available as well as education assistance.

Washington State provides a $150,000 death benefit during line of duty death or death due to occupational injury. Don’t forget about the state retirement system contributions. I am under WSPRS Plan 1. If I have been around for more than 10 years on the job, then you have these options:

If I die before I received any retirement checks, you have the right to:

§ roll over the defined contribution account into an eligible retirement account.

If I have died as a result of a violent crime, the Crime Victim’s Compensation Program facilitates burial expenses. Also, worker’s compensation will distribute pension payments to you. But, you MUST submit an application for benefits within one year of my death (two years from a physician’s written notice of the right to file if death was due to an occupational disease) together with copies of a certified marriage and death certificate. The links below are the form to apply for benefits and a brochure that explains what kind of benefits you receive. Keep in mind that even if my death results from a non-related work injury, you still can receive the survivor benefit. So you will want to make sure this is done soon.

The Trooper’s Association provides a $5000 death benefit. Contact my district representative to get that done.

To date, the website is not very helpful in these matters. I would consult our financial advisor to see where these funds would be best kept since there won’t be any more contributions to the fund from my wages.

The Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE), through their Memorial Foundation, provides financial and medical assistance for the kids if I am killed in the line of duty while being an active member at the time of my death. This can reach up to $30,000, so if I am still a member by the time you are using this, look them up:

COPS and WACOPS (Concerns of Police Survivors) has a large network of programs and services available to help you through the process, and probably has a lot more stuff to look into that I haven’t thought of. Just go to the COPS website and find the state chapter representative.

The WSPTA has a spouse’s association which will certainly lend you much support. Again, call up the district representative to get them involved.

And if you would like to add me to the Officer Down Memorial Page, here is the link.

If you would like to add me to the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial in Washington D.C., here is the submission form: