TSA Officers Killed in Line off Duty to Receive Same Death Benefits As Other Federal Law Enforcement Officers

Steve Neavling

ticklethewire.com

It’s not often that a TSA officer dies in the line of duty.

In fact, TSA Officer Gerardo Hernandez, 39, became the first to die on Nov. 1 at Los Angeles International Airport.

But Westside Today reports that the House Appropriations Committee this week approved a legislative amendment that would provide the same death benefits to Hernandez’s family that are given to family members of other federal law enforcement officers killed on the line of duty.

The benefits will be available to future TSA officers killed in the line of duty.

“These benefits will be a great help to his wife and the couple’s young children,” said Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Los Angeles. “Not only was today’s vote an important moment for the Hernandez family, I also believe it sends a powerful message to our nation’s homeland security personnel that we value their service and honor their sacrifices.”