Assembly Panel Advances DeAngelo Bill to Protect Police & Firefighter Benefits in the Event of A

Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo ensuring that New Jersey police and firefighters called to active military duty retain their pension benefits was approved by an Assembly panel on Thursday.

"These men and women put their lives on the line in both their civilian roles and whenever they are called to serve their country," said DeAngelo (D-Mercer/Middlesex). "They deserve the peace of mind knowing their benefits will be there to help both them and their family members. This is the least we can do to honor their heroic self-sacrifices."

The bill (A-4203) stipulates that a member of the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) will be considered an active PFRS member if they are on official leave of absence, with or without pay, due to federal or state active duty or active duty for training in the reserves, when the federal active duty has been ordered by the President or the state active duty has been ordered by the Governor.

Active member status ensures that police officers and firefighters called to active duty or training in the military service who are killed or injured remain eligible for PFRS death or disability benefits.

The legislation was approved by the Assembly State and Local Government Committee and would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Originally posted by the NJ Assembly Democrats.