Oregon “Fallen Officer’s” Bill Faces Confiscation Robert Dent, the law enforcement officer who drafted and pushed the Fallen Officer’s Bill through the Oregon House and Senate until it unanimously passed and became law in 1999 - is expected to appear on television, Friday the 14th. Sr. Trooper Dent (ret.) has discovered that the fund, more than $350,000, faces possible confiscation. We recommend all Law Enforcement read Sr. Trooper Dent’s (ret.) open letter to get the whole story. Feel free to forward this article to other officers or individuals who would support his position. Oregon state representatives and senators, can be contacted from: http://bluebook.state.or.us/state/legis/legis.htm (Note: It is not necessary to contact Rep. Ben Westlund, Rep. Tim Knopp or Bev Clarno as they support his position.) In addition, if you want to call Oregon Governor Kulongoski’s office and leave a recorded message voicing your opinion, the number is 503-378-4582 or you may e-mail him at: representative.citizen@state.or.us.
Police1 thanks the Informed Source Newsletter for passing this information on to us.
Governor Proposes Confiscation of Widows and Orphans Fund
In the early morning hours of September 30, 1992 a companion of an arrested drunk driver shot my friend and fellow Oregon State Police Trooper Bret Clodfelter in the back of the head four times. Thirteen months later, feeling abandoned and unable to deal with the loneliness and loss of her beloved husband of 33 days, Rene’ Clodfelter ended her own life ...with a shot to the head.
This tragic event sparked an idea to help not only surviving police officer’s families, but those of firefighters, correctional officers, parole and probation officers and youth authority personnel by providing a safety net. My idea was to make convicted criminals and those that violate the law fund the costs, not the law-abiding taxpayer. With the assistance of Representatives Ben Westlund and Tim Knopp, Senator Bev Clarno, Former House Speaker Lynn Lundquist and Dennis Maloney, draft legislation was written called “The Fallen Officer’s Bill. The bill became law in 1999 after passing unanimously in both House and Senate.
Basically, the law makes convicted criminals i.e. murderers, burglars, drug dealers, rapists, child molesters etc., pay a paltry $1 into a dedicated, interest bearing account that financially helps families of surviving public safety personnel (also assessed are drunk and reckless drivers, and other traffic offenders). The money provides immediate help including: $25,000 within 14 days of the death; 12 house mortgage payments; medical insurance, and 4 years college tuition for the spouse and children. Since 1999, the law has paid out more than $524,000 to 17 surviving families including 3 firefighter families recently killed in southern Oregon. The account currently has approx., $350,000 in reserves to help these and other families yet to come.
Recently, much to my and Rep. Westlund’s surprise, Governor Kulongoski is recommending $350,000 in the fund be taken to help balance the current budget deficit. This action will leave the fund with a “zero” balance on July 1, 2003.
When the Bulletin and I learned of this action and questioned Bill McGee, a state policy and budget analyst said, “Tax revenues aren’t keeping pace with the growing cost to maintain all of the state’s programs.”
Mr. McGee and the Governor are forgetting something hereSthis is not taxpayer money. These are dedicated funds assessed on convicted criminals and those who violate the law. This self-sustaining fund invests in the future of surviving families.
Governor, would you explain to the widows and orphans what part of the state budget that the $350,000 will go to help. Would you please name something more important than honoring the sacrifices these unsung heroes have made in the service to their communities? Would you not honor the state law, which committed this state to help these surviving families in their most tragic time of dire need?
Governor Kulongoski, Mr. McGee also attempts to justify your action by stating, “One factor in the governor’s decision is the availability of assistance to the families from other sources, such as the federal government.” It is apparent that neither of you are aware that it takes up to one year after the family applies until they get a penny. Sadly, the families could lose their homes, medical coverage, or even become so depressed over their terrible losses, that a wife might kill herselfSlike Rene’ Clodfelter.
Your predecessor, Gov. Kitzhaber signed the bill into law in his ceremonial office, as Rep. Ben Westlund, a room full of surviving families and I watched. He stated, “This is an extraordinarily important law both in terms of its substance and what it means to our public safety community. We recognize that our public safety personnel put their lives on the line every day to make Oregon a safe place to live and, when tragedy strikes, their families deserve to know that they will receive financial support. This law sends a message that the state appreciates them for the dangerous work they do. It will create much needed support should the worst thing happen.”
Governor Kulongoski, please follow the example of financially devastated New York City, which delivered what was promised to the families of public safety officers killed after the September 11 attack. I respectfully ask you to do what is honorable by keeping the sacred commitment made to these families who’ve lost so muchSit’s the right thing to do.
Robert Dent
Oregon State Police (Ret.) Bend, OR (USA)
“Police work gives you test first...then the lesson.”
Member of:
American Society for Law Enforcement Training
International Police Association
National Tactical Officer’s Assoc.