Provides a special accidental death benefit to deputy sheriff members of the New York city employees' retirement system

2 Co-sponsors

• Eric Adams
• Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.

Title of bill

An act to amend the general municipal law, in relation to providing a special accidental death benefit to deputy sheriff members of the New York city employees' retirement system

Purpose

This bill would include the New York City Deputy Sheriffs among the categories of employees for whom a special death benefit is provided.

Justification

The New York City Deputy Sheriffs and their supervisors, respond to the emergency need of the people of New York City on a daily basis. NYC Deputy Sheriffs work side by side with the City's Firefighters and Police Officers, but, if killed, even on a common disaster, their accidental death benefits are radically different from one another. Currently, NYC Deputy Sheriffs have the same death benefits available to city employees in low-risk, non-emergency jobs. It is clear that the risks faced by deputy sheriffs are much more severe than those faced by office workers and others who are not called to duty for emergency situations. It is well documented that NYC deputy sheriffs are frequently required to perform extremely hazardous duties such as executing warrants for dangerous individuals. Fortunately, NYC Deputy Sheriffs fatalities are few and far between. But when these deaths occur they are just as devastating to members' families as when a Police Officer, Firefighter, Correction Officer, EMT or County Sheriff dies. While the cost of this bill is relatively small, it would correct this glaring inequity and properly recognize the dangerous and sometimes fatal work performed by NYC Deputy Sheriffs.

Legislative history

2008 Session: S.811- no significant action 2007 Session: S.811- no significant action 2006 Session: S.4427 - no significant action 2005 Session: S.4427 - first introduction

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

Immediately.