North Carolina Police Benevolent Association Presents Plaque of Appreciation to Rep. Shirley Randleman

Legislator works tirelessly to see critical piece of legislation for officers and
deputies passed into law

(Raleigh, NC – August 15, 2011) -- The North Carolina Police Benevolent Association recently presented a plaque of appreciation to Rep. Shirley Randleman for her efforts in passing HB 538 into law.

Earlier this year, the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association, worked with Rep. Randleman, to introduce legislation to close a critical loophole for officers and deputies who are injured in their first year of duty and have to medically retire. Previously, under the Local Governmental Employees’ Retirement System for Local Law Enforcement Officers there wasn’t a disability provision for officers and deputies that become disabled and have to medically retire as the direct result of incident while he or she is performing their duties as an officer. Officers and deputies were eligible for this benefit after one year of service.

Rep. Randleman introduced legislation (HB 538- Remove Restrictions on LEO Disability Benefits) that would provide this benefit for officers and deputies from the time they start serving their communities. The bill was filed on March 11th and made it through committees in the House and Senate before returning to the House for a concurrence vote. The bill passed the concurrence vote and was engrossed and sent to Governor Perdue. On June 27, 2011, Governor Perdue signed the bill into law.

Randy Byrd division President for the NCPBA, offered these comments about Rep. Shirley Randleman and HB 538. According to Byrd, “As a former Clerk of Court, Rep. Randleman has always had a close relationship with law enforcement officers and understands the risks they take on a daily basis. The passage of this critical piece of legislation ensures that officers and deputies in their first year of service will be cared for it they become permanently disabled while performing their duties and says a lot about Rep. Randleman’s commitment to the men and women of law enforcement.” Rep. Randleman offered these comments, “It was a pleasure for me to work with Randy Byrd and the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association in the passage of House Bill 538. This much needed legislation will now afford all local law enforcement officers disability benefits without a waiting period should they become incapacitated due to injuries while in the actual performance of their duties.” She added, “My appreciation and gratitude is extended to all law enforcement officers in North Carolina for their dedication and willingness to sacrifice to protect our communities.”