Senate candidate feels this is crucial to protecting families of local heroes

Alexis Weik, the Republican and Conservative Party candidate for State Senate in the 3rd District, today called for line of duty benefits to be provided to the families of police officers and firefighters who die or are injured due to COVID-19. Considering that law enforcement and firefighters are essential and unable to self-isolate during these times, they’re at risk every day of exposure to coronavirus.

Weik was livid after Democrat lawmakers left Albany without addressing this issue in the State Budget. Now, the senate candidate is fighting to ensure families of officers and firefighters who perish or are injured due to COVID-19 are eligible to receive these benefits, just as they would in the wake of other tragedies that occur while on duty.

“Because of the easy spread of coronavirus, the health and well-being of our law enforcement and firefighters are in danger like never before,” said Weik. “While most of us are self-isolating, these local heroes are essential and prone to exposure every time they leave the house.”

“If they are struck with coronavirus, it almost certainly happened while serving our communities,” she added. “That’s why I’m calling for police officers and firefighters who have their careers cut short due to COVID-19 injury or death receive line of duty benefits.”

“These benefits are often expanded during times of crisis, so it only makes sense that we do this right now,” Weik noted. “It’s the least we can do to protect the families of our brave local heroes during these truly trying times.”