Panel OKs $75,000 for lawman's widow

Legislators debate law’s application

Lawmakers were split Friday over what the law allowed them to do for the family of a police officer who suffered a fatal heart attack in the aftermath of a high-speed pursuit involving other law enforcement agencies.

After 30 minutes of debate, the state Legislative Council approved a $75,000 award to Matilda Bradford, the widow of Keith Bradford. On April 2, 2014, Bradford attempted to join a high-speed pursuit with other law enforcement agencies, but the pursuit ended by the time he reached the scene. While back in Turrell an hour and a half later, Bradford collapsed and died from a heart attack.

The state grants at least $50,000 to the families of police officers who are killed on the job but can increase the award up to $200,000 if the officer was engaged in "exceptionally hazardous duty."

Sen. Linda Chesterfield, D-Little Rock, wanted lawmakers to award at least $100,000.

"I'm embarrassed that we're only giving her -- this person who has the responsibility for three children -- $75,000 and that we have to hassle over that," she said. "She should receive the [additional] $150,000, because he did die in the line of duty."

But Rep. Bob Ballinger, R-Hindsville, argued the $50,000 originally awarded by the Arkansas Claims Commission was more appropriate.

"The original order was for $50,000," Ballinger said. "That was what was provided for under code. If we want to change that, we want to offer more money for police officer death benefits to their family, I think that's probably something that should be debated and discussed.

"I do understand Sen. Chesterfield's compassion, and I feel her compassion, but I think the law only allows us to grant them $50,000."

The Legislative Council's Claims Review Subcommittee on Monday had increased the award from $50,000 to $75,000.

Sen. Jeremy Hutchinson, R-Little Rock, said the officer's actions did meet the definition of "exceptionally hazardous duty" expressed in state law.

"I believe it was, and so do many others on the committee. Some don't, but that's a matter of interpretation," he said. "That takes a lot of nerve to be in a small town -- a one-man office -- and having your home broken into twice, your car vandalized. They were trying to send him a message."

On Monday, Matilda Bradford told lawmakers that their home had been targeted by burglars twice since he began policing the town, and Keith Bradford's vehicle was vandalized.

Metro on 11/21/2015

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