Eastern Coastal Chapter presents Rep. McLawhorn with an Appreciation Award

Rep. Marian McLawhorn with PBA members

On Thursday, January 28, 2010 the Eastern Coastal chapter of the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association presented an appreciation plaque to Representative Marian McLawhorn for her efforts in passing HB 816 into law. Numerous members representing the Eastern Coastal chapter gathered at CDW’s restaurant in Greenville for the presentation and luncheon. Executive Director John Midgette, Division President Randy Byrd, and ALE President Brent Massey were also in attendance. Eastern Coastal Chapter President Justin Guthrie gave the opening remarks and presented the plaque to Rep. McLawhorn. Rep. McLawhorn was very appreciative of the award and offered some personal stories to those in attendance. Her son is a police officer with NYPD and she intimately understands the issues of law enforcement officers. She also acknowledged the positive work of the PBA in her comments to those in attendance.

Rep. Marian McLawhorn offers her appreciation to PBA members

HB 816 was introduced at the request of the PBA by Rep. Tricia Cotham. The PBA requested that Rep. McLawhorn also join the bill as a primary sponsor along with Rep. Jennifer Weiss and Rep. Nelson Dollar. HB 816 is legislation that clarifies the law regarding the special separation allowance provided to law enforcement officers under the local governmental employees’ retirement system. Officers or deputies retiring from local government, who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements, will now be able to work in any full time capacity for state government and receive the separation allowance. In addition, a local government employer may employ retired officers in a public safety position that doesn’t require participation in the local governmental employees’ retirement system, and doing so shall not forfeit the officer’s separation allowance. HB 816 was passed into law on July 31, 2009 and offers advantages for both retired officers and local law enforcement agencies. Retired officers will be allowed to continue to serve a vital role in their communities and local law enforcement agencies will be provided with staffing opportunities at a critical time for law enforcement.