Bill Passage Provides for Officer’s Families who are killed
in the Line of Duty

On Tuesday June 16, 2009, Senate Bill 411 was passed into law by Governor Beverly Perdue in a very special ceremony in the Old House Chambers of the State Capitol Building.

SB 411, Amend Survivor's Alternate Benefit, provides that the survivor of an officer killed in the line of duty may choose a lifetime pension benefit rather than a onetime withdrawal of the funds that the officer contributed to the state retirement system.  The bill also sets the required time in service of the officer at 15 years for the survivor to receive this benefit.  Before the introduction of this bill, contributions by the officer and earned interest were simply returned to the beneficiary.

This bill was introduced at the request of the PBA and filed in honor of Winston-Salem Police Sergeant and PBA member Howard Plouff. Sgt. Plouff was shot and killed in the line of duty after responding to assist fellow officers on February 23, 2007. Sgt. Plouff was a 17 and 1/2 year veteran officer who left behind his wife and high school sweetheart, Ms. Joyce Plouff and two daughters.

Ms. Plouff is a courageous woman who legislators came to respect and admire for her grace and determination. She made several trips to Raleigh to speak on behalf of the bill in committee meetings. She also spoke at the ceremony. Her poignant remarks demonstrated the bill’s importance in human terms and deeply moved those in attendance.  

Ms. Plouff was joined at the bill signing by the bill sponsors and co-sponsors in the House and Senate that included Rep. Larry Womble, Rep. Earline Parmom, Rep. Earl Jones, Rep. Annie Mobley, Rep. William Wainwright, Senator Pete Brunstetter, and Senator Linda Garrou. Winston Salem Police Chief Scott Cunningham and Winston Salem Chapter President Lou Ellen Taylor led a delegation of Winston Salem officers in support of Ms. Plouff. PBA leaders at the chapter and state level also came to show their support. Senator Brunstetter and Rep. Womble spoke about their support of the legislation along with Governor Perdue.   In her comments, Governor Perdue said, “This is a piece of legislation that says we are standing up for what’s right.” 

The PBA will continue to work on this issue in the future.  During this process, there were many favorable comments by legislators that supported lowering the eligibility requirement even further. The PBA is extremely grateful to the legislators who supported this critical piece of legislation.  Their action signifies their support of the men and women who sacrifice everyday to make North Carolina a safer place.  

        all photos taken by Dean Smith, all rights reserved

Joyce Plouff speaking with Rep. Larry Womble and Rep. Earline Parmon before bill signing

Governor Perdue speaking about SB 411 as Joyce Plouff looks on

Joyce Plouff speaking as Governor Perdue looks on

Senator Brunstetter speaking about the importance of this critical legislation

Rep. Womble offers comments about his support of the legislation

Governor Perdue signs SB 411 into law

Joyce Plouff and the Governor exchange a heartfelt hug

Governor Perdue presents bill signing pens
 

Click here to read the article about Howard Plouff in
the 2009 edition of the Blue Review

Click here to view video

To show their appreciation for the hard work that made HB 816 and SB 411 possible appreciation plaques were presented to the legislators that made the legislation a reality.