North Carolina PBA presents Rep. Jennifer Weiss and Senator Floyd McKissick Jr. with Appreciation Awards
 

photo by Dean Smith

photo by Tim Reichert

On Saturday, February 27, 2010 the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association presented appreciation plaques to Representative Jennifer Weiss and Senator Floyd McKissick Jr. for their efforts in passing HB 816 into law. The awards presentation was part of the 4th Annual “George Almond” Officer of the Year awards banquet at the Embassy Suites in Cary. Numerous members representing several chapters were in attendance as Cary chapter and Division President Randy Byrd explained their work and presented the plaques.

HB 816 was introduced at the request of the PBA by Rep. Tricia Cotham. The PBA requested that Rep. Weiss also join the bill as a primary sponsor along with Rep. Marian McLawhorn and Rep. Nelson Dollar. Senator Floyd McKissick Jr. introduced the companion bill in the Senate. 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.

photo by Dean Smith