Bill to protect injured officers' benefits passes unanimously

OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) - On Feb. 19, legislation to protect the pension benefits of officers injured while serving their community passed with a unanimous vote of 11-0.

House Bill 3330 would change the disability percentage for officers disabled as a result of a violent act while on duty to 100%.

"I appreciate the bipartisan support behind this bill," said Rep. David Perryman (D-Chickasha). "It is a shameful mark on the state that we would allow an officer to lose benefits due to being injured while serving their community."

During the committee meeting, Perryman introduced an amendment for the legislation to be named the “Sergeant Schoolfield Line of Duty Disability Act”, named after Chickasha Police Sergeant Matthew Schoolfield, who was seriously injured after being shot while serving a warrant.

“It was important to me that we honor Sergeant Schoolfield because, without his sacrifice and his family’s advocacy, we wouldn’t be addressing this problem that undoubtedly has affected other Oklahoma law enforcement officers,” Perryman said. “By turning this horrible situation into an opportunity to help others, I believe the Schoolfield’s represent the very best of Oklahoma.”