McConnell’s Bill to Support Families of Retired Fallen Law Enforcement Officers Heads to President’s Desk

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today the Senate approved his measure to ensure the families of retired law enforcement officers who were killed or disabled as a result of their service are not unjustly denied benefits. The Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act, introduced earlier this year by Senators McConnell and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), was included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which passed today. The bill now heads to President Trump's desk for his signature.

The bill is named after Chief Herbert D. Proffitt, a Korean War veteran and law enforcement officer of 55 years who retired in 2009 as Chief of the Tompkinsville, Kentucky Police Department. On August 28, 2012, Chief Proffitt was tragically shot and killed in his driveway by an individual he had arrested a decade earlier. Although his murder was in direct retaliation for his service in uniform, his family was denied benefits under the Public Safety Officers' Benefits program because he had retired from his more than half-a-century of service.

The Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act would amend the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program eligibility criteria for retired law enforcement officers who have died or become permanently disabled due to a targeted attack directly resulting from their service, and retroactively apply the updated eligibility for claims starting on January 1, 2012.

"The loss of Chief Herbert D. Proffitt is a tragic reminder of the risk that follows our finest every day of their lives. This legislation plugs an important hole, ensuring the Proffitt family-and others like them-are supported and assured that the service and sacrifice of their loved ones are never forgotten," said Senator McConnell. "I'm grateful for our law enforcement officers and their steadfast dedication to keeping us safe, and I applaud my colleagues in the U.S. Senate for honoring their service by passing this bipartisan legislation."

"On behalf of Chief Proffitt's family and members of the law enforcement community, we appreciate Senator McConnell's introduction of this important piece of legislation. This bill will include Line of Duty Death (LODD) benefits for retired members of law enforcement that have been murdered because of their prior law enforcement actions. Passage of the Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act of 2025 will give some comfort to Chief Proffitt's family while providing security to law enforcement families," said Scott Hildebrand, President of the Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police.

"The Tompkinsville Police Department is grateful to Senator McConnell for his work to support and honor our law enforcement families. Thirteen years later, we still mourn the loss of Chief Herbert "Sprocket" Proffitt, a devoted father and leader in Tompkinsville who dedicated his life to keeping our community safe. We are proud to see his legacy honored with this important legislation," said Kerry L. Denton, Deputy Chief of Police, City of Tompkinsville.

The legislation is endorsed by the Kentucky Fraternal Order of Police, the Kentucky Narcotic Officers Association, the Kentucky Sheriffs' Association, and the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police.

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