Halpin Backs Bill to Help Family Members of Fallen Officers Join Police Force

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois State Police applicants who are immediate family members of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty would receive assistance pursing their own careers in law enforcement under legislation backed by state Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island.

“Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect our communities,” said Halpin. “When their career ends in tragedy, family members who are inspired to serve deserve the opportunity to continue their loved one’s legacy.”

Halpin is the chief House sponsor of Senate Bill 2252, which encourages the son, daughter, stepson, stepdaughter, granddaughter, brother or sister of a law enforcement officer who was killed in the line of duty to go into law enforcement themselves, by allowing the Illinois State Police to offer a hiring preference for these individuals. Consideration for family members of fallen officers will be given only after they have passed standard fitness tests, background investigations and an oral interview. Currently, preference in hiring Illinois State Police officers is given to individuals who have honorably served in the military.

“These applicants understand the true meaning of dedication and sacrifice that is needed to do this job well,” said Halpin. “Law enforcement can often be a thankless job of service to the people of this state, but it is a necessary one. We need to support the brave women and men who make this commitment.”