FRANKFORT, Ky. (WYMT) — Lawmakers in Kentucky are working on a new bill that would expand hazardous disability coverage for first responders injured in the line of duty. The goal is to close gaps in benefits for those who risk their lives to protect others but currently fall through the cracks of existing coverage.
State Rep. Ashley Tackett Laferty (Dist. 95) presented the proposal to the Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection, joined by Floyd County law enforcement officers who survived the 2022 Allen ambush that left three officers dead and others critically injured.
“I hope the testimony here today shows that we have brave first responders who are falling through these cracks,” Laferty said.
Survivors Share Their Stories
Former Floyd County Deputy Darrin Lawson was shot in the leg during the ambush, forcing him to crawl behind his car and apply his own tourniquet while calling for help. Despite undergoing 17 surgeries and eventually losing his leg, Lawson was ineligible for retirement or hazardous duty benefits because he hadn’t served the required five years.
“Four or five months later, we were just having bad updates with the leg. So, we made the decision to have it amputated,” Lawson said. “I’ve now been an amputee going on three years and have gone through nearly 10 prosthetics just to get a comfortable fit.”
Former Emergency Management Director Joe Reynolds also testified, recounting how he was shot in the head while trying to block traffic during the ambush. The bullet caused him to lose an eye, and it took nearly a year for doctors to create a prosthetic replacement.
“I’m an old-time firefighter, and we were taught to just tough it out. But today, we’ve got to ask for help,” Reynolds said. “I still need it. I believe in it.”
Like Lawson, Reynolds had not been in his position long enough to qualify for benefits.
Closing the Gaps in Coverage
Laferty said the proposed bill aims to ensure that first responders who are catastrophically injured in hazardous duty situations receive minimum benefits, regardless of how long they’ve served or whether their agencies contribute to hazardous coverage.
“We’ve been working with the public pension authority to draft a bill that ensures all first responders injured in hazardous duty situations receive at least minimum benefits — and rightly so,” Laferty said. “There’s not many people in this room who wouldn’t agree these fellas deserve every penny.”
Under the proposed bill, affected officers would receive 25% of their pay, 10% for each dependent child, and minimum health benefits for themselves and their children.
“It’s not a full benefit,” Laferty explained. “It’s a minimum benefit, similar to the previous one.”
Legislative Support and Next Steps
Several lawmakers expressed support for the measure. Sen. Brandon Smith of Hazard praised the officers’ resilience and pledged to help. Sen. Jimmy Higdon emphasized that cities and counties must also play a role by participating in hazardous duty compensation programs.
“The bottom line is, this shouldn’t even be a conversation,” Higdon said. “Counties and cities should participate if they have hazardous duty workers.”
Rep. Ryan Dotson and Rep. Jim Gooch both called for stronger measures to ensure first responders receive fair compensation without overburdening the entire system.
“It makes no sense that these men could not be compensated for what they’ve endured,” Dotson said.
Laferty’s bill currently has the support of the Kentucky Sheriffs Association, and she plans to continue gathering co-sponsors before the next legislative session.
“Until all officers are recognized under hazardous duty, this bill will protect anyone catastrophically injured while serving,” Laferty said. “Even if it helps only a few people, it’s worth every penny.”
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