FDSA Unveils Exciting New Benefits for 2016
The Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association is pleased to offer our members benefits that enhance their professional careers and provide peace of mind for themselves and their families. Over the years, we have added numerous benefits and are always looking for ways to maximize their value.
In 2016, we are very excited to announce a change that directly addresses a growing concern for all members of the law enforcement community and will be a direct benefit for our members. After a long and successful relationship with U.S. Legal, which has provided protection for members for issues that include administrative and termination hearings, as well as on-scene representation, we are moving the administration of our legal benefits in-house.
FDSA has hired Tallahassee attorney Scott Maddox and Maddox Horne Law Firm to help manage a statewide network of attorneys that has been built with the blessing of sheriffs throughout Florida to better protect the men and women of law enforcement. Our new team specializes in cases involving use of force and onsite shootings. They are experts in use of force, administrative hearings, internal affairs and FDLE proceedings.
The change to bring our legal benefits in-house is an important step for the association. This is such a critical need, and this allows us to better manage difficult incidents such as vehicle crashes and shootings. U.S. Legal has been a great partner, but we needed to transition our legal benefit from general legal assistance to a more crisis management focus.
The legal benefit transition for our current members will be seamless. In fact, accessing all types of membership information is about to become even easier. We are introducing a new toll-free number that will connect members with emergency needs, non-emergency questions and membership information. Simply call 844-890-0412 anytime – it will be answered 24 hours a day – and the operator will direct your call to an attorney, if needed, or to FDSA staff if it is less urgent. The bottom line is that if you are involved in an incident on duty and need assistance, you will receive direct representation, from a board-certified attorney, immediately.
There is one more change that I am excited to share that will impact a large number of our members. We are pleased to introduce a new death benefit for members who earn under $40,000 per year and have dependent children or are the legal guardians of dependent children. If you are killed either in the line of duty or while off duty, there is now a $50,000 benefit per child for educational purposes. It can be used for college tuition and books, technical training or any other approved post-secondary educational need. This benefit, called Life Bridge, is available through a strategic partnership with Mass Mutual Life Insurance, and we think it could have a tremendous impact on the lives of families who need it most.
While we hope this is one benefit that is never needed, it will provide peace of mind for those who are least able to afford a brighter future for their children. This benefit is available to all who sign up and meet the salary and legal requirements.
For information on our new legal program, the Life Bridge benefit and all the additional reasons to become a member of FDSA, visit our website at www.fldeputysheriffs.org.
It is a great honor to represent you as the executive director of this association, and I will continue to look for opportunities to increase benefits and explore ways to better serve the brave men and women who wear the star every day on our behalf. Whether it is legal representation or needed benefits, with the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association, you are never alone. We have your back. We wish you and yours a safe and successful New Year.
