Gabe Torres Act moves forward, would expand benefits for families of fallen responders
The Gabe Torres Act honors the life of Raleigh Police Officer Torres, one of five people killed in a mass shooting in October 2022 in the Hedingham neighborhood. Torres was shot in his vehicle while preparing to head to work.
The House Bill would ultimately expand eligibility under the Public Safety Employees' Death Benefits Act to include individuals killed on their way to or from work.
Rep. Sarah Crawford (D-Wake) said she first introduced a similar bill two years ago when she learned about the officer's death.
'I made a comment to another police officer about Officer Torres, and they informed me that because he was on his way to work, he would not be considered fallen in the line of duty. I just couldn't believe that,' said Crawford.
According to state law, families are currently unable to receive death benefits of responders killed on their way to or from duty.
After a long process, Crawford said Torres' family was eventually able to receive compensation.
'Jasmin, his wife, was just so grateful. She had been fighting to get him honored in that way … going through multiple petitions and appeals, and every time she made it to the next round, she had to relive the trauma of that day,' Crawford said.
PREVIOUSLY: Widow of Raleigh officer killed in Hedingham shooting to receive worker's compensation
While there was success, Crawford said their goal still hadn't been met.
'Between the House and the Senate, we were able to get that done for Officer Torres. Unfortunately, as the legislation got negotiated and a much large package of the budget, we were only able to get that done really to honor Officer Torres and not all of our law enforcement officers who make really challenging sacrifices every day,' said Crawford.
It's part of the reason the representative said she stood in front of members of a State House committee Wednesday morning, hoping to broaden the scope of the law and clarify its language.
Tim Bradley, the Executive Director for the North Carolina State Fire Association, was also there to share his support for House Bill 137.
'In the past, the law covered 'to and from training' — it never covered 'to and from duty,'' Bradley said. 'Officer Torres' loss of life brought forward a significant issue, and that is emergency first responders are often called back during storms, hurricanes, riots … and it's those times that are dangerous.'
Matt Cooper, the president for the Raleigh Police Protective Association, said the proposed bill adds a layer of comfort. Whether off or on duty, going to or from work, Cooper said when an incident arises, those first responders have a reassurance for the protection of their family.
The Gabe Torres Act will now head to an appropriations committee, but Crawford is optimistic it will pass to the House Floor for a full vote.
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