Rick Scott to police chiefs: ‘What you do every day is important to every family’

Gov. Rick Scott thanked law enforcement officers Monday, and said his administration would continue to back legislation to help first responders and their families.

“We have the ability to do more,” said Scott.

Scott was on hand to kick off the Florida Police Chiefs Association annual summer training conference in Bonita Springs. During his speech, Scott thanked law enforcement officers, and said their work is what has allowed Florida to grow the economy.

“What you do every day impacts so many lives, and so, from the bottom of my heart I thank you,” said Scott, who went on to say companies and families wouldn’t move “to places where they don’t think it is safe.”

“What you do every day is important to every family,” he said.

Scott told the group he would continue to work for law enforcement officers and their families. Earlier this year, Scott signed a bill into law to help families of first responders killed in the line of duty.

Under the law, survivors of first responders enrolled in the state’s investment plan are eligible for the same benefits as those in the traditional program. It also gives the beneficiary the full monthly salary for special risk members enrolled in the state retirement system.

But Scott said the state could do more, and he hopes to meet with law enforcement officials to discuss how the state can help, whether it be burial help or education benefits for fallen officers and first responders.

“I think this year, the next two years, we can get things done. And we have the budget to get things done,” said Scott. “I’ll work very hard to get it done.”