In Line of Duty Deaths

In Line of Duty Deaths

In Line of Duty Deaths

Tennessee Officer Death Benefits

Compensation for Death of Law Enforcement Officer Killed in the Line of Duty

Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-51-210 authorizes an annuity of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000.00), in annual installments of fifty thousand dollars $50,000.00 for five (5) years, to the estate of any emergency responder killed in the line of duty. To be eligible for compensation, each of the following criteria must be met: 

  • Number 1

    The deceased person must have been an emergency responder pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-51-210(a)(1), which means a firefighter, volunteer rescue squad worker or law enforcement officer;

  • Number 2

    The deceased emergency responder must have been killed in the line of duty as defined by Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-51-210(a)(3);

  • Number 3

    The deceased emergency responder must have been current in any required training and physical exams at the time the death occurred; and

  • Number 4

    The application must be filed no later than three (3) years after the date of death.

To receive compensation conferred by this statute, the executor, an applicant who is an administrator or other appropriate representative of the estate of an emergency responder who was killed in the line of duty must apply to the Department of Commerce and Insurance.

The application for compensation shall include all of the following documentation:

  • Number 1

    A cover letter from the applicant requesting the payment;

  • Number 2

    Proof that the applicant is authorized to act on behalf of the deceased emergency responder’s estate (e.g., letters testamentary or letters of administration) from a probate court;

  • Number 3

    A notarized and signed AFFIDAVIT from the deceased emergency responder’s employer or volunteer agency containing the following:


    A. Confirmation of the deceased emergency responder’s employment status as an emergency responder;


    B.  Name of the deceased emergency responder’s law enforcement agency, fire department or agency or rescue squad unit;


    C. Date of death; and


    D. An affidavit from the deceased emergency responder’s employer or volunteer agency that the deceased emergency responder’s death occurred “in the line of duty” as defined in Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-51-210(a)(4).

  • Number 4

    A true copy of the deceased emergency responder’s death certificate, or in the Commissioner’s or designee’s discretion, a copy of a true copy.

Please submit the application, affidavit, and required documentation to:

Department of Commerce & Insurance

Chief Counsel for Fire Prevention

Davy Crockett Building, 8th Floor

500 James Robertson Parkway

Nashville, Tennessee 37243 


Questions concerning applications or payments should be directed to request.post@tn.gov.

Medical Insurance Benefits of Law Enforcement Officer Killed in the Line of Duty

The local governing body may ask the state for reimbursement for health insurance for the deceased law enforcement officer for a term of up to two years.

Federal Benefits for Tennessee Officers: Badge of Honor Memorial Foundation

The Badge of Honor Memorial Foundation was created with two goals in mind:


The first and foremost is to assist the survivors of officers who have been killed in the line of duty to obtain all of the statutory benefits that may be available to them. The second goal is to provide each family coping with their loss with a lasting symbol of recognition for the life of service the officer courageously gave. Run by a 30 man Board of Trustees of sworn officers and recognized by the Bureau of Justice Assistance as a valuable resource to law enforcement, The Badge of Honor Memorial Foundation can provide you with the most current and up to date federal and state benefits available to the family.

For more information contact Lynsey Branaugh at lmb@bohmf.org, click here to visit The Badge of Honor website, or click the image below for the 2016 Agency Casualty Assistance Guide.

Contact TENNESSEE ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE INC.

545 Mainstream Dr, Suite 103 Nashville, TN 37228

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