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FOR PRESS INQUIRIES, CONTACT:  Amy Susan (573) 751-1518
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 15, 2011

Survivors of Clark Co Sheriff Deputy Receive $25K Check
Labor Approves Third Check from the Line of Duty Fund

Jefferson City, Mo— The Missouri Labor Department’s Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) mailed a $25,000 check to the family of Clark County Sheriff Deputy Don McCutcheon, who died in the line of duty in 2010 after suffering from a heart attack while on patrol.

“These workers put their lives on the line everyday to ensure the safety of others in their community,” says Labor Department Director Larry Rebman. “It is with great honor and respect that we award this small token to the family members left behind.”

Don McCutcheon served on the Board of Alderman and later as the mayor of Wyaconda. His passion was working in criminal justice and he became a member of the Memphis Police Department before working full-time as a deputy with the Clark County Sheriff’s Department.

“While no amount of money can bring Don back, this will really help towards the care of his three children,” said Tina Brookheart, McCutcheon’s mother.

This money was made possible through the Line of Duty Compensation Fund established by the Missouri Legislature in 2009, to pay tribute to the brave men and women who made great sacrifices by serving in the line of duty every day to ensure the safety of Missouri citizens. Since the inception of the fund, eight claims for compensation have been filed and three, so far, have been approved by the DWC for payment.

Benefits are available for survivors of firefighters, volunteer firefighters, law enforcement officers, air ambulance pilots, air ambulance registered professional nurses, and emergency medical technicians who are killed in the line of duty when:

• The individual was on duty at the time of an injury that resulted in death;
• The individual was engaged in the active performance of the duties of his or her profession; and
• The injury resulting in death occurred as a result of the individual’s performance of his or her duties.

Upon approval by the Division Director, a $25,000 death benefit shall be awarded to the estate of the individual killed in the line of duty. The death benefit is in addition to any other pension rights, death benefits, or other compensation to which the claimant may otherwise be entitled to by law. For more information about the fund or to file a Line of Duty Compensation Claim, visit http://www.labor.mo.gov/DWC/Injured_Workers/survivor_benefits.asp#TOI6. Claims must be filed with the DWC no later than one year from the date of death.

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