By By Adam Prestridge
Firefighters and police officers put their lives on the line each day.
Gov. Bob Riley signed a package of bills this week designed to improve benefits for the courageous men and women who protect Alabama, which gives them added job protections.
Riley signed the bills at Cloverdale fire station in Montgomery on Tuesday that will increase death and disability benefits.
"I think that it is all good," Atmore Fire and Rescue Chief Gerry McGhee said. "It is important to us because we are at such high risk and are out there working for the public to keep them safe. When a firefighter loses their life or is disabled, their family needs to be taken care of."
Among the bills Gov. Riley signed are those that increase survivor benefits of firefighters killed on duty from $50,000 to $100,000. Another bill he signed exempts death benefit payments received by beneficiaries of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty from state income taxes.
"The work of our firefighters and police officers is a calling, and we are all thankful there are brave men and women who answer that call to face dangers for us and to protect us, our families and our communities," Gov. Riley said. "Our firefighters and our police officers deserve each and every one of these improved benefits and protections, and I'm honored to sign them."
Below is a list of each of the bills the governor signed: