Line-of-Duty Death Seminar
Thursday — July 17, 2025
Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport
(Location within hotel — To be announced)
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Fortunately, most EMS, fire, and police leaders go their entire careers without ever having to deal with a line-of-duty death. But with approximately 350 first responder line-of-duty deaths in the U.S. each year, the possibility is real that tragedy could strike any agency at any time. Moreover, the chance of a leader being faced with a non-line-of-duty death is substantially greater, and it is something most leaders will face more than once. We will, therefore, briefly discuss appropriate honor at both levels.
Deciding whether to treat a death as “line of duty” versus “active duty” is often very difficult – especially when emotions within an agency are piqued. Unfortunately, mistakes in classification occur frequently and families are set up for significant disappointment – no matter which direction the error goes. It is a common issue with more far-reaching and devastating effects than most realize.
Therefore, we will first tackle the question of where to appropriately draw the line between active duty and line of duty. We will examine multiple scenarios, dispel common myths, and discuss the inclusion criteria of the national memorials (EMS, police, and fire).
Additionally, we will discuss how a leader’s proper response to a line-of-duty death should involve much more than organizing a full-honors funeral. It should start with immediate honors for the fallen and proper notification of the family, co-workers, and community. And it should extend far beyond when the first responder is laid to rest.
We will also discuss Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB or “federal benefits”). Even if a participant’s agency is not eligible for federal benefits, participants often still find the information beneficial. Some have even been surprised to learn that their agencies really were covered. Our discussion will include:
- what agencies are covered;
- what individuals within those agencies are covered;
- what circumstances of death qualify (including presumptive provisions for heart attacks, strokes, and vascular ruptures); and
- who would receive the benefits if paid?
Finally, we will discuss the most challenging topic of suicide, new PSOB provisions pertaining to suicide, and how it should be treated for honors purposes.
We hope you will join us!
NOTE: Participation is open to all who serve in any first responder field. Participation or attendance at the National EMS Memorial Service is not required. Chaplains are also encouraged to participate.