Protecting Deputy Sheriffs and Correction Officers

GOSHEN – Senator James Skoufis (D-Orange County) and Assemblymember Paula Elaine Kay (D-Rock Hill) joined state and county legislators and law enforcement leaders to announce the passage of legislation (S.9212/A.10398 and S.9213/A.10359) that will financially protect Orange County’s deputy sheriffs and correction officers.

These bills extend so-called ‘death gamble’ benefits to Orange County’s deputy sheriffs and correction officers. Under current law, if one of these employees passes away prior to retirement, their families are denied a pension and, instead, are only provided a one-time death benefit. As a result, many deputy sheriffs and correction officers feel compelled to retire immediately upon eligibility despite being able and willing to continue working.

The newly-passed legislation would allow for the full pension to be passed along to a surviving spouse or children regardless of whether the employee filed for retirement. While this benefit is already provided to most other public employees including, most recently, correction officers who work in state prisons, the benefit does not extend to county-level law enforcement. Particularly given acute staffing shortages in the deputy sheriff and correctional ranks – and the inherently dangerous nature of their jobs – this Orange County-specific measure authored and passed by Skoufis and Kay is critical to workforce retention.

“Public service should never feel like a gamble,” said Senator Skoufis. “I’m gratified to see this legislation pass, ensuring Orange County’s deputy sheriffs and correction officers no longer have to choose between public service or retiring simply to protect their earned benefits. I thank Assemblymember Kay and our bipartisan state delegation, as well as the law enforcement officers and union leaders who supported and advocated along with us for this measure. This is how we honor experience, service, and dedication to work that keeps our communities safe.”

“Passing this legislation was a simple but important step in demonstrating our respect for the uniformed police officers and correction officers of Orange County,” said Assemblymember Kay. “Once enacted, it will give these dedicated men and women and their families the peace of mind they deserve as they put their bodies on the line each day to keep our communities safe.

With the full support of Orange County behind us and a fantastic partner in the Senate, Senator James Skoufis, this legislation now heads to Governor Hochul’s desk, where I hope she will quickly sign it into law.”

“The passage of this legislation is a significant step forward for the men and women serving as deputy sheriffs and correction officers with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, as well as for their families who support them every day,” said Sheriff Arteta. “When our members reach retirement eligibility, they face a difficult decision: continue in a career they love or ensure their families’ financial security. This is a choice they should not have to make. No one should have to bear penalties if tragedy strikes while they are still in service. I want to thank Assemblymember Kay and Senator Skoufis for their support of this bipartisan effort. I want to thank the members of the OCDSPBA and President Chris Tulp as well as the members of COBA and their President Armand DellaPia and Eric Colby (retired) for their dedication and advocacy in bringing this to the forefront. This will help us retain experienced deputies and strengthen public safety.”

“This bill was drafted with New York’s law enforcement professionals–and just as importantly–their families in mind,” said Chris Tulp, OCDSPBA President. “The reality is that policing remains a dangerous profession. In 2025, 111 law enforcement officers across the country died in the line of duty, including 44 killed by gun violence. So far in 2026, 51 officers have already lost their lives, nearly 170 shot in the line of duty. Those realities are why this legislation matters. Protecting the families of those who put on the uniform each day should never be a partisan issue. I’m proud to say that support for this bill was bipartisan, with both Democrats and Republicans coming together to stand behind the law enforcement officers who serve their communities every day. On behalf of the Orange County Deputy Sheriffs PBA, I’d like to thank Senator Skoufis for sponsoring this legislation. When we call, he answers. We’d also like to thank the entire Orange County Legislature, with a special thank you to Legislator Fascaldi for championing this bill on our behalf. I’d also like to recognize Vice President Adam Honsaker and now-retired President Eric Colby from COBA, both of whom have worked on this legislation for quite some time. Finally, thank you to Sean Riordan for your tireless lobbying efforts. We would not be here today without your hard work, dedication, and experience. I sincerely hope none of us ever has to rely on the benefits provided by this bill, but knowing they’re there brings peace of mind. Every officer who puts on a badge also has a family standing behind them, and if the unthinkable ever happens, those families deserve to know they’ll be supported. Thank you all for making that commitment a reality.”

“On behalf of the Orange County Correction Officers’ Association, we thank Senator Skoufis, Assemblymember Kay, and all of our County Legislators for passing the Death Gamble Bill,” said Sgt. Armand Della Pia. “This legislation provides peace of mind to those of us who put on the uniform and serve our communities each day, knowing that the people we love will have greater security and stability should the unthinkable happen. It is difficult to fully express the burden this legislation lifts from our shoulders. It allows those of us who choose to continue serving our communities to do so without the constant fear of losing the security and future we have worked so hard to build for our families.”

Skoufis, Kay, their colleagues, and law enforcement leaders all urged Governor Hochul to sign these important bills. The legislation is expected to be sent to her desk in the coming months.