(MOBILE, Ala.) - Fallen Mobile Police Officer Steven Green's family may be left in the dark when it comes to his pension from the city.
There's no provision in the city pension plan offering compensation to the family of loved ones killed in the line of duty.
"He will only get maybe two times of what's put in at this point," State Representative Napoleon Bracy said.
Bracy, a long time friend of Green, said he talked with city leaders following Green's funeral Wednesday about making changes to the city's pension law.
"So we can make sure that there is a clause to deal with situations like what happened to Steven, and other officers that maybe killed in the line of duty," Bracy said.
Mobile City Council members said they've been talking about those changes as well.
"I know it's something we're going to have to take a look at," Councilman Fred Richardson said. "I know that funding is down, but some things we just have to rise to the occasion on it, and I think this is one of them."
"If there's a way to support it I would."
"I look forward to working with my colleagues and the administration, hand in hand, to make sure that no others ever fall in the line of duty without their family being taken care of," Councilman John Williams said.
Green's family will receive compensation through state and federal programs. The Office of Justice Programs provides the Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) Programs that provide death and education benefits to survivors of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters and other first responders.
The amount of the PSOB benefit is $323,035.75 for eligible deaths occurring on or after Oct. 1, 2011.
Alabama law provides for a one-time death benefit payment of $100,000 for the survivors of public safety officers killed in the line of duty.
Bracy said he and Green attended middle school, high school and ROTC, and often played football and basketball together. He said Green's death did not set in until Wednesday's funeral.
"I lost a brother," Bracy said. "I lost a brother when this happened."
"He's a hero. He's definitely a hero in our community, and in our hearts."
Councilman Fred Richardson said Green's funeral and procession were unlike any other.
"I've never seen anything of this magnitude in my life," Richardson said. "He went out in honor and respect."
Williams said while discussions about the "line-of-duty" amendment to the city pension laws will continue in due time.
"Right now it's a time for all of us to reflect on this wonderful person's life," Williams said.
