The LEOFF Plan 2 Board heard special testimony from Renee Mahar and Jolin Lowry at the July 22, 2015 meeting. Renee Maher is the surviving spouse of Federal Way Officer Patrick Maher who was killed in the line of duty in 2003. Jolin Lowry is the surviving spouse of Tacoma Officer, William Lowry who was killed in the line of duty in 1997. Together, they presented the Board with a plaque and gave thanks on behalf of all the surviving spouses and families of members who died in the line of duty for the work the Board has done over the years, ultimately leading up to the passing of SHB 1194 this past session.

Prior to the bill, surviving spouses of LEOFF Plan 2 members killed in the line of duty received a monthly benefit from Labor and Industries (L&I) which ended if they remarried. Now, LEOFF Plan 2 will continue to pay the benefit if the surviving spouse remarries. Surviving spouses whose benefits were previously suspended are also covered.