Bill Honoring Fallen Harford Deputies Becomes Law

Gov. Larry Hogan signed a bill Monday morning that raises the age at which children of fallen law enforcement officers may receive death benefits.

The emergency legislation was designed to be a tribute to Harford County Senior Deputy Patrick Dailey and Deputy First Class Mark Logsdon, who died in the line of duty on Feb. 10.

House Bill 1581, which the Harford County Delegation introduced on Feb. 22, raises the age at which children of deceased law enforcement officers in the pension system may receive death benefits.

While the law previously said children 18 and under were eligible, the bill—called the "Harford County Deputy Sheriff Patrick Dailey Benefits Memorial Act"—increases the age to 26 years old.

Bryan and Tyler Dailey, the sons of Senior Deputy Dailey, were 20 and 17 when their father was shot and killed by a man inside the Abingdon Panera in February.

Senior Deputy Mark Logsdon, who was killed by the suspect outside the restaurant, left behind three children.

Hogan said he was pleased to be able to do something to give back to the fallen officers.

"I was proud to sign HB1581 into law today," Hogan tweeted Monday morning. He said that it was "a small way to honor Harford Sheriff Deputies Dailey & Logsdon."

• Funeral for Senior Deputy Patrick Dailey: 'He Cared About Everyone'
• Sheriff Identifies 2 Deputies Killed in Line of Duty
• Deputy Mark Logsdon, 43, of Fallston: 'He Was Everybody's Hero'
• 2 Deputies Killed in Abingdon Shootings, Suspect Dead
• Maryland State Police K-9 Named for Slain Harford County Sheriff's Deputy

Photo Credit: Gov. Larry Hogan.