He stood shoulder to shoulder with Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey when an inmate being transported out of a courtroom this summer gunned down two court bailiffs, and he has long been a supporter of local law enforcement of all stripes. State Representative Al Pscholka's loyalty and dedication to them has resulted in his selection as Legislator of the Year for the Michigan House of Representatives this week by the Michigan Sheriff's Association.
The Stevensville Republican says he feels privileged to receive the honor from the men and women of law enforcement who are on the front lines against crime day in and day out. He says, "I have received a number of awards, but recognition from our Sheriff's Association means a great deal to me personally." He adds, "I have always been a big supporter of local law enforcement and what they do every day to keep our communities safe. To be recognized by these first responders is a tremendous honor."
Pscholka, who chairs the House Committee on Appropriations, was one of the driving forces behind House passage of Senate Bill 218, now Public Act 284 of 2016, which extends benefits for survivors of law enforcement officials who are killed in the line of duty.
Regarding that bill and law, Al says, "I led the charge in the House recently on Senator Wayne Schmidt's bill to allow for survivor health-care benefits for surviving family members for those who have fallen in the line of duty.” He notes, “That is the least we can do to give some peace of mind to our first responders who strap on their equipment every day to protect us."
The Sheriff’s Association named Senator Schmidt, a Traverse City Republican, as the Michigan Senate Lawmaker of the Year.
The formal presentations to Pscholka and Schmidt will take place next Monday, Oct. 17th, in Lansing.
