Law enforcement bill named for slain Trooper Kevin Conner introduced

By DEUCE NIVEN

tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com

     Conner’s Law, a bill named in tribute of Master Trooper Kevin Conner of the North Carolina Highway Patrol, slain in the line of duty last fall, was introduced in the North Carolina House of Representatives by state Rep. Brenden Jones Thursday.

Miranda Conner is flanked by NCSHP Commander Col. Glenn McNeill and state Rep. Brenden Jones during a Thursday morning news conference in Raleigh. (Contributed photo)

     Conner’s widow, Miranda, joined Jones and NCHP representatives at a news conference in Raleigh Thursday announcing the bill, which will increase the penalty for those convicted of assaulting an officer with a firearm, and double the death benefit paid to the family of officers murdered in the line of duty, a news release from Jones said.

     “This bill means a great deal to me, said Jones, a Tabor City Republican. “Kevin Conner, who was senselessly murdered last year in Columbus County, was a good friend of mine and a terrific husband, father and a courageous trooper.

     “This bill, named in his honor, sends a strong message that we support the police who keep our communities safe and that we have zero tolerance for anyone who seeks to harm a law enforcement officer.”

     Look for more on this story in the next Tabor-Loris Tribune in print and online.