Fire & Police Board Denies Pension for Slain Officer's Partner

Mickie Mashburn's loving Partner of 10 years, Lois M. Marrero, was killed in the in the line of Duty, on July 6, 2001. Coping with such great loss, Mickie's handed another loss, this time it's the loss to the right to receive her partners pension benefits. The Tampa Fire and Police Pension Board, voted 7~1 to deny Mickie spousal death benefits of slain partner. As Mickie's co-workers, neighbors and family testified, the board members did little to feign interest. One board member fell asleep, while, the board's attorney, James Loper, who presented arguments against Mashburn's case during the hearing. Passed a note commenting on the repetitive testimony of the witnesses. Once those who testified that Lois would have wanted Mickie to receive her pension benefits. Telling the board, if Lois was given a choice to who to leave her pension, "It would have been Mickie." What would have made the board's denial moot, was prevented by a bureaucratic mistake. Lois wasn't permitted to choose Mickie as beneficiary, but, the state Legislature passed a law in 1999 saying pension members could choose their beneficiary. It was not until July 3, 2001, that the city approved the ordinance. Tragically, just three days later Lois was killed, without being able to exercise her right. Mickie, although at the brink of exhaustion from this ordeal, she hasn't given up hope and intends to continue her efforts. And she has the support of the gay and straight community. TBC, our members and many others will do what ever it takes to achieve justice for our sister, Mickie.

Mickie Mashburn Sets Precedent Seeks Pension.

Sept. 6, 2001: Mickie has officially applied for the pension benefits for her life partner, Officer Lois Marrero, killed in the line of duty July 6, 2001. As if her loss wasn't unbearable to endure. Mickie will have to do battle with the city pension board and Marrero family. Who have already inflicted more such pain with their cruel accusations made in the press. We are behind you Mickie 100%, you go girl. Nobody can know what Lois would want better than you. Source Watermark Online.

Sister Says She Took Nothing From Marrero's Home On Day Of Funeral.

August 30, 2001: Sadly Lois's family are turning against Mickie. From items missing from their house, to very nasty accusations, that Lois wanted out of their relationship and was dating other woman. This is a tragedy on top of a tragedy. Why did it seem necessary to cast aspersions in the press? For what ever motive one has, it just isn't right. Source The Tampa Tribune.

Tampa City Council Holds Domestic Partners Pension Benefits Meeting.

August 30, 2001: The first committee meeting to looking into adding domestic partners to pension and insurance was held. Read this article on this and dozen more on Mickie and pension benefits issue. August and July articles. Resources

St. Petersburg Times & Gay Financial Network.

Benefit Concert in Memory of Lois Marrero and for Mickie Mashburn.

August 3rd., 2001: 1,000 people gathered at an Aug. 4 benefit to honor the life of slain Tampa police officer Lois Marrero and the event also raised money to help Lois Marrero's partner of ten years, who is Tampa PD Detective Mickie Mashburn. Article by Watermark Online.

Crime Victim Fund $ 25,000 to Mickie Mashburn,

July 20, 2001: Attorney General Bob Butterworth approves $ 25,000 payment from states crime victims compensation fund to be sent to Mickie Mashburn. Mickie as not requested any benefits since the death of her life partner in the line of duty. [Read]

Feeling Heat Tampa Council Form Committee Explore Same-Sex Partners Benefits.

July 20, 2001. Fallout over Lois's Life Partner denied benefits spurs City Council to act. City Council agree to explore benefits options, the members were unanimous in their decision to form committee looking to extending benefits to the same-sex and unmarried partners city employees. Articles Miami Herald and the Tampa Tribune.

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