Newtown seeks law change to aid officers, others

NEWTOWN, Conn. (AP) — The Newtown Board of Police Commissioners is seeking a change in state law so officers and others who responded to last month's school shooting are covered by workers compensation.

The board passed a resolution Tuesday citing the bravery of police, teachers, first responders and school staff. It says "fairness and compassion dictates" the law be changed to provide appropriate benefits to those who suffered physical and emotional injury "as a consequence of their heroic efforts" on the job.

A police union has said some police officers who responded to the shooting were so traumatized they weren't working, but had to use sick time and risked going without a paycheck.

The union wants to expand workers' compensation benefits for officers who witness horrific crime scenes.

A gunman killed 20 young children and six adults at an elementary school.