Dr. Ruiz Recognizes Fallen Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Brett Harris

June 15, 2023

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) recognized fallen Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Brett Harris on the House floor, who passed while serving in the line of duty on May 12, 2023. Deputy Harris is survived by his wife Myreia and their family.

“Today, a wife and a family mourn a loved one, a public servant, and a friend,” Dr. Ruiz said on the House floor. “Let us honor and cherish the memory of a good man, loving son, and a devoted husband who served our communities well and who loved music, the arts, and video games. I ask everyone present on the House floor to join me in a moment of silence for Deputy Brett Harris, his family, and every fallen peace officer who has answered the call, put their lives on the line, and sacrificed themselves for our safety.”

“Every day an officer loses their life serving community members and protecting our communities. Dr. Ruiz understands the true importance of advocating for families of first responders, who also make great sacrifices for our communities. Dr. Ruiz is continuing to advocate for the families of fallen officers to get the support that they need through increased benefits.

“With his bill, the First Responders Survivors Support Act, families of fallen officers would receive more robust benefits if they lose their life in their line of duty. These changes include:

Increasing the PSOB death and disability benefit from $370,376 to $550,000,
Increasing the education benefit from $1,265 to $2,200 and setting the inflation rate to reflect the actual cost of rising tuition, and
Authorizing a GAO study to identify ways to improve access and utilization of the PSOB education benefit.

“Dr. Ruiz is also continuing to advocate for an increase in mental health resources and additional support for local departments who are grieving the loss of one of their own. In last year’s government funding package, Dr. Ruiz successfully secured a $10 million investment for the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) program.”