Gay Missouri State Trooper’s Widower Ineligible For Most Survivor Benefits

Missouri Patrol Corporal Dennis Engelhard was struck and killed by a car that lost control in the heavy snow that fell throughout the South during the Christmas holiday. Engelhard had stepped out of his patrol car to set flares in order to alert other motorists of a minor accident. According to the official obituary, Engelhard was single, without children. Governor Jay Nixon called on the citizens of the state to pray for his family who had lost a beloved son and brother. What they missed or ignored was Kelly Glossip, Engelhard’s partner for fifteen years. The two men had been introduced by a fellow trooper, who is lesbian. The omissions happened despite the knowledge among his fellow troopers that Engelhard was gay, and now, it is highly in doubt that Glossip will receive the death benefits that a spouse would be entitled to. Missouri has a Constitutional amendment banning any marriage other than those between a man and a woman.

“I’d take 100 Dennis Engelhards. He was an outstanding trooper. His lifestyle had no bearing on his career,” according to Captain Ronald Johnson, head of the Highway Patrol troop covering St. Louis and the adjoining counties. Unfortunately, neither his sexual orientation, nor the fact that Engelhard had, in effect, a fifteen year old stepson were mentioned at the official funeral service held by the Highway Patrol in Engelhard’s hometown of Brookfield. Glossip had a son by a marriage before coming out gay. A second funeral will be held for Engelhard at Christ Church Cathedral on 30 January by his friends and family. “I need closure and my son needs closure. Something that’s truthful, and not dishonest,” according to Glossip. The omission of Engelhard’s family undoubtedly hurt those who he was closest to.

Unfortunately, Glossip will also not be allowed to get Engelhard’s death benefits, amounting to $28,138 per year. The law is structured that only a person who is married to a trooper who dies in the line of duty is eligible for those benefits. According to state Representative Ward Franz “I personally feel that a relationship should be between a man and a woman. They still love each other and care about each other, but I don’t think we can change the law for that.” Missouri’s LGBT advocacy group PROMO released this statement in counter to what Franz stated “The 2004 marriage amendment didn’t ‘protect’ anyone’s marriage. It only ensured that family members who survive the tragic loss of everyday heroes like Engelhard are treated with less respect and dignity than straight couples.”

Glossip has received some benefits following Engelhard’s death. He was listed as being the beneficiary of a small policy that Engelhard had with the Missouri State Troopers Association. That pay out amounted to $500. Glossip is also eligible for benefits from the Federal government through the Justice Department. The Justice Department pays out a certain amount of money- in this case around $300,000- in the case of state troopers who die in the line of duty. Unlike other benefits available through state and local groups, the Justice Department benefits are available to anyone who is married to or can prove that they were the long time partner for the deceased. Glossip has also received financial support from Engelhard’s family.

By Bridgette P. LaVictoire

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