I see no reason why the police, firefighters etc. families should be treated any differently than those of other public servants, or any other worker whether in a hazardous profession or not. So, the men and women--road crews, electrical workers, etc.--who keep the city running should also get these benefits if the families of police and firefighters do.  After all, firefighters and police are paid well; they choose their jobs for their own reasons, just like everyone else.  What about air traffic controllers?  Or non-public workers like farmers, with whom none of us could survive?  How about entertainers who elevate the public mood in times of crisis? I could go on and on.  If we're going to give special benefits to our heroes we should include ALL of them, not just the privileged few.