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Commission backs continuing salary, benefits for injured Sergeant Samuel Lilly through retirement
Summary
Following testimony about catastrophic injuries sustained on duty, a law-enforcement committee voted to recommend continuing Sgt. Samuel Lilly's salary, health care and OJI benefits until retirement or death using FY2026 general funds; the committee approved funding of $118,720 and urged policy reforms for long-term disability for first responders.
A law-enforcement committee recommended approval of a resolution to continue Shelby County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Samuel Lilly's salary, healthcare and on-the-job-injury (OJI) benefits until his retirement or death.
Chief Deputy Anthony Buckner outlined Lilly's service and injuries: Lilly joined the Sheriff's Office in August 2017, was promoted to sergeant in April 2024, and sustained catastrophic injuries on Oct. 15, 2024 while on duty. Buckner said risk-management informed the department Lilly's OJI benefits would end effective Dec. 1, 2025, after which the deputy would face a 40% pay cut and eventual removal from payroll without Commission action.
The resolution authorizes $118,720 from the FY2026 Sheriff's Office general fund ($85,814 salary; $32,906 benefits). Sheriff's Office staff said funds are available in FY2026 and future years would be budgeted to reflect any adjustments. Commissioners spoke strongly in favor, called the need urgent and requested further consideration of a permanent policy for medical/disability retirement for first responders.
Provenance: topicintro SEG 1718, topfinish SEG 2176
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