Two Republican lawmakers are calling for Florida's hate crimes law to include attacks on police officers and firefighters after the deadly shooting in Dallas last week.
The law currently increases penalties if offenses are based on factors like race, religion, sexual orientation and mental or physical disability.
Matt Puckett, executive director with the Police Benevolent Association hopes adding law enforcement to that list will save lives but says nothing will guarantee officers' safety.
"This would just be another protection,” said Puckett. “I hope it would be a deterrent for someone who is bent on doing ill toward first responder, but a lot of times no matter what you do, that's not going to be enough to deter certain people."
Alex Barnette owns Esquire Barber Shop, which is in the heart of Durkeeville at 8th and Myrtle.
He said he thinks the “Blue Lives Matter” proposal is a good idea.
"I have clients that are police officers and they're nice guys,” said Barnette. “I think everyone should be treated fairly."
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