Widow fights for line-of-duty death benefits after husband died of COVID-19
While most other law enforcement officers in the state who have died of COVID-19 were considered line-of-duty deaths, Kenosha County denied those additional benefits.
While most other law enforcement officers in the state who have died of COVID-19 were considered line-of-duty deaths, Kenosha County denied those additional benefits.
While most other law enforcement officers in the state who have died of COVID-19 were considered line-of-duty deaths, Kenosha County denied those additional benefits.
The widow of a Kenosha County correctional officer who died of COVID-19 is now in the fight of her life.
Continuing Coverage: COVID-19 in Wisconsin
Cpl. Christopher Basina's doctor said he likely caught COVID-19 on the job.
The Oak Creek man was two years from retiring when he died in October at age 55.
His widow is still fighting to get her husband's line-of-duty death benefits.
"Chris was supposed to stand up in his brother's wedding Sept. 25, which was our anniversary, and he was too sick," Cheryl Basina told WISN 12.
He never recovered. His death certificate listed COVID-19 as the cause of death.
"At work he was asked to do the nasal swabs, so he was concerned about that," Cheryl Basina said.
Basina's doctor determined he likely caught COVID-19 from inmates.
While most other law enforcement officers in the state who have died of COVID-19 were considered line-of-duty deaths, Kenosha County denied those additional benefits.
That lead Cheryl Basina to hire attorney Kevin Martin.
"What happened was, and we've seen it happen time and time again, an insurance company gets in the way," he said.
"They're not honoring my husband by doing what they're doing. And having my attorney and I fight for this, to me it's not honoring my husband," Cheryl Basina said.
She said his benefits are critical.
They include two years of his salary, funeral expenses and health insurance until Cheryl Basina is 65.
She said having to fight for those benefits has made her husband's death even harder.
"It made me feel that, you know, my husband gave 23 years of his life to the job, dedication. And I think it was a letdown to him, and an insult to him. I believe," Cheryl Basina said.
The Kenosha County Corporation counsel's office told WISN 12 it was "still engaged in ongoing discussions with the Basina family."
Sheriff's department jail employees are considered law enforcement officers under state law.
Basina wasn't vaccinated against COVID-19.
He told his wife he didn't believe enough research was done on the vaccine.
Vaccinations are not required for Kenosha County employees.
Sign up for COVID-19 email alerts from WISN
Get breaking news alerts with the WISN 12 app.
Follow us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
