In a unanimous vote Thursday, the Tijuana City Hall approved incorporating widows and beneficiaries of deceased police officers into the municipal health system, delivering on a campaign promise by Mayor Ismael Burgueño to recognize the sacrifices of those who dedicated their lives to public safety.
“Today we are delivering justice. Justice for the families, for the children, for the widows and for the memory of those who went to work with the hope of returning home. As of today, the widows and relatives of police officers who lost their life now have medical service. Today that justice becomes a reality,” the mayor said.
The reforms, spearheaded by City Auditor Teresita Balderas, modify Special Technical Standard No. 4. The updated framework broadens eligibility to include widowers and individuals previously designated by officers, in addition to widows and children.
Related: Baja California Bets on Niche Tourism to Broaden Tijuana’s Appeal
“We found cold technical standards that were not designed with humanism or social sense,” Balderas said. “That’s why we worked to reform them and guarantee well-being to the families of those who serve the city.”
In addition, the changes introduce monthly pension payments, replacing the previous quarterly schedule, to provide more consistent financial support for grieving families. Another reform establishes that the benefit now includes those who have died from illness, accident, or other circumstances, not just in the line of duty.
Under the approved agreement, the city’s Chief Administrative Office, in coordination with the Municipal Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection, will compile a registry of eligible widows and beneficiaries, who must verify their status to access the benefits.
Related: Tijuana Mayor Ismael Burgueño Leads Morena’s Gubernatorial Race, New Poll Shows
The Secretariat of Finance, through the Treasury Department and Chief Administrative Office, has been directed to allocate resources for the program while adhering to principles of transparency and budget austerity.
This measure underscores the Municipal Government’s commitment to honoring the service and sacrifice of Tijuana’s police officers by supporting their families through public policies designed to enhance their well-being and quality of life.
