The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act to Support Firefighters

Addressing a Critical Gap in First Responder Benefits

Under current law, the Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program provides support for first responders who suffer physical injuries in the line of duty, as well as those impacted by duty-related heart attacks, strokes, PTSD, and 9/11-related illnesses. However, it does not cover service-related cancers. The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act seeks to correct this by ensuring that families of firefighters and first responders who develop cancer due to occupational exposure receive the same benefits as those who suffer other duty-related conditions. The bill also extends disability benefits to first responders who become permanently and totally disabled due to cancer.

Senate Leaders Advocate for First Responders

“Firefighters risk their lives daily to protect our communities,” said Senator Padilla. “When they develop cancer from duty-related exposures, they and their families deserve the full measure of support.”

“Our first responders don’t just battle fires; they also face long-term health risks from toxic exposures,” said Senator Schiff. “This legislation ensures that those who develop cancer from their service receive the benefits they have earned.”

Senator Klobuchar emphasized the urgency of the bill, stating, “Firefighters are exposed to dangerous carcinogens every day. It’s unacceptable that those who develop cancer due to their service do not receive the same benefits as others who die in the line of duty.”

Senator Cramer added, “Our first responders make countless sacrifices, often facing dangerous carcinogens. When they suffer from service-related cancers, their families should not have to struggle for support.”

Enhancing Support Through the PSOB Program

The PSOB program, administered by the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, provides benefits to the survivors of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and first responders killed in the line of duty. It also offers disability benefits for those permanently or totally disabled. Additionally, the Public Safety Officers’ Educational Assistance (PSOEA) program provides higher-education assistance to the children and spouses of affected public safety officers.

Strong Bipartisan and Organizational Support

The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act has garnered bipartisan support from Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jim Justice (R-W.V.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

The legislation is also endorsed by major organizations, including:

  • International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF)
  • Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI)
  • Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA)
  • Fraternal Order of Police (FOP)
  • International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
  • Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA)
  • Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs)
  • National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO)
  • National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF)
  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
  • National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC)
  • National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC)
  • NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association

Ongoing Advocacy for Disaster Relief and Firefighter Support

Senators Padilla and Schiff continue to advocate for comprehensive disaster relief efforts in California. Following recent wildfires, they led a bipartisan effort to secure a major disaster declaration from President Biden, expediting aid for affected communities. Additionally, Padilla has introduced legislation to increase wildland firefighter pay and enhance fire resilience efforts.

Conclusion

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