On January 23rd, Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN) and Senator Kevin Cramer (ND) introduced S. 237, the Honoring Our Fallen Heros Act. The legislation expands the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program to line of duty deaths and permanent disabilities that occur because of certain cancers.
The PSOB program provides benefits to the survivors of public safety officers who die in the line of duty, as well as disability benefits to officers who become permanently disabled due to injuries sustained in the line of duty. Firefighters have a 9% higher risk of developing cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer compared to the general public.
“The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation expresses our steadfast support of the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act. Multiple studies have shown that firefighters have an increased risk of cancer compared to the general public. These men and women put their lives on the line every day to protect their communities, and as a result, are exposed to a variety of carcinogens through the very nature of their work, including exposure to hazardous materials, toxic smoke, and other environmental factors. The federal government must recognize their sacrifice, and the families of public safety officers who die or are permanently disabled as a result of occupational cancer should have access to benefits provided by the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program,” said Victor Stagnaro, Chief Executive Officer of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
S.237 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Upon introduction, a group of nearly 30 senators signed on as original co-sponsors. We thank Senators Klobuchar, Cramer, and all of the bill’s co-sponsors for their support. NFFF, in partnership with the other national fire service organizations, will prioritize passage of this important legislation during the 119th Congress.