News Release-Firefighters Present Etheridge Legislator of the Year Award

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

May 6, 2004

Contact: Sara Lang
Phone: (202) 225-4531

Firefighters Present Etheridge Legislator of the Year Award

WASHINGTON - Flanked by firefighters from North Carolina and around the country, U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) received the "Legislator of the Year" award at the 16th Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner in Washington Wednesday. The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) presented the award to Etheridge, who authored the Hometown Heroes Survivor Benefit Act, in recognition of his work on behalf of firefighters and first responders,

"I am honored to receive this award and I accept it on behalf of all the firefighters and first responders who protect our communities each and every day," Etheridge said. "By passing the Hometown Heroes Act Congress paid a powerful tribute to our first responders and their families for their commitment and their sacrifice. The tragedy of 9/11 reminded us that we only need to look to our local police, firefighters and emergency workers to find our country's true heroes. These men and women continue to inspire me, and I will keep fighting on their behalf."

The Hometown Heroes Survivor Benefit Act, which was signed into law in December, extends federal survivor benefits to the families of firefighters, police officers and emergency workers who die of heart attack or stroke while in the line of duty. Nearly half of all firefighter deaths are attributed to heart attack or stroke.

The dinner was attended by more than 2,000 state and national fire service leaders from across the nation, including North Carolina. The dinner also featured remarks from Vice President Dick Cheney, Senator John McCain, U.S. House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer and Senator Joe Biden as well as special award presentations.

Etheridge, a member of the U.S. House Select Committee on Homeland Security, was also recently honored with the 2004 Alfred K. Whitehead Legislative Award from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) for his work on the Hometown Heroes Survivor Benefit Act and his continuing commitment to first responders.