Untitled Document

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

October 3, 2003

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

Etheridge Honors Fallen Firefighters with Hometown Heroes Legislation

WASHINGTON - During National Fire Prevention Week and as the families of fallen firefighters from around the country head to Washington for the annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) responded to a recent report on firefighter deaths by again calling for swift passage of his Hometown Heroes Survivor Benefits Act, HR. 919. The new report released by the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shows that overexertion or stress, resulting in heart attack or stroke, was the leading cause of death among firefighters on duty. Etheridge's legislation extends federal benefits to public safety officers, including firefighters, police officers and other first responders, who die of heart attack or stroke in the line of duty.

"This weekend, firefighters who gave their lives to protect our families and our communities will be honored by colleagues, families and officials from around the nation. In honor of these fallen firefighters and especially in memory of the 38 who died last year of heart attack or stroke, the House of Representatives must pass this legislation now," Etheridge said. "This small change would mean so much to those who give of themselves day in and day out for our safety. We have an obligation to care for the families of our hometown heroes should they make the ultimate sacrifice."

According to FEMA's report, 38 of the 100 firefighters across the country who lost their lives while on duty in 2002 died of heart attack or stroke. The report states, "Firefighting is extremely strenuous physical work and is likely one of the most physically demanding activities that the human body performs." Since 1996, more than three hundred firefighters have died on duty due to stress or overexertion.

Etheridge's legislation passed the Senate in May. More than 270 Members of the House of Representatives have co-sponsored the legislation, which is endorsed by more than 60 public safety organizations, including the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the National Association of State Fire Marshals.

The current federal Public Safety Officers Benefits Program provides financial assistance to families of public safety officers (police, fire and EMS) killed in the line of duty, as well as to officers permanently disabled while on the job. Unfortunately, in almost every incidence of death by heart attack or stroke, it is ruled that the heart attack or stroke was not a direct result of an injury sustained in the line of duty and the family receives no benefits even though the deaths were clearly triggered by the rigors of the job. The Etheridge bill would correct that deficiency in the law.

To read the full report, visit http://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/fa-260.pdf. To read FEMA's news release, visit http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=5377.