News Release - Supported by Firefighters, Police, Etheridge Announces Hometown Heroes Legislation

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

February 24, 2003

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

Supported by Firefighters, Police, Etheridge Announces Hometown Heroes Legislation

Lawmaker Promises to Continue to Fight for First Responders

RALEIGH -- Surrounded by firefighters, police officers and emergency workers, U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) announced plans today to re-introduce his Hometown Heroes Survivor Benefit Act. The legislation would extend federal benefits to the survivors of public safety officers, including police officers, firefighters and other first responders, who are killed by heart attacks or strokes while on duty, ensuring that these hometown heroes' families are provided for. Heart attacks and strokes represent a significant risk among public safety officers, accounting for nearly half of firefighter deaths each year. Already this year, the lives of two North Carolina firefighters have been claimed by heart attacks while on duty. Standing next to the state's memorial honoring fallen police officers and steps away from the future site of a monument honoring fallen firefighters, Etheridge said he would introduce the bill once Congress returns from President's Day recess.

"Everyday, our firefighters, our police officers and our emergency workers protect our families and possessions from fire, keep our streets safe, and are the first to respond to an emergency," Etheridge said. "They are truly our hometown heroes, and they deserve to know that their families will be taken care of. I will fight for this legislation day in and day out in honor of the many heroes around the country who have given their lives for our safety. We will not accept defeat."

This legislation is rooted in North Carolina, born out of a letter written to Etheridge by Mike Williams, who works as a volunteer fire chief in Bunnlevel and in the Department of Insurance's Office of State Fire Marshal, and inspired by the death of a North Carolina firefighter. Firefighters, police officers and emergency workers around the country have rallied in support of the legislation. Etheridge was joined today by Mike Williams, Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Jim Long and Executive Director of the N.C. State Firemen's Association Paul Miller.

"I wrote to Congressman Etheridge because I was frustrated by a system that let my friends and colleagues down time and again," Williams said. "These firefighters give their time and energy, and sometimes their lives, for our safety. Their families deserve this benefit for their many sacrifices."

"I commend Congressman Etheridge on his continued pursuit of this important bill," said Jim Long, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal. "I want to know that the families of our fallen firefighters and other law enforcement officials will receive benefits whether they lost a loved one from flames or from cardiac arrest."

Last year, Etheridge's legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously. Over one hundred of Etheridge's colleagues co-sponsored the bill, and nearly 40 associations, including the Fraternal Order of Police, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Association of State Fire Marshals and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians, supported the bill.

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. 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 thereby denying the family benefits. The nature of public safety officers' jobs puts them at higher risk for heart attack due to high stress, heavy equipment and dangerous conditions. The Etheridge bill would correct that deficiency in the law, and ensure that families are awarded benefits.