News Release - Etheridge Introduces Hometown Heroes Legislation

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

February 26, 2003

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

Etheridge Introduces Hometown Heroes Legislation

Lawmaker Promises to Continue to Fight for First Responders

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) today re-introduced 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. 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. In the past week, Etheridge held rallies with first responders across the Second Congressional District in support of the legislation.

Our hometowns are blessed to have the support of brave and dedicated folks who keep our streets safe, and are the first to respond to an emergency," Etheridge said. "Our hometown heroes deserve to know that their families will be compensated in the event of a tragedy. I will fight for this legislation in honor of the heroes who have given their lives for our safety and those who continue to protect us from new threats. Since 9/11, there has been a lot of talk about assisting first responders but now is the time to take action for these heroes and their families. Congress should pass this legislation without further delay."

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.

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.