News Release - Etheridge Fires Up Nation's Firefighters

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

March 17, 2003

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

Etheridge Fires Up Nation’s Firefighters

On Capitol Hill, N.C. Lawmaker Speaks to Hundreds of Firefighters About His Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) today spoke to over 700 firefighters from around the country about H.R. 919, his Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act, at the International Association of Fire Fighters’ (IAFF) 21st Annual Legislative Conference in Washington. Etheridge’s legislation would extend federal benefits to public safety officers, including police officers, firefighters and other first responders, who die of 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. The following day, these firefighters will proceed to the Capitol to lobby members of Congress in support of this important legislation.

“In all things, our families are our backbone. And the families of firefighters must suffer through many nights worrying about their loved ones safe return,” Etheridge said. “But sometimes, tragically, their loved ones to do not return. I am proud to stand here today with firefighters from around the country and pledge that I will not rest, will not take no for answer, and will work every legislative angle to pass this bill. Your families deserve no less.”

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. H.R. 919 would correct that deficiency in the law, and ensure that families are awarded benefits.

Last year, Etheridge’s legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously. Over one hundred Members of Congress 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.