WASHINGTON DC – During National Police Week, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced she has joined the bipartisan Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act to expand access to federal support for the families of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other first responders who pass away or become permanently disabled from service-related cancers. Currently, these heroic men and women are only eligible for support under the Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program for physical injuries sustained in the line of duty, or for deaths from duty-related heart attacks, strokes, mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and 9/11 related illnesses.
“Nevada’s police officers, firefighters, and first responders put their health at risk to keep our communities safe, sometimes developing cancer from exposure to toxic chemicals during their service,” dijo el Senador Rosen. “That’s why it’s critical that these public safety officers and their families can access all the federal support they need. I’m proud to support this bill to do just that, and will keep pushing to make sure we take the best care of our first responders.”
Senator Rosen has fought to support Nevada’s first responders. Last year, she helped secure nearly $1 million in federal funding to provide mental health training and support to thousands of firefighters, law enforcement officers, and first responders. Senator Rosen also announced that more than $6 million in funding they secured for Nevada law enforcement, criminal justice, and public safety projects is being delivered. Last Congress, Senator Rosen introduced bipartisan legislation to improve federal mental health support programs for firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other emergency response personnel.
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