Rosen-Backed Bipartisan Bill to Increase Support for Law Enforcement, First Responders Suffering from Service-Related Cancers Signed Into Law

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced that the bipartisan Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, which Senator Rosen cosponsored and helped pass, was signed into law. This Rosen-backed bipartisan law will 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. Before this law was passed, the only support law enforcement could receive from the Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program was 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.

"I'm thrilled to see that our bipartisan bill to support Nevada's police officers, firefighters, and first responders has been signed into law," said Senator Rosen. "Nevada's first responders put their health at risk to keep our communities safe, sometimes developing cancer from exposure to toxic chemicals during their service. Thanks to this bipartisan law, these public safety officers and their families will be able to access all the federal support they need and deserve."

"The Professional Firefighters of Nevada proudly support the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act. Nevada's firefighters and first responders courageously put their health and safety on the line every day to protect our communities, and too many suffer devastating service-related cancers as a result. This legislation would expand federal support for families and individuals impacted by these illnesses, ensuring they can access the benefits they've earned through their sacrifice," said Todd Ingalsbee, President Professional Firefighters of Nevada. "We applaud Senator Rosen's leadership in backing this bipartisan effort and her continued commitment to standing with those who serve and protect our state."

"The Las Vegas Police Protective Association, wholeheartedly supports the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act and we are glad to see it pass and be signed into law," said John Abel, Director of Governmental Affairs of the Las Vegas Police Protective Association. "This vital legislation recognizes the devastating impact of occupational cancers on our public safety officers and ensures that the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice receive the benefits they deserve. It's a long-overdue step in honoring the bravery of our fallen heroes and protecting those who protect us every day."

"Protecting firefighters means protecting the people who protect our communities," said Richard Edwards, Fire Chief for the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District. "This bipartisan effort demonstrates a shared commitment to caring for firefighters who experience job-related cancers, and we appreciate Senator Rosen's leadership in advancing this important legislation."

"The health and wellness of our firefighters is a priority in the fire service. This legislation translates those words into action," said David Cochran, Fire Chief for the City of Reno. "We are grateful to Senator Rosen for her leadership in this area, and for her support of the men and women firefighters who serve our communities."

Senator Rosen has fought to support Nevada's first responders and law enforcement. 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 she 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.