Courtney Pushing Fire Police Benefits Bill

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (CT-02) on Wednesday joined Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15), and Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-09) to reintroduce the Fire Police Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation Courtney said would extend public safety officer death benefits to fire police.

Fire police officers provide emergency response services in 14 states across the United States, including Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, Courtney said. But, because there is "no uniform national designation for fire police," they face "additional and unnecessary hurdles" in accessing benefits that other public safety officers receive, he said.

"Fire police across eastern Connecticut serve critical roles protecting both the public and their fellow public safety officers by securing the areas around dangerous emergencies," Courtney said. "They respond alongside police and fire services, and put themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities. For more than forty years, the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program has provided peace of mind to public safety officers and their families with the assurance that our country will honor their service by providing certain benefits should they be killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. I am proud to once again introduce this legislation alongside Congressmen Thompson and Pascrell to ensure that fire police are eligible for these same benefits."

Courtney originally authored and introduced the Fire Police Fairness Act in 2011 after the Chief of the Gales Ferry Volunteer Fire Company, Anthony Saccone, brought the issue to Courtney’s attention. He has introduced the legislation each in each Congress since.

The National Volunteer Fire Council, which represents volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel, announced its support of the legislation in a letter published Wednesday afternoon. Click here to read the letter of support.

The International Association of Fire Chiefs, which represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide, has also announced support for the Fire Police Fairness Act. Click here to read the letter of support.