Washington, DC - National President Patrick Yoes and Executive Director Jim Pasco joined other State and local law enforcement leaders on a conference call this afternoon hosted by top officials with the Office for State and Local Law Enforcement in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to discuss officer safety issues posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

National President Yoes forcefully made a case for the immediate distribution of vital personal protective equipment (PPE) to law enforcement officers on the frontlines of the pandemic response. He also insisted that law enforcement officers who contract the virus be presumed to have done so in the line of duty assuring that they would be eligible for any benefits administered by the Office of Workman's Compensation Program (OWCP).

His pleas to help our men and women in the field were broadly and vocally supported by the other State and local organizations participating in the call.

The FOP will continue to pursue these and other priority needs as we engage with all levels of government on behalf of the membership.