Dear Representative Scalise,
I am writing on behalf of the members of the Fraternal Order of Police to request your help in getting H.R. 1269, the “Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act,” to the House floor as soon as practicable.
Our law enforcement officers are in harm’s way each and every day. They are exposed not only to physical threats, but also to unseen or unknown threats when operating in potentially hazardous environments. Public safety officers who are exposed to known carcinogens and who contract cancer leading to death or disability should be considered to have sustained a personal injury in the line of duty for the purposes of the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program.
According to research by the State University of Buffalo and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, law enforcement officers have higher rates of brain cancer and Hodgkin’s lymphoma than the general population. The report highlighted several additional studies that show an elevated mortality risk among officers due to various cancers.
This legislation addresses this stark reality and would correctly categorize duty-related cancer fatalities as a line of duty death under Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program. This bill acknowledges their sacrifice in service to their communities and ensures that the families of fallen officers receive the benefits to which they are entitled.
On behalf of the more than 382,000 members of the Fraternal Order of Police, I ask that you support and provide the leadership necessary to help us advance this critical legislation. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me or Executive Director Jim Pasco in our Washington, D.C. office.
Sincerely,
Patrick Yoes
National President