The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, reintroduced by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), seeks to expand federal benefits to families of firefighters and first responders who develop cancer due to their service.
Under the current Public Safety Officer Benefits Program, families are eligible for federal support when a first responder dies or becomes disabled due to physical trauma, heart attacks, strokes, or mental health conditions. This legislation would extend those benefits to include occupational cancer, the leading cause of death among firefighters.
The bill honors Michael Paidar, a St. Paul fire captain who passed away from leukemia in 2020. His widow, Julie Paidar, successfully advocated for Minnesota to include line-of-duty benefits for families of firefighters who die from cancer. Klobuchar called Julie’s efforts a significant step, marking the first time Minnesota extended such benefits.
“This legislation ensures we provide support to the families of firefighters who risk their lives to keep us safe,” said Klobuchar.
The bill has passed out of the Judiciary Committee and is now gathering broader support.
New Bill Aims to Extend Federal Benefits to Firefighters with Cancer
Jan 27, 2025 | 3:55 AM