Washington, D.C. – More than 50 families, firefighters, and advocates from across the United States converged on Capitol Hill this week, urging Congress to pass the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act. This bipartisan bill, also known as the ‘Honor Act’ (S. 237 / H.R. 1269), aims to amend the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program to include occupational cancer as a line-of-duty illness. Occupational cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters, and the proposed legislation seeks to ensure that first responders and their families receive the financial support and death benefits they deserve.
The act, currently under consideration in both the U.S. House and Senate, has garnered significant bipartisan support with 116 House members – 83 Democrats and 33 Republicans – and 42 Senators – 16 Republicans and 26 Democrats – backing the bill.
“Firefighters are losing their lives to occupational cancer at alarming rates, and it’s time for the federal government to finally recognize these sacrifices as occurring in the line of duty,” stated General President Edward Kelly. His remarks underscore the critical need for the legislation, emphasizing the firsthand devastation occupational cancer has brought to the fire service.
Among those lobbying for the bill was Josh Southerland, a firefighter from Hamilton County, Indiana, who lost his father to kidney cancer in 2020. “These are not isolated tragedies,” Southerland said. He, along with other supporters, met with a range of legislators, including Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN), Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), one of the bill’s lead sponsors. The group’s efforts highlight the importance of the bill for families affected by these tragedies.
Cylina Cervantes, who traveled from California with her three children, shared her personal story of loss after her husband, Miguel Cervantes, a Rancho Cucamonga firefighter, passed away in 2023 following a battle with cancer linked to his occupational hazards. “Passing this bill would help support people like my hero who lost his life to cancer,” she stated, adding that the legislation would prevent other families from enduring similar hardships without necessary support.
Senator Klobuchar addressed the group, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in their advocacy efforts. “We know what the facts are, and we have worked really hard on this legislation,” she said, urging families and advocates not to give up. The dedicated efforts of lawmakers such as Sen. Klobuchar, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), and Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) have been crucial in building bipartisan support.
As the families and advocates continue their push on Capitol Hill, they hope that their stories will propel the legislation forward, honoring the sacrifices made by firefighters and ensuring that the system recognizes and supports their needs.
