Firefighters push for legislative priorities in Washington

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Firefighters from across the country have gathered in Washington, D.C. for the International Association of Fire Fighters’ Legislative Conference.

Members plan to spend the week on Capitol Hill as they urge lawmakers to act on policies that affect the fire service.

Vice President JD Vance addressed the group on Monday and thanked firefighters for their work.

“We are thankful to you. We are proud of you. We love you,” Vance said.

Vance also shared his personal connection to first responders. He credited firefighters and emergency medical workers with helping his family during his mother’s struggle with opioid addiction.

“We would not have gotten that second chance were it not for then firefighters all across our country, for the EMT specialists all across our country who make it possible for second chances again and again and again,” he said.

Vance pointed to several laws meant to support firefighters as examples of federal action in Washington.

The Social Security Fairness Act, signed by President Joe Biden, expands Social Security benefits for some public workers, including some firefighters.

Vance also cited the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, signed by President Donald Trump, which extends federal benefits to families of firefighters who die from job-related cancer.

“When a firefighter becomes ill or, God forbid, loses their life because of cancer developed in the line of duty, their families are entitled to federal benefits that they earned,” Vance said.

Vance said the administration plans to continue work with firefighters on additional protections.

“We’re going to work with you over the next few years to continue solving the problems that exist for our firefighting community,” he said.

One major issue firefighters discussed Monday was exposure to PFAS, often called “forever chemicals.” The chemicals appear in some protective gear and firefighting foam and have been linked to cancer.

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