Just two days after Representative Mike Johnson (R-LA) was elected 56th Speaker of the House, U.S. Representatives have already come together in the spirit of bipartisanship to introduce a resolution, known as “Honoring the Nation’s First Responders Day.”
The legislators involved in the introduction of the resolution include Representatives Kat Cammack (R-FL), Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Joe Courtney (D-CT), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).
According to the bill, first responders nationwide account for 4.6 million career and volunteer professionals including fire, police, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and paramedic workers.
Rep. Cammack mentioned that this resolution is personal to her.
"I'm honored to lead this resolution with my colleagues to honor our first responders. As the wife of a firefighter/paramedic and SWAT medic, this resolution is personal for me," said Rep. Kat Cammack. "The men and women of our first responder community across the nation work tirelessly to keep our communities safe. They run toward danger when the rest of us run away from it and we should be tremendously grateful for their service and sacrifices each day. Imagining a world without them isn't possible, and we thank you for all you do and will always stand with you."
Moreover, Rep. DeLauro stated that first responders “hold communities together” and save lives.
"When Americans find themselves in an emergency and in need of assistance, it is our nation's first responders who stand on the front line ready to respond," said Rep. Rosa DeLauro. "Whether they be firefighters, emergency medical technician, paramedics, or our brave law enforcement officers, first responders hold communities together, protect neighborhoods, and save lives. I am glad to lead my colleagues on a bipartisan resolution celebrating Honoring the Nation’s First Responders Day."
Rep. Courtney said that this resolution is a “display of gratitude.”
"First responders, whether providing support after a natural disaster or caring for communities after tragic events like we saw this week in Maine, are the first on the scene to assist their communities in times of duress," said Rep. Joe Courtney. "I continue to advocate for the necessary resources for our First Responders to carry out their mission and stay safe on the job. This Resolution is merely a display of gratitude and appreciation for some of our most critical community partners."
Finally, Rep. Fitzpatrick asserted that the millions of first responders around the country deserve this honor.
"As a formal federal law enforcement officer and former EMT, I know that our firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians, and paramedics are often the first to arrive and the last to leave the scene of any emergency," said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. "Without question, the millions of heroic Americans that serve and risk their lives for our communities in this way each day deserve our appreciation. I am glad to join my colleagues in recognizing the contribution and public service of our first responders, and remain committed to continuing to secure more resources in support of their missions."
The resolution would acknowledge Oct. 28, 2023, as the national celebration of our nation’s heroes.
