IAFC president urges HEROES Act action

By Janelle Foskett

The president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) released a video on Tuesday urging first responders to connect with their senators about passing HEROES Act provisions that help the fire and emergency service.

Fire Chief Gary Ludwig reminded viewers that the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6800, the HEROES Act, back on May 15 to help the nation recover from COVID-19 ; however, the U.S. Senate has yet to pass the legislation.

The legislation has several provisions to assist local fire departments and firefighters, including $500 million each for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs , plus waivers to the SAFER grant program to allow fire departments to retain and re-hire firefighters.

Ludwig encourages IAFC members and other first responders to visit IAFC.org/TakeAction to email senators and ask them to pass the public safety provisions in the HEROES Act .

The Senate will be in recess from July 6 to July 17, Ludwig noted, adding: "Use this time to call your senators or participate in virtual town hall meetings. Explain the needs of the fire and emergency service."