House Approves Education Assistance for Children of Fallen Fire Fighters

May 18, 2010 -- The House of Representatives gave voice vote approval to the Daniel Faulkner Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act. The legislation provides college tuition assistance for the children of fire fighters, police officers and EMS workers killed in the line of duty.

“I’m proud that Democrats and Republicans came together to support this legislation and take a small, but important, step for the families of the brave men and women who keep us safe,” says the bill’s author, Representative Patrick Murphy (D-PA).

Adds IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger, “This important legislation helps assure that no child of a fallen fire fighter will see his or her opportunities for a bright future diminished because of their parent’s heroism and selfless dedication to duty.”

The IAFF worked closely with Representative Murphy on the legislation to assure that the educational assistance offered under this new program would not diminish other educational benefits available to the children of fallen public safety officers under the PSOB program or other government assistance.

The legislation now moves to the Senate, where the long backlog of bills presents a potential obstacle for final passage. The IAFF will be working with Senate leaders on finding a way to move the issue forward.