“The passage of the Honoring our Fallen Heroes Act was deeply meaningful,” said Carolyn Phipps, wife of the late Hanover, VA Local 4202 Battalion Chief Jeff Phipps, who died in 2021 from occupational cancer.
For Carolyn Phipps, those words reflect years of determination and advocacy following the loss of her husband. Like many survivors of fire fighters who died from occupational cancer, Phipps and her family spent years pushing for legislative changes.
The recognition came in December when President Donald Trump signed the IAFF-endorsed, bipartisan Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act into law. The legislation officially recognizes cancer as a line-of-duty death under the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) Program.
The law is the result of years of advocacy led by the IAFF and its members, with families joining the IAFF in the fight to secure federal recognition of job-related cancer by sharing their stories with lawmakers and urging Congress to act.
“It proved that when the IAFF, families, and advocates work together, real change can happen,” said Carolyn.
“I want to thank the IAFF and all those involved who helped us navigate the complexities of the political process and to help us turn our personal loss into positive change. This legislation ensures our fallen heroes and their loved ones are honored and protected, not just in words, but also in action.”
For Carolyn and Jeff’s son, Jeffrey, the bill carries weight in both his personal and professional life.
“The passage of this bill is a significant step in the right direction. As the son of a fallen fire fighter, I’m proud that my father’s story is still making a difference for others,” said Jeffrey. “As a member of the IAFF, I’m proud of the organization for helping get this bill across the finish line. This success shows what’s possible when dedicated families, advocates, and leaders come together with a shared purpose.”
It proved that when the IAFF, families, and advocates work together, real change can happen.
carolyn phipps, wife of hanover county, va local 4202 battalion chief jeff phipps
Julie Paidar, whose husband, Mike, served as a fire fighter with St. Paul, MN Local 21, said the law ensures fire fighter families who lose a loved one to occupational cancer are given the same support as any other line of duty death.
“It was truly a grassroots movement driven by love for our fallen, a determination to protect those left behind, and a strong belief in doing the right thing,” said Julie. “This law crossed the finish line because people worked together with persistence, compassion, and purpose.”
Julie and Mike’s daughter, Meghan, said she was proud to see the bill pass and praised her mother for helping to get the bill across the finish line.
“To see all that my mom has put into getting this passed, has been inspiring. She truly puts others before herself, and learned as much as she could, and would answer phone calls and questions at any second throughout this process,” said Meghan.
Aimee Griffin’s husband, Chris, was a fire fighter with Norfolk, VA Local 68. After years of taking multiple trips to Washington, D.C. to walk the halls of Congress alongside their young son, David, Aimee is relieved that families like hers will now benefit.
“It was a long road to get this bill passed and we are relieved that it has finally happened and that the federal government will finally recognize the losses of our heroes,” said Aimee. “It was a difficult process to tell our stories and open up old wounds and feelings. They [The IAFF and Virginia Professional Fire Fighters] made it a comforting process because they made us feel like we were family and we knew they had our backs while we were telling our stories to senators and congressmen.”
“I feel good because I know it’s the right thing to do for fire fighters,” said Chris and Aimee’s son, David.
It was a long road to get this bill passed and we are relieved that it has finally happened and that the federal government will finally recognize the losses of our heroes.
aimee, wife of norfolk, va local 68 fire fighter chris griffin
Sara Chiaverotti, the wife of late Virginia Beach, VA Local 2924 Capt. Matthew Chiaverotti said she was encouraged to see lawmakers work across the aisle to pass the legislation.
“I am grateful that this bill has finally passed. While the process took far longer than it should have, its passage proves what is possible when persistence, advocacy by the IAFF and families of the fallen, and bipartisan leadership come together in service of our first responder families,” she said.
While families continue to grieve loved ones lost, their hard work ensures future families will receive the recognition and support they deserve.
“When I lost my husband and my son lost his daddy, our lives were forever changed. No legislation can undo the loss of my husband,” said Sara.“This bill acknowledges the sacrifices made by first responders and the lasting impact on the families they leave behind.”
“Out of our deepest heartbreak came something meaningful and impactful. Mike’s life, service, and sacrifice will now help others, just as he always did,” said Julie.
