The IAFF is proud to throw its support behind the Military Fire Fighters PFAS Compensation Bill (H.R. 6946), introduced by U.S. Reps. Marilyn Strickland and Bill Posey Jan. 10.
H.R. 6946 seeks to establish a fund for military fire fighters to provide timely, adequate compensation to current and former military fire fighters and survivors suffering from illnesses related to on-the-job PFAS exposure.
“Military fire fighters, including our 16th District members employed at military installations, play a critical role in our nation’s security,” said General President Edward Kelly. “Sadly, in the course of this essential work, these brave men and women are unnecessarily exposed to toxic PFAS-laden firefighting foams, subjecting them to higher rates of cancer and other serious health effects.
“The Military Firefighters Compensation Fund is an important way a grateful nation can thank these firefighters facing lifelong medical costs,” he said.
Strickland agreed, saying caring for military fire fighters is not just the right thing to do, but an important piece of military readiness.
“Military firefighters, most of whom are civilians, are directly exposed to PFAS chemicals while on the job – and deserve compensation, especially for their work-related illnesses,” Strickland said.
And if fire fighters are going to knowingly put their lives on the line every day, they need to know someone has their backs.
“Our fire fighters deserve our utmost gratitude for risking their health and lives in service to our communities,” Posey said. “They need our assurance that we will take care of them like they take care us.”
