Vice President JD Vance pledged the Trump administration’s continued support for fire fighters at the IAFF’s Alfred K. Whitehead Legislative Conference, highlighting recent legislative victories affecting members, their families, and their communities.
“There is no group of people that is harder working and more important for our communities than our fire fighters,” Vance told attendees gathered in Washington, D.C.
General President Edward Kelly introduced Vance by emphasizing that the IAFF’s biggest recent wins could not have happened without support from the White House.
Vance became the second sitting U.S. vice president in recent years to address the conference, where fire fighters from across the country meet with lawmakers to advocate for federal policies impacting public safety.
“When the passage of the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act was in jeopardy this winter, the White House made it clear that they would stand with the families of our fallen. And they went to work,” Kelly said. “The White House removed every stumbling block that was put in our way. Occupational cancer is now recognized as a line-of-duty death. And federal death and education benefits are given to the families of our fallen because of the Trump-Vance administration’s steadfast support.”
The White House removed every stumbling block that was put in our way. Occupational cancer is now recognized as a line-of-duty death. And federal death and education benefits are given to the families of our fallen because of the Trump-Vance administration’s steadfast support.”
General President Edward Kelly
Vance shared how, shortly after the 2024 election, President Donald Trump called on Republicans to back the Social Security Fairness Act – critical legislation returning Social Security benefits to retired fire fighters and other public servants. It passed on the last day of the 118th Congress.
“One of the reasons why that happened … is because the President of the United States made sure that congressional Republicans stayed on top of that legislation and we worked to get it done,” he said.
As a senator, Vance supported the reauthorization of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and SAFER programs, which help departments hire personnel and purchase lifesaving equipment.
Vance said protecting fire fighters’ health also includes addressing risks from hazardous exposures.
He highlighted his work on the Railway Safety Act, legislation introduced following the 2023 Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which seeks to strengthen federal rail safety standards and address concerns about long-term exposure to toxic chemicals. The IAFF-backed bill was reintroduced this year.
He said the U.S. Health and Human Services Department is committed to understanding the “effects of toxic chemical exposure” on fire fighters.
We want you all to know if, God forbid, you run into harm’s way, what are the consequences going to be to you over the long haul? And, importantly, what are the kinds of medical treatments that you’re going to need if you’re in that situation so that the sacrifice you make doesn’t become more than it has to be.
Vice President JD Vance
“We want you all to know if, God forbid, you run into harm’s way, what are the consequences going to be to you over the long haul?” Vance said. “And, importantly, what are the kinds of medical treatments that you’re going to need if you’re in that situation so that the sacrifice you make doesn’t become more than it has to be.”
Vance also shared a deeply personal story about how fire fighters helped his family when he was growing up in Ohio, when his mother struggled with opioid addiction and he called 911 during a particularly difficult moment.
“I picked up the phone, and a number of brave, professional, compassionate fire fighters from Middletown, Ohio, showed up,” Vance said. “They made a kid who was scared to death feel like he had an ally in this world. And I will never forget that.”
His mother, he said, is now more than a decade sober.
Vance concluded his remarks by acknowledging that fire fighters and emergency medical personnel serve their communities every day – and said the federal government must do its part as well.
“What is the work of all of you as fire fighters and EMTs if it’s not to ensure that every kid has an opportunity to live in safety and security,” he said. “You do your part every day. That means we need to honor your service by doing our part here in Washington, D.C.”
