While the federal government has a limited role in the fire service, most federal departments administer at least one program that provides training, equipment, research or other types of benefits for our nation’s first responders. One such department is the U.S. Department of Justice.
Our initial thought is law enforcement when we think of the Department of Justice. According to its mission statement, DOJ’s mission is to “uphold the rule of law, to keep our country safe, and to protect civil rights.” But the department also administers programs that benefit our nation’s fire and emergency services, most notably the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) Program and the Public Safety Medal of Valor. The question is: how many members of the fire service are aware of these programs? Not enough, and it is up to those of us knowledgeable about these programs – and for that matter all federal programs benefiting the fire service – to educate firefighters at the local level. This is my challenge to you and others: to share information about these programs with your colleagues.
Established in 1976, the PSOB program “provides death, disability, and education benefits to eligible PSOs or their families in the event of the officer’s death or permanent and total disability in the line of duty.” The benefit for eligible deaths and disabilities is currently $437,503. The process of applying for and receiving the benefit is lengthy, and sometimes the outcome is not favorable. But throughout the years, the program has awarded millions in benefits to family members, helping them rebuild their lives.
Last year, the General Accountability Office issued a report on the PSOB program. One of its findings was that the program was not reaching potentially eligible beneficiaries. While the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) are the two primary agencies tasked to work with the DOJ in program outreach, they alone should not be responsible for alerting the public safety community; we should all participate in this effort.
And how many members of the fire service are aware of the Public Safety Medal of Valor Program? The program was established in 2000 to recognize members of the fire service and law enforcement for acts of valor. It is considered the equivalent to the military’s Medal of Valor. Each year, members of a review board appointed by the President and congressional leaders, review nominations and the recipients are presented the award by the President in a White House Ceremony.
This program should be on the radar screen of every local, state and national fire service organization. While firefighters are humble and selfless, they deserve to be recognized for their valor and sacrifices just as members of the military are honored for their bravery and sacrifice. This award not only honors the bravest of the brave, it raises public awareness of all the men and women who serve and protect our communities against fire and other dangers.
You can learn more about these two programs by clicking these links for the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program and the Public Safety Medal of Valor. I will continue to highlight other federal fire service programs that can have a positive impact for firefighters at the local level – please join CFSI in sharing the message!
FFAM
