United States Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., is among 20 senators co-sponsoring a bill intended to honor emergency responders killed in the line of duty.
The Fallen Heroes Flag Act would provided U.S. flags that have been flown over the U.S. Capitol to the families of firefighters, police officers, members of rescue squads or ambulance crews and other public safety officers who have been killed while on the job, according to a news release issued Friday, April 8.
The bipartisan bill was introduced by Senator Roy Blunt, R-Mo., chairman of the Senate Rules Committee.
“The law enforcement and rescue personnel who work to keep our communities safe risk their lives each day," Capito said. "Although we can never do enough to honor those who have given their lives in the line of duty, the Fallen Heroes Flag Act seeks to recognize their bravery and selflessness. Each flag flown over the U.S. Capitol symbolizes our sincere gratitude to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and I hope it will bring a small piece of comfort to the families of our fallen heroes.”
Under provisions of the bill, a flag would be provided for a fallen emergency responder at the request of an immediate family member. The bill will be considered in the Rules Committee before advancing to the Senate floor.