In early March 2026, members of the Professional Firefighters of Sonoma County, IAFF Local 1401, traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the IAFF’s Legislative Conference. Our delegation joined hundreds of firefighters from across the country to meet directly with members of Congress and push for policies that protect our health, safety, and families.

These advocacy trips are a vital part of our union’s work—ensuring that the voices of frontline firefighters are heard on Capitol Hill. While in D.C., we discussed critical issues facing our profession, including firefighter health and benefits. The timing felt especially meaningful as we reflected on a major legislative victory that had just become law: the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act.

A Landmark Victory for America’s Firefighters

In a truly historic moment, President Donald Trump signed the IAFF-endorsed Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act into law on Thursday, December 19, 2025, as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support—312 votes in the House and 77 in the Senate—showing strong unity in Congress for recognizing the sacrifices of public safety officers.

This legislation officially secures federal recognition of occupational cancer as a line-of-duty death (LODD). For far too long, families of firefighters who died from cancers caused by job-related exposures faced unnecessary barriers when seeking support. The HONOR Act changes that.

Led by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), along with Representatives Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) and Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), the bill updates the federal Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program. It now presumes certain cancers are occupational for firefighters, removing the burdensome requirement to prove a specific exposure incident.

The Act includes 20 types of cancers commonly seen in the fire service—such as brain, lung, prostate, breast, and esophageal cancers. It extends critical death and educational benefits to surviving family members, putting more than $461,000 in federal support directly into their hands during incredibly difficult times.

IAFF Leadership on the Victory

IAFF General President Edward Kelly captured the significance perfectly:

“We know the devastation occupational cancer has brought to our profession. When a firefighter dies from job-related cancer, that is a line-of-duty death—and it is long past time the federal government recognized that truth. The signing of the Honor Act marks a significant turning point. This legislation ensures our fallen are honored, and their families are not left behind.”

He added:

“This was a truly bipartisan effort, and I want to thank those lawmakers on Capitol Hill—both Republican and Democrat—who stood with us on this critical legislation. I also want to thank President Trump, whose support was crucial in passing what is easily one of the most impactful pieces of legislation in our union’s history.”

President Kelly emphasized the IAFF’s long-standing mission: “We always say the IAFF’s mission starts in front of a church, and that means taking care of our members and the families of our fallen. That’s exactly what this PSOB expansion does.”

Decades of Advocacy Pay Off

The IAFF has led the fight for years to recognize occupational cancer as a line-of-duty death. This victory builds on intense advocacy, including prioritization of the bill at the 2025 Alfred K. Whitehead Legislative Conference and multiple lobbying days on Capitol Hill with IAFF members and survivors.

Our own Local 1401 delegation’s recent trip to D.C. continues that tradition of showing up and speaking out for what matters most—protecting those who run toward danger every day.

What This Means for Firefighter Families

Cancer remains one of the greatest threats to firefighters due to repeated exposure to toxic smoke, chemicals, and hazardous materials on the job. By presuming these 20 cancers as occupational, the HONOR Act removes red tape and ensures faster, fairer access to benefits for survivors.

This isn’t just about money—it’s about dignity, recognition, and honoring the true cost of the job we do.

Looking Forward

As members of Local 1401, we’re proud to be part of a national union that delivers real results for firefighters and their families. The passage of the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act is a powerful reminder that persistent advocacy works.

We’ll keep showing up—in Sacramento, in Washington, D.C., and in our own communities—to fight for stronger protections, better health resources, and the support our brothers and sisters deserve.

To our fallen firefighters: You are not forgotten.

To their families: We stand with you.

Stay safe out there.

Professional Firefighters of Sonoma County, IAFF Local 1401

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