Washington, DC – United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) along with Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Gary Peters (D-MI), Ranking Member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, as well as Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and James Lankford (R-OK), today introduced a resolution to designate October 28, 2019 as “Honoring the Nation’s First Responders Day.” According to the Department of Homeland Security, an estimated 4.6 million career and volunteer firefighters, police, emergency medical technicians, and paramedic workers serve communities all across the United States. The resolution encourages Americans to honor our country’s first responders with ceremonies and activities to recognize their contributions.

 

“Across the country, nearly 5 million first responders act decisively and heroically to keep our communities safe," said Senator Warren. "First responders represent America’s enduring courage and strength, and we owe them a true debt of gratitude.”

 

“Every day our first responders put their lives on the line for their fellow Americans. So I think it’s fitting that we set aside one day a year to celebrate them and their service. They deserve nothing less,” said Senator Cotton.

 

“Our first responders save countless lives every day, and many tragically pay the ultimate price in the line of duty – a sacrifice we should never forget,” said Senator Johnson. “Designating a day to honor their service and sacrifice is the least we can do to express our gratitude.”

  

“In Michigan and across the nation, dedicated first responders put their lives on the line to protect their neighbors’ families, homes and businesses,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan resolution honors the sacrifices these first responders undertake every day to help make our communities better places to live, work and raise a family.”

 

“Our first responders show their courage each day by putting their lives on the line to protect our communities,” said Senator Rosen. “In Las Vegas, we witnessed this bravery during the tragic 1 October attack when our first responders put their lives on the line and worked tirelessly to protect our city during our darkest hour. I’m proud to recognize the heroism of our first responders by co-sponsoring this resolution.”

 

“First responders are some of the most valued members of every community in our nation, and I am grateful to join Senators Warren and Cotton to be able to formally set aside time to honor first responders and their heroic daily tasks,” said Senator Lankford. “Oklahoma first responders are some of the most highly tested professionals in our nation. From the tragic 1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Building, to devastating EF 5 tornadoes, to deadly, widespread wildfires, and so much more, they are ready for anything and are our first line of defense against terrorism and natural disasters. I will continue to make time to visit with first responders around our state to personally thank them for their service. Thank you.”

 

United States Representatives Elijah Cummings (D-MD) and Mark Meadows (R-NC) will introduce the House companion resolution.

 

In 2017, Senators Warren and Cotton introduced and worked to pass a similar resolution honoring first responders.

 

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