Larson Recognizes Flag Day by Calling for Hometown Heroes to Receive Proper Recognition
Washington – Yesterday, in honor of Flag Day, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) introduced the “Honoring Hometown Heroes Act” to fix a longstanding oversight in the U.S. Flag Code and allow the Governor of a state or territory to order the American flag to be lowered to half-staff in the event of a public safety officer’s death in the line of duty. Larson released the following statement:
“When everyone is running away from a danger, our firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel selflessly put their lives on the line to keep us safe. They deserve honor of a flag flown at half-staff should they make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” said Larson. “Hartford's Deputy Fire Chief Jim McLoughlin—a Windsor resident—first brought this glaring oversight to my attention, and I thank him for his commitment to honoring the brave men and women who serve our communities. I also applaud the Co-Chairs of the Fire Service, Law Enforcement, and EMS Caucuses for everything they have done to raise awareness for this important issue. Our first responders deserve all of the respect and dignity we can offer.”
Under current law, a Governor may order the American flag to be lowered to half-staff following the death of a present or former government official or a member of the Armed Forces—not a public safety officer. The Honoring Hometown Heroes Act has been endorsed by the following groups:
- California Fire Foundation
- Congressional Fire Services Institute
- Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association
- Fraternal Order of Police
- Illinois Fire Chiefs Association
- International Association of Fire Fighters
- International Association of Fire Chiefs
- Local Assistance State Teams (LAST) in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, and Virginia.
- Major County Sheriff’s Association
- National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
- National Volunteer Fire Council
- National Honor Guard Commanders Association
- National Honor Guard Academy
- National Fire Academy Alumni Association
- Ohio Fire Chiefs Association
- Sergeants Benevolent Association of NYPD
- Virginia Fire Chiefs Association
Original cosponsors include: Reps. Peter King, Bill Pascrell, Dave Reichert, Tim Walz, Joe Courtney, Rosa DeLauro, Elizabeth Esty, James Himes, Raúl Grijalva, Mike Capuano, and Gregory Meeks.
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