May 18, 2017

Warren, Cotton, Meadows, Capuano, and Cummings Introduce Resolution to Designate Official "Honoring the Nation's First Responders Day"

Family of MIT Police Officer Sean Collier Are Advocates of Day Recognizing America's First Responders

Washington, D.C. - Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) and Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), along with Congressmen Mark Meadows (R-North Carolina), Michael Capuano (D-Massachusetts), and Elijah Cummings (D-Maryland) today introduced a resolution to annually designate October 28th as Honoring the Nation's First Responders Day.

"We all count on the courage and commitment of first responders to keep our families and communities safe," said Warren. "Day in and day out, first responders rush toward danger, putting their own safety at risk to help others. We owe them a true debt of gratitude. I'd like to thank the family of Officer Sean Collier for their efforts to support this resolution to honor heroic first responders like Sean."

"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 Cotton.

"I've worked with the family of Officer Sean Collier, who was killed in April of 2013 by those responsible for the tragic bombings at the Boston Marathon, to honor our first responders. Every day they put the safety of their community first by entering burning buildings, pursuing armed suspects, and rushing into danger. I think it's important to designate a day to honor their service," said Capuano.

"The idea for this resolution came directly from a Western North Carolina constituent who, like me, believes that our first responders represent the best of our nation. Having met with many of our first responders in Western North Carolina, I can tell you that their dedication to their community is unmatched. These are men and women who are consistently willing to put their lives on the line for their friends, neighbors, and country, and they deserve to be recognized for that sacrifice," said Meadows.

"Time after time, our brave first responders run toward danger to save lives and keep us safe," said Cummings. "I am proud to join my colleagues in the House and Senate to introduce this Resolution to honor first responders' service to our communities."

The family of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) police officer Sean Collier, who was killed during the events following the 2013 Boston Marathon attack, has played an important role advocating for this resolution. "Honoring the Nation's First Responders Day would be a meaningful tribute to my brother and all first responders. I am excited to see it move one step closer to becoming a reality, and am grateful to all those who have taken up this cause," said Andrew Collier, brother of Sean Collier.

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