U.S. Rep. Wants a Presidential Medal of Valor for 9/11 Line-of-Duty Deaths

House Democratic Caucus chairman Rep. Joseph Crowley has introduced the 9/11 Heroes Medal of Valor Act of 2017, a bill that would extend eligibility for the Presidential Medal of Valor to public safety officers who responded on September 11, 2001 and later died of 9/11-related diseases. Rep. Crowley, backed by fellow members of New York’s congressional delegation, sponsored legislation in 2004 to establish the Presidential Medal of Valor for men and women who died in the line of duty on September 11, 2001.

According to a story in the Observer, Rep. Crowley issued a statement, saying, “The Medal of Valor is but a small token of appreciation for the bravery and strength of the men and women who sacrificed their lives answering the call in our nation’s darkest hour. We lost hundreds of public servants that day, but many more have since been taken from us, succumbing to 9/11 related illnesses. They too are heroes and deserving of this recognition. America has not forgotten them and we are eternally grateful for their service.”

There is wide, bipartisan support for Rep. Crowley’s bill from members of the New York delegation, including Reps. José Serrano, Carolyn Maloney, Jerry Nadler, Hakeem Jeffries, Adriano Espaillat, Grace Meng, Gregory Meeks, Dan Donovan, Tom Suozzi, Nydia Velázquez, and Yvette Clarke.

Naturally, there is support among 9/11 advocates, including John Feal, founder of the FealGood Foundation, as well as Paul Nunziato, president of the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association, and Patrick Lynch, president of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association.

At Barasch & McGarry, we remember Rep. Crowley’s unwavering support of the original James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010. He was instrumental in getting that legislation, named for our client NYPD Detective James Zadroga, passed in the House. We fully support his current efforts, because as attorneys for responders with 9/11-related illnesses, we have seen first-hand the heroic struggles of men and women stricken with deadly diseases, who have shown courage, grace, resolve, and even humor in the face of relentless pain and suffering. They are the very definition of valor and deserve this recognition.

Barasch & McGarry helps responders and others affected by 9/11 illnesses get the benefits they deserve. For a free consultation with a lawyer who understands your situation and the law, please contact us online or call [ln::phone].