Issue Position: First Responders

Issue Position

After the attacks of September 11th, it became obvious that our police, firefighters, and emergency personnel are those most likely to be on the front lines in the event of a terrorist attack. Therefore, Congressman Lynch believes we need to ensure that our first responders have the equipment they need to protect themselves and to keep our communities safe. Our nation's first responders put their lives on the line every day to serve and protect us. Congressman Lynch has consistently supported legislation to ensure that these brave men and women have the equipment, funding, training and respect that they deserve.

During consideration of the fiscal year 2007 Science-State-Justice-Commerce Appropriations bill, Congressman Lynch led the fight in passing a bipartisan amendment that secured an additional $12 million for the Bulletproof Vest Partnership (BVP) program. The BVP provides life-saving bulletproof vests to state and local law agencies. Additionally, Congressman Lynch has worked with community groups and local law enforcement officials throughout the 9th Congressional District to secure Community Policing Grants as well as additional federal dollars for first responders. Specifically, Congressman Lynch helped to secure 27 federal Fire Grants for 18 Fire Departments in the Ninth District, totaling more than $3.3 million in federal aid.

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