Location: 114th

(December 19, 2016) – The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) is proud to announce that Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-9) has been selected as the 2016 CFSI Legislator of the Year.

Throughout his distinguished career in Congress, Congressman Pascrell has been a leading advocate for the nation’s fire and emergency services.  The current chairman of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, Congressman Pascrell has been a staunch advocate for a number of federal fire service programs, including the Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs, as well as the United States Fire Administration (USFA).  Recently, Congressman Pascrell introduced H.R. 5123, the Honoring Emergency Response Officers Benefits Reform Act. The legislation is intended to improve the timeliness and transparency of Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program’s death, disability and education claims.

“Throughout his congressional career, Congressman Pascrell has demonstrated an incredible commitment and dedication to our nation’s fire and emergency services,” said Bill Webb, CFSI’s Executive Director.  “It has been an honor and pleasure to work closely with the Congressman for many years to advance the cause of America’s fire and emergency services on Capitol Hill.  CFSI is honored to present him our Legislator of the Year Award”

“It fills me with pride to stand up for the brave firefighters who protect our families and our communities,” said Congressman Pascrell. “I am honored to receive the 2016 CFSI Legislator of the Year Award and will continue to fight for the first responders on the front lines who make our communities safer. Going forward, I will continue to prioritize an agenda to better train, equip, and staff firehouses across the country.”