Resolution calling upon the United States Senate to pass, and the President to sign, the Fallen Heroes Flag Act of 2015.

Res. No. 800

Resolution calling upon the United States Senate to pass, and the President to sign, the Fallen Heroes Flag Act of 2015.

By Council Member Ulrich

Whereas, According to statistics compiled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, dozens of law enforcement officers across the nation die in the line of duty each year, whether as a result of accidents or felonious incidents, including 95 officers in 2014 and 76 officers in 2013; and

Whereas, According to the United States Fire Administration, dozens of firefighters die in the line of duty every year, including 106 firefighters in 2013; and

Whereas, Tragically, according to reports by the New York City Police Department, New York City Fire Department, and other groups, nearly every year several New York City law enforcement officers, firefighters, rescue workers, ambulance crew members or other public safety officers are among those who die in the line of duty; and

Whereas, On February 4, 2015, Representative Peter King of New York’s Second Congressional District introduced H.R. 723, the Fallen Heroes Flag Act of 2015, in the United States House of Representatives; and

Whereas, The Fallen Heroes Flag Act of 2015 would allow a Congressional Delegate or Resident Commissioner to give the family of a “fire fighter, law enforcement officer, member of a rescue squad or ambulance crew, or public safety officer” who has died in the line of duty, at the family’s request, an American flag flown over the United States Capitol in the deceased person’s honor, along with an expression of sympathy from the House of Representatives; and

Whereas, The Fallen Heroes Flag Act passed in the United States House of Representatives in May 2015 and is currently pending before the United States Senate; and

Whereas, While no single gesture can adequately convey the nation’s gratitude to the men and women who give their lives to protect public safety and welfare, the Fallen Heroes Flag Act is an important recognition of the loss and sacrifice borne by the families of those who die in the line of duty; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the United States Senate to pass, and the President to sign, the Fallen Heroes Flag Act of 2015.

LS #3789

6/30/15

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