Bill Pascrell: “I rise for our first responders who are risking their lives and the lives of their families. They go to work every day…”

“I rise for our first responders who are risking their lives and the lives of their families. They go to work every day to fight this virus. They need our help. I am proud to join Chairman Nadler, Congressman Max Rose, and others in support of the Public Safety Officer Pandemic Response Act. Our bill will guarantee first responders receive Public Safety Officer Benefits if the worst comes to pass, because there have been many delays. We need clarity so that there is no anxiety about this. In my district, the Ninth District of New Jersey, we tragically lost two first responders to COVID-19 in the line of duty. Israel Tolentino, a firefighter from Passaic, New Jersey, was 33 years old. It was Israel's lifelong dream to be a firefighter. He made the ultimate sacrifice for our community fighting this pandemic. He leaves behind his wife and two young children. And we have lost Frank Scorpo, a police officer from my hometown of Paterson. I knew the family. He was only 34. He was a beloved member of the force. He leaves behind his wife and two sons, ages 4 and 6 months. Another person I want to recognize, who understands and is sensitive to this, for all the years he served here, is Peter King of New York. He never, never missed an opportunity to stand up for law enforcement and their families. These men are heroes, Scorpo and Tolentino. My heart and your heart bleeds for our fallen first responders.…”