The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters (OAPFF) are sharing important updates on the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act (HONOR Act) and the federal Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) Program. President Jon Harvey reached out to share this with all first responders in Ohio. OFCA appreciates the ongoing collaboration that benefits all first responders in the State.
The HONOR Act provides long-overdue federal recognition of qualifying occupational cancers as a line-of-duty death under the PSOB Program. This means that surviving families of eligible firefighters who died from qualifying cancers may now be eligible for federal death benefits and educational assistance.
Current eligibility criteria include:
The IAFF and OAPFF are actively identifying firefighters and families who may qualify and supporting them through the application process. The IAFF has designated PSOB representatives to assist with this effort, including one assigned to the 8th District, which encompasses Ohio.
Importantly, this assistance is not limited to IAFF or OAPFF members. Whether a firefighter served full-time, part-time, or as a volunteer, any Ohio firefighter family that may qualify for federal PSOB benefits is eligible for support. The IAFF is committed to helping eligible families navigate this process, regardless of employment status or union affiliation.
If you or your members have questions or would like to work through the application process, please contact either of the following:
Tom Rave 937-452-1668 trave@oapff.org or
Carl Jordan 330-280-0961 cjordan@oapff.org