Christopher Kangas Fallen Firefighter Apprentice Act

The Christopher Kangas Fallen Firefighter Apprentice Act (H.R. 1456) would expand the eligibility for federal death benefits to include all members of a fire department, regardless of their age or status as an apprentice or trainee. Under current law, certain age or duty restrictions can prevent the families of young or student firefighters from receiving the same financial support as full-time professionals if they are killed in the line of duty. By making this change retroactive to May 2002, the bill ensures that the families of junior firefighters and trainees receive the same federal recognition and survivor benefits as any other fallen first responder.