WASHINGTON, DC (February 7, 2025) The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) is pleased to announce that Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN) has been selected by the leadership of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus to serve as a co-chair. Senator Klobuchar assumes the position following the departures of former co-chairs Senator Tom Carper (DE) and Senator Jon Tester (MT).
Since 2007, Senator Klobuchar has served in the U.S. Senate representing the state of Minnesota. She has worked tirelessly on a variety of issues affecting her home state, including many issues that affect fire and life safety. Senator Klobuchar spent years working on carbon monoxide safety. For her work on that issue, among others, she was recognized with the 2022 CFSI Legislator of the Year award.
During her time in the Senate, she has also supported legislation to encourage fire sprinkler retrofits and has been a strong supporter of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs, among other initiatives. Most recently, she reintroduced the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act (S.237), which would help ensure that firefighters who pass away or become disabled from certain cancers linked to their service are covered under the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) Program.
“Senator Klobuchar has led by example, pushing forward on legislative priorities that help states and localities to save lives and protect their citizens,” said CFSI Board of Directors President Jim Estepp. “She has long been a strong supporter of the fire and emergency services and we look forward to working with her as she steps up as a Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.”
“Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe—from running into burning buildings and wildfires to exposing themselves to carcinogens that can have long-term health consequences years after their service has ended,” said Senator Klobuchar. “I look forward to working with the entire Fire Services Caucus to ensure our firefighters have the support they deserve, including for hiring and training, purchasing life-saving equipment, and assistance after their service is done. That includes passing our bipartisan bill to ensure firefighters who succumb to service-related cancers receive the same treatment as others who die in the line of duty.”
The Fire Caucus is among the largest caucuses in Congress. Members join to learn more about supporting local fire departments and the federal government’s role in addressing the needs of our nation’s fire and emergency services. A list of current members is located on CFSI’s website. If your member is not on the list, ask them to join!
