Representatives of the AFGE Law Enforcement Officers Steering Committee were invited to the White House to attend a presentation of the Medal of Valor on May 17 during National Police Week.
Participating in the event were Committee Chair Gene Racano (Defense Department), Stephen Booth (Air Force), Anthony Lopes (Federal Protective Service), and Tyra McClelland (Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency).
More federal law enforcement members represented by AFGE were invited but unable to attend.
The Medal of Valor, the nation’s highest honor for bravery by a public safety officer, was given to nine officers this year, including two NYPD officers who were killed after responding to a 911 call.
AFGE law enforcement officers and firefighters have been lobbying for congressional support for H.R. 1322, the “Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act,” S. 1658, the “Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act,” and H.R. 1235, the “Federal Firefighter Pay Equity Act.”
H.R. 1322 /S. 1658, would create parity among federal law enforcement officers and provide them with "6(c)" retirement benefits (under 5 USC 8336(c)) and the ability to retire after 20 years of service at the age of 50, or after 25 years of service at any age.
H.R. 1235 would ensure that mandatory overtime hours worked by federal fighters are counted toward retirement.
AFGE supports all our federal law enforcement officers, federal firefighters and other first responders in several agencies who protect and serve the American public and their fellow federal workers.