Archive: News

Congressman Tom Reed voted Thursday to pass legislation to help the victims and families of the West Webster Fire Department following the December 24, 2012 shooting. The bill allows public charities to make a payment to any firefighter who was injured as a result of the ambush, or to the spouse or any dependent of any firefighter who died as a result. Reed was a co-sponsor of the bill.

“Coming up on the one year anniversary of this heinous act, we can remember and honor the memory and sacrifice of these volunteer responders by caring for the victims and their families,” Congressman Reed said. “We can’t erase what happened but we can help ease the burden with the generosity of Americans across the country who heard of the tragedy and donated. I am proud to partner with my colleague from New York, Rep. Slaughter on this necessary piece of legislation.”

While donations for the firefighters and their families were made to the West Webster Fire Department, a 501(c)(3) organization, the rules currently governing non-profit groups prevent the funds from being distributed as intended to the victims and their families. The Fallen Firefighters Assistance Tax Clarification Act works to correct that error and distribute the donations to the affected families.

v9i48