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Full Remarks: Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act

St. Paul City CouncilMonday, September 15, 2025
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Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act legislative progress

Advocacy for public safety officer cancer benefits

Firefighter occupational cancer risks and early screening

Line-of-duty death benefit expansion for retired firefighters

Recognition of service-related cancer as a line-of-duty tragedy

Full Document Analysis

Notable Quotes (2)

Over 70% of line of duty deaths in our profession are cancer related.

— Butch Shanks
Occupational cancer risksStating the high statistical risk of cancer in the fire service.

If one or two of them object, then we're going to have to try to find another vehicle that might be easier.

— Amy Klobuchar
Legislative strategyDiscussing Senate legislative hurdles.

People (7)

Butch ShanksFire Chief

St. Paul Fire Department official hosting at Station One.

Julie PiderAdvocate

Widow of fallen fire captain and key advocate for the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act.

1 quote

“Mike was always, anybody that worked with Mike knows he was always the king of oneliners.”

Reflecting on her late husband's personality.

Melvin CarterMayor of St. Paul

Advocating for federal cancer benefits for firefighters.

1 quote

“Fulfilling the legacy of Captain Pider means leading the way in protecting those who protect us.”

Justifying investment in new fire station equipment.

Amy KlobucharUS Senator

Leading the bipartisan push for the Fallen Heroes Act in the Senate.

1 quote

“The honoring our fallen heroes act is about recognizing that not all on the job injuries are immediately apparent.”

Explaining the necessity of the bill.

Jeremiah MilquistAssistant Chief of Operations

St. Paul Fire Department veteran discussing personal experience with cancer screening.

1 quote

“Don't wait until you feel something is wrong. Take advantage of the resources available.”

Urging firefighters to participate in early cancer screenings.

Mike PiderLate Fire Captain

First Minnesota firefighter to receive PSOB benefits for occupational cancer.

Kyle ThornbergPresident

IFFF Local 21 representative.

Places Mentioned

St. Paul Fire Department Station OneRailroad Island, St. PaulWashington, D.C.World Trade Center site

Events & Meetings (2)

  • September 12th (post-9/11 anniversary), 2025
  • Wednesday morning, September 2025 (fire at vacant duplex)

Ordinances & Resolutions (1)

Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act

Expands public safety officer death benefits to cover job-related cancers for active and retired firefighters.

Transcript