Congressional leaders recognized for their support of the children of first responders
at Capitol Hill reception

PHOTOS: HERE
Credit: First Responders Children’s Foundation

NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Last night, First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF), the only national nonprofit dedicated to serving the children of first responders, honored Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia and Congressman George Latimer of New York with the inaugural United for First Responder Families Award for their support of our nation’s first responder children. The reception, hosted at Florida House on Capitol Hill, also introduced the Foundation’s national mission, programs, and impact to congressional offices to help understand how FRCF can serve the children of first responders in their states and districts.

“First responders risk everything to keep our communities safe, and their children serve alongside them, carrying the quiet weight of that sacrifice every day,” said Jillian Crane, President and CEO of First Responders Children’s Foundation. “At First Responders Children’s Foundation, we believe it is our duty to stand with these families and ensure they are supported, because when a hero runs toward danger for all of us, their loved ones deserve to know they are never alone. We are grateful to Senator Justice and Congressman Latimer for recognizing this shared responsibility and for their support of our nation’s first responders and the families who stand beside them.”

The United for First Responder Families Award, a new annual honor, recognizes public leaders whose service shows an ongoing commitment supporting the children of first responders in their states.

“Our first responders represent the absolute best of West Virginia, and our entire nation, and we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid,” said Senator Jim Justice. “Advocating for first responders and their children isn’t just a policy priority — it’s a sacred duty that I am proud to have supported throughout my career. I am humbled to receive this recognition from the First Responders Children’s Foundation, and I will always keep fighting to ensure our heroes and their loved ones have the resources, care, and unwavering support they have earned.”

“Every single day, our first responders in New York and across the country answer the call without hesitation, stepping into harm’s way to keep our neighborhoods safe,” said Congressman George Latimer. “Behind each of these brave men and women are their families who often shoulder the burden of their service. I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the First Responders Children’s Foundation, and I remain steadfast in my commitment to fighting for our first responders and the loved ones who stand behind them.”

Matt McCauley, Turken, Heath & McCauley, FRCF Board Member and Tom Livingston, CSX, served as the First Responders Children’s Foundation Government & Business Relations Advisory Committee Leaders and Event Co-Chairs. The Florida House Reception event sponsorship was provided by CSX, a long-time partner and supporter of FRCF.

ABOUT FIRST RESPONDERS CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION:
First Responders Children’s Foundation is a national nonprofit that provides programs and resources that address the specific needs of first responders and their families. The Foundation focuses on five key areas: Scholarships, Financial Assistance Grants, Natural Disaster Relief, Mental Health Resiliency with free counseling; and Community Engagement. The Foundation was founded 25 years ago in response to 9/11 when 800 children lost a first responder parent and today uplifts all children of first responders across the country. Additional information about FRCF can be found at www.1stRCF.org and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @1strcf.

CONTACT:
Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis
frcf@ssmandl.com
(212) 691-2800

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SOURCE First Responders Children’s Foundation