Championing First Responders: A Historic Legislative Win and Our 25th Year of Service
Friends of Firefighters proudly applauds the unanimous Senate passage of the bipartisan Officer John Barnes and Chief Michael Ansbro Public Safety Officers' Benefits Program Expansion Act.
Introduced by U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Ted Cruz, this crucial legislation will finally speed up the delivery of federal disability and death benefits to public safety officers and their families.
For too long, first responders—including those suffering from 9/11-related illnesses—have been stuck in a slow and broken system, waiting years for the relief they deserve. By requiring a 270-day processing timeline for claims and expediting benefits for those already certified through the World Trade Center Health Program or the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, this bill provides much-needed dignity and efficiency. Friends of Firefighters is honored to be among the organizations formally endorsing this vital legislation.
A Defining Partnership for our 25th Anniversary
Our advocacy alongside Senator Gillibrand has been a defining cornerstone of our 25th anniversary year. Back in February 2026, we had the distinct privilege of welcoming the Senator to our historic firehouse in Red Hook. There, she stood at our kitchen table to announce that she had successfully secured $632,000 in congressional discretionary funding for Friends of Firefighters.
As we celebrate 25 years of providing independent, confidential, and free mental health services, we are simultaneously rebuilding our operational foundation from the ground up to prepare for the next quarter-century of service. To us, this extraordinary funding is not just a budget line item; it is the financial stability that makes our clinical mission possible. We firmly believe that clinical excellence is only possible when it is supported by organizational excellence.
Protecting the Future of Our Mission
Over the past few years, we have seen an average 35% year-over-year increase in demand for our services, and by 2030, we project our capacity will need to reach approximately 9,000 counseling sessions annually. To meet this need, we estimate our annual revenue requirements will be around $4 million by 2028. Securing federal grants and building long-term strategic partnerships allows us to scale our capacity responsibly, expand the Aaron Clark Peer Support Team, and protect uninterrupted access to high-quality mental health care for the first responder community.
When our leaders in Washington take the time to understand the unique culture and the immense burden carried by the fire service, it translates into real, life-saving impact.
Thank you, Senator Gillibrand, for your relentless dedication to New York City's Bravest, for recognizing the value of our culturally competent wellness sanctuary, and for ensuring that our first responder families never have to face their greatest challenges alone.
