Thank you for your bravery and willingness to step up during times of crisis. First responders like you define what public service means, showing up for our communities when we need it the most. You're no stranger to facing danger and impossible situations, and key government innovations and programs are devoted to supporting people like you.
Public servants working for you
Susan Xu, Department of Health and Human Services
Conducted pioneering research to develop better personal protective equipment, including gloves, masks, respirators and self-contained breathing apparatuses, for millions of firefighters and health care workers. The gloves she created protect firefighters from burns for longer, allowing them to rescue more people, while a sensor she invented permits healthcare workers to communicate with each other without removing their personal protective equipment.
More than 2,000 federal emergency management specialists who respond to major crises departed government between Jan. 2025 and Feb. 2026.
First responders and survivors of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks are losing access to critical medical care after more than 870 layoffs gutted the World Trade Center Health Program, leaving patients unable to get diagnoses, treatment or compensation.
Fox 5 New YorkKey government programs that support firefighters have been extremely reduced including the Health Hazard Evaluation program and the Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program. The National Firefighter Registry for Cancer has halted new enrollments since staff layoffs.
Fire & Safety Journal