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Remarks Prepared for Delivery by
U.S. Secretary of
Labor Elaine L. Chao
Steve Young Memorial Scholarship Fund Grant
Announcement
FOP Lodge #91
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Monday,
November 1, 2004
Thank you, Chuck [Canterbury, National President, Fraternal Order of
Police].
It is a delight to be with you, again. I can tell you that Chuck is one
of the most respected law enforcement leaders in the nation and a powerful
voice for police officers in Washington.
I also want to recognize Gene Grattan, FOP National Trustee for
Pennsylvania; Henry Wiehagan our host and President of FOP Lodge #91; and
Michael Havens, President of FOP Lodge #1, the founding lodge of this great
national organization.
President George W. Bush and I are proud to have worked with Chuck-and
other FOP leaders-on many of the important issues that you and your families
care about. You are there for us on the front lines of safety and security,
every day. It is a privilege to be there for you, when you need our help.
When this Administration reformed the nation's antiquated overtime
regulations, we worked with President Canterbury and the FOP to make your
overtime rights a priority. For the first time in history, the overtime rights
of police officers are clearly spelled out in the new regulations. Now, there
is no doubt that the overtime rights of police and other first responders are
protected and strengthened.
When you needed leadership in Washington to extend survivor benefits to
the families of fallen officers, the President, the Attorney General and I made
passage of the Hometown Heroes Survivors Benefits Act a legislative priority.
Now, the families of officers who suffer a fatal heart attack or stroke within
24 hours of a line of duty action are entitled to the full compensation under
the Public Safety Officers Benefit Program.
Before this event today, I had the opportunity to learn about the
positive impact that our work together has had on the spouses of fallen
officers. I heard firsthand about the wonderful job the FOP is doing to care
for these spouses and their families.
We can never give them back what they have lost. But your work ensures
that they are surrounded with the love and support they need to keep going.
I am so pleased that the U.S. Department of Labor has been able to
share in this important work. In May 2002, I announced a new, $2-million
scholarship program for the spouses of fallen law enforcement officers. At the
FOP's national convention in August 2003, I announced that this program would
be renamed the Steve Young Memorial Scholarship, in honor of another great FOP
leader.
As you know, the purpose of this program is to help the spouses of
fallen federal, state and local officers to rebuild their lives-whether they
are FOP members or not. Spouses of fallen officers can receive as much as
$15,000 in scholarship funds to pursue a 2- or 4-year degree, or the job
training of their choice.
I want to commend you for the tremendous spirit of selflessness you
have shown by sharing this program with the spouses of fallen officers who are
not FOP members. It is part of great FOP tradition of solidarity with all who
serve and protect. And it is one of the reasons why your organization is so
special and so admired.
Even when the financial resources are there, many spouses still need
help caring for their families as they rebuild their lives. That's why your
leadership wisely suggested that the scholarship fund include support for such
expenses as child care services, transportation and even one-time emergencies
such as a utility bill or rent payment. And the fund helps to pay for
textbooks, tools, uniforms and even interview-appropriate clothing, if needed.
So far, more than two dozen surviving spouses of fallen officers have
been awarded scholarships from this fund-4 from Pennsylvania. President
Canterbury, Mike Lutz and I met with some of these brave spouses just before
this event began. I want to thank Mike-the Scholarship Coordinator for the
Pennsylvania State Lodge Scholarship Fund-and all the other state presidents
for the wonderful work they are doing with this program.
One of the spouses Mike introduced me to is Cassandra Johnson, of
Philadelphia, who is here with us today. Her husband suffered a fatal heart
attack on duty, following a struggle with a disruptive student. Cassandra told
me she is using her scholarship award to pursue a Master's Degree in Human
Resource Management at Lincoln University. Mike also shared with me moving
testimonials and stories from other spouses whose lives have been transformed
by this program.
So, today, I am honored to announce that the U.S. Department of Labor
will contribute an additional $1 million to the Steve Young Memorial
Scholarship Program. I am so proud of the role that this scholarship fund has
played in helping Cassandra and others rebuild their lives. Their spouses made
the ultimate sacrifice for us in the line of duty. Our country owes them a
great debt of gratitude. And I am proud to have this opportunity to honor their
memories and to serve their families.
So, thank you for inviting me here, today. And thank you for everything
you are doing to protect our communities and our country.
God Bless you and God Bless America.
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