Every day, law enforcement officers and other first responders put their lives on the line to protect their communities. While these brave men and women willingly accept the risks that come with the job, their families also share in those sacrifices. When a first responder is killed in the line of duty, the impact extends far beyond the loss of a dedicated public servant—it forever changes the lives of spouses, children, parents, and loved ones left behind.

That is why Police Officers’ Defense Coalition (PODC) strongly supports the Kerrie Orozco First Responders Family Support Act (H.R. 3832), legislation that ensures the families of fallen first responders receive the support and consideration they deserve during their most difficult moments.

The Story Behind the Bill

The legislation is named in honor of Omaha Police Officer Kerrie Orozco, who was killed in the line of duty on May 20, 2015, while serving a felony arrest warrant as a member of the Omaha Police Department’s gang unit. Tragically, Officer Orozco was scheduled to pick up her newborn daughter from the hospital later that same day after delaying her maternity leave to continue serving her community. She left behind her husband, Hector, and their children. 

In the aftermath of Officer Orozco’s death, her family faced not only overwhelming grief but also significant immigration-related challenges. Her husband was in the process of obtaining U.S. citizenship, and her death created uncertainty regarding his immigration status. The circumstances highlighted a gap in federal law that left the families of fallen first responders vulnerable at the very moment they needed support most.

What the Kerrie Orozco First Responders Family Support Act Does

The Kerrie Orozco First Responders Family Support Act would extend protections similar to those already available to Gold Star military families.

Under the legislation, a surviving spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen public safety officer who dies in the line of duty or as a result of their service would be eligible for an expedited path to U.S. citizenship. The bill waives certain naturalization requirements, including the five-year continuous residence requirement and the 30-month physical presence requirement, ensuring that surviving family members are not penalized because their loved one made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. 

The legislation applies to the families of law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, chaplains, and other public safety officers who die as a result of their service.

H.R. 3832 was introduced by Rep. Don Bacon (R, NE-02) and Rep. Dave Min (D, CA-47). The bipartisan sponsorship of the bill reflects a simple truth: supporting the families of fallen first responders should never be a partisan issue. The bill has also earned support from a broad coalition of organizations in addition to Police Officers’ Defense Coalition, including the National Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), the U.S. Deputy Sheriff’s Association, and the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force.

Why This Legislation Matters

When a law enforcement officer is killed in the line of duty, the sacrifice does not end with the officer. Families are forced to navigate grief, financial uncertainty, and significant life changes. For immigrant families, those challenges can be compounded by concerns over immigration status and lengthy naturalization requirements.

The Kerrie Orozco First Responders Family Support Act recognizes that families who lose a loved one in service to our nation should not face additional bureaucratic hurdles during an already devastating time.

Police Officers’ Defense Coalition proudly supports the Kerrie Orozco First Responders Family Support Act because it:

• Honors the sacrifice of fallen first responders
• Supports surviving spouses, children, and parents
• Provides compassionate and practical assistance during times of tragedy
• Recognizes the contributions of immigrant families within the law enforcement community
• Ensures families are not left behind after making the ultimate sacrifice for our nation

When an officer gives their life protecting others, their family should never have to face the aftermath alone.

The Kerrie Orozco First Responders Family Support Act is a common sense, compassionate piece of legislation that honors the service and sacrifice of America’s first responders by caring for the families they leave behind.

Congress has an opportunity to provide meaningful support to the loved ones of fallen heroes and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.

If you support law enforcement and first responders, contact your U.S. Representative and urge them to support and pass H.R. 3832, the Kerrie Orozco First Responders Family Support Act. Tell Congress to honor the legacy of Officer Kerrie Orozco, support the families of fallen first responders and ensure that surviving loved ones receive the respect and assistance they deserve.