Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz issued the following statement today following passage of the Officer Daniel Faulkner Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act. The legislation was created to honor the late Officer Danny Faulkner, a Philadelphia police officer who was killed in the line of duty.

Tragically, in the past two years seven Philadelphia police officers, all residents of Northeast Philadelphia, have been killed in the line of duty. Schwartz has been outspoken in her work on behalf of the city’s officers.

The legislation provides increased Pell Grants for children whose parents or guardian died as a result of performing law enforcement duties.

“I strongly support the families of the brave men and women who fight everyday to keep our communities safe and that is why I believe the Officer Daniel Faulkner Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act is such an important piece of legislation.

“Inspired by the heroic service of Philadelphia Police Officer Daniel Faulkner, this legislation would offer financial assistance for higher education to the children of police officers, firefighters, and other first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.  Officer Faulkner’s own life was tragically cut short when he was murdered performing a simple traffic stop.

“Officer Faulkner is one example of the countless first responders who put themselves into harm’s way every day.  Tragically, since 2006, seven police officers from my district have died in the line of duty: Officer John Pawlowski, Officer Gary Skerski, Officer Chuck Cassidy, Officer Isabel Nazario, Sergeant Patrick McDonald, Sergeant Tim Simpson and Officer Stephen Liczbinski. 

“These men and women selflessly risk everything so the rest of us may live in peace and safety.  This Act will help the children of fallen heroes to be all they can be.  It is yet another way for us to honor their service and their sacrifice.

‘This legislation is one way to meet our shared debt of gratitude to our police officers, firefighters, and other first responders, to their families and to their children.”

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