In response to the decision of the U.S. Department of Justice denying full firefighter benefits to the family of Christopher Kangas, a 14-year-old Brookhaven (Pa.) junior firefighter killed while riding his bike to a fire emergency, Congressman Curt Weldon (R-Pa.) introduced the Christopher Kangas Fallen Firefighter Apprentice Act H.R.4472 on Wednesday.

The Kangas Act, which will retroactively prevent junior firefighters from being denied full firefighter status based on their age, was also originally cosponsored by the other five co-chairs of the Congressional Fire and EMS Caucus - Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), Sherwood Boehlert (R-N.Y.), Rob Andrews (D-N.J.), Nick Smith (R-Mich.) and Bill Pascrell (R-N.J.).

The decision by the Department of Justice struck a devastating blow to the Kangas family and firefighters across the country. As a result, the Kangas family will not receive federal death benefits on behalf of their son. Even more hurtful, is that the Kangas family will not watch their son take his rightful place at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial alongside his fallen comrades.

"Christopher's death was a horrendous tragedy and marked the loss of a local hero," said Weldon. "As a member of Congress with oversight of first responder issues for 18 years, founder of the Congressional Fire and EMS Caucus, a former junior member of my local department and former volunteer fire chief, I am appalled that the Department of Justice has once again refused Christopher Kangas his rightful status as a firefighter" added Weldon.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Borough of Brookhaven awarded the Kangas family public safety officer benefits, recognizing his death occurred in the line of duty as a member of the fire department. Since Congress passed the Public Safety Officers' Benefits Act in 1977, it has provided benefits to any firefighter serving as an officially recognized member of a legally organized fire department.

Whether a 30-year-old firefighter is killed manning a hose, a 60-year-old firefighter is killed directing traffic at a scene, or a 14-year-old firefighter is killed while mobilizing supplies, providing emergency medical supplies, or performing many other duties necessary for the suppression of fire, he or she should be entitled to benefits," Weldon said.

"Like thousands of Junior Firefighters across the country do everyday, Christopher fulfilled his duty and served his community on the day he was killed. As a result of the Justice Department's ruling, an entire class of firefighters who serve, protect, and die while responding to an emergency are now deemed inconsequential. I can only hope that despite the shortsighted ruling by the Justice Department, the memory of Christopher Kangas will inspire other young people across the country to serve their communities by joining their local fire departments."