The Metro Fire Station 26 team took first place at the inaugural California State Fair HERO Act Chili Cookoff on Aug. 21. First introduced by Representative Ami Bera in 2018, the HERO Act has passed unanimously out of the House of Representatives three times and has earned the endorsement of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Association of Suicidology, the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. Photo courtesy of Rep. Ami Bera’s office

ANTELOPE, CA (MPG) - Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) visited Metro Fire Station 26 to present ribbons to Captain Adam Huckaby and Firefighter Taylor Edwards, the first-place team from Station 26 at the inaugural California State Fair HERO Act Chili Cookoff on Aug. 21.

During the visit, Bera discussed the Helping Emergency Responders Overcome (HERO) Act, legislation he is championing in Congress to expand mental health resources for firefighters and first responders.

The HERO Act would establish grant programs to provide mental health training and support for both first responders and health care workers. It would also require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to report annually on first responder suicide rates and develop best practices for post-traumatic stress prevention and treatment.

“I was proud to recognize Captain Huckaby and Firefighter Edwards from Station 26 as champions of the inaugural HERO Act Chili Cookoff,” Bera said. “This friendly competition shines a light on the urgent need to expand mental health resources for our first responders. I will continue working in Congress to get the HERO Act across the finish line and deliver the mental health support our first responders deserve.”

Said Captain Huckaby from Metro Fire Station 26,“I’ve seen firsthand the toll this job can take. Our crews need reliable access to mental health care, and the HERO Act is an important step toward expanding that support. We were proud to take first place at this event and, more importantly, to help draw attention to this issue. I appreciate Congressman Bera’s continued leadership and his efforts to get this done.”

First introduced by Bera in 2018, the HERO Act has passed unanimously out of the House of Representatives three times and has earned the endorsement of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American Association of Suicidology, the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians.