With vile attacks on emergency responders, police officers and firefighters becoming all too familiar to New Yorkers across the state in recent years, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano is joining with his colleagues to push for the passage of the Community Heroes Protection Act (A2962A).

The legislation would classify crimes that target first responders as hate crimes. Police officers, firefighters and emergency workers would be protected by this legislation. Palmesano cosponsors the bill in the state Assembly. State Sen. Tom O’Mara cosponsors the legislation in the Senate.

The bill has been introduced in both houses of the Legislature and awaits authorization in committee.

“We have an obligation to protect those who put their lives on the line and protect us each and every day,” said Palmesano. “To attack a first responder is a crime that attacks our core values as New Yorkers and as Americans. We need to send the strongest possible message that we have zero tolerance for such cowardly, destructive actions.”

Palmesano said the legislation transcends party politics or regional differences.

“We’ve seen these types of attacks in Upstate New York. We know we’ve seen them in New York City. It affects all of us so deeply,” said Palmesano. “There is already bipartisan support for this bill in both houses of the Legislature, and I’ll be working hard to broaden the coalition until we get this done. This isn’t right for the Majority or the Minority, its right for every New Yorker who wants to stand with the brave men and women who wear the uniform every day.”