Photo by: Neal P. Goswami/Bennington BannerWASHINGTON, D.C. -
The U.S. House has approved legislation that would extend federal benefits to the families of all emergency workers.
Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy first introduced the "Dale Long Emergency Medical Service Providers Protection Act" three years ago.
Dale Long was a member of the Bennington Rescue Squad who died in 2009 when the ambulance he was driving went off the road and hit a tree.
Currently only first responders who work for a state or town get federal benefits. This bill would add nonprofit and volunteer organizations to the list.
The bill still awaits a decision from the Senate.
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