Washington, March 10 (NationPress) In a heartfelt address, US Vice President JD Vance recounted a moving experience from his childhood, where firefighters played a crucial role in assisting his family. Speaking at a gathering of firefighters in the capital, he shared how emergency responders saved his mother during her battle with opioid addiction.

While addressing the esteemed audience at the 2026 Legislative Conference of the International Association of Fire Fighters, Vance commended the dedication of firefighters and emergency medical personnel, emphasizing that their efforts frequently provide families with “second chances.”

“I remember dialing 911 and how a group of courageous and compassionate firefighters from Middletown, Ohio, arrived to help. They were able to calm my mom down, allowing us to continue with our day,” Vance reflected.

The experience left an indelible mark on him as a child. “They made a frightened kid feel like he had a supporter in this world,” he stated. “I will always remember that.”

Vance recounted another incident when paramedics swiftly transported his mother to the hospital following an overdose. “I can still picture holding her hand, praying she would pull through,” he recalled.

Fortunately, his mother did recover, and Vance credited first responders for their invaluable assistance during those challenging times. “By the grace of God, my mom did wake up, and she has now been clean and sober for over 11 years,” he shared. He added that they celebrated a significant milestone in her recovery at the White House.

“We marked her decade of sobriety in the West Wing of the White House,” he said. “What an incredible representation of the American dream.”

Vance utilized his personal narrative to underscore the essential role of firefighters and emergency responders in communities across the nation.

“What you all do is incredibly challenging,” he acknowledged. “Yet, it provides millions of Americans with the assurance that someone is watching over them.”

The Vice President also acknowledged the sacrifices made by those who serve in uniform, including firefighters, police officers, and military personnel.

“There exists a brotherhood, a sisterhood among military members, police officers, and firefighters,” he remarked. “You are the three groups of individuals who don uniforms and risk your lives for your communities.”

He opened his speech by mentioning the recent return of American soldiers who lost their lives overseas.

“I was honored to participate in the dignified transfer of six American soldiers who died in this conflict with Iran,” Vance said, urging the audience to “offer a prayer for the six souls we have lost.”

Throughout his address, Vance also highlighted legislation his administration supports that impacts firefighters and other first responders.

He pointed out the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, which recognizes specific cancers linked to job-related exposure as line-of-duty deaths, enabling the families of affected firefighters to receive federal benefits.

“When a firefighter loses their life due to cancer developed while on duty, their families are entitled to the federal benefits they have earned,” he explained.

Vance affirmed the administration's commitment to ensuring that firefighters receive the support they rightfully deserve.

“We are grateful for you. We take pride in you, we love you, and we will do everything within our power to support you,” he expressed to the audience.

The International Association of Fire Fighters represents professional firefighters and emergency medical personnel throughout the United States and Canada. The union conducts legislative conferences in Washington to advocate for federal funding, safety measures, and health protections for first responders.