Protecting Those Who Protect Us

Every day, men and women across Tennessee put on a uniform and answer the call. Firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, rescue squad members. They run toward danger when everyone else runs away. They leave their families not knowing what the next shift will bring. And they do it because they believe in something bigger than themselves.

I know what that feels like. Before I ever ran for office, I was a firefighter. I understand the risks. I understand the sacrifice. And I understand what it means to know that your community has your back.

That is why protecting first responders has always been one of my top priorities in the General Assembly. This session, I was proud to co-sponsor legislation that increases the penalty for assaulting a first responder from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E felony. Under this new law, anyone who assaults a firefighter, EMT, or other first responder will face a mandatory fine of $10,000 and a minimum of 60 days in jail.

This is not a slap on the wrist. This is real accountability.

In 2024, the General Assembly passed the Back the Blue Act to create these same protections for law enforcement officers. It was the right thing to do. But it left out the firefighters, the paramedics, the EMTs, and the rescue squad members who face the same dangers every single day. This session, we fixed that.

When you assault someone who has dedicated their life to saving others, you should face serious consequences. That is the message Tennessee is sending.

I have talked to first responders across Sevier County who have been spit on, punched, and threatened while trying to help people in their worst moments. They do not complain. They do not ask for recognition. But they deserve to know that the state of Tennessee stands with them.

This legislation will take effect on July 1. And every first responder in this state will know that if someone lays a hand on them, Tennessee will hold that person accountable.

To every firefighter, EMT, paramedic, and rescue squad member reading this: thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifice. And know that I will never stop fighting for you.