DES MOINES, IA — In the days leading up to National First Responders Day, Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) met with police officers, firefighters, and EMTs in Creston, Osceola, and Johnston to thank them for their service during the ongoing government shutdown and provide updates on bipartisan legislation he is leading to strengthen hiring, safety, and training for first responders.
Last week, Rep. Nunn visited departments in Creston and Osceola to hear firsthand how the ongoing government shutdown is delaying critical federal grants that support rural staffing, training, and equipment upgrades. He also shared updates on his More Funding for COPS Act, a bipartisan bill that would double federal funding for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program to help rural departments meet growing public safety needs.
Photos of the visit are available here.
“Meeting with Iowa’s first responders was a powerful reminder of the courage it takes to show up every day and protect our communities,” said Rep. Nunn. “These men and women don’t stop serving because Washington is gridlocked, and they deserve our full support, especially during a shutdown.”
On Monday, Rep. Nunn stopped by the Johnston Fire Department to thank Chief Percy Coleman and his team, bringing coffee and donuts as a small gesture of appreciation. During the visit, Nunn discussed the impact of the shutdown on operations and highlighted his support for the PFAS Alternatives Act, bipartisan legislation to fund the development of PFAS-free protective gear to better safeguard firefighters from toxic chemical exposure.
Photos of the visit are available here.
“It was great to bring coffee and donuts to the Johnston crew,” continued Rep. Nunn. “Iowa’s first responders show up every day to keep our communities safe, and they deserve to know their work doesn’t go unnoticed.”
National First Responders Day, observed annually on October 28, honors the bravery and sacrifice of police officers, firefighters, and EMTs across the country. Rep. Nunn’s visits this week reaffirm his commitment to ensuring that Iowa’s first responders — especially in rural communities — have the tools and support they need to serve safely and effectively.
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