CO SR004

Designates September 27, 2019, as "First Responder Appreciation Day" in Colorado to honor first responders who risk their lives daily to serve and protect the public.

Recognizes that first responders are injured on the job three times more often than workers in other occupations and face hazardous situations including gunfire, vehicular accidents, assaults, and building collapses.

Notes that first responder deaths constitute 5% of occupational fatalities nationwide, with police and sheriff's patrol officers having a fatality rate of 14.6 per 100,000 workers, including three Colorado officers killed in 2018.

Acknowledges that first responders experience high levels of stress and mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affecting both responders and their families.

Directs copies of the resolution be sent to first responder organizations, agencies, and departments throughout Colorado, as well as to President Trump and Colorado's Congressional delegation.