Today, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) announced Senator Patrick Toomey (R-PA) as the recipient of the 2015 FLEOA Legislator of the Year award, which is given to a national representative who has advanced a legislative agenda that supports both law enforcement and the overall security of the American public.

Senator Toomey introduced and successfully led passage into law the Federal Law Enforcement Self-Defense & Protection Act. This law, which gives federal law enforcement officers the ability to carry their government-issued firearms and credentials during periods of a government shutdown or furlough, which was initiated by FLEOA following the last government shut down, when some agencies were uncertain about the carry authorities for federal law enforcement officers.

 In recognition of Senator Toomey's achievements, FLEOA National President Nathan Catura said, ‎"It's rare that a freshman senator can make a mark in a Congress plagued by politics and inaction. Senator Toomey's unwavering support for law enforcement is made evident by his track record championing and supporting much needed law-enforcement-focused legislation in Congress. Since Senator Toomey was elected, he has fought tirelessly for both our men and women in blue and the safety of all Americans."

Additionally, Immediate Past FLEOA National President Jon Adler noted, "Not a week has gone by that Senator Toomey has not been a vocal advocate in the fight to keep our nation secure. From protecting our children by keeping predators out of the teaching profession to supporting law enforcement through the introduction of key legislation like the Thin Blue Line Act, which would make the killing or targeting of a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder an aggravating factor in death penalty determinations. He has championed the Blue Alert system to catch those killers when they are on the run, and supports a fully functioning background check system so all Americans who cherish the Second Amendment can be sure that only the lawful obtain weapons and criminals do not. Senator Toomey has been a tireless advocate for those in blue and those with a blue heart."

Senator Toomey also co-sponsored additional FLEOA-backed legislation that has been signed into law, including the Federal Public Safety Retirement Fairness Act, which eliminates taxes on TSP retirement funds for law enforcement and air traffic controllers, and the Don't Tax Our Fallen Public Safety Heroes Act, which prevents federal taxation of death benefits paid to families of fallen public safety officers.

For more information, visit www.fleoa.org.