On Thursday, Senators Fred Akshar, Martin Golden and Patrick Gallivan called on Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie asking him to bring the Community Heroes Protection Act to the Assembly Floor for a vote.

The Community Heroes Protection Act, (S1114A/A2962A), would designate crimes that specifically target police, firefighters and other emergency service workers punishable as hate crimes.

"I'm calling to action all those who support our brave first responders," said Akshar. "With only 7 days left in the 2017-2018 Legislative Session, the time to act is now. Please contact your Assembly Member and ask them to please pass the Community Heroes Protection Act. Those who protect our communities have the most noble of professions, and I thank them each and every day for their service and sacrifice. Regardless of our politics, we cannot stay silent while they are being selfless."

Click here to read the letter: