Himes Earns Endorsement of CT Police and Fire
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, October 22, 2010
Contact: Liz Kerr, 203-275-9715
Himes Earns Endorsement of CT Police and Fire
BRIDGEPORT, CT—Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) received the endorsement of Connecticut Police and Firefighters today. The police, represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 15, and the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut joined Jim at the Bridgeport Firefighters Headquarters to thank him for his work to save over 158,000 police and firefighter jobs in Connecticut and his efforts to improve public safety and homeland security.
“I am honored to have the support of these first responders and look forward to our continued work together to keep Southwest Connecticut families safe and secure,” said Himes. “As a trained EMT and someone who personally saw the devastation on 9/11, I have a deep appreciation for your work and service.”
Video and photos of today's event are available upon request.
The Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association (UPFFA) advocates on behalf of firefighters and provides education and assistance programs. The UPFFA has worked with Jim throughout his time in Congress and most recently saw through the passage of the 9/11 Health and Compensation Bill to establish health treatment and monitoring programs for World Trade Center responders.
“After careful consideration of your record, the Professional Firefighters of Connecticut are proud to endorse Jim Himes for Congress,” said Peter Carozza, Jr., the president of UPFFA. “We applaud your commitment to helping to ensure the health and safety of our brothers and sisters throughout the state and thank you for your support.”
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Council 15 represents more than 60 local police unions throughout Connecticut to advocate for fair wage and working conditions of police. Jim has not only saved police jobs, but helped add them. In Bridgeport alone, Jim secured funding for 20 new police officers to help lower the crime rate and protect the residents of Bridgeport. Local police officers attended the event and spoke of Jim’s support for their work, including $2.4 million for Justice Assistance Grants provided the the Recovery Act for 4th District’s local law enforcement and crime prevention.
“With your election in November, we anticipate that you will be a partner with us as we work to improve the conditions of employment for our brothers and sisters in blue,” said Antony Zone, President of Council 15. “We are excited about the prospects of knowing that you will be a voice of support for us in Washington.”
Whether it be securing money for an emergency generator in Westport or directing funds to update training or emergency response centers, Jim has supported our emergency responders since he entered Congress in 2009. He will continue to help our public servants attain the resources they need to keep the 4th District safe and efficiently run.
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