The unions representing FDNY members are backing ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo for mayor, solidifying the frontrunner’s assist amongst labor teams weeks earlier than a Democratic Celebration major.
Cuomo picked up the backing of the Uniformed Firefighters Affiliation and the Uniformed Firefighters Officers Affiliation after choosing up endorsements from the division’s ambulance staff’ unions — EMS Native 2507 and EMS Officers Union Native 3621.
“Throughout his time as governor, Andrew Cuomo consistently demonstrated that he values the lives, safety, and dignity of New York’s firefighters and first responders,” mentioned Andrew Ansbro, UFA president.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the city was under siege, he ensured emergency services were prioritized for PPE [personal protective equipment] and testing long before federal support arrived.”
He additionally mentioned Cuomo pushed by legal guidelines that protected 9/11 responders and their households.
Ansbro’s reward of Cuomo’s administration of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York counters extreme criticism that he mishandled the outbreak — significantly when his administration issued a controversial March 2020 edict that required nursing properties to confess recovering COVID-infected sufferers discharged from hospitals.
UFOA president James Brosi mentioned Cuomo has supported the integrity of the civil service system and defending pensions.
“As zoning changes and increased population density strain our resources, Andrew supports the expansion of public safety personnel and infrastructure to meet growing demands—ensuring that New York remains not only livable, but safe for all who call it home,” Brosi mentioned.
Cuomo vowed to champion the bravest within the FDNY.
“Being a firefighter isn’t just a job—it’s a calling,” Cuomo mentioned. “The brave men and women of the FDNY put their lives on the line every day, in aid of others, without hesitation.”
In a press release, he talked about the 343 firefighters killed responding to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist assaults that toppled the World Commerce Facilities, and others who later died from diseases from publicity to poisonous fumes.
“I will never forget their sacrifices, and I will work to ensure that every branch of government provides these heroes with the resources they deserve,” the ex-governor mentioned.
Cuomo shortly emerged because the frontrunner within the mayoral major regardless of having resigned as governor amid a slew of sexual misconduct claims he denies.
He has secured the lion’s share of endorsements from labor unions in comparison with his rivals together with: the Teamsters, well being care staff 1199SEIU, 32BJ SEIU, the Resort and Gaming Trades Council and a lot of the building commerce unions.
UFA, which represents 20,000 firefighters, endorsed Andrew Yang within the 2021 major whereas present Mayor Eric Adams. had been beforehand obtained assist from the UFOA — which has 7,500 members together with lieutenants, captains, battalion chiefs, deputy chiefs, supervising fireplace marshals and medical officers.
