Firefighter Unions Back McMahon In Race for Congress
By ARI PAUL
The two firefighter unions Sept. 4 endorsed City Councilman Michael McMahon for a congressional seat representing Staten Island and part of Brooklyn.

MICHAEL McMAHON: Heavy labor support.

The Staten Island Democrat is looking to fill the office that will be left vacant when Republican U.S. Rep. Vito Fossella steps down at the end of his term. Mr. McMahon faces another Democrat, Steve Harrison, in the primary Sept. 9, the day this newspaper hits the stands.

'Strong Voice for Firefighters'

"Mike McMahon has always been a strong voice for this city's firefighters, and the UFOA is proud to endorse him for Congress," Uniformed Fire Officers Association Captains' Representative John Dunne said in a statement. "From 9/11 health issues, to readiness and funding for equipment, Mike understands the life-and-death needs New York firefighters face every day. He'll be the advocate New York firefighters need in Washington."

The Uniformed Firefighters Association also endorsed Mr. McMahon, who already has the backing of Service Employees Union Local 1199, the United Federation of Teachers and the New York State AFL-CIO.

Mr. McMahon earned the support of several uniformed unions when he introduced legislation in February that would require the city to pay the health-care costs for 9/11 responders suffering from work-related illnesses and injuries who are awaiting their disability payments.

In a statement, the Councilman said, "When elected to Congress, I pledge to push for the funding our first-responders need to get medical care for 9/11-related illnesses. I'll also fight to get the funding for state of the art communications systems and devices like life-saving personal safety alarms so that our firefighters can better protect not only New Yorkers, but themselves as well."