UFOA Backs de Blasio For Public Advocate

The fire and Emergency Medical Service sides of the Fire Department have never been the best of friends, and that rivalry once again was highlighted Sept. 21 when the Uniformed Fire Officers Association endorsed City Councilman Bill de Blasio in the Sept. 29 Public Advocate run-off against Mark Green.

Mr. de Blasio, who has overwhelming labor support, also has the backing of the Uniformed Firefighters Association. Both unions cited Mr. de Blasio’s efforts to fight the Bloomberg administration’s efforts to close fire companies in 2003 and again earlier this year.

But both Locals 2507 and 3621 of District Council 37, which represent Paramedics/Emergency Medical Technicians and EMS officers respectively, endorsed Mr. Green, who served two terms as Public Advocate during the Giuliani administration.

UFOA President Al Hagan said in a statement, “Bill de Blasio has a long history of fighting to protect and preserve vital firefighting services in New York City, and the UFOA is proud to endorse him for Public Advocate.”