Hogan for Governor today announced that the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is proud to endorse Governor Larry Hogan’s re-election campaign. The IAFF represents 10,000 active and retired professional fire fighters in Maryland, and more than 300,000 across the world. The IAFF joins state law enforcement, and public and private sector unions in supporting Governor Hogan, as well as more than 50 current and former Democratic leaders from across the state. In 2014, IAFF endorsed then Lt. Governor Anthony Brown for governor.
“Every day, fire fighters in Maryland put their lives on the line in service of their communities, and when we do, we know that our governor, Larry Hogan, always has our backs,” said Mike Rund, President of the Professional Fire Fighters of Maryland. “The governor’s dedication and leadership on the issues that matter to fire fighters has been inspiring and we fully endorse his re-election. We know that Governor Hogan will never stop fighting for us and we greatly look forward to working with him and his team over the next four years.”
From the very beginning of Governor Hogan’s first term in office, he has worked to enact legislation and policies that support fire fighters and first responders. In 2017, the governor pushed for and enacted the Hometown Heroes Act to exempt the first $15,000 of their retirement income from state taxes. This year, new legislation was introduced by the governor and signed into law to expand the reach of this initiative. Governor Hogan has introduced legislation three times to exempt 100 percent of fire fighters and first responders retirement income from state income taxes and has pledged to continue fighting to reach this goal. Today’s endorsement by the IAFF underscores Governor Hogan’s commitment to protect those who protect Marylanders and his strong leadership on public safety issues that have benefited citizens across the state.
“I could not be more honored to have the endorsement of the International Association Of Fire Fighters,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “As governor, I have been moved countless times by the selflessness of our first responders, outstanding men and women who are at their best when others are in need. Time and time again, we have called on them and every single time – they have answered the call with no regard for their own personal safety. Over the next four years, I pledge that our professional firefighters will continue to have a friend in the governor’s office, an open door, and a seat at the table. I will continue to be a tireless advocate who will stand up and fight for those fighting for us.”
The IAFF has headquarters in Washington, DC, and Ottawa, Ontario, and represents more than 313,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics in more than 3,200 affiliates. IAFF members protect more than 85 percent of the population in communities throughout the United States and Canada.
Governor Hogan has been endorsed by the following public and private sector unions: Association of Plumbers, Pipefitters, Sprinklerfitters, Welders and HVAC Technicians (UA); State Law Enforcement Officers Labor Alliance (SLEOLA).