Today the Sherrod Brown campaign launched “First Responders for Sherrod”, a group of First Responders supporting U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown’s reelection because of his lifelong record of fighting for workers’ rights, safety regulations and job creation.  The group will mobilize support for Sherrod, advise the campaign on issues important to First Responders and speak to other First Responders about Sherrod’s work to support police officers, firefighters and EMS personnel.  Jay McDonald, the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) President, and Mark Sanders, the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters (OAPFF) President will serve as co-chairs for “First Responders for Sherrod”.

“For as long as he has served in elected office, Sherrod Brown has been a leader in fighting for First Responders and the communities we serve,” said McDonald.  “Sherrod stood shoulder to shoulder with law enforcement and other public employees during the fight against Senate Bill 5.  Just like we don’t turn our backs on our communities, he didn’t turn his back on us during the fight of our lives.  That’s why we’re standing with him in the fight of his life.”

“Ohio’s First Responders are proud to stand with Sherrod Brown in the fight for his reelection,” said Sanders.  “Firefighters in every corner of the state know how hard Sherrod worked to preserve our collective bargaining rights during the Senate Bill 5 fight and his support of the FIREact and SAFER program help fire departments keep Ohio’s families safe.  First Responders and Ohio’s middle class need Sherrod Brown in the Senate now more than ever so he can keep fighting for us.”

“There is no bigger supporter of First Responders than Sherrod Brown,” said Gary Wulske, FOP Ohio Vice President.  “His work to defeat Senate Bill 5 last year, deliver crucial funding to keep First Responders on the job and his efforts to enforce safety regulations are critical to Ohio’s future.  As First Responders, we are proud to be represented by Sherrod and will work every day from now until November to ensure he is reelected.”

“I am honored to have the support of Ohio’s First Responders.  Their members put their lives on the line every day, and I am committed to honoring their service,” said Senator Brown.  “I was proud to fight alongside Ohio’s middle class against Senate Bill 5, the brutal attack on First Responders and other public employees.  As long as I am Senator, I will fight every day to protect the jobs and safety of our First Responders, who run towards danger while others run away.”

The FOP and OAPFF have endorsed Senator Brown for U.S. Senate.