COLUMBUS – The following is a statement released by Mark Sanders, President of the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters:

“This morning, the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters has endorsed our good friend Sherrod Brown as United States Senator.  Senator Brown has a long history of supporting labor and fire fighter issues dating to his time in the US House of Representatives.  As a Senator, his support of the FIREact and SAFER program have been instrumental in assisting fire departments to keep Ohioan’s safe.  Senator Brown was also a strong supporter of the OAPFF during the Issue 2/SB 5 fight for collective bargaining rights.  For his hard work, constant support and friendship, the OAPFF will stand behind Senator Brown during his re-election.”

In response to today’s endorsement by the OAPFF, Senator Brown said in a statement:

“I am honored and grateful to have the support of Ohio’s professional fire fighters in this campaign.  These men and women put their lives on the line every day to protect Ohio’s communities, and I will continue working to honor their brave public service.

“That’s why I supported a “no” vote on Issue 2/Senate Bill 5, the brutal attack on Ohio’s public employees that would have stripped collective bargaining rights for fire fighters and other public employees and would have made it harder for them to do their jobs safely.  I have also fought for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) funding for departments across the state to hire and rehire fire fighters and purchase new safety equipment.”

Senator Brown concluded:

“As long as I am a Senator, I will fight every day to protect the jobs and safety of the brave men and women of the OAPFF who run into burning buildings when everyone else is running out.  It is my honor and privilege to serve them in the U.S. Senate.”

The OAPFF also endorsed Senator Brown during his 2006 Senate campaign.

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