The Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ) recognizes the accomplishments of our congressional delegation at the federal level to improve the lives and working conditions of firefighters and first responders. President Matthew Caliente and the Executive Board are
proud to announce the unanimous endorsements for the following members of Congress:
● Jeff Van Drew (R), New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District
● Josh Gottheimer (D), New Jersey’s 5th Congressional District
● Tom Kean, Jr. (R), New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District
● Rob Menendez (D), New Jersey’s 8th Congressional District endorsed in primary
● Mikie Sherrill (D), New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District
President Caliente states, “Our public safety agenda is not about party affiliation. Bipartisan support from our federal lawmakers for our firefighters and first responders demonstrate a united commitment to the safety and well-being of our communities. We continue to support those who support us.”
Our endorsed candidates are directly responsible for passing the following law in the U.S. Congress to the benefit our of members and their departments:
● Fire Grants and Safety Act: provides for a 5-year reauthorization for the US Fire Administration, the
Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) Program, and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency
Response Grant (SAFER) Program. They are authorized for $750 million each fiscal year. Our delegation continues to work on the following bills that have been introduced in this congressional session for our members and their families:
● The Social Security Fairness Act of 2023: repeal the WEP/GPO and end the unfair penalty that hurts
thousands of retired first responders every year.
● Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2023: recognizes first responders occupational cancer deaths as
line-of-duty deaths and provides death benefits to their survivors.
● Firefighter Investments to Recognize Exposure to Cancer Act (Fire Cancer Act): provide federal
investments so that all firefighters across America can access multi-cancer early detection tests and
other preventative tests at no out-of-pocket cost for firefighters.
● Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act: ensures firefighters and emergency medical
workers have the right to work with their employers to address concerns related to working conditions.
● Protecting Firefighters and Advancing State-of-the-Art Alternatives (PFAS) Act: drives the
development of next-generation protective gear.
Additional endorsements for congressional candidates will be forthcoming prior to the November elections.
The Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ), was established and chartered as a State Association by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) on October 29, 1929. It is a member of the AFL-CIO. The PFANJ represents nearly three thousand five hundred (3,500) Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, Instructors, and Dispatchers though its over sixty (60) locals. Its local affiliates represent first responders who work in dispatch centers, academies, airports, fire districts, suburban municipalities, and the state’s largest and busiest urban fire departments.
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The Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ) recently announced their endorsements for congressional candidates in the upcoming election. The PFANJ represents over 5,000 professional firefighters and emergency medical personnel throughout the state, advocating for their rights and working conditions.
The endorsements were made after careful consideration of each candidate’s stance on issues important to firefighters, such as funding for fire departments, equipment and training, and support for first responders during emergencies. The PFANJ believes that these endorsements will help ensure that firefighters have a voice in Congress and that their concerns are addressed at the federal level.
Among the candidates endorsed by the PFANJ are incumbents who have a proven track record of supporting firefighters and first responders, as well as newcomers who have shown a commitment to advocating for their needs. The association hopes that these endorsements will help elect candidates who will prioritize the safety and well-being of firefighters and emergency personnel.
In a statement, PFANJ President Robert Varady emphasized the importance of electing candidates who understand the challenges faced by firefighters and are willing to work towards solutions. He stated, “Our members put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities, and it is crucial that we have representatives in Congress who will support them and ensure they have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively.”
The PFANJ’s endorsements are seen as a significant boost for the candidates they have chosen to support, as the association represents a large and influential group of voters in New Jersey. By backing these candidates, the PFANJ hopes to make a difference in the upcoming election and ensure that firefighters’ voices are heard in Congress.
Overall, the endorsements by the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey highlight the importance of supporting candidates who prioritize the safety and well-being of firefighters and emergency personnel. By electing representatives who understand and advocate for their needs, firefighters can continue to serve their communities effectively and safely.
