Influential Public Safety Union Supports Leading Candidate
Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2, the influential labor union that represents the city’s rank and file firefighters and paramedics, is endorsing Paul Vallas for Mayor. The union’s endorsement is another critical boost to the Vallas campaign in the runoff election that will help consolidate support behind the front-running candidate.
“Local 2 endorses Paul Vallas for Mayor because he will put the needs of Chicago’s firefighters, paramedics, and all first responders first. We know he understands the challenges our firefighters and paramedics face given his experience in government and as the proud father of a Chicago firefighter,” said Jim Tracy, President of Local 2.
The endorsement of Firefighters Local 2 is the latest major new source of support announced by the Vallas campaign since the primary election. Vallas is being supported by former Secretary of State Jesse White, major unions like Plumbers Local 130, Operating Engineers Local 150, IBEW Local 134 and IBEW Local 9, Aldermen Roderick Sawyer, Walter Burnett, Matt O’Shea, Ray Lopez, Silvana Tabares, Felix Cardona Jr., Ariel Reboyras, Nicole Lee, Samantha Nugent, Debra Silverstein and incoming Alderman Bennett Lawson, former Mayoral candidates Willie Wilson and Ja’Mal Green, longtime CPS Principal Dr. Joyce Kenner and others.
“Chicago’s firefighters and paramedics put their lives on the line every day to keep all of us safe and they need a Mayor who will have their backs and prioritize the funding, manpower, training and equipment they need to do their jobs,” said Vallas. “I’m so proud to have the support of Firefighters Local 2 and I will always stand with the men and women of the Chicago Fire Department.”