The unions representing FDNY members are backing ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo for mayor, solidifying the frontrunner’s support among labor groups weeks before a Democratic Party primary.
Cuomo picked up the backing of the Uniformed Firefighters Association and the Uniformed Firefighters Officers Association after picking up endorsements from the department’s ambulance workers’ unions — EMS Local 2507 and EMS Officers Union Local 3621.
“Throughout his time as governor, Andrew Cuomo consistently demonstrated that he values the lives, safety, and dignity of New York’s firefighters and first responders,” said Andrew Ansbro, UFA president.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the city was under siege, he ensured emergency services were prioritized for PPE [personal protective equipment] and testing long before federal support arrived.”
He also said Cuomo pushed through laws that protected 9/11 responders and their families.
Ansbro’s praise of Cuomo’s management of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York counters severe criticism that he mishandled the outbreak — particularly when his administration issued a controversial March 2020 edict that required nursing homes to admit recovering COVID-infected patients discharged from hospitals.
UFOA president James Brosi said Cuomo has supported the integrity of the civil service system and protecting pensions.
“As zoning changes and increased population density strain our resources, Andrew supports the expansion of public safety personnel and infrastructure to meet growing demands—ensuring that New York remains not only livable, but safe for all who call it home,” Brosi said.
Cuomo vowed to champion the bravest in the FDNY.
“Being a firefighter isn’t just a job—it’s a calling,” Cuomo said. “The brave men and women of the FDNY put their lives on the line every day, in aid of others, without hesitation.”
In a statement, he mentioned the 343 firefighters killed responding to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks that toppled the World Trade Centers, and others who later died from illnesses from exposure to toxic fumes.
“I will never forget their sacrifices, and I will work to ensure that every branch of government provides these heroes with the resources they deserve,” the ex-governor said.
Cuomo quickly emerged as the frontrunner in the mayoral primary despite having resigned as governor amid a slew of sexual misconduct claims he denies.
He has secured the lion’s share of endorsements from labor unions compared to his rivals including: the Teamsters, health care workers 1199SEIU, 32BJ SEIU, the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council and most of the construction trade unions.
UFA, which represents 20,000 firefighters, endorsed Andrew Yang in the 2021 primary while current Mayor Eric Adams. had been previously received support from the UFOA — which has 7,500 members including lieutenants, captains, battalion chiefs, deputy chiefs, supervising fire marshals and medical officers.
Read the full article here
