NJ Firefighters Union Endorses Rep. Pascrell

ENGLEWOOD, NJ — A major New Jersey firefighters union has endorsed Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. for re-election.

The New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association (FMBA) said Pascrell's advocacy for first-responders is why he got their endorsement.

Pascrell, a Democrat representing New Jersey's 9th Congressional District, is co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.

Pascrell is the author of the FIRE Act, which helped create the Assistance for Firefighters grants and SAFER firefighter staffing programs.

In December, Pascrell introduced legislation to provide tax relief for first responders. Legislation Pascrell helped create will continue a bulletproof vest partnership grant programs was signed into law by legislators last year.

"Congressman Bill Pascrell has never once wavered in his support of America's first-responders," said Eddie Donnelly, FMBA president. "Whether its fighting for resources we need for training, equipment, manpower, and more; or fighting to ensure that those who responded to 9/11 continue to get the health care they deserve, Bill Pascrell has always had our backs. We will always have his."

Pascrell said he was "proud" to receive the endorsement.

"Firefighters put their lives on the line each and every day to keep our communities safe. It has been my mission in Congress to provide them with the federal support they both need and deserve," said Pascrell, who noted that first-responders "are heroes here in North Jersey throughout the United States."

Pascrell represented New Jersey's 8th Congressional District from 1997 to 2013. A redistricting occurred in New Jersey in 2012, and Pascrell's home was moved to the 9th district.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com