Firefighting Org. Endorses Tim Dougherty For Morristown Mayor

Clarification: Morristown FBMA Fire Officers Local 43 is comprised of the fire marshal and four captains.

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Although his opponent has the PBA's endorsement, Mayor Tim Dougherty announced that he received support from the professional fire officers of FMBA (Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association) Local 243 for his re-election.

The organization says Dougherty has a positive record in supporting firefighters and keeping Morristown safe. Dougherty has addressed stacking issues that put firefighters at greater risk and also maintained staffing, according to FMBA Local 243's endorsement.

Dougherty, who seeks a fourth term as Morristown mayor, faces Esperanza Porras-Field on Tuesday in a Democratic primary. No candidates filed to run as Republicans.

"Tim Dougherty supports and promotes a vibrant and safe town for all of us to live, work, shop and worship in," the FBMA said.

But Dougherty doesn't have the confidence of all Morristown first-responders. PBA Local 43 have been among his most vocal critics, and the organization voted 47-7 — with two abstentions — to endorse Dougherty's Democratic primary challenger, Esperanza Porras-Field.

"Community policing starts with a healthy relationship between the town administration and our union members," said PBA President Dennis Bergman. "Esperanza's views on community policing align with ours as well as other issues facing our agency members. We work for the community and look forward to strengthening relationships between the town leaders as well as community leaders."

The PBA claimed last month that Dougherty's administration hasn't hired an officer in two years. Dougherty called the claim "fake news" and told Patch that his administration has hired 31 cops. Read more: Morristown Mayor Calls Criticism Of Cop Hiring Record 'Fake News'

Dougherty addressed the PBA's criticisms and endorsement during last month's debate.

"Everybody has the right to their union," Dougherty said. "If they want to not support me, that's fine. ... They sat down with me (about their contract), had lunch, offered support if I did X, Y and Z, and that wasn't going to happen. They have to negotiate their contract with the business administrator, not the mayor."

Read more: Morristown Mayor Candidates Clash Over Term Limits, Housing

Dougherty has received endorsements from prominent Democratic politicians in New Jersey, including Governor Phil Murphy, Senator Cory Booker and Rep. Mikie Sherrill.

Read the full endorsement below from FMBA Local 243:

• Mayor Dougherty has served effectively for 3 consecutive terms and has a track record of supporting the Fire Bureau. New apparatus and equipment have given our members the tools we need to keep our residents safe.
• Mayor Dougherty has successfully addressed stacking issues in Town which create dangerous conditions for residents and their neighbors. Stacking places our firefighters at greater risk by having to extend searches looking for greater numbers of occupants in buildings.
• Mayor Dougherty has supported responsible development and an increase in the Town’s ratable base. Newer and updated buildings have improved the safety of both residents and firefighters.
• Mayor Dougherty has worked hard to maintain safe Fire Department staffing levels while looking out for the taxpayers’ pocketbooks.
• As mayor he has sought out federal fire service grant money to improve the safety of our members and the equipment we use.
• Mayor Dougherty has championed the fight for strong code enforcement within The Town of Morristown. A fight that positively impacts public safety, and reduces the associated risks to our members.

Tim Dougherty supports and promotes a vibrant and safe town for all of us to live, work, shop and worship in. The members of FMBA Local 243 proudly endorse and stand behind Tim Dougherty for re-election as Mayor of Morristown.

Morristown FMBA Local 243 represents Morristown’s career fire officers and is dedicated to improving the safety and working conditions of its firefighters.

Thanks for reading. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Have a news tip? Email josh.bakan@patch.com. Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter and follow the Morristown Patch Facebook page.