Law Enforcement, First Responders Praise Tim Kaine’s Record and Approach

From the Kaine campaign:

LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRST RESPONDERS PRAISE KAINE’S RECORD, BALANCED APPROACH

Richmond, VA –  Today, in response to George Allen’s endorsement by the Virginia Fraternal Order of Police, leaders in law enforcement and first responders from across the Commonwealth stated their strong support for former Governor Tim Kaine.  

“As governor, Tim Kaine made a commitment to bring down violent crime on our streets and he got results,” said Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Morrogh. “During his term, violent crime dropped by approximately 20 percent.  He made critical investments that improved working conditions and job training for law enforcement and other first responders.  As Virginia’s senator, I know Tim Kaine will take the right approach to address our fiscal challenges that will allow continued investments to protect our first responders and maintain public safety.”

Michael Mohler, President of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters, noted Kaine’s promise to continue critical investments in the equipment and personnel that keep communities safe, if elected to the U.S. Senate.  In contrast, George Allen supports an all-cuts approach to balancing the budget that would cut jobs, training, and resources for law enforcement across the country.

“Even during a national recession, we could count on Governor Kaine to fight for us,” said President of Virginia Professional Fire Firefighters Michael Mohler. “As governor, Kaine supported critical funding for training, equipment, safer staffing levels, and other resources for Virginia’s first responders.  His commitment to ensure first responders have the necessary equipment and tactical training in the event of a terrorist attack has helped make our Commonwealth a safer place.  By reorganizing state services to include the position of Fire Marshall under the Secretary of Public Safety, he reduced redundancies and delivered public safety services in a more efficient, fiscally responsible manner.  As a senator, Governor Kaine will protect crucial federal funding that helps first responders better do our jobs, just as he’s done throughout his career.”

In addition, officials highlighted Kaine’s record of bringing constituencies and parties together to reduce violent crime as the mayor of Richmond and as governor.

“Tim Kaine understands that public safety is about results, not just tough talk. During his time as Richmond city councilman and mayor, the city’s homicide rate fell by nearly 60 percent and the city shook its violent reputation. He was key in implementing ‘Project Exile,’ an innovative program to keep guns out of the hands of criminals, which drew praise even from the National Rifle Association and President George W. Bush,” said Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor. “I trust Tim Kaine to protect the investments in public safety which allow our law enforcement professionals to keep us safe and secure in our homes and communities.”