Tim Kaine Endorsed by Virginia Professional Firefighters

Richmond, VA –Today, former governor and U.S. Senate candidate Tim Kaine accepted the endorsement of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters (VPFF) in Fairfax County. Kaine thanked the crowd of fire fighters and first responders for the work they do to keep Virginia communities safe and shared his approach to ensure fire fighters and first responders have the resources they need to do their jobs safely. Throughout the event, Kaine discussed his commitment to investing in infrastructure to improve neighborhood safety and make emergency response easier.
 
“We have some big issues in front of us, including budget issues,” said Kaine. “We can deal with it in one of two ways. My opponent says you cut everything–SAFER grants, fire programs, infrastructure. I have a different approach. If we take a balanced approach that uses cuts and revenues we can reduce the deficit while protecting priorities that grow the economy and promote public safety.  I thank you for not only the endorsement but the incredible service you provide.”
 
During his term as governor, Kaine reorganized state services to put the position of Fire Marshal under the Secretary of Public Safety in order to streamline public safety services in a fiscally responsible way. Despite serving during the worst recession since the Great Depression, Kaine also fought for key priorities such as training, equipment, and safer staffing levels for the Commonwealth’s emergency responders. 
 
“Governor Kaine has been a friend to the fire fighters,” said John Niemiec, president of the Fairfax County Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics Union. “This gentleman has earned his stripes. He has gone from mayor of Richmond to lieutenant governor to governor and he has rolled up his sleeves for us. At the end of the day, if we're going to move forward with protecting important fire fighter and paramedic issues, we need this man as our U.S. senator.”

Kaine also highlighted his balanced approach of cuts and revenues to strengthen the economy and protect Virginia localities, while meaningfully addressing the nation’s fiscal challenges. As governor, Kaine worked across the aisle to make more than $5 billion in necessary spending cuts, but also made significant investments in priorities like education, infrastructure, public safety, and healthcare. 
 
“Governor Kaine worked with our fire fighters as mayor of Richmond, where he had an open door policy for us and he maintained that open door as governor,” said Mike Mohler, president of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters. “There couldn't be a clearer choice in this election. Tim Kaine is the candidate for us.”
 
The Virginia Professional Fire Fighters represents career professional fire fighters, paramedics, and other specialists. VPFF members serve 70 percent of Virginia’s population and provide specialized services to all major airports and several military installations across the Commonwealth. For more information about the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters, visit www.vpff.org.

 

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Paid for by Kaine for Virginia