State Sen. Creigh Deeds, the Democratic nominee for governor, today received the endorsement of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters. Sen. Deeds stood with firefighters, other emergency responders and public safety officials at a press conference at the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort in Virginia Beach.
The VPFF, headquartered in Richmond, is the leading advocate in Virginia for the safety and training of firefighters and paramedics. The VPFF represents approximately 6,500 professional firefighters and paramedics protecting communities throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
“Creigh’s lifelong dedication to public service is borne out in the numerous pieces of legislation he’s worked to help pass on behalf of Virginia’s professional firefighters, and we know that he will continue this important work as the next Governor of Virginia,” said VPFF President Michael Mohler. “Over the course of his career in the Virginia legislature, he’s supported bills to protect the safety of first responders working at emergency sites, improve Virginia’s emergency medical response plan, enforce the Commonwealth’s fire-prevention codes, and support the families of firefighters who are injured or killed in the line of duty.”
Deeds said the endorsement reflected his commitment to supporting public safety, including standing with Gov. Mark Warner in 2004 to make record investments in public safety.
“As governor, my support will be behind every state police officer, every firefighter, every first responder, and every other person who helps keep our communities safe,” said Sen. Deeds. “It has never been enough to talk tough about public safety; we have to be willing to be public advocates for it, and to continue to make the necessary investments to keep Virginia safe and secure.”
Deeds added that he would not cut public-safety funding to pay for transportation.
“I would not cut law-enforcement funding—not for emergency responders nor any other public safety positions—to address our transportation problems, or for any other reason,” Deeds said. “I know you can’t be tough and cheap on crime at the same time. That’s why I pledge to you today not only to talk tough as governor, but to back up any rhetoric with action and investment.”
Robby Bragg, a Charlottesville firefighter, said Deeds had supported local firefighters as a senator.
“I’ve watched him as a legislator, reaching across party lines to build consensus and get things done,” Bragg said. “He’s been a good friend to firefighters and to public safety workers all over the state, from sponsoring the Hometown Heroes Act and making changes in the state grievance procedure to writing Megan’s Law to voting to invest in the people that make our system go.”
Abbey Meacham, a female firefighter and paramedic from Lynchburg drew contrast between Sen. Deeds and his opponent. “We can’t support a candidate for Governor who would raid the General Fund at the expense of support for public safety—not to mention education, health care, and more,” said Meacham. ” We can’t support a candidate who votes against ensuring firefighters and other emergency personnel get paid decent overtime wages. And none of us should support a candidate who votes against equal pay for women and calls working women selfish.”
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