Firefighters are starting to get involved in the Republican primary to replace term-limited Gov. Rick Scott in 2018.
On Thursday, state Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam announced the endorsement of Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm Beach County, with more than 2,500 members, was behind his campaign.
“Thank you for your dedication to something larger than yourself,” Putnam told the West Palm Beach crowd. “Our vision for our state would not be possible without you.
“I believe that if we put Florida first, Florida can be the launch pad for the American Dream,” said Putnam. “But our vision for our state cannot be achieved if we don’t keep our people safe. These firefighters, paramedics and other first responders come charging when Floridians are in need, no matter what danger may come their way. I’m proud – honored – to have their support.”
“On behalf of more than 2,500 firefighters and first responders in Palm Beach County, I’m proud to announce our endorsement of Adam Putnam for governor,” A.J. O’Laughlin, a captain at Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, said in the endorsement . The most important responsibility of our state’s leadership is keeping our people safe, and he’ll make that the top priority. I know he’s got our backs, and we have his.”
But Putnam wasn’t the only Republican gubernatorial hopeful to unveil the backing of firefighters on Thursday.
New candidate state Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, announced that he had the support of firefighters in South and Central Florida.
Latvala filed his paperwork to enter the race at the end of last week and kicked off his campaign this week.
“I stood with more than 100 first responders when I kicked off my campaign outside Fire Station #7 in Hialeah yesterday to show my continued support for the men and women who work so tirelessly to protect all Floridians,” Latvala said. “I am humbled and honored to have their support and thank the Miami Association of Firefighters Local 587 of the International Association of Fire Fighters and Orlando Professional Firefighters Local 1365 for joining me in my campaign to be the state’s next governor."
Freddy Delgado, the president of the Miami Association of Firefighters, I.A.F.F. Local 587, offered an endorsement letter for Latavla.
“The firefighters of this state have forged a very strong bond with you and you have proven capable of making the difficult decisions to ensure that your firefighters are afforded equitable safety condition and benefit levels,” Delgado wrote. “Some of those decisions have included protection of our current defined benefit retirement and fighting for firefighter cancer presumption in the state of Florida.”
Orlando Professional Firefighters Local 1365 President Ron Glass, whose organization has more than 500 members, also offered Latvala an endorsement letter.
“Local 1365 is grateful for the support that you (Latvala) have given to firefighters and other first responders during your time in the Florida Legislature,” Glass wrote. “Your ability reach consensus with members of both parties was instrumental in providing firefighters from across the state of Florida with stable careers, better working conditions and a pension that allows them to retire with dignity.
“I look forward to your tenure as governor of our great state and offer the full support of the Orlando Professional Firefighters to help ensure the success of your campaign,” Glass added.
Bob White, who leads the Republican Liberty Council of Florida, is also running for the GOP’s gubernatorial nomination. Other possible Republican gubernatorial hopefuls include U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., and Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Lutz.
