Tester earns another endorsement from firefighters

Montana State Council of Professional Firefighters and IAFF highlight Montana’s record of leadership

BOZEMAN, Mont. – Montana farmer Jon Tester today accepted the endorsement of the Montana State Council of Professional Fire Fighters and the International Association of Fire Fighters, an organization representing 550 firefighters in 20 local chapters across the Big Sky State.

“Jon Tester is a strong leader and a responsible voice in the Senate who fights for Montana fire fighters, working families and middle class Americans, and we are proud to stand with him as he seeks continued public service on behalf of Montana’s firefighters,” said Joel Fassbinder, President of the Montana State Council of Professional Firefighters.

The IAFF announced its endorsement of Tester Friday, during the council’s annual convention in Bozeman.

 

During his keynote address, Tester thanked all firefighters, noting that many of them are battling wildfires burning across Montana.

“I am proud to stand with the IAFF as we build a better future for this nation’s fire fighters and all working folks,” Tester said, noting recent efforts to undermine pensions and cut benefits for firefighters. “Firefighters and public employees are sick and tired of getting beat up.”

Rep. Dennis Rehberg, Tester’s U.S. Senate opponent, has a record of voting against Montana’s firefighters in Congress.

Rehberg voted twice against the James Zadroga 9/11 Health Compensation Act to guarantee health benefits to the emergency workers who responded to the attacks of 9/11.

Rehberg has repeatedly voted against federal grants to provide much-needed equipment for Montana firefighters.

Rehberg also voted against the collective bargaining rights of firefighters.

This is Tester’s second major endorsement from Montana firefighters. Last year Tester was endorsed by the Montana State Firemen’s Association.

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