WFXR: “After Getting Support from the Virginia Police Benevolent Association Last Month, Abigail Spanberger Received the Backing from Firefighters, Both State- and Nationwide”

ROANOKE, Va. — The Virginia Professional Fire Fighters (VPFF) — which represents more than 10,000 fire fighters, paramedics, and other emergency response workers across Virginia — yesterday praised Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger for her leadership on behalf of Virginia’s first responders and for pushing her bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act across the finish line.

In July, VPFF endorsed Spanberger to serve as the next Governor of Virginia.

WHAT VIRGINIANS ARE SEEING

WFXR [Roanoke]: Spanberger highlights endorsement from Virginia firefighters union in Roanoke

After getting support from the Virginia Police Benevolent Association last month, Abigail Spanberger received the backing from firefighters, both state- and nationwide.

[…]

General President of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Edward Kelly: “The people of Virginia need Abigail to bring her acute political capabilities to the state house to drive those bipartisan efforts that we need now. We don’t have time to bicker. We have to work together.”

ABC 13 [Lynchburg]: Spanberger emphasizes infrastructure and first responder support in Roanoke campaign stop

When she spoke with firefighters, she talked about legislation to get bills passed like Social Security benefits and her advocacy for first responders.

Abigail Spanberger: “I believe that you deserve leaders who will do everything in their power to connect you with the resources that you need to do your jobs and the benefits that you have earned through your service.”

Her main priorities are to grow Virginia’s economy, improve education, affordability, and increase housing options.

Radio IQ WVTF [Roanoke]: Abigail Spanberger talks healthcare, gets firefighters’ endorsement in Roanoke

Spanberger was in Roanoke Tuesday to speak at the annual convention of the Virginia Trucking Association, and to accept an endorsement by the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters.

BACKGROUND

Abigail Spanberger is backed by first responders across the Commonwealth.

Last month, the Virginia Police Benevolent Association (VAPBA) — the largest police union in Virginia representing nearly 11,000 law officers — endorsed Spanberger to be the next Governor of Virginia.

The announcement marked the first time the organization endorsed a Democratic candidate for Governor since 2009. In 2021, the VAPBA endorsed the full Republican statewide ticket — including then Lieutenant Governor nominee, and current Republican Governor nominee, Winsome Earle-Sears.

Additionally, the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) — the world’s largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers — recently recognized Spanberger for her bipartisan work on behalf of Virginia’s police officers and for pushing her bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act across the finish line.

Both VPFF and representatives from the International Association of Fire Fighters cited her relentless commitment to passing her bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act and securing the full benefits earned by Virginia fire fighters and other public servants.

Since Spanberger’s legislation was signed into law by the President earlier this year, nearly $310 million in earned retirement benefits have been delivered to nearly 50,000 retired fire fighters, paramedics, and other public servants across Virginia.

###