Maine Fire Fighters and Other First Responders Back Collins

September 12, 2008 – On September 5, 2008, Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) received the endorsement of the IAFF and every first responder organization in her state – the Professional Fire Fighters of Maine (PFFM), Maine Fire Chiefs Association, Maine Ambulance Association, Maine State Troopers Association and Maine Association of Police. Emphasizing the importance of the endorsements, representatives from those organizations joined Senator Collins on her campaign bus.

The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard was the first stop on the 1st Responder Bus Tour. Senator Collins was welcomed by IAFF 3rd District Vice President Michael Mullane, the PFFM Executive Board, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Local F-123 President Dan Tice and dozens of other IAFF members and their families.

“We are endorsing Senator Collins because she has been a longtime supporter of the IAFF and Maine fire fighters,” says John Martell, president of the PFFM. “Among other things, she’s in favor of collective bargaining and she has helped secure several FIRE Act grants for Maine.”

Escorted by more than 25 IAFF Motorcycle Group (IAFF-MG) members on their bikes, the bus also made stops at fire stations in York, York Beach, Ogunquit, Wells, Sanford, Saco, Portland and Lewiston. At each stop, Collins asked questions about staffing and equipment and whether resources were acquired through FIRE Act or Homeland Security grants.

“This event was a great success,” states Martell. “The public, media and various politicians were able to see just what union fire fighters will do for our friends like Senator Collins. They will see that there’s more where that came from because we will continue to campaign through Election Day, ensuring victory.”