Virginia Fire Fighters Endorse Creigh Deeds for Governor

September 15, 2009 – The Virginia Professional Fire Fighters (VPFF) has endorsed state Senator Creigh Deeds for governor of Virginia. VPFF President Michael Mohler made the official announcement during a VPFF education event in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

“Creigh Deeds knows we need to move Virginia forward, and he’s got the right plan to do it,” said Mohler. “Creigh’s life-long 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 fire fighters, and we know that he will continue this important work as the next governor of Virginia.”

Senator Deeds has served for 18 years in the Virginia legislature as a state delegate representing a diverse population. As an advocate for public safety on the local and state level, Deeds has had a 100 percent voting record on fire fighter issues for more than a decade and has been the chief sponsor of several pieces of legislation important to the VPFF, including a bill that ensures health insurance for families of killed or disabled public safety officers and legislation to include heart attacks or stroke within 24 hours of a duty period as a line-of-duty death.

Deeds thanked the Virginia fire fighters for the endorsement and for their unending dedication to protecting the families and communities of Virginia. “But it’s not enough to talk about public safety,” said Deeds. “We have to be willing to be public advocates and to continue to make the necessary investments to keep Virginia safe and secure. That’s why I pledge to you to back up any rhetoric with action and investment.”

Operations Battalion Chief for the city of Charlottesville, Virginia, and a member of Charlottesville Local 2363, Robby Bragg said, “I’ve known Creigh for more than 20 years. I’ve watched him as a legislator, reaching across party lines to build consensus and get things done. He’s been a good friend to fire fighters and to public safety workers. Most of all, Creigh is a leader we can – and already do – trust.”

Abbey Meacham, a professional fire fighter and paramedic and secretary of Lynchburg, VA Local 1146, said, “We support the candidates who support us, and this year, that candidate is Creigh Deeds. We need someone who will not cut corners when it comes to keeping our communities safe – someone who will work with us to provide for everyone’s best interests. That’s why we’re supporting Senator Deeds.”

The VPFF will be working tirelessly to assist Senator Deeds and his campaign in the coming days and weeks leading up to Election Day November 3.