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The Charlie Crist campaign announced late Friday afternoon that the Democrat fighting to win Florida’s 13th Congressional District this November has been endorsed by the Florida Professional Firefighters and the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police.
“Every day, our firefighters put their lives on the line for the communities they love and serve,” said Jim Tolley, president of Florida Professional Firefighters, a state affiliate of the International Association of Fire Fighters. “Charlie Crist understands that sacrifice and has fought time and again to ensure our public safety professionals have the resources they need to keep Florida’s families safe. Our dedicated, life-saving members couldn’t have a better friend in Congress than Charlie.”
“When our law enforcement officers go to work defending the people they’ve promised to protect and serve, all they ask in return is a living wage and the tools to do the job. Charlie Crist has been there for us every step of the way” said Robert Jenkins, president of the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police. “We have supported him both as a Republican and as a Democrat, because he puts the people first, instead of party. FOP is proud to stand with Charlie as someone both law enforcement and the people can trust.”
“That support means so much to me,” said Crist in a statement. “Our first responders are our neighbors, our brothers and sisters, and our everyday heroes. They keep us safe. And they have our hearts. So if you see a first responder today, please tell them ‘thank you.'”
Crist is attempting to defeat Republican incumbent David Jolly in the CD 13 contest. The two will debate Monday night at the Palladium Theatre in St. Petersburg. It will be broadcast on 10News WTSP and air live from 7-8 p.m.