Staff Reports
Adding to endorsements from firefighters in Miami and Orlando, Republican candidate for governor Jack Latvala picked up more support today from first responders in West Palm Beach, Boynton Beach and Boca Raton, the campaign said in a press release.
“I am humbled and honored to receive the support of the men and women of International Association of Fire Fighter’s Local 727, Local 1210 and Local 1891,” Latvala said in a statement.
“During my time in the state legislature, I have worked tirelessly to make sure the selfless work our brave first responders do is properly recognized and that they’re equipped with the tools and protections they need to best serve all Floridians.”
The rest of the release is below:
The West Palm Beach International Association of Fire Fighters Local 727, Boca Raton IAFF Local 1560 and Boynton Beach IAFF Local 1891, join Miami IAFF Local 587 and Orlando Professional Firefighters Local 1365 in supporting Latvala for governor.
In the West Palm Beach IAFF Local 727 endorsement letter President Thomas A. Wesolek called Latvala the “911 of the State Senate.” He wrote, “During your time of service as an elected official we have always been able to count on your word. If you told us something was wrong, it was wrong. If you told us you would fix it, you fixed it. You are like the 911 of the State Senate because you can always be counted on to show up and not leave until the emergency is resolved.”
“No matter how thick the smoke or how intense the heat you have always had our back and you can count on us to have yours,” Wesolek added.
In the Boynton Beach IAFF Local 1891 endorsement letter President Dean Kinser wrote, “Senator Latvala, without question you have had our backs!” He also wrote, “You are a man of good character, a straight shooter, and have the ability to get the job done.”
“In making our endorsement, your proven track record on important safety issues and benefits that protect firefighters and give their families needed assurances did not go un-noticed. During your time in the Florida legislature you were not afraid to take on the tough issues and showed true leadership while putting politics aside and speaking to the facts,” Kinser concluded.
Latvala, a state senator from Clearwater who now chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, was elected in 2010. He also served previously in the Senate 1994-2002.
