LETTER: Stamford Fire Fighters Say Democratic Political Fundraiser Is In Bad Taste

Submitted by the Stamford Professional Fire Fighters Association

On the 14th anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks on our nation, firefighters in the city of Stamford, CT are questioning the lack of sensitivity of that city’s Democratic Party leadership.

On Friday, September 11, the Stamford Democratic City Committee will be hosting a fundraising celebration charging $125 per head for dancing, drinking and political speechmaking, at the very same moment first responders and other members of the Stamford community will memorialize those that died in the attacks on America.

On August 27, Stamford Professional Fire Fighters Association (SPFFA) president Brendan Keatley sent a letter to Stamford Democratic Chairman John Mallozzi asking Democrats to reconsider holding its fundraiser on 9-11. Firefighter Keatley wrote, “It is clear to my local union that your party has forgotten the sacrifices made on September 11, 2001, sacrifices that were made by both civilians and first responders.”

“On a day where 2,749 innocent souls perished, including 343 New York Firefighters, 161 Connecticut residents and nine Stamford citizens, I am aghast that any political party in our nation would host a fundraising celebration on 9-11,” said SPFFA president Brendan Keatley.

Keatley further stated: “There are 364 other days in the year, and 29 other days in the month of September, but they choose 9-11 for political fundraising, headlined by United States Senator Christopher Murphy? To host a fund raiser on a national day of mourning is pitiful and the organizers should be ashamed.”

City of Stamford Mayor David Martin and other top city, state and federal elected leaders are scheduled to speak at the 9-11 political fundraiser, which will be held at the Stamford Italian Center located at 1620 Newfield Avenue in Stamford.