Medford Firefighters' Union Endorses Lungo-Koehn For Mayor

MEDFORD, MA — The local firefighters' union announced its backing of longtime city councilor Breanna Lungo-Koehn for mayor over the weekend. Medford Firefighters Local 1032 said in a statement it is "proud to be one of the first to endorse Breanna Lungo-Koehn" in her run against Mayor Stephanie M. Burke.

"Our membership will continue to support her in any way we can," the union said.

The relationship between City Hall and the firefighters' union has been strained in recent years, as some members felt poor station conditions and outdated equipment were not being addressed. At a City Council meeting last year, Medford Firefighters Local 1032 President Eddie Buckley said the city was "putting a Band-Aid" on larger issues.

Earlier this month, the city announced a $1.5 million loan order for the planning and design of a new fire headquarters. The city is also in the process of getting a new ladder truck.

Meanwhile Burke secured the endorsement of Teamsters Local 25 last week. The union, which represents more than 12,500 workers, is the largest Teamsters union in New England and has nearly 350 members in Medford.