Police, Sheriffs, Troopers Associations Back Ayotte At Manchester Event

MANCHESTER, NH — Gov. Kelly Ayotte accepted endorsements from six law enforcement associations during a joint event in Manchester, according to the campaign.

The endorsements came from the New Hampshire Troopers Association, New Hampshire Police Association, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Employees Union, Manchester Association of Police Supervisors, Manchester Police Patrolman’s Association, and New Hampshire Fraternal Order of Police.

In a statement, Ayotte said, “New Hampshire is the safest state in the nation thanks to the men and women in law enforcement who protect and serve their communities each day, and I’m honored to have endorsements from law enforcement associations across our state.”

She added, “We fixed the broken bail system, restored the retirement benefits our first responders were promised, increased penalties for refusing DUI testing, and more, and I look forward to continuing that important work together.”

The endorsements highlight Ayotte's record on public safety and first responder policy.

The governor, the campaign said, successfully passed a bipartisan law to change the state's bail system, signed laws focused on domestic violence and human trafficking victims, strengthened drug enforcement efforts, closed what it described as the DUI test refusal loophole, restored retirement benefits for first responders, and supported a cancer screening program for firefighters.

Several union and association leaders also made endorsement statements.

Stefan Czyzowski, president of the New Hampshire Troopers Association, said, “The New Hampshire Troopers Association is proud to endorse Governor Kelly Ayotte for re-election,” saying, from Day 1, she always ensured troopers were equipped and trained for the job.

Mike Geha, the president of the New Hampshire Police Association, said, “We were proud to work alongside the Governor to advance key public safety priorities, and we know she will continue to ensure our law enforcement officers have the resources and backing we need to do our jobs.”

Roman Kelly, president of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Employee Union, said, “Her advocacy for law enforcement and public safety reflects an understanding of the challenges facing today’s law enforcement professionals and the importance of providing officers with the resources, support, and policies necessary to effectively perform their duties. We are proud to stand with Governor Kelly Ayotte and offer our full endorsement.”

Rob Megowen, president of the Manchester Association of Police Supervisors, said Ayotte's “work on bail reform and her commitment to addressing the Group II retirement system are especially important at a time when police departments across New Hampshire are working hard to recruit and retain experienced officers.”

Neil Pentinnen, president of the Manchester Police Patrolman’s Association, said the group was “proud to endorse her for re-election today.”

“From fixing the broken bail system, to restoring Group II retirement benefits, to promoting road safety, Governor Ayotte has been a champion for public safety in the corner office, and the Manchester Police Patrolmen’s Association is proud to endorse her for re-election today,” he said.

Garrett Lemoine, president of the New Hampshire Fraternal Order of Police, said, “From prioritizing officer wellness and ensuring our officers have the support they need to do an incredibly difficult job, to strengthening public safety and standing up for the retirement benefits our first responders have earned, she has consistently had the backs of law enforcement. We know we can count on Governor Ayotte to continue standing with the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep our state the safest in the nation.”

The release also said the Ayotte campaign earlier this month launched a “First Responders for Kelly” coalition with more than 150 members.

According to the campaign, Ayotte has also received endorsements from the New England Police Benevolent Association and the Professional Fire Fighters of New Hampshire.