A Four-Alarm Endorsement: UFOA Backs Terrence Murphy

NEW YORK, NY - During his years serving his community as an EMT, Senator Terrence Murphy witnessed firefighters perform numerous acts of bravery on behalf of the neighborhoods they were sworn to protect. When he became a Yorktown Councilman and later a New York State Senator, Terrence Murphy vowed to pass legislation that would shield firefighters and other first responders from the dangers associated with their profession. Recognizing Senator Murphy as a friend and supporter, The Uniformed Fire Officers Association (UFOA) has endorsed Murphy for State Senator for the 40th Senate District.

The UFOA is a 2,600-member union that represents Lieutenants, Captains, Battalion Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, Medical Officers and Supervising Fire Marshals in the New York City Fire Department.

Senator Murphy said, "The Uniformed Fire Officers Association represents some of the bravest and most dedicated officers in New York, and frankly, the world. These are men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep our families safe. Many of the UFOA's members were at the World Trade Center during and after the fall of the twin towers. I will always fight for their safety and continued growth. I am honored to receive the UFOA's endorsement."

"The Executive Board of the UFOA unanimously voted to endorse Senator Terrence Murphy," UFOA President James Lemonda said. "Senator Murphy has spent his life thinking about ways to build a better, brighter future for our great state. He has supported issues that are vital to the Fire Officers and other working people of our state and will continue to be an asset in the New York State Senate."

Senator Murphy has been a long-time supporter of unions and all working people. He learned from his father, Jack, a union man and labor advocate who worked for Con Edison for over fifty years, that labor is the backbone of our community. He continues to be a tireless supporter of the Fire Officers of New York as well as all first responders, sponsoring legislation that has ensured the health and safety of working people in his district as well as the entire state.

To help protect firefighters, police officers and EMS personnel performing in the line of duty, Senator Murphy sponsored S7976, a bill requiring a sentence of life imprisonment without parole for murder in the first degree involving the killing of a first responder. He supported S6898B, legislation that clarifies sick leave for officers or employees who were engaged in rescue, recovery or clean up duties while in the line of duty at the World Trade Center. In addition, Senator Murphy has teamed up with Senator Marty Golden to provide funding for free thyroid cancer screenings for 9/11 responders and workers.

The UFOA joins a quickly growing list of organized labor groups backing Murphy. Organizations already supporting Murphy include the New York State Pipe Trades, Utility Workers of Americal Local 1-2, Boilermakers Local 5, Lake Mohegan Professional Firefighters, IUOE Local 137 and Teamsters Local 456.