Providence Fire Fighters Union Endorses Gonzalo Cuervo For Mayor

PROVIDENCE, RI — Providence mayoral candidate Gonzalo Cuervo garned an endorsement from Providence Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 799.

In a statement, the fire fighters union cited a "long-standing working relationship with the city's Fire Fighters," as well as a "commitment to improving communication and cooperation between the city's unions and the administration."

Local 799's new president, Michael Foley, said this about the endorsement:

"We know he will be honest with us about what he expects and needs from us, and that he'll expect the same from Local 799. His commitment to improving lines of communication between the Fire Department and the Mayor's Office is a welcome change of direction from previous mayors, and we're looking forward to having a mayor who treats our city's public servants with care and respect."

In response, Cuervo called the endorsement "an honor."

He said his experience negotiating contracts with the unions of the city's public employees has allowed him to gain trust from the same organizations.

"I have been at the table across from Local 799 during some difficult contract negotiations. It's that experience that makes me so proud to earn this endorsement," said Cuervo.

Cuervo is running against Nirva LaFortune and Brett Smiley in the upcoming Democratic primary, scheduled for Sept. 13. Most recently, Cuervo served in the Nellie Gorbea administration as the Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary of State.

He stepped down in Dec. 2020 to focus on his mayoral run, he said.