One of the strongest and most politically vocal labor leaders in the state, NJ Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association (FMBA) President Eddie Donnelly this afternoon in Atlantic City announced his retirement as head of the union effective in February of next year.

A certified plumber who worked in the family plumbing business, he became a professional firefighter in Union Twp. 26 years ago and took charge of the FMBA a decade and a half ago.

The union under his leadership was one of the first labor organizations to back Mikie Sherrill for Governor. A career Donnelly highlight, the 2018 carve-out of the FMBA pension system has allowed his members, in his words, to “crush it on investments.”

“For more than a decade, Eddie Donnelly has been a towering force in New Jersey’s labor movement and an unwavering champion for our firefighters, EMTs, and dispatchers,” said his ally Governor Sherrill. “Throughout his career, he has fought with unmatched determination to ensure that first responders receive the respect and support they deserve. In Congress, I was proud to work alongside him to pass the Social Security Fairness Act and end the Windfall Elimination Provision, which had unfairly denied retired first responders the benefits they earned through a lifetime of service. As Governor, I am grateful for his partnership and advocacy on behalf of his members to protect their hard-earned pensions and address the long building challenges facing the State Health Benefits Program. Countless working families are better off because Eddie never stopped fighting for them, and his impact on our state will be felt for generations. I congratulate my dear friend on his retirement and wish him nothing but the very best in this well-earned next chapter.”

Rudy Garcia, head of MBI, said:

"Fourteen years ago, I responded to a request for proposals from a reeling union which had next to no political capital. That day I met its newly elected President Ed Donnelly.  The first thing he said to me was that he was going to fight every day until the FMBA is respected in every office and part of this state, that our members receive the wages benefits and working conditions that they have dutifully earned, that their civil service status be respected and that their pensions be secured. He then asked me if I was prepared to lock arms with him in battle and I agreed! Little did I know that Eddie was not speaking figuratively.  Early on at these meetings many a table was turned, many shirts ruffled, choice words exchanged and beverages consumed and spilled.  There was no member issue that was too big or small.  Eddie was all in wherever and whenever needed.

"Through his passionate and untiring efforts, he demonstrated his true calling for service, his love and unwavering loyalty to his friends, FMBA brothers and sisters, his prophetic political acumen and his pit bull tenacity," Garcia added. "His commitment created momentum propelling the FMBA forward each day and with each victorious battle won the power and influence of the FMBA blossomed and Eddie’s undeniable stature as one of the greatest leaders ever to serve our State was secured.  With God’s grace, his powerful and melodic voice and the Luck of the Irish ☘️ Eddie has not only transformed the FMBA into the powerhouse it is today but more importantly he made every one of his 1st day goals for the FMBA a reality and all of our lives especially his members more secure.  The past 14 years have been an amazing journey and I can’t wait to see the great accomplishments that Eddie’s next endeavor will bring.  One thing I do know is that I will be at Eddie’s side and locked arm in arm with a man I am proud to call my brother!"

For more on Eddie Donnelly, please go HERE.