The NJFMBA, representing more than 6,000 firefighters, EMTs, and dispatchers across New Jersey, on Wednesday announced their endorsement of Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill in his bid to serve in the US House of Representatives for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.

The NJFMBA becomes the first public safety union to endorse Gill, a decision, NJFMBA President Eddie Donnelly (pictured) said, that is consistent with the organization’s core values of loyalty and consistency.

“Throughout his more than 25-year career in public service and politics, Brendan Gill has been a friend to first responders all across New Jersey,” Donnelly said. “Whether it’s been his strategic political or policy advice to Governors and Senators, or his own actions as a member of the Essex County Board of Commissioners, he has never once waivered in standing up for and with the men and women that keep our communities safe.”

In recommending the endorsement to the more than 150 members that were present at the November meeting, Donnelly reflected that the union has earned a reputation for offering early endorsements, and standing by them.

“We have proven time and time again that our endorsement matters, and we believe as it has with other candidates it will carry Brendan to the top of a crowded field,” Donnelly said. “The value of an endorsement by the NJFMBA is much more than the paper it’s written on. It’s about the boots we’ll put on the ground, the financial support we’ll dig deep to raise, and the relentless work we put into turning out votes.”

Gill attended the meeting and spoke to the crowd saying that he has always been honored to stand beside and in solidarity with the brave men and women of the NJFMBA.

“In Congress, I will continue fighting every day to ensure our first responders have the
resources and respect they deserve.”

“While working for the late Congressman Bill Pascrell, I helped write and implement the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which has provided critical federal funding for departments to purchase equipment, vehicles, and lifesaving training,” Gill noted. “To this day, no other program matches its impact in supporting first responders and keeping our communities safe.”