NEWARK - Inside a corner brick building in the Ironbound, leaders representing three of the largest fire departments in the state joined the FMBA (Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association) this afternoon to back the gubernatorial candidacy of U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11).

Eddie Donnelly, president of the FMBA, welcomed Sherrill to the union hall here, alongside Jack Collins of the Jersey City Firefighters, Mike Giunta of the Newark Firefighters, Tim Colacci of the North Hudson Firefighters, and Scott Marione of the North Hudson Fire Officers.

"The FMBA is a very big supporter of Mikie Sherrill," said Donnelly. "We have been with her since day one and we will be with her throughout her tenure. It's refreshing to stand with a woman who has been with us 100% of the time."

As for Republican Jack Ciattarelli, "The other has never been [with us]."

One quote by Ciattarelli from his time in the legislature stuck in the craw of the guys in the room here. "Dare I say that municipal police are, on average, well paid," said the GOP nominee for governor. "Yes, police and fire put their lives on the line each day, but of their own freewill. I know of other professions that pay less."

Said Marione today in response, "I understand that we don't have the most dangerous profession in the world but if you're not doing one of those most dangerous jobs, I don't want to hear from you."

Donnelly added that firefighters in New Jersey face complex issues.

"It is vitally important to have Mikie Sherrill in that top seat to work with our members to keep our members and public safety first in New Jersey," said the union leader. "...We're going to need a governor to stand up to all the outside forces - including big pharma - to make sure the first responders in New Jersey have the healthcare they need."

"We have come together as a united fire service to stand behind our next governor, Mikie Sherrill."

The room included U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, Democratic State Party Chairman LeRoy Jones, state Senator M. Teresa Ruiz, state Senator Renee Burgess, and Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin.

"I so appreciate how early it was and now to have so many other firefighter organizations come on is incredibly meaningful," said Sherrill.

"I believe you have an incredibly dangerous job," she added pointedly.

"You've been there to build community and to teach our kids... I'm so incredibly grateful for the work you do I know what it is to take care of a community and to feel that deep desire to make people's lives better. I've always been a fierce advocate for firefighters in Congress. I was proud to work to get the Social Security Fairness Act across the finish line. That is finally making sure retired firefighters receive the full social security benefits you deserve and that you have earned."

She noted her successful work to reauthorize the Safer Program and Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and American Federal Rescue Funds.

"We have to do more," said the candidate. "I'll be the governor who protects your pensions and benefits. I'm going to fully fund our pension system. I'll work to figure out COLA relief. Fight to reduce healthcare premiums.

"Meanwhile my opponent has turned his back on firefighters at every turn," Sherrill added. "He was one of five assembly members who voted against spouses receiving workers comp. He proposed capping a maximum pension amount annually at $40K. In 2020 he proposed the state skip making its pension payment, which would put pensions at risk.

"This election is about delivering for New Jerseyans," the congresswoman added. "I need you to help me finish this race strong. Let's get this done."