O'Malley/Brown Earn Third Public Safety Endorsement this Week

O’Malley/Brown Earn Endorsement of International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters

BALTIMORE, MD (September 7, 2006) – Martin O’Malley and Anthony Brown today earned the endorsement International Association of Black Professional Firefighters and the support of various Maryland affiliates, including the Vulcan Blazers of Baltimore City. The endorsement of the O’Malley/Brown ticket marks the third this week by a major public safety organization, following endorsements by state law enforcement officials and corrections officers.

“I am proud to have earned the support of the Vulcan Blazers and the endorsement of the International Association of Black Professional Firefighters,� said Martin O’Malley. “If we are going to protect our state to the best of our ability we need to tap into our greatest asset – our diversity.�

At the event held at the Herman Williams Jr. Firehouse, named after the first African-American Fire Chief in Baltimore, Vulcan Blazers President Henry Burris stated, “Martin O’Malley has fought side-by-side with us to make our fire department stronger, and as governor he will be a strong partner in making sure we have the resources we need to protect Maryland’s neighborhoods.�

The International President, Johnny Brewington, who also attended today’s event, stated, “Our firefighters are excited to endorse Martin O’Malley because we know he will be a partner who gets us the equipment we need to keep our firefighters safe as they are keeping our communities safe.�

As the nation prepares to commemorate the 5th Anniversary of the September 11 attacks, today’s announcement is the third expression of support for the O’Malley/Brown campaign by a major public safety organization in a week. On Saturday AFSCME Council 92 Corrections Locals, representing over 4,000 Corrections Officers in the State of Maryland endorsed Martin O’Malley and Anthony Brown.

Yesterday, the State Law Enforcement Officers Labor Alliance (SLEOLA) endorsed the campaign.

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Friends of Martin O’Malley – 2400 Boston St., Suite 203 – Baltimore, MD 21202 – 410-814-4206 – fax: 410-814-4218
Authority: Friends of Martin O’Malley, Martin F. Cadogan, Treasurer