Police union voices concerns over firefighters endorsement of mayor and Surrey Connect slate
Published 4:30 pm Friday, October 2, 2026
The union that represents Surrey Police Service (SPS) officers is pushing back after the local Surrey firefighters union endorsed Mayor Locke and her Surrey Connect team for re-election.
In an email circulated amongst Surrey Police Union (SPU) members, and forwarded to Black Press Media, Ryan Buhrig, treasurer and spokesperson of the Surrey police union, said several members reached out to voice concerns over the endorsement with particular emphasis “public safety” part of the endorsement.
On Oct. 1, Mayor near Brenda Locke and her Surrey Connect slate launched their 2026 municipal campaign at Surrey Firefighters Local 1271 (the former historic Port Kells Fire Hall No. 7) after the local firefighters union endorsed Locke and Surrey Connect for the upcoming civic election.
“I understand why this does not sit well with our membership, given this year’s police budget cut of $47 million, the failure to pay SPS recruits a few years ago, and the fervent opposition to the policing transition throughout her chaotic tenure,” Buhrig wrote. “While we have a strong relationship with the Surrey Firefighters Association and they are entitled to their position, that endorsement does not reflect our assessment of Mayor Locke’s record on public safety or the experiences of our members serving Surrey.”
Buhrig said many SPU members have asked him about the union’s position on the upcoming election.
“Our strategy is to speak openly with all campaigns about the resources SPS needs, including additional staffing and equipment,” he explained. “These conversations allow us to advocate directly for our members and ensure candidates understand the challenges facing our police service and the community.”
Buhrig cited the “unique role” cops have in society and said that because of that the Surrey Police Union would not make any public endorsements of candidates ahead of the election. He said the SPU will continue to engage with candidates and monitor campaigns closely to keep their members informed about the positions mayoral and council candidates have on the issues of policing and public safety.
“Our priority remains advocating for the resources and stability our members need to do their jobs safely and effectively.”