Miami-Dade County Commissioner Vicki Lopez\u2019s endorsement coalition is now more equipped with ladders and badges.<\/p>\n
Three of South Florida\u2019s most prominent public safety unions have thrown their support behind Lopez\u2019s campaign to keep her District 5 seat at County Hall: Metro-Dade Firefighters IAFF Local 1403<\/a>, Miami Beach IAFF Local 1510<\/a> and the Miami-Dade chapter of the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police<\/a>.<\/p>\n They join the South Florida Police Benevolent Association<\/a>, which backed Lopez last month, and collectively represent thousands of firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, and law enforcement officers across the county.<\/p>\n \u201cThis endorsement is not given lightly \u2014 it has been earned,\u201d Metro-Dade Firefighters Local 1403 wrote in its endorsement letter, citing Lopez\u2019s record supporting firefighter staffing, health and wellness<\/a>, and cancer-prevention<\/a> efforts during her years in Florida\u2019s Legislature.<\/p>\n \u201cShe recognizes that public safety requires serious leadership, smart investments, and a commitment to ensuring first responders have the resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,\u201d said William McAllister IV, President of Local 1403. \u201cWe are proud to stand with her.\u201d<\/p>\n The Firefighters of Miami Beach echoed that sentiment.<\/p>\n \u201cCommissioner Lopez has already proven herself to be a strong advocate for public safety and for the firefighters who protect our community,\u201d IAFF Local 1510 President Adonis Garcia said. \u201cShe supports first responders, prioritizes investments in public safety, and makes sure our residents feel safe and protected.\u201d<\/p>\n Florida State Fraternal Order of Police District 6 Director Felix Del Rosario added, \u201cCommissioner Lopez has shown strong leadership, a collaborative approach, and a genuine respect for the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers every day.\u201d<\/p>\n Lopez called the endorsements especially meaningful \u201cbecause they come from the people who are on the front lines of keeping our community safe.\u201d<\/p>\n Others backing Lopez\u2019s campaign include two Service Employees International Union chapters<\/a> and all four Democratic members of the Miami Beach City Commission.<\/p>\n