UFOA Backs Schneiderman for Re-election

The Uniformed Fire Officers Association is endorsing state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman in his bid for re-election.

The union, which represents over 2,600 active and 4,600 retired members of the New York City Fire Department, said it decided to support Schneiderman because he had had advocated for the needs of firefighters and for keeping New York safe. Schneiderman is running against Republican candidate John Cahill.

“The UFOA deeply appreciates the Attorney General’s strong support for the NYC Fire Department and its members, in addition to his dedication to the professionalism of Fire Departments throughout our great state,” James Lemonda, the union president and a battalion chief, said in a statement. “The UFOA is confident that Eric Schneiderman is both smart and tough when it comes to issues on public safety.”

A Siena Research Institute poll released last week found Schneiderman with a 16-point lead over Cahill, with support from 50 percent of voters. However, Cahill has closed some of the gap from Schneiderman’s previous lead of 27 points in an August poll.

“I am grateful for the support of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association. It is a great honor to be endorsed by New York heroes who put their lives on the line everyday to keep all of us safe,” Schneiderman said in a statement. “Over the last four years, I have committed my office to cracking down on crime wherever it occurs and vow to continue fighting to make New York safe for all its citizens.”