Election 2019: Fairfax Firefighters Ditch Tim Hugo (R), Endorse Dan Helmer (D) for Virginia House
October 1, 2019
Fairfax, VA — This past week, Fairfax Professional Firefighters and Paramedics – IAFF Local 2068, Prince William County Professional Firefighters & Paramedics – IAFF Local 2598, and Virginia Professional Firefighters endorsed Dan Helmer, the Democratic nominee for the 40th District of Virginia’s House of Delegates. This comes after Republican House Caucus Chair, Tim Hugo (HD40) published multiple claims about having support from firefighters and first responders.
Ron Kuley, Fairfax IAFF Local executive board member, announced the endorsement, saying, “For years, we supported Delegate Tim Hugo because we expected him to deliver for firefighters in Richmond. He didn’t. Now, we’re supporting Dan Helmer, since we know he’ll stand with us in protecting our access to quality healthcare.” Joe Mirabile of Prince William IAFF Local added, “We are proud to endorse Dan Helmer. His record of service speaks for itself, and we need someone who will fight for healthcare protections for our firefighters and every other member of our community. Dan is that person.”
Helmer responded to the announcement, “I’m proud to have the support of the firefighters of Fairfax & Prince William Counties, as well as the statewide association. I understand the dangers our firefighters and other emergency personnel go through, and I’m ready to stand with them and other members of our community to ensure they have the healthcare they’ve earned.”
“It’s ridiculous,” said Helmer Campaign Manager, Erik Darcey, “that Delegate Hugo claims to have the support of firefighters. Hugo took tens of thousands of dollars from the insurance and fossil fuel industries, but then voted against letting firefighters and first responders easily know about chemicals they might encounter in a fire. We’re proud to have the support of Virginia firefighters. Today, they are letting Virginians know which candidate stands with them, and which with special interests.”
Dan Helmer is a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, a businessman, and a Rhodes Scholar. He is the Democratic nominee for the House of Delegates in Virginia’s 40th District. His wife, Karen, is a public school teacher, and their sons, Aaron and Harris, attend Fairfax County Public Schools.
https://bluevirginia.us/2019/10/fairfax-firefighters-ditch-tim-hugo-r-endorse-dan-helmer-d-for-virginia-house-of-delegates