by Alex Lloyd Gross
Senate hopeful Dave McCormick was at the Philadelphia Firefighters Union Hall yesterday afternoon, to accept their endorsement. According to union president Mike Bresnan. the union met with both candidates and decided to go with McCormick. “This is the first time we ever met with Senator Casey”, union officials said.
During his brief remarks, McCormick said he would continue to support first responders by trying to secure SAFR Grants, which provide federal money to pay for either equipment or salaries of first responders.
The union, Local 22 ,represents about 4500 current and retired firefighters and EMT’s in Philadelphia. “Our members are free to vote for whoever they want to vote for”, said Bresnan, he just felt that McCormick would be in a better position to help firefighters and first responders.
EMT’s in Philadelphia are pushed to the limit by a two mile stretch of Kensington Avenue, due to multiple calls for overdose and Fentanyl related medical emergencies. Union officials said eight medic units are detailed to that area.