For Immediate Release
March 21, 2008
Fairfax, Prince William, International Firefighters Endorse Gerry Connolly for Congress
Fairfax, VA -- The Gerry Connolly for Congress campaign announced today that Connolly has received the endorsement of the Fairfax County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics (Local 2068), the Prince William Professional Fire Fighters (Local 2598) and the International Association of Fire Fighters.
"I'm so proud to have the support of the firefighters in this race," said Connolly. "I've had their endorsement in all five of my previous elections and, with their help, won each time. I'm looking forward to working with them to win this campaign as well."
"This is about a relationship," said John Niemiec, President of the Fairfax County Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics. "Gerry has stood with us for thirteen years and we're proud to stand with him now."
Niemiec cited Connolly's work to establish a wellness center for firefighters in Fairfax County as just one example of Connolly's leadership.
"Our wellness center has saved lives and improved our ability to protect the citizens of this county," he said. "Gerry was a leader in that effort."
Connolly was first elected to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in 1995. In 2003, he was elected Chairman of the Board. Prior to serving in elected office, Connolly spent ten years with the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he managed committee oversight of international economic issues, international narcotics control and United Nations and Middle East policies. He received a B.A. in Literature from Maryknoll College and an M.A. in Public Administration from Harvard University in 1979.
