The Chattanooga Fire Fighters Association, IAFF Local 820 announced Tuesday that the union is endorsing local businessman and community leader Ken Smith for the District 3 seat on the Chattanooga City Council.  The union represents more than 200 men and women who serve to protect the public throughout the city of Chattanooga. 

“We unanimously voted to endorse Ken Smith because he understands the importance of making fire protection and the public’s safety a top priority,” said Jack Thompson, president of the Chattanooga Fire Fighters Association. “We believe that Ken is the most qualified candidate in the District 3 race for City Council, and he will be the best representative for the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect our local communities.

In addition to endorsing Mr. Smith, Mr. Thompson stated that the union plans to canvass neighborhoods throughout District 3 and distribute campaign literature to registered voters. The union also plans to display special yard signs throughout the district to let people know that the local firefighters support Mr. Smith’s campaign. 

“I am humbled to have the support of firefighters throughout District 3 and the city of Chattanooga,” said Mr. Smith.  "Since announcing my campaign nearly six months ago, public safety and the ongoing challenges with funding our essential services – such as the Fire and Police Departments – continue to be one of the primary issues raised by District 3 residents. I believe it’s time for new leadership at City Hall – leadership that will fight to fund our essential services, first and foremost.

When interviewing candidates for the upcoming city election on March 5, Mr. Thompson said the union chose to endorse Mr. Smith based on his vision for building stronger neighborhoods and improving city government by making it more community oriented, transparent and accountable to the taxpayer. 

Mr. Thomson said, “Our union believes by strengthening the communities themselves, and the public safety agencies that serve them, Chattanooga will become a safer, more secure place to live, work and play. Mr. Smith is a strong proponent of funding the city’s essential services and critical infrastructure needs, and this is why we encourage all voters in District 3 to vote for Ken Smith on March 5.”