The International Association of Firefighters Local 820 and the International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 673, announced Wednesday their endorsement of Andy Berke for mayor of Chattanooga.
The IAFF represents over 68 percent of city of Chattanooga firefighters, and the IBPO is one of two unions representing Chattanooga Police Officers. Mayor Berke won the endorsement of IAFF Membership last Thursday night and IBPO membership Monday night by a majority vote, adding to the growing list of organizations endorsing Mayor Berke for re-election, including: SEIU Local 205, IBEW Local 175, FOP Lodge 22, the Chattanooga Times, and the Chattanooga Free Press.
“Mayor Andy Berke has been incredibly supportive of Chattanooga Firefighters over the last four years,” said IAFF 820 President Jack Thompson. “He understands the risk firefighters face every day to protect citizens and has repeatedly shown public safety is his top priority by giving firefighters the support they need.”
Leadership at IBPO echoed the praise given to Mayor Berke by IAFF President Thompson.
“The IBPO is proud to endorse Mayor Berke. He’s worked tirelessly to support Police Officers, and we are confident that he is the best choice to keep Chattanooga citizens safe,” said IBPO President Sgt. Michael Newton.
Mayor Berke said he has made public safety a priority in the city’s budget over the past four years, and he has implemented reforms to improve the lives of first responders and their families, while investing in equipment to help them better protect Chattanooga citizens. Mayor Berke worked with the IAFF, IBPO, FOP, and the city’s Department of Human Resources to fix the broken Fire and Police Pay Plans, and the city agreed to work with these groups to improve the structure of this plan. Investments to support firefighters include a new fire engine replacement plan, new fire stations in Highland Park and Hixson, and new self-breathing apparatuses. In addition, Mayor Berke worked with CFD leadership to pilot a new Quick Response Vehicle program to help firefighters respond to medical emergencies quicker.
“I am honored to have the endorsement of all groups representing our firefighters and police officers," said Mayor Berke. "Keeping Chattanooga safe starts with supporting our first responders who put their lives on the line every day. I will continue to support our firefighters and police officers over the next four years and better equip them to keep our citizens safe.”