N.J. firefighters union backs Garrett opponent

The New Jersey State Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association endorsed Josh Gottheimer Watch video

TEANECK -- Josh Gottheimer on Monday received the endorsement of a union representing more than 5,000 firefighters, EMTs and dispatchers in New Jersey in his run to represent the state's 5^th Congressional District.

His opponent, Republican Rep. Scott Garett has failed to support measures that would help first responders, Ed Donnelly, president of the New Jersey State Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association, said.

"He's been a zero for firefighters, EMTs, dispatchers and public safety in New Jersey," Donnelly said.

The NJFMBA announced the endorsement Monday at Teaneck Fire Station 4. Gottheimer pledged to support first responders and said that if elected, he would back legislation to give local emergency officials information on hazardous materials traveling through their towns.

He referred to the freight trains regularly carrying crude oil through Bergen County. Current law only gives state officials access to information about what materials the trains are carrying and what types of cars are carrying them. The oil trains have been involved in a number of deadly crashes in North America.

"We must make sure all of our first responders have the information they need about hazardous and harmful materials traveling through our towns," Gottheimer, a Democrat from Wyckoff, said.

Gottheimer, who served as a speech writer for President Bill Clinton, also said he would help steer federal grants awarding money for training and equipment toward local fire departments.

He also criticized Garrett's votes against the Zadroga Act, a program that provides health coverage and economic compensation to first responders injured at the sites of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The measure is named for James Zadroga, a New York City police officer from North Arlington who died of a respiratory disease resulting from breathing in dust at the World Trade Center Site after Sept. 11.

Garrett has said he voted against the act because it was part of a larger $1.1 trillion spending bill he called "bloated."

Members of the NJFMBA will canvas and make calls leading up to the Nov. 8 election, Donnelly said.

"This is not a hollow endorsement," he said. "We will have folks on the ground for him."