Councilman Eric Ulrich, left, shakes hands with UFOA President Captain Alexander Hagan, right, in front of members of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association at Firehouse Engine 319 in Middle Village. Photo courtesy of Eric Ulrich’s campaign.
State Senator Joe Addabbo (D- Queens) and one of the men trying to unseat him, City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Howard Beach) both picked up endorsements this week in a dash for the 15th District State Senate Seat.
The New York City Uniformed Fire Officers Association (UFOA) threw its weight behind Ulrich, endorsing him Tuesday in Middle Village.
“Eric has compiled an enviable record in the city council and has been at the forefront of the council’s efforts to keep open as many as 20 fire companies,” said Alexander Hagan, the UFOA’s president. “New York City’s fire officers are looking forward to working with Eric Ulrich in Albany next year.”
That added about 2,500 lieutenants, captains, battalion chiefs, deputy chiefs, supervising fire marshals and medical officers to the ranks supporting Ulrich.
“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association,” said Ulrich. “Each and every day, New York’s bravest put their lives on the line to keep us safe and I look forward to being a strong advocate on their behalf in Albany.”
Not to be outdone, Addabbo was endorsed the same day by 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
32BJ, the New York and Long Island branch of the union, represents 70,000 property service workers in the area.
“Joseph Addabbo has shown through his service on the New York City Council and in the State Senate his dedication to improving the lives of middle-class and working New Yorkers,” said Hector Figueroa, Secretary-Treasurer for 32BJ. “He has fought to strengthen rules that would help protect workers from injuries on the job.”
In the announcement, Addabbo touted his support of raising the minimum wage and backing of bills aimed at broadening support for working class families.
Ulrich too supports raising the minimum wage but took fire for it from Forest Hills lawyer Juan Reyes, his opponent in a Republican Primary.
“I am honored to have the support of 32BJ, as they represent and fight for thousands of working New Yorkers,” said Addabbo. “I am eager to stand with them in continuing the fight for the rights and benefits of property service workers, and all working class families across the state and in the district.”
By Jeremiah Dobruck
