MCLEAN, Virginia – This fall, Firefighters and EMS Fund focused its political efforts for a second time this year in Collier County, Florida by supporting North Collier Firefighters Association as they sought a ballot measure to increase the department’s budget for the first time in over a decade.
The Firefighters and EMS Fund worked with a local PAC, “Collier Tax Watch.” This group, formed by Firefighters’ Association members to advocate for measures which would help the fire department, require fire department officials to remain neutral while serving in their official capacity. The PAC affiliated with North Collier Firefighters Association was already in the process of vetting the fire commissioner candidates to come up with three who they felt were the best for the job.
Firefighters and EMS Fund made in-kind contributions of services such as targeted voter data and a get out the vote phone campaign encouraging over 40,000 households to vote for candidates who would ensure the North Collier Fire District has all the resources it needs to serve its constituents.
The three candidates, who were endorsed by North Collier Firefighters Association and Collier Tax Watch PAC, won their elections.
“I am just thrilled out of my mind that we won,” said Chris Spencer, president of the local firefighters’ association. “Do you think (Firefighters and EMS Fund) had an impact? One hundred percent yes. We not only had our elections to contend with, but important things like labor contracts and such as well. This was not just a victory for firefighters, it was a victory for public safety throughout the community.”
The mission of the Firefighters and EMS Fund is to provide a grassroots voice for firefighters across the country in the state and local political process. The mission begins by supporting ballot initiatives and working to elect political leaders at the state and local level that understand firefighters’ and public safety officers’ interests.
Contact Firefighters and EMS Fund
Nile Porter
Executive Director
(703) 844-2285
media@fireandemsfund.com
