Firefighters Endorse Jared Golden, Praise His Support for Essential Firefighter Programs

The Professional Firefighters of Maine announced their endorsement of Congressman Jared Golden in Bangor on Thursday. Firefighters praised Golden for his work over the past four years supporting issues impacting emergency responders in Washington. PFFM represents over 1400 active and retired members including firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, communication operators, inspectors, training Officers and other fire department personnel in thirty-five locals of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) throughout the state.

Ronnie Green, 4th District Vice President of the Professional Firefighters said Golden has been for firefighter ever since he worked for Senator Susan Collins and later as a state representative helping first responders suffering with work-related PTSD qualify for workers' compensation benefits. He noted that Golden has continued to stand up for firefighters in fighting for funds for safe staffing and equipment in Congress.

"This race is a no brainer for any firefighter, law enforcement officer, or any other first responder, in a meeting with Bruce Poloquin he told us he would always have our backs," said Green. "But when we needed him in Washington, Bruce turned his back on first responders when he refused to sign onto legislation extending benefits for those first responders that continue to get sick from working "the pile" on 9-11 and the weeks following. Jared has always had our backs and he always will."

In a separate news release, PFFM members also applauded Congressman Jared Golden forsponsoring and introducing the Fire Grants and Safety Act, which would reauthorize and increase federal funding for local fire departments in Maine and across the nation. These critical federal funds would allow rural fire departments to address staffing shortages, purchase new equipment and improve training and emergency services.

“Fire departments, especially in rural Maine have been experiencing significant staffing shortages in recent years, which threatens the viability of this critical lifeline for Maine communities. These grants ensure that we are able to attract highly qualified professionals and that we have the proper equipment to safely and effectively respond to emergencies. ” said Michael Crouse, President of the Professional Firefighters of Maine. “Rep. Golden’s has consistently supported Maine firefighters and we appreciate his leadership in advancing legislation to reauthorize these critical programs.”

The Fire Grants and Safety Act would reauthorize funding for the United States Fire Administration (USFA), the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. Since 2021, Maine fire departments have been awarded over $4 million in SAFER grants to assist in hiring new staff and more than $14 million in AFG grants.

Without Congressional intervention, all three programs are set to expire starting in 2023 – endangering future recruitment, training, retention, and outfitting efforts. The USFA provides important education for the fire service and represents fire departments’ needs at the highest levels of government.

“The city of Bangor, its citizens and the members of the Bangor Professional Firefighters have depended heavily on SAFER grants and Fire Act funds to provide safe staffing, equipment and an improved emergency response,” said Jared Willey, President of the Bangor Professional Firefighters (IAFF 772) “Without access to these funds, I have no doubt that emergency response would be negatively impacted for Bangor and the surrounding communities. We want to thank Congressman Golden for supporting this critical public safety legislation.”

"These federal grants are crucial to the daily operations of our fire department. The SAFER grant in particular provides much-needed funding for our equipment,” said Scott Dow, President of the Caribou Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 5191. “This is especially important for rural communities like ours where we don’t have as many resources as larger cities so we tend to utilize these federal grants more. We want to thank Congressman Golden for his steadfast support for strengthening rural emergency services.”

In May, Golden voted to pass the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act, which would address the unjust burden of proof firefighters face when applying for disability retirement. Since joining Congress, he has also voted to pass the PFAS Action Act – bipartisan legislation that would help protect firefighters from exposure to dangerous "forever chemicals" – and joined Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) to introduce bipartisan legislation to help improve infrastructure at America's fire stations. Golden is a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.