Congressman Chris Murphy was in Waterbury in early July to accept the unanimous endorsement of the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut, which represents 4000 firefighters, in his race for the U.S. Senate in 2012. “Connecticut Fire Fighters are on the front lines protecting our families every day”, Murphy said. “To have their endorsement so early in this campaign is a huge honor and will provide critical support in our fight for the future of middle class working families throughout Connecticut.”    Photographs by John Murray

   According to Pete Carozza, Jr. (pictured above), UPFFA of Connecticut President, the decision to endorse Rep. Murphy was an easy one. “Chris has been there every time working men and women needed someone to stand up and fight for them”, Carozza said. “We are proud to stand with him in his efforts to become the next Senator from Connecticut and we will be working hard to take his grassroots message to people all over the state.”

   The firefighters union is comprised of locals in over 50 cities and towns including Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Hamden, Norwalk, Meriden, New Britain, Groton, Norwich, and Middletown. Waterbury firefighter, and local union leader, Fernando Ramirez, pictured above, also enthusiastically supported Murphy’s run for the U.S. Senate.

 

 “This endorsement is not only significant because of the type of people Connecticut Fire Fighters are,” Murphy said, “but also because that no one knows the needs and concerns of our neighborhoods better.”  In joining Team Murphy, Connecticut Fire Fighters join a long list of groups and individuals who have signed on to support this grassroots campaign, including three additional statewide labor organizations: The United Auto Workers, Connecticut Laborers, and the Connecticut State Building and Construction Trades Council. In just a few months, Murphy has further earned the support of Congressman John Larson, Congressman Joe Courtney, Congressman Rosa DeLauro, Congressman Jim Himes, Attorney General George Jepsen, Comptroller Kevin Lembo and Secretary of the State Denise Merrill. Murphy also has the support of over 2,000 Democratic and progressive activists from across the state and raised $1.1 million in the first quarter of the campaign.