CHARLESTON, WV — Today, the Professional Fire Fighters of West Virginia (PFFWV) announced that it is supporting U.S. Senator Joe Manchin in the 2018 election. The membership of the PFFWV is comprised of firefighters and EMTs across the state of West Virginia. The PFFWV is part of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and serves 21 locals in West Virginia with 1,000 active and retired members.
“Firefighters have a true friend in Joe Manchin because he’s always been there for us,” said Brian Jones, president for the Professional Fire Fighters of West Virginia. “Senator Manchin has helped many local fire departments in West Virginia get funding for personnel, equipment, and training. Joe genuinely respects the work of our first responders and is committed to keeping communities safe. The firefighters of West Virginia are proud to stand with Joe Manchin in 2018.”
The firefighters and first responders know that Joe Manchin is someone they can trust to continue working to keep communities safe. Manchin has secured funding through the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants to increase the number of firefighters in West Virginia, upgrade equipment, and provide more training opportunities.
In the Senate, Manchin supported the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act — legislation to monitor and study the unique dangers firefighters face so better protective gear and prevention techniques can be developed. As Governor, Manchin helped strengthen the pensions of firefighters.
“There is no way to properly thank someone who is willing to run into a burning building and put themselves in harm’s way to rescue a stranger,” said Senator Joe Manchin. “I’m so proud of the work our firefighters and first responders do every single day, and as a former Governor, I know how important it is to have trained professionals on the ground in disaster situations to help stranded residents and prevent further loss of life. I’ll continue to make sure our first responders get the support they need to do their job.”
