Monday, October 19, 2009

Uniformed Fire Officers Association Endorses Gulluscio...

Praises Experienced Candidate Who Protected Local Firehouse



The Uniformed Fire Officers Association announced their endorsement of Frank Gulluscio for New York City Council in 32nd District. The announcement came in front of FDNY Engine Company 293 in Woodhaven, where Gulluscio worked with then-Councilman Joseph Addabbo to save the firehouse from closure due to budget cuts in 2003.

Captain Al Hagan, President of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association and a thirty-six year veteran of the FDNY, said: “We are proud to endorse Frank Gulluscio for City Council. He has a proven track record of fighting to protect City services. When Engine 293 was slated to close in 2003, Frank worked to save it. We know that he will continue to be a fighter for our City’s fire officers and for working families.”

I am honored to have the support of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association. Keeping our communities safe is our responsibility. New York City's firefighters and officers put their lives on the line to protect us, and as City Council Member I will fight for them each and every day," said Gulluscio.

In this year's budget, the Mayor threatened closure of 16 firehouses throughout the City. The Uniformed Fire Officers Association along with the City Council successfully opposed those cuts, helping to ensure that communities remain safe and response times stay low. Last year, FDNY response times to structural fires averaged 4:31 while medical emergencies averaged 4:37 in Queens - the highest of the five boroughs - with the citywide average at 4:12 and 4:17, respectively. We won the battle but the war continues, we need our next Councilman to continue to watch City Hall to ensure that Woodhaven keeps it fire house” said Gulluscio.

The Uniformed Fire Officers Association (UFOA) represents over 7,200 lieutenants, captains, battalion chiefs, deputy chiefs, medical officers and supervising fire marshals of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY).