Politics & Government

Volunteer Firefighters, EMTs Back Christie

Teaneck resident named to campaign's coalition of volunteer firefighters and EMTs.

Gov. Chris Christie was endorsed Tuesday by a bipartisan statewide coalition of volunteer emergency medical technicians and firefighters, the governor’s campaign said in a news release.

Christie announced the new Volunteer Emergency Services for Christie at a campaign stop outside a volunteer firehouse in Point Pleasant. Angelae Wilkerson, member of the Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corps, was picked as one of the group’s coordinators in all 21 counties.

“I am honored to have the support of volunteers firefighters and EMS leaders - the men and women who risk their lives every day to serve their communities and keep their neighbors safe,” Christie said in a statement. “Taking on that risk in the most dangerous of circumstances shows that they are true heroes and leaders when they are most needed.”

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Christie pointed to his veto of what the campaign called “misguided legislation” that would have overhauled the state’s volunteer EMS system. Volunteer emergency squads opposed the possible added regulation, saying they would be expensive and amounted to more red tape.

“There have been a number of attempts in the legislature to make an assault on the EMS community in this state to try to find a way to get rid of volunteer EMS folks, to try to unionize the EMS system – all for political purposes,” Christie said, according to a Star-Ledger report.

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Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli, a volunteer firefighter and former fire chief, was named as a member of the coalition’s statewide leadership team.

"Governor Christie has proven without a doubt that he understands the positive impact our volunteer first responders have on their communities and stands up to protect that role for us,” Gonnelli, a Democrat, said in a statement.

While Christie picked up support from volunteers, the governor has received mixed endorsements among paid fire service organizations. The New Jersey Career Fire Chiefs Association backed the Republican’s re-election bid in March, while the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey endorsed Christie’s Democratic opponent, Sen. Barbara Buono.

Christie campaigned in Teaneck last week, highlighting his support from three township council members.



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