FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MIAMI, FL — Today, the South Florida Council of Firefighters, representing more than 4,000 firefighters and their families across Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, endorsed Rep. María Elvira Salazar’s reelection campaign, recognizing her record of standing with first responders and supporting policies that protect firefighter health, retirement security, benefits, and critical department resources.
Every day, South Florida’s firefighters answer calls that most people hope they never have to make. They run toward fires, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and moments of crisis without hesitation. Supporting them means more than thanking them for their service, it means making sure they have the protection, benefits, resources, and support they have earned.
“South Florida’s firefighters run toward danger when everyone else is trying to get away. They protect our homes, save lives, and show up for our families on the worst days imaginable,” said Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar. “I am deeply honored to earn the support of the South Florida Council of Fire Fighters. In Congress, I have fought to protect firefighters from toxic chemicals, make sure service-related cancer is treated like the line-of-duty sacrifice it is, protect the retirement benefits they have earned, and help first responders afford a home in the communities they serve. Our firefighters have South Florida’s back every single day, and they will always have mine.”
“The South Florida Council of Firefighters (SFCFF), representing the interests of 4,000 firefighters and their respective families, proudly endorses your candidacy to continue serving as United States Representative in Florida’s 27th District,” said John O’Brien, President of The South Florida Council of Firefighters. “Immediately following your elevation to Congress in 2021 came your steadfast support for firefighters, and in the years since, that support has never wavered. Whether in hearing our concerns or championing our causes, your firefighters know that we can count on both you and your office to take the time to listen. You truly specialize in the lost art of treating others with dignity and respect, and it does not go unnoticed. We will be encouraging our members to support you.”
The South Florida Council of Fire Fighters represents firefighters and families throughout the region, including Coral Gables Fire Fighters Local 1210, Key Biscayne Fire Fighters Local 3638, Key West Fire Fighters Local 1424, Marathon Local 4396, Metro-Dade Fire Fighters Local 1403, Miami Beach Fire Fighters Local 1510, Miami Fire Fighters Local 587, Monroe County Local 3909, and Hialeah Fire Fighters Local 1102.
The Council’s endorsement letter specifically highlighted Rep. Salazar’s advocacy for the reauthorization of the AFG and SAFER grant programs, her attention to the occupational health burdens firefighters face, and her support for repealing the Social Security Windfall Elimination Provision. Salazar voted for the Fire Grants and Safety Act, which became law in 2024, and for the Social Security Fairness Act, which became law in 2025.
The endorsement reflects Salazar’s broader legislative record on issues affecting firefighters, including occupational cancer, toxic exposure, federal benefits, retirement security, homeownership, and the resources available to fire departments.
Rep. Salazar’s Record of Standing with Firefighters and First Responders:
Congresswoman Salazar has supported legislation addressing the health risks firefighters face on the job, the benefits they and their families receive, the resources available to fire departments, and the financial security of first responders after their service.
Expanding Benefits for Firefighters Battling Cancer: Supported the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, expanding federal benefits for firefighters and first responders who die or become permanently disabled from certain service-related cancers.
Strengthening Firefighter Cancer Research: Voted to reauthorize the national Firefighter Cancer Registry, helping researchers better understand and address cancer risks firefighters face on the job.
Protecting Firefighters from Toxic Chemicals: Backed legislation to reduce firefighter exposure to PFAS and supports efforts to develop safer, PFAS-free protective gear.
Keeping Fire Departments Staffed and Equipped: Voted to reauthorize the AFG and SAFER grant programs, which help departments fund staffing, equipment, training, and other critical needs.
Protecting Earned Social Security Benefits: Voted for the Social Security Fairness Act, now law, eliminating WEP and GPO reductions that affected some firefighters and other public servants receiving pensions.
Recognizing Job-Related Illnesses: Supported protections providing federal firefighters with presumptive coverage for certain cancers, heart and lung diseases, and other occupational illnesses.
Helping First Responders Buy Homes: Supports the bipartisan HELPER Act, which would make homeownership more accessible for firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, law enforcement officers, and teachers.
Strengthening Fire Safety: Voted to give the U.S. Fire Administration greater authority to investigate major fires and use those findings to improve prevention and safety nationwide.
Standing with South Florida’s First Responders: Has met directly with local firefighters and emergency personnel and hosted a 2026 First Responders Recognition Ceremony honoring their service to South Florida.
This is the record behind the South Florida Council of Firefighters’ endorsement: protecting firefighters on the job, defending the benefits they earned, and ensuring first responders have the resources and support they need.
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