Powerful fire union that was neutral in 2024 backs Noem for DHS as California wildfires rage
As fires rage in California, the largest firefighter union in North America threw its support behind South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem for secretary of the Department of Homeland Security after notably remaining politically neutral in the 2024 election cycle.
“We support President Trump’s nomination of Governor Kristi Noem for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. As a Governor, nominee Noem understands emergency management and the importance of government response to emergencies both natural and man-made,” International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) General President Edward Kelly wrote in a letter to Sens. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Gary Peters, D-Mich., the respective chair and ranking member on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security.
“She has earned broad support from law enforcement unions, and we join many other organizations in calling for her speedy confirmation.”
The IAFF’s letter of endorsement for Noem comes as multiple fires rip through Los Angeles County, causing at least five deaths, widespread damage and the evacuation of more than 100,000 residents. Fox News Digital exclusively obtained the IAFF’s endorsement on Thursday.
“There is no greater government service than public safety. The members of IAFF are proud to serve our communities, and we look forward to working with Governor Noem and the Department of Homeland Security in the years ahead,” the union chief said.
The IAFF represents 353,000 members who protect more than 85% of the communities living in both the U.S. and Canada. The DHS oversees a number of national security and law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Secret Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
This is an excerpt from an article by Emma Colton.
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