O’MARA RECEIVES ENDORSEMENT OF PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS AT EVENT IN HORNELL
Association represents professional firefighters across the state, including in the 58th District cities of Corning, Elmira, Hornell and Ithaca
Hornell, N.Y., October 24—The New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association (NYSPFFA) has endorsed State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) for re-election in the 58th Senate District.
O’Mara received the endorsement yesterday in Hornell from NYSPFFA Executive Vice President David J. Holleran. Hornell Mayor John Buckley and Hornell Firefighters Association IAFF Local 835 President Chris Cartella also attended the O’Mara endorsement event, along with other officials and firefighters.
The NYSPFFA represents 18,000 men and women working full-time as members of municipal fire departments statewide including the fire departments in the cities of Corning, Elmira, Hornell and Ithaca which have unanimously endorsed O’Mara in the 58th Senate District.
The NYSPFFA is comprised of eight districts statewide, including District 4 which includes Chemung, Steuben and Tompkins counties, and the fire departments in the cities of Corning, Elmira, Hornell and Ithaca.
NYSPFFA President Sam Fresina said, “On behalf of The New York State Professional Fire Fighter’s Association, I am proud to endorse the re-election campaign of Senator Thomas O’Mara. Throughout his tenure, Senator O’Mara has worked tirelessly with the fire fighters in his district to provide them with the necessary tools to keep their communities safe. On a state level, Senator O’Mara has demonstrated a genuine concern for the health and safety of all fire fighters, and I look forward to continuing our strong and productive relationship.”
O’Mara said, “I am deeply grateful to have this endorsement from the men and women working as professional firefighters in Hornell, Corning, Elmira, Ithaca and across New York State protecting lives and property. These brave first responders, putting their lives on the line day and night for all of us, have earned our greatest admiration and respect. I’m proud of their confidence in my commitment to their personal safety and the well-being of their families, and to providing the resources, tools and vehicles they need to perform their jobs effectively.”
In 2016, Hornell Fire Department Union President Cartella and other members of the department presented O’Mara with a Certificate of Appreciation thanking him for his efforts to secure $500,000 in state funding which allowed the department to purchase a new Ladder Truck. The new Ladder Truck replaced an aging vehicle which was unsafe for Hornell’s firefighters and ineffective for responding to emergencies within the city.
Throughout his legislative service, O’Mara has been a recognized as a strong advocate for firefighters, first responders and other emergency services personnel, as well as law enforcement.
The 58th Senate District is comprised of Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Yates counties, and a portion of Tompkins County (the city and town of Ithaca, and the towns of Enfield, Newfield and Ulysses)