On Monday, Philadelphia labor unions representing firefighters, paramedics, and transport workers gave their emphatic support behind Judge Pat Dugan’s campaign for District Attorney. Leadership from the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 22 and from Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) Local 234, spoke on why their members were backing Dugan in the Democratic Primary against D.A. Larry Krasner.
Brian Pollitt, President of TWU Local 234, gave the following statement: “We are here today to announce our endorsement of Judge Pat Dugan for District Attorney. Our members, as you know, are on the frontlines, every single day […], helping everyone get safely where they need to go. But over the last seven years, [our members] have not been safe. They have been attacked, stabbed, even murdered in cold blood. This lawlessness is enabled by a lack of prosecution from the District Attorney’s office. There are way too many illegal guns on the streets and our bus drivers have to pay the price, now having to shield themselves behind bulletproof glass as they drive our children to school, our seniors to doctors appointments, and many of us to their work. Our members have sacrificed a lot for our city and they need someone in the District Attorney’s office who will have their backs. Judge Pat Dugan will always have our backs.”
Michael Bresnan, President of IAFF Local 22 gave the following statement: “I am here today to publicly acknowledge and express Local 22’s support for Pat Dugan in his campaign for District Attorney […] One of the most significant factors in our decision was based on the safety, protection, and well-being of our members and their families. […] We urge the citizens of this great City to help us protect our members who selflessly put their lives on the line to protect you and your loved ones by voting for Pat Dugan for District Attorney!”
Democratic Candidate for DA, Judge Pat Dugan, said the following: “I am honored to be endorsed by these two unions, who represent some of Philadelphia’s bravest and most essential workers. The Firefighters, Paramedics, and Transport Workers ensure every day that the people of our city are taken care of: you make sure we get to work on time, you are the first on the scene when someone is hurt, and you walk into burning buildings. You are the lifelines of Philadelphia and I am humbled to have your support.”
Judge Pat Dugan is a combat veteran who served 23 years in the military, and 17 years on the bench as a Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge, before resigning to run for Philadelphia District Attorney to make our city safer. As a judge he supported restorative justice programs that offer second and third chances for defendants, and worked alongside Veterans Affairs to pilot the Veterans Court which became a national model for diversion programs for veterans.
