Biden nods at Harris to lead IAFF, sparking controversy among firefighters.
Since 1975, Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., has been a member of the Miami Fire Department and previously held the position of chief.
The IAFF conference in Boston on Thursday will see Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, introduced by Congress' only career firefighter, who is urging members to support the Trump-Vance ticket.
Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., began his career as a City of Miami firefighter in 1975 and eventually became chief. He stated on Thursday that, like his fellow first responders, former President Trump has demonstrated a readiness to "answer the call."
The IAFF has not thrown their support to either current presidential candidate yet.
Gimenez stated that although his primary duty is to present Trump's running mate, he will give a brief explanation of why his fellow firefighters should support the Republican candidate in the upcoming election.
"I believed it necessary to rise at 3 a.m. to travel to Boston and discuss with Sen. Vance why I think President Trump and JD Vance are suitable for not only firefighters but also for America."
Gimenez suggested that Vice President Harris has been proposing solutions to problems that the Biden-Harris administration has worsened.
Gimenez stated, "My pitch is that firefighters are always ready to respond to calls or ring the bell – America is currently in need of assistance, and we should answer."
"The Biden-Harris administration has been a disaster, and Kamala Harris in particular wants us to forget the things that have happened over the last three and a half years."
"It's like having the perpetrator advise you on how to solve the problem."
Gimenez consistently responds to the question of his job with "firefighter," even though he has held other positions such as commissioner, mayor of Miami-Dade County, and congressman.
"As the youngest and first Hispanic chief, I was fortunate to be a firefighter and it has influenced my perspective and approach to challenges."
Gimenez stated that firefighters' success contributes to America's prosperity and, as a first responder, they comprehend the importance of acting quickly in critical circumstances.
The IAFF is unlikely to endorse Trump, as it tends to align with its AFL-CIO affiliate, which typically supports Democrats.
"As a firefighter, I have observed a tendency for my colleagues to lean towards the Democratic party. I hope we can break this trend today."
Gimenez expressed hope that they would not swiftly endorse Harris as they had for Biden in 2020.
Despite Biden's self-identification as the most "pro-union" president in history, some union endorsements are not a surefire win for Democrats this election cycle, according to Gimenez.
This year, Teamsters President Sean O'Brien was the first official to speak at the Republican National Convention, but he was not invited to speak at the Democratic National Convention.
While on the job, firefighters are not concerned with their political affiliations, according to Gimenez.
"Every time the bell rings, we respond to the call and get on the rescue vehicle or truck. Firefighters are great because they help."
Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to the Harris campaign and IAFF for comment.
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