In 2024, a powerful fire union that had previously remained neutral endorsed Noem for DHS as wildfires raged in California.

The largest firefighter union in North America has endorsed South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem for secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

We endorse Governor Kristi Noem's nomination for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. As a Governor, nominee Noem has demonstrated expertise in emergency management and the critical role of government response to both natural and manmade disasters.

"We, like many other organizations, urge the swift confirmation of her, as she has gained broad support from law enforcement unions, as stated by General President Edward Kelly in a letter to senators Rand Paul and Gary Peters, the committee chair and ranking member on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security," the International Association of Firefighters wrote.

The IAFF's endorsement for Noem was obtained exclusively by Planet Chronicle Digital as multiple fires ravaged Los Angeles County, resulting in at least five deaths, extensive damage, and the evacuation of over 100,000 residents.

The union chief stated that serving public safety is the greatest government service and that the members of IAFF are proud to serve their communities. They are excited to collaborate with Governor Noem and the Department of Homeland Security in the future.

The IAFF safeguards 353,000 communities in both the U.S. and Canada, while the DHS manages various 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.

The IAFF endorsed Noem after the union declined to back Vice President Kamala Harris or Trump before the general election.

"Kelly declared in an October statement that the IAFF Executive Board decided to remain neutral during the election in order to better advocate for members and make progress on important issues while preserving and strengthening unity," the statement read.

The IAFF's endorsement of Noem amid the California fires highlights the urgency of firefighters knowing that Trump's team must be in place as quickly as possible to keep America safe from all threats.

The source stated that the firefighters union's decision to speak out in support of Gov. Noem during the ongoing wildfires in Southern California is significant, given the visibility of the fires to the entire country.

The firefighters are the bravest of the brave and understand the urgency of having President Trump's entire team in place as soon as possible to safeguard America from all threats and be prepared for disaster response.

"Gov. Noem has gained public safety support due to the endorsement of police organizations and the border patrol union. The message is clear: she should be confirmed as quickly as possible."

The Senate confirmation hearing for Noem with the Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs is set for January 15th, starting at 9 a.m.

At least eight law enforcement unions and groups, including a union representing thousands of Border Patrol agents, have sent letters to Sen. Paul in support of Noem's confirmation process.

In a letter last month, National Border Patrol Council President Paul Perez expressed the council's support for Governor Kristi Noem to be the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, on behalf of the men and women who protect our nation's borders.

The National Fraternal Order of Police, the largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers in the U.S., the National Association of Police Organizations, the International Union of Police Associations, the Toledo Police Patrolman’s Association, International Union of Police Associations Local 6020, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Police Officers Association of Michigan, and the National Border Patrol Council have all endorsed Noem.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry urged Senate lawmakers, particularly Democrats, to promptly confirm Noem following the New Orleans New Year's Day terrorist attack.

"Earlier this week, Landry stated that "This is no time to play around." He emphasized the urgency of the situation and called on Senate Democrats on the Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee to expedite the confirmation of Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security. Noem's swift confirmation is crucial in ensuring a seamless transition and maintaining the nation's security in the wake of recent attacks on Bourbon Street and Las Vegas."

Trump selected Noem to lead DHS after his victory over Harris, highlighting Noem's efforts to secure the southern border, which has been strained under the Biden administration.

Trump announced that Kristi has been a strong advocate for border security and has taken action to address the Biden border crisis. She was the first governor to send National Guard soldiers to Texas to help fight the crisis, and they were sent a total of eight times. Trump stated that he will work closely with "Border Czar" Tom Homan to secure the border and guarantee that the American homeland is safe from adversaries. Trump has known Kristi for years and has worked with her on various projects. He believes that she will be a valuable addition to their mission to make America safe again.