October 23, 2020
The Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York (NYCPBA), the largest municipal police union in the world representing the approximately 24,000 sworn New York Police Department (NYPD) members who hold the rank of Police Officer, has reached out Upstate to endorse the reelection of State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) in the 58th Senate District.
In a letter informing O’Mara of the endorsement, NYCPBA President Patrick J. Lynch highlighted O’Mara’s commitment to a “stronger, safer New York.”
Lynch wrote, “Your commitment to addressing the issues affecting New York City police officers is well recognized, and it is an honor to have you representing our members in the Senate. We look forward to working with you towards our shared goal of a stronger, safer New York.”
O’Mara, who has long been noted for his strong support for law enforcement, welcomed the police officers’ support.
O’Mara said, “I am proud of every single vote of confidence I receive from the men and women in blue around our region, throughout this state, and across the nation. It is critically important at this time of troubling violence against law enforcement officers and a proliferation of anti-police rhetoric, which has been particularly violent in New York, Rochester and many of our cities, that all of us who back the blue deliver a strong message of confidence and support. We can approve as many laws as we want, but it won’t mean a thing without the daily courage and dedication of police officers on the street. The men and women of our local police departments stand as the first line of defense protecting our communities and neighborhoods. It is personally gratifying whenever any of these officers expresses belief in my understanding of the demands they and their families face, my commitment to their safety and well-being, and my strong support for providing the resources and laws necessary to allow them to do their jobs effectively.”
O’Mara’s backing from law enforcement continues to grow. In addition to the latest endorsement from the NYCPBA, O’Mara is also supported by the City of Elmira Police PBA; the New York State Police Investigators Association (NYSPIA); Elmira Heights Police Benevolent Association (PBA); the Police Benevolent Association of the New York State Troopers, Inc.; and the Detectives’ Endowment Association (DEA) representing nearly 20,000 active and retired New York Police Department Detectives.
Also, the New York State Professional Fire Fighters Association (NYSPFFA) endorsed State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C,I-Big Flats) for re-election in the 58th Senate District. 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.
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.” 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.
O’Mara said, “I am deeply grateful to have this endorsement from the men and women working as professional fire fighters 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.”
