The only career firefighter in Congress will introduce Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) and urge his members to support Trump-Vance at the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) conference in Boston on Thursday, making the union the first to endorse President Biden in 2020.
Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.), who began as a Miami firefighter in 1975 and rose to the rank of chief when he retired, said Thursday that, like other emergency personnel, former President Trump has always shown himself to be ready “to answer the call.”
The IAFF has not yet endorsed either of the current presidential candidates.
Jimenez said his primary role is to introduce Trump's running mate, but that he also plans to briefly explain why his fellow firefighters should support the Republican candidate.
Republican Leader Criticizes USSS Chief's 'Sloping Roof' Defense as 'Last Strike': 'I'm 70 Years Old and I Can Run Around That All Day'
Congressman Carlos Gimenez poses at the IAFF Convention in Boston, Massachusetts. (Office of Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL))
“I felt it was so important to get up at 3 a.m. to go to Boston and introduce Senator Vance and talk to President Trump about why I think J.D. Vance is the best choice not just for firefighters but for America.”
Gimenez discussed Vice President Kamala Harris' recent policy proposals in general terms, suggesting that she has been pushing to solve problems that the Biden-Harris administration itself has exacerbated.
“My point is, firefighters are always ready to answer the call or answer the bell. Right now, America is calling for help and we have to answer,” Jimenez said.
“And the reason America is asking for help is because of the disaster that the Biden-Harris administration has caused and some of the events that have happened over the last three and a half years. Kamala Harris in particular is trying to make us forget that they were in charge.”
“They're trying to fix it somehow, or she's trying to fix it… It's like an arsonist being told how to put out a fire.”
Gimenez has held a variety of positions, including commissioner, Miami-Dade County mayor and congressman, but when asked what his occupation was, he always said “firefighter.”
Cuba's interference in U.S. elections a “badge of honor” for some critics
Rep. Carlos Gimenez, a former Miami Fire Chief, wore the uniform. (Office of Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL))
“I was the youngest and the first Hispanic chief. I was very fortunate to be a firefighter and it shaped the way I see things and how I handle things.”
“When firefighters do well, America does well,” Jimenez said, noting that as “first responders,” firefighters understand the urgency of critical situations.
As for whether the IAFF would do a 180-degree turn and support Trump, Jimenez said the union tends to defer to its AFL-CIO umbrella organization, which typically supports Democrats.
“Ever since I've been a firefighter, they've tended to favor Democrats. Hopefully today we can break that trend.”
Jimenez expressed hope in that regard, noting that unlike his 2020 endorsement of Biden, he did not immediately endorse Harris.
Biden has described himself as the most “pro-union” president in history, but Gimenez said of the support of some labor unions, “this time it doesn't mean the Democrats will win easily.”
Click here to get the FOX News app
Notably, Teamsters Chairman Sean O'Brien became the first official to speak at the Republican National Convention, but was reportedly not invited to this year's Democratic National Convention.
Aside from the union, firefighters don't care about political affiliation while on the job, Jimenez said.
“Every time the bell rings, we get in the trucks and rescue vehicles. [vehicle] And we answer the phone. We're here to help. That's what's great about us. [firefighters]”
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Harris campaign and the IAFF for comment.
