Rudy Giuliani Unveils National First Responders Coalition
Former NYC Fire and Police Commissioner Howard Safir to Serve As National Chair
Pelham, SC - The Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee today unveiled the national leadership team for First Responders for Rudy at the Pelham-Batesville Firehouse in Pelham, South Carolina. The team will be led by National Chair Howard Safir, who previously served as both Police and Fire Commissioner for New York City. Joining Safir on the national team are U.S. Congressman David Reichert (R- WA) and S.C. State Firefighters' Association Executive Director Jim Bowie.
Reichert, a former Sheriff in King County, Washington, will serve as National Chair of Law Enforcement for Rudy. Bowie, who worked at the South Carolina Fire Academy for 16 years, will serve as National Chair of Firefighters for Rudy. In addition, the Mayor's campaign announced National Co-Chairs for Firefighters for Rudy and Law Enforcement for Rudy. Team members represent law enforcement and firefighter communities from states across the country including Iowa, Florida, South Carolina and Illinois.
"Mayor Giuliani is a strong and principled leader," said Safir, who served under Giuliani. "I saw firsthand his leadership in helping transform a crime-ridden New York City into the safest large city in our nation, while increasing preparedness by opening the city's first Office of Emergency Management. He has always shown uncompromising courage in the face of challenges. I am proud to lead First Responders across America who support Rudy for President."
"Mayor Giuliani has a proven record of supporting firefighters. As Mayor, he implemented policies that improved firefighters' safety and preparedness. Firefighters across the nation are supporting Mayor Giuliani because they admire his leadership and support his vision for our country," said Bowie.
Congressman Reichert, a leader on law enforcement issues, added: "I admire Rudy Giuliani for his determination, courage, strength and ability to find real solutions to tough problems. As New York City's Mayor, he implemented the CompStat program to help police be proactive in fighting crime. The Mayor will be a leader for law enforcement and for our country; a leader who not only pledges to find solutions, but also demands our government be held accountable and show results for the American people."
Joining Safir and Reichert at today's announcement were first responders from across South Carolina. In the coming weeks, Team Rudy is expected to announce first responders' leadership teams at the state level.
