State Rep. Chaleski Endorsed By The CT State Fraternal Order Of Police

**News Release Submitted by Rachel Chaleski Campaign**

Sept. 5, 2024

The state chapter of the nation’s largest law enforcement agency said Thursday they are backing Rachel Chaleski, State Representative for the 138th House District in Danbury for re-election.

The Connecticut State Fraternal Order of Police officially endorsed Chaleski, the Republican candidate for the 138th, believing she will best serve the needs of the law enforcement community and the public safety for Connecticut citizens.

“I was honored to receive the endorsement of the Connecticut State Fraternal Order of Police,” said Chaleski. “The work that our rank and file law enforcement officers do keeps our communities safe and I’m very thankful for their service and bravery.”

Chaleski, who is serving her first term in office, proudly supported law enforcement officers during her two years in office. One of the first votes of the 2023 session was on the State Police Union contract.

“This contract is just one piece of providing support to a workforce that has struggled with issues of morale, recruitment, and retention. This provides for fair and necessary compensation to address those issues,” said Chaleski. “These pay increases and other incentives are necessary recruitment tools due to previously approved legislation, such as the Police Accountability Bill. By restoring qualified immunity, the General Assembly would send a message that Connecticut has the backs of the men and women who protect our communities every day.

That is one of the stark differences between me and my opponent, who was in office in 2020 and voted for the ‘police accountability’ bill.”

Chaleski also supported law enforcement officers and their families by cosponsoring several pieces of legislation this year, which have been signed into law. One bill expands the time period when the death of an officer is considered in the line of duty to include 24 hours after training or engaging in duties, another establishes a Fallen Officer Fund for the family of an officer killed in the line of duty, and a third requires restitution to a law enforcement unit when a police animal is injured or killed.

The Fraternal Order of Police is the nation's largest law enforcement organization, with over 373,000 members and over 2,200 lodges throughout the United States. Its Connecticut chapter is based in Guilford. Founded in 1915, the F.O.P. represents professional, full time officers from all agencies of law enforcement, according to the organization's website. The organization is dedicated to improving working conditions, wages and benefits, while also monitoring legislation affecting law enforcement on the local, state and national levels.

For more information about Chaleski or her platform, visit www.rachelfordanbury.com or www.facebook.com/RachelForDanbury138.