Dwight Boykins Scores Endorsement From HFD Union In Mayors Race

HOUSTON — As expected, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner did not receive an endorsement from Houston Professional Firefighters Association on his re-election bid. The endorsement instead went to Houston City Councilman Dwight Boykins, who filed his paperwork on Wednesday to run against Turner in the November election.

The Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association held its monthly general membership meeting on Thursday and voted to endorse Boykins, citing his record on public safety.

"Houston firefighters know Dwight is rock solid on public safety issues. From his growing up near HFD Station 46 to the times the fire department helped his family and friends, he understands and respects the fire service," HPFFA President Marty Lancton said in a statement on Thursday. "A natural, loyal leader, Dwight does more than just talk about supporting public safety and fire fighters. His city council and community leadership record reflect that. It’s not uncommon for Dwight to show up at a multi-alarm fire to check on firefighters and the people we serve or for him to ride along on an ambulance or fire truck."

Boykins, who joins Houston Attorney Tony Buzbee and former Houston City Councilman Bill King in the race to unseat Turner, has publicly spared with Turner of the Proposition B issue, particularly as it related to the proposed layoffs.

After the HFD Union vote, Boykins met with firefighters to thank them for their support and promised public safety would be the hallmark of his administration if he is elected.

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"I have worked effectively with firefighters for many years, as you may know. One of my top priorities as mayor will be to ensure that public safety is properly supported and funded in Houston," Boykins said. "This is a world- class city. We’ve got to find a better way to ensure that our fire and police departments have the re- sources they need. One thing is clear: fighting with our first responders all the time is never the answer. I look forward to implementing sensible solutions for our city’s public safety challenges."

Early voting in the general election begins Oct. 21 and runs through Nov. 1. The general election will be held Nov. 5.

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