FOX FIRST: As fires rage in California, North America’s largest firefighters union calls for South Dakota Gov. Christie to head the Department of Homeland Security after remaining particularly politically neutral in the 2024 election cycle. -Supported Noem.
“We support President Trump’s nomination of Governor Kristi Noem to be Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. We understand the importance of
“She has broad support from law enforcement unions,” Edward Kelly, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, said in a letter to their respective chairs and ranking members, Sen. Rand Paul and Sen. Gary Peters. “We join many other organizations in seeking her swift confirmation.” Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee.
IAFF’s letter of support to Noem comes as multiple fires in Los Angeles County have killed at least five people, caused widespread damage and displaced more than 100,000 residents. Fox News Digital received exclusive IAFF approval Thursday.
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January 9, 2025 Firefighters continue to battle the Palisades Fire as flames burn across Los Angeles. (Official Cal Fire/Handout/Anadolu Flickr account via Getty Images)
“There is no better government service than public safety. IAFF members are proud to serve our communities and look forward to working with Governor Noem and the Department of Homeland Security in the years to come.” the union leader said.
IAFF represents 353,000 members and protects more than 85% of communities in both the United States and Canada. DHS oversees numerous national security and law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Secret Intelligence Service, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
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The IAFF’s endorsement of Noem comes after the union decided not to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris or Trump ahead of the general election.
“The IAFF Board of Directors has determined that by acting shoulder to shoulder as a union, we can better advocate for our members and advance the issues that matter to them. We take this decision very seriously. That’s the best way to maintain and strengthen our unity.” Mr Kelly declared in an October statement that the union would remain neutral during the election.
Eaton fire causes vehicle to go up in flames in Altadena, Calif., Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 (Ethan Swope/Associated Press)
A person familiar with Noem’s nomination process emphasized the timing of the IAFF’s approval as the California fires raged, and said the urgency behind Noem’s support shows that firefighters say “to keep America safe, Trump has to do it. “It shows the president knows it’s important to get the entire team in place as quickly as possible.” From any threat. ”
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“The horrific wildfires ravaging Southern California and being watched across the country speak to the urgency the firefighters union felt to stand up for Governor Noem at this time,” the official said.
“These firefighters are the bravest of the brave, and we know it is critical that President Trump deploy his entire team as soon as possible to protect America from all threats and prepare for disaster response.
A super scooper plane drops water on the Palisades fire in Pacific Palisades, California, Tuesday, January 7, 2025. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
“Governor Noem also has the backing of law enforcement and border patrol unions, so their support solidifies public safety support for her. The message is clear: She should be confirmed as soon as possible.”
Noem’s Senate confirmation hearing before the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. on January 15.
Noem is in the final stages of the confirmation process with support from law enforcement unions and organizations. At least eight police groups and unions, including those representing thousands of Border Patrol agents, have written to Paul asking for an expedited confirmation process.
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Former Republican presidential candidate Trump listens to a speech by South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem at the Buckeye Values PAC rally in Vandalia, Ohio, on March 16, 2024. (Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP, (via Getty Images)
“On behalf of the men and women of the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC) who protect our nation’s borders, I am pleased to support President-elect Trump’s nominee, Governor Kristi Noem, to be the next Secretary of State for Homeland Security.” Paul Perez, president of the National Border Patrol Council, wrote in a letter last month supporting Noem.
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Law enforcement groups supporting Noem include the National Fraternal Order of Police, the nation’s largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers. National Association of Police Organizations; International Federation of Police Associations. Toledo Police Patrolman Association. International Federation of Police Associations Local 6020; Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Michigan Police Officers Association. and the National Border Patrol Council.
U.S. Border Patrol agents prepare to remove migrants for asylum application processing at the U.S.-Mexico border on April 5, 2024, in Campo, California. (Mark Abramson/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Following the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans, Republican Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry also called on senators, especially Democrats, to quickly confirm Noem.
“This is no time to play around,” Landry said earlier this week. “That’s why I’m calling on Senate Democrats on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to allow Kristi Noem to start her job as Secretary of Homeland Security from day one. There is no leadership gap. No. The security of our country depends on her quick confirmation of the attacks on Bourbon Street and Las Vegas.”
Soldiers walk down Bourbon Street in New Orleans on January 2, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Shortly after his decisive victory over Harris at the polls, President Trump called Noem homeland security, citing Republican governors’ efforts under the Biden administration to secure the southern border, which has been crowded with illegal border crossings. He announced that he would appoint him as the top minister.
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“Christie has been very focused on border security. She was the first governor to deploy the National Guard to assist Texas in fighting the Biden border crisis, and did so eight times in total. She is the ‘border czar.’ I will be working closely with Tom Homan.”I have known Christie for many years and have worked with her on various projects. She will be an important part of our mission. To make America safe again,” President Trump wrote in a Nov. 12 statement.
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