The Baltimore County Professional Fire Fighters union announced its endorsement of Kevin Kamenetz for Baltimore County Executive Thursday.
Kamenetz, the Democratic nominee for county executive, beat out Joseph Bartenfelder in the primary and will face Republican candidate Kenneth Holt in November.
Several organizations and politicians who backed Bartenfelder in the primary have announced their support for Kamenetz, a county councilman, including the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 4, which represents county police retirees and officers up to the rank of lieutenant.
The Metropolitan Baltimore Council AFL-CIO, which makes up 180 union locals, has also backed Kamenetz, who had won only two labor endorsements in the primary: the Teachers Association of Baltimore County and the Laborers International Union of North America.
The firefighters association is affiliated with the AFL-CIO but was not bound by the council's endorsement.
"Being a fire fighter or paramedic is much about training, experience, and knowledge. The membership recognizes Kevin Kamenetz's 16 years on the Council and the experience and knowledge garnished, as opposed to his opponent who has no local government experience. For the Executive's position in the upcoming years, there won't be time or room for on-the-job training," union President Michael Day said in a statement.
Baltimore County Professional Fire Fighters, IAFF Local 1311, represents over 1,500 active and retired career firefighters and paramedics of Baltimore County.
Among those politicians who backed Bartenfelder and are now supporting Kamenetz are state Sen. Edward Kasemeyer and Dels. Steven J. DeBoy Sr. and James E. Malone, all from the southwest side. From Bartenfelder's home turf on the east side, state Sen. Norman Stone and Dels. Joseph "Sonny" Minnick and Michael Weir Jr. are now backing Kamenetz.
jkanderson@baltsun.com
