The Newark Firefighters Union today issued letters of endorsement for two people running for ward

seats who do not occupy Team Baraka: former Police Chief Anthony Campos in the East Ward, and attorney Chigozie Oneyma in the West Ward.

The firefighters backed everyone else running with the mayor (see the full list below).

According to the firefighters, the union studied the records, plans and accomplishments of the candidates running in the West and East and determined that Onyema and Campos are the candidates that fit their motto “there when you need us.”

The mayor fits the bill, too – and so do his other ward and at-large allies.

“The Union operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” said President Charles West. “We are deeply involved in our community, caring for and protecting our citizens to the best of our ability. To that end, this Union believes that our elected officials, within this great City, should be held to those same high standards.”

“I am honored to have the support of Newark’s bravest,” Campos said. “As the former Chief of Police I’m heartened to see those who know the most about public safety lining up to support my campaign.”

Said Onyema:

“I’m honored to stand with the dedicated men and women of the Newark Firefighters Union, who protect our neighbors and keep us safe. It takes extraordinary courage to run toward danger when others are running away. Their motto is ‘there when you need us,’ and that message rings true during a fire emergency, a global pandemic, or a critical election that will shape the future of our City.”

The Newark Firefighters Union joins the Essex County Chiefs of Police Association and the Newark Police Superior Officers’ Association in supporting Campos for Council.

From the Firefighters’ Letter:

Since its inception in 1896, the Newark Firefighters Union has fought valiantly for the rights of all of its members. This Union operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whenever our members need us, we are there. Our motto is “there when you need us”. We believe that our elected Board stands by that, by protecting our members, ensuring the safety of our brave men and women, so that after their shift is done, they can go home and enjoy their lives. Also, we are deeply involved in our community, caring for and protecting our citizens to the best of our ability.

To that end, this Union believes that our elected officials, within this great City, should be held to those same high standards. It is with great pleasure that the Newark Firefighters Union announces our endorsements for the 2022 Municipal elections:

MAYOR- Ras J. Baraka

CENTRAL Ward – Lamonica McIver

EAST WARD – Anthony Campos

NORTH WARD – Anibal Ramos

SOUTH WARD – Patrick Council

WEST WARD – Chigozie Onyema

AT-LARGE – C. Lawrence Crump

Carlos Gonzalez

Luis Quintana

Louise Scott- Roundtree