A fundraising event hosted by the New Jersey State FMBA endorsing Cranford Councilman Thomas Hannen Jr. in his bid for re-election drew nearly 100 supporters, including FMBA endorsed Congressional candidate Tom Malinowski, and raised over $7500 on Thursday.

“Through his support of labor and strong commitment to working families Tom embodies what it means to be a Democrat,” Eddie Donnelly, President of the NJ FMBA said at the event. “Collective bargaining that includes open and honest dialogue matter, and that’s what Tom has brought to discussions locally.”

Hannen also, Donnelley said, was a strong  supporter of S5, legislation recently signed into law by Governor Murphy that gives New Jersey career firefighters and police officers a voice in how their pension dollars are administered while at the same time protecting local taxpayer from their dollars being used on risky investments.

Showing his appreciation of the endorsement Hannen directed his comments to the firefighters in attendance saying “your support matters, not just of my reelection but more importantly for the protection of our community.”