The International Union of Police Associations has endorsed Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey for re-election.
“I am honored to receive the support of the IUPA and I will continue to work tirelessly to support our men and women in uniform,” he said. “Every day, law enforcement officers and first responders selflessly put their lives on the line to make communities in Pennsylvania and across the country safer for our families. They embody public service, and I am proud to be their voice in Washington.”
In a letter to Toomey, IUPA president Sam Cabaral said, “You have always been a strong advocate for our nation’s first responders. While many elected officials drape themselves in the mantle of ‘law and order,’ you have stood out as a steadfast supporter of the men and women who provide for public safety. It is not a campaign slogan for you, but a promise — a promise you have always kept.”
Specifically, the union cited Toomey’s successful efforts to block the nomination of Debo Adegbile to head the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice after he learned of Adegbile’s attempts to “distort the facts” surrounding the murder of Philadelphia Police Officer Danny Faulkner by Mumia Abu-Jamal.
Theunion also pointed to Toomey’s support for a bulletproof vest partnership grant; his introduction of legislation that became law, exempting from federal taxes, the death benefits of officers killed in the line of duty; and sponsorship of legislation that provided Pell Grant Scholarships for the children of fallen officers.
The Pennsylvania State Troopers Association earlier this month endorsed Toomey, who last week debuted a statewide television ad highlighting his support of law enforcement in the Senate. ••
