Exclusive: Gov. Josh Shapiro picks up endorsements from 5 law enforcement unions

Just days after receiving endorsements from the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association and Philadelphia’s Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5, Gov. Josh Shapiro picked up endorsements from five additional police unions on Wednesday as he continues to build support from law enforcement heading into November’s gubernatorial election. 

The Shapiro campaign announced endorsements from the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 11 and William Penn Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 19 in Chester County, as well as Delaware County’s Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 27. Also backing Shapiro is the Fraternal Order of Transit Police Lodge 109, which represents SEPTA police officers, and the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 92 Labor Services, which represents investigation and inspection professionals. 

“I’m proud to stand with the men and women who serve this Commonwealth every day – and I am honored to receive the support of FOP Lodges 11, 19, 27, 92, and 109,” Shapiro said Wednesday in a statement. 

“As long as I am Governor, I will always fight for the brave law enforcement officers who protect and serve our fellow Pennsylvanians – and we are going to continue working together to ensure they have the resources and support they need to keep our communities safe all across this Commonwealth,” he added. 

Police union leaders highlighted Shapiro’s support for law enforcement – and his record – as major factors behind their support. They pointed to a cost-of-living adjustment for state pensioners in this year’s budget as a major win for their members, and praised the governor for supporting their respective unions during recent contract negotiations. 

Robert F. McCarron, president of FOP Lodge 11 in Chester County, said Shapiro has “demonstrated an unwavering commitment to law enforcement, public safety, and the rule of law.”“Under his leadership, he has worked to ensure that officer wages, benefits, and pension protections remain secure,” McCarron added. “His Administration has shown a clear understanding of the sacrifices made by those who serve in law enforcement and the importance of providing them with the support and resources necessary to perform their duties effectively.”

Christopher D. Eiserman, the president of FOP Lodge 27 in Delaware County, said in a statement of his own that the governor “has worked collaboratively with officers, labor organizations, and community leaders to promote policies that strengthen public safety while supporting those who wear the badge.”

“We believe he is the right leader for Pennsylvania, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with an administration that values and respects the men and women of law enforcement,” Eiserman added.

Omari J. Bervine, the president of the Fraternal Order of Transit Police Lodge 109, said Shapiro’s direct involvement in contract negotiations helped end – and avert – strikes in Philadelphia, including the threat of a strike this summer.

“Our members are grateful for your willingness, and that of your team, to intervene directly in our contract negotiations not once, but twice,” Bervine said in a statement. “Your engagement helped end one strike and prevent another, ensuring the 200+ members of the SEPTA Transit Police Department could continue protecting passengers while patrolling one of the country’s largest transportation systems during this historic and crucially important period for Philadelphia.” 

“You have shown yourself to be more than a politician who simply claims to support law enforcement,” Bervine added. “You’ve demonstrated that support through action, by getting in the game and stepping up to the plate rather than watching from the sidelines.”

Throughout his first term in office, Shapiro has regularly advocated for increased state funding to fund new Pennsylvania State Police cadet classes. Over the course of the last four years, Shapiro has secured funding for 16 new cadet classes, which will train more than 1,600 new state troopers; this year’s state budget included $16.2 million to train four new cadet classes. His administration has also distributed more than $1 billion through community violence prevention grants. 

Shapiro is facing Treasurer Stacy Garrity, the Republican Party nominee, in this year’s race for governor. 

Publicly available polling in the race shows Shapiro with a lead over Garrity in the gubernatorial race. A poll released in early August by National Public Affairs Polling, a GOP polling firm, had Shapiro pulling in support from 50% of likely voters and Garrity notching 43%. Of those surveyed, 7% said they were undecided.

A Franklin & Marshall College poll released in late August showed Shapiro with a 25-point lead in the race for governor, with Shapiro leading Garrity 50% to 25%.