State Rep. Chris Turner Receives Endorsement Of Local And State Police And Firefighters

Just Days Before Turner Files for Re-Election He Receives Endorsements from Arlington & Fort Worth Police and Firefighters

Arlington – Today, State Representative Chris Turner announced the endorsements of the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters, the Fort Worth Firefighters Association, the Arlington Firefighters Association, the Fort Worth Police Officers Association, and the Arlington Police Association. The organizations join the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT) in supporting Chris’ 2010 re-election efforts.

The endorsements are considered by many to be among the most important candidates can receive during their re-election effort. The local organizations and associations combined represent thousands of first responders in Tarrant County.

“I am honored and humbled to have received the support of local police and firefighters,” said State Representative Chris Turner. “Since I was elected, I have made it a priority to work hard for the families of Southern Tarrant County, including the men and women who protect our families and our communities day in and day out.”

As a member of the House Committee on Urban Affairs, Turner worked closely with police and firefighters on issues affecting them. As a result, Turner became a trusted voice on the House floor for first responders.

“Since Representative Turner was elected he has been a strong advocate for police and firefighters in Tarrant County and across Texas,” said Randle Meadows, president of the Arlington Police Association.  ”We will continue to stand by him, support him and work together for his re-election in 2010.”

“Chris has been a tireless advocate for the law enforcement community in Fort Worth and across Tarrant County,” said Scott Keenum of the Fort Worth Police Officers Association. “We must keep him fighting for us in the Texas House of Representatives.”

“During the 81st Legislative Session, Chris Turner stood by Texas police officers and never stopped working on our behalf,” said Charley Wilkison, CLEAT Public Affairs Director. “Now we are standing strong with him during his bid for re-election in 2010. We need Chris Turner to remain in office to continue to be a strong voice for the law enforcement community in Southern Tarrant County and across our state.”  With over 17,500 members across Texas, CLEAT is the largest police officers’ association in the state.

Turner was elected in 2008 to serve Southern Tarrant County’s House District 96, which includes Crowley, Kennedale, and portions of Arlington, Burleson, Mansfield, and Fort Worth. During the 81^st Legislative Session, Turner was appointed to serve on the House Committee on Urban Affairs and the House Committee of Defense and Veterans’ Affairs.

In a letter of endorsement from the Texas State Association of Fire Fighters (TSAFF), Chief of Staff Mike Higgins wrote,

“Your understanding of the needs of Fire Fighters and Emergency Medical Service workers is evident in the manner in which you approached the resolution of these issues. It is for these reasons that the TSAFF, representing some 15,200 members in 164 jurisdictions, strongly supports your efforts for re-election.”

“We are honored to stand in Chris’s corner during his 2010 campaign,” said Michael Glynn, Fort Worth Firefighters Association. “He’s a strong advocate for those who put their lives on the line, day in and out, to protect our families and communities.”

“Representative Turner’s accessibility to our members and his ability to understand our issues makes him an incredible asset in the Texas House of Representatives,” said Chris Balough of the Arlington Firefighters Association. “We look forward to continuing our work with Chris during his re-election effort and his next term.”

Turner was elected in 2008 to serve Southern Tarrant County’s House District 96, which includes Crowley, Kennedale, and portions of Arlington, Burleson, Mansfield, and Fort Worth. During the 81^st Legislative Session, Turner was appointed to serve on the House Committee on Urban Affairs and the House Committee of Defense and Veterans’ Affairs.