Slossberg is challenging Republican Winthrop Smith in the 14th district in Tuesday's election. Coubrough and a group of fellow firefighters publicly gave a thumbs up to Slossberg under the gazebo on the city Green.

"At a local level we never endorse because it's just too close, but in recent years we're losing benefits," so it's time to take a stand, Coubrough said. "Gayle will be our voice in Hartford. Someone who will continue to fight for our issues and preserve our benefits." He called her a "friend to firefighters."

Just before the press conference began, Smith showed up on the Green because he had heard something was planned. When he learned of why the group had gathered, Smith said he doesn't comment on his opponents' endorsements, but said, "I have the highest respect for firefighters everywhere."

Slossberg said she was grateful for the endorsement and especially honored because the firefighters haven't historically made such endorsements in Milford.

Slossberg said legislators and the community need to stand up for firefighters because they risk their lives to make others safe.

"It's not just you - it's you and your families," Slossberg told the men. "When you go out at night, you leave someone who's worrying. You need rights and benefits to do your job."

Coubrough said the union has nothing against Smith, but they consider Slossberg a friend. As a Board of Alderman member, Slossberg has stuck by firefighters' he said, in times of labor disputes.

He said that every year the Uniformed Professional Firefighters of Connecticut send out a survey to candidates asking them questions related to firefighters. Slossberg had all the right answers, while Smith never even returned the questionnaire, he said.

Coubrough said firefighters across the state want to see heart and hypertension benefits restored for those who joined departments after 1996. He said they want firefighters who get an infectious disease to be able to collect workman's compensation because of the likelihood they got such a disease on the job. Firefighters also oppose changing the binding arbitration law , because its considered a useful tool in negotiations and they oppose any law that allows employers to change healthcare benefits for retirees.

©The Orange Bulletin 2004