In a recent op-ed published in the Hernando Sun, Local 3760 President Jason Haas responds to criticism the union has faced over its political endorsements. Haas makes clear that public safety isn't a partisan issue — fire fighters don't ask about a caller's politics before responding to an emergency, and Local 3760 doesn't choose sides based on party affiliation either.

Instead, the union evaluates every candidate against one standard: will they support the staffing, equipment, and funding fire fighters need to keep this growing community safe? As Hernando County continues to grow, department resources haven't always kept pace, and Local 3760 believes elected officials deserve scrutiny on that record — regardless of political party.

Haas emphasizes that speaking up for public safety isn't about advancing an ideology. It's about representing the more than 300 fire fighters, EMS workers, and first responders who count on the union to advocate on their behalf.

Read the full op-ed below, or view Local 3760's official letter on the matter.