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FIRST ON FOX: As wildfires rage in California, North America’s largest firefighter union is lending its support Governor of South Dakota. Kristi Noem for secretary of the Department of Homeland Security after remaining remarkably politically neutral in the 2024 election cycle.
“We support President Trump’s nomination of Governor Kristi Noem for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. As Governor, nominee Noem understands emergency management and the importance of government response to both natural and caused by man.
“He has garnered broad support from law enforcement unions and we join many other organizations in calling for his swift confirmation,” International Association of Firefighters President Edward Kelly wrote in a letter to Senators Rand Paul and Gary Peters, the respective chairman and ranking. member of the National Security Committee of the Senate.
The IAFF’s letter of approval for Noem comes as several wildfires ravaged Los Angeles County, causing at least five deaths, widespread damage and the evacuation of more than 100,000 residents. Fox News Digital exclusively got the endorsement from the IAFF on Thursday.
Firefighters continue to battle the Palisades Fire as flames rage through Los Angeles on January 9, 2025. (Cal Fire Official Flickr Account/Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)
“There is no greater government service than public safety. IAFF members are proud to serve our communities and we look forward to working with Governor Noem and the Department of Homeland Security in the years to come,” said Chief union
The IAFF represents 353,000 members who protect more than 85% of communities living in both the US and Canada. DHS oversees a number of national security and law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency .
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The IAFF’s endorsement of Noem comes after the union decided not to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris or Trump ahead of the general election.
“The IAFF Executive Board determined that we are better able to advocate for our members and advance the issues they care about if we, as a union, stand shoulder to shoulder. This decision, which we took very seriously, is the best way to preserve and strengthen our unity,” Kelly said in an October statement declaring the union would remain neutral during the election.
The Eaton Fire burns a vehicle Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Altadena, California. (Ethan Swope/AP)
A known source Noem’s nomination process highlighted the timing of the IAFF’s endorsement amid the California wildfires, saying the urgency behind its support for Noem shows firefighters know “it’s important for President Trump to have his entire team on his place as soon as possible to keep America out of all threats.”
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“The whole country can see it horrific wildfires ravaging southern Californiaand so it really says something that the firefighters union felt the urgency to stand up for Governor Noem at this time,” the source said.
“These firefighters are the bravest of the brave and they know it’s important for President Trump to get his entire team in place as soon as possible to keep America safe from all threats and be in place for the response to disasters
A Super Scooper aircraft drops water on the Palisades Fire Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, in Pacific Palisades, California. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
“His endorsement solidifies public safety support around Governor Noem, as he has also been endorsed by law enforcement organizations and the Border Patrol union. The message is clear: He must be confirmed as quickly as possible.”
Noem’s Senate confirmation hearing with the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is scheduled for Jan. 15, beginning at 9 a.m.
Noem enters the final stage of the armed confirmation process support of law enforcement unions and groups. At least eight police groups or unions have sent letters to Sen. Paul asking for a speedy confirmation process, including a union representing thousands of Border Patrol agents.
Former President Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, listens as South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem speaks during a Buckeye Values PAC rally in Vandalia, Ohio on March 16, 2024. (Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images)
“On behalf of the men and women of the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC) who protect our nation’s borders, we are pleased to lend our support to President-elect Trump’s nomineeGov. Kristi Noem to be the next secretary of the Department of Homeland Security,” National Border Patrol Council Chairman Paul Perez wrote in a letter last month supporting Noem.
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Law enforcement groups that have endorsed Noem include the National Fraternal Order of Police, the largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers in the US; the National Association of Police Organizations; the International Union of Police Associations; the Association of Patrolmen of the Police of Toledo; International Union of Police Associations Local 6020; the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Michigan Police Officers Association; and the National Border Patrol Council.
U.S. Border Patrol agents prepare to transport migrants for asylum processing at the U.S.-Mexico border in Campo, California, April 5, 2024. (Mark Abramson/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Jeff Landry, Republican Governor of Louisiana He also called on Senate lawmakers, especially Democrats, to quickly confirm Noem after a New Orleans New Year’s Day terror attack.
“This is not the time to play,” Landry said earlier this week. “That’s why I’m also calling on Senate Democrats on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to allow Kristi Noem to get to work on Day 1 as Secretary of Homeland Security. There should be no leadership gap. Bourbon Street and Las Vegas attacks, our nation’s security depends on their prompt confirmation.”
Military personnel walk down Bourbon Street on January 2, 2025 in New Orleans. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Trump announced Noem as his pick to lead DHS shortly after his decisive victory over Harris at the polls, citing the Republican governor’s efforts to secure the southern border, which has been overwhelmed by illegal crossings under the Biden administration.
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“Kristi has been very strong on border security. She was the first governor to send National Guard troops to help Texas fight the Biden border crisis, and they were sent a total of eight times. She will work closely with ‘Border Tsar’ Tom Homan, and will ensure that our homeland is safe from our adversaries.I have known Kristi for years and worked with her on a variety of projects mission to make America safe again,” Trump wrote in his Nov. 12 announcement.
