Public Safety Endorsements Roll In For Sheriff Jim Winder in Reelection Campaign

Fraternal Order of Police, Professional Firefighters of Utah; Salt Lake County Firefighters IAFF all agree that Winder’s Working

SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 20, 2014 – The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Utah Lodge #2 is among the most recent law enforcement or safety labor unions to announce its endorsement of incumbent Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder in his 2014 bid for reelection.

The organization formally announced its endorsement today at a media event attended by Winder supporters, including representatives from two other labor unions that have endorsed the Sheriff – the Unified Fire Authority IAFF (local 1696) and the Professional Firefighters of Utah.

The FOP nod came after a vote of its members from the Unified Police Department and the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office. It represents the backing of approximately 2,500 police officers in the State of Utah and more than 330,000 officers across the nation. Sheriff Winder earned the vote of 72 percent of the membership.

“Sheriff Winder has done an outstanding job as Sheriff,” said FOP President Robert Odor, in making the announcement. “Our organization is very proud to be associated with Jim Winder and the work he has done and continues to do.”

Similar statements were made by representatives from both the Professional Firefighters of Utah and Salt Lake County Firefighters IAFF Local 1696.

“Jim Winder has worked closely with our organization to create a safer community and better workplace safety for both firefighters and law enforcement officers,” said Jack Tidrow, president of the Professional Firefighters of Utah. “He is a visionary, innovative leader and a tremendous partner.”

“As an organization, we are proud to say we remember working in the streets with Sheriff Winder and we have endorsed him in all of his campaigns,” said Jeremy Robertson, president of Salt Lake County Firefighters IAFF Local 1696. “Sheriff Winder shares our firm and long-term commitment to building a framework of services that support our communities. We look forward to many years of continuing to work together.”

Winder, who is seeking his third term as Salt Lake County Sheriff, has already outlined his chief priorities going forward. He’s currently working with government and political leaders to help reform the Salt Lake County Emergency Communications Center, which handles 9-1-1 dispatch calls. The Sheriff is a staunch proponent of streamlining what’s now a cumbersome process of directing calls to emergency responders.

Winder counts reopening the Oxbow Jail at no additional cost to taxpayers and creating the Unified Police Department – protecting nearly 500,000 Salt Lake County residents – as among his more notable accomplishments.

“But there is, as ever, much more work to be done,” Winder said. “That’s why I am humbled by these endorsements. They represent the support of men and women with whom I’m very proud to be associated with in every capacity.”

In the same vein, Winder remains proud of the fact that he continues to be a working sheriff – administering nearly 1,500 employees while retaining regular duties (booking prisoners, making traffic stops, etc.). He puts in long hours and dedicates himself to every aspect of the job.

“I remain as committed to this office and the people I serve as I ever have,” Winder said. “I’m proud of the trust I’ve earned from my fellow professionals and by the citizens of Salt Lake County.”

Press Contact:        

John Youngren

Austin Isbell

Love Communications

801.519.8880