Minnesota Firefighters Endorse Rep. Joe Atkins

Minnesota’s professional firefighters have endorsed State Representative Joe Atkins in his bid for re-election, according to an announcement from the Atkins campaign.

Atkins, who was named Legislator of the Year by Minnesota’s firefighters, said, “I am deeply honored to receive the support and endorsement of Minnesota’s firefighters.”

Rep. Atkins has authored bipartisan legislation to protect firefighters and improve fire safety.

Tom Thornberg, President of the Minnesota Professional Firefighters Association, praised Atkins for his efforts. “When people need help, they call firefighters,” Thornberg said. “When firefighters need help, we call Joe Atkins.”

Atkins is credited with passing “the most significant advances in fire safety in the past 30 years,” according to Nyle Zikmund, Chair of the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association.  

Chief Zikmund recently honored Atkins by asking the House Representative to represent the Minnesota legislature at the groundbreaking for the Minnesota Firefighter Memorial on the State Capitol grounds.

The firefighters join Minnesota's police officers and nurses in endorsing Atkins for re-election.