Citing his commitment to increasing public safety and passing legislation that protects our communities, the Police Officers Association of Connecticut (POACT) endorsed Rob Blanchard for Connecticut’s 28th dtate Senate District. Blanchard is the only Democratic state Senate challenger to be endorsed by POACT, which represents approximately 5,000 sworn police officers from small towns and cities across Connecticut.
“Our police officers and first responders give so much to protect our communities, families, and children,” said Blanchard. “It is critical that we provide our police with the funding they need to recruit and retain more officers and ensure they have access to the equipment and training needed to do their jobs effectively and efficiently.
“I am honored to receive POACT’s endorsement and am committed to partnering with them to identify ways to recruit, train, and retain the next generation of police while ensuring our officers continue to receive a fair pension and quality healthcare,” he said.
In addition to POACT, Blanchard was awarded a 2024 Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction, received an “A” grade from Connecticut Against Gun Violence (CAGV), and an “F” grade from the National Rifle Association (NRA).
If elected, Blanchard is committed to supporting police and first responders and strengthening gun safety laws by:
- Providing funding to retain, train, and recruit state and municipal police and firefighters as well as protecting their healthcare and all the resources they need when faced with trauma or injury.
- Working with police to find ways to reduce property crimes such as car theft.
- Strengthening gun safety laws and making Connecticut a national leader on reducing gun violence through safety reforms and intervention programs.
- Supporting funding for Connecticut’s Commission on Community Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention.
POACT joins a growing list of organizations and supporters who have backed Blanchard to be the next state senator for the 28th District. Supporters include the A&R Employees Union, Run for Something, The Congress of Connecticut Community Colleges (4Cs) SEIU 1973, AFT Connecticut, CSEA SEIU Local 2001, CEA, AFSCME Council 4, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 478, Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association of Connecticut, the Connecticut AFL-CIO, the Connecticut State Building Trades Council, the College Democrats of Connecticut, U.S. Congressman Jim Himes, Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber, Fairfield Selectman Christine Vitale, Easton First Selectman Dave Bindelglass, Easton Selectman Nick D’Addario, Newtown Selectman Michelle Embree Ku, Newtown Selectman Dan Cruson, and former Bethel First Selectman Matt Knickerbocker.
