press release: FDNY Union Endorses Judge Grasso

The Uniformed Fire Officers Association (UFOA) of NYC today endorsed retired Judge George Grasso for Queens District Attorney. The UFOA is the union for Lieutenants, Captains, Battalion Chiefs, Deputy Chiefs, Medical Officers, and Supervising Fire Marshals in the Fire Department of New York (FDNY).

“Judge George Grasso spent over 30 years in the NYPD before being appointed to the Court,” said UFOA President Lieutenant James McCarthy. “He has presided over courts in Queens, The Bronx, and Brooklyn and has developed programs to help people, giving them the skills to become law-abiding citizens. Many of the 7,600 active and retired members of the UFOA live and work in Queens. Whether Fire Officers are on duty in the firehouse or walking around their block, they work to make Queens safer. Judge Grasso, like our members, has also spent his life and career working to make our city safer. We know that by electing Judge Grasso as Queens District Attorney, we will be doing our part to make Queens, and our city, a better, safer place to live and work."

“Fire Officers protect our city and respond to New Yorkers in their greatest times of crisis. The bonds between the FDNY and the NYPD as defenders of the city run deep,” said Judge Grasso. “Over my 30 year NYPD career, and most pointedly on September 11th, 2001, I saw firsthand how dangerous first responders’ work can be. District Attorneys must actively work to protect first responders, as assuring that they have the safest work conditions possible is the least we can do for the people who put their lives on the line every day to protect us. Enforcement of the law directly contributes to the safety of first responders, whether it be by properly enforcing building codes, prosecuting arsonists to the fullest extent, or combating violent and dangerous recidivists on our streets. Receiving the endorsement of the UFOA exemplifies their faith in my experience and platform. It is an honor to have the backing of such a distinguished group of men and women.”

Judge Grasso was most recently the Administrative Judge of Queens Supreme Court, Criminal Term. He stepped down from the bench on August 31, 2022, with over two years remaining on his term, to run for Queens District Attorney.