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Tennessee Professional Fire Fighters Backing Blackburn for Governor

by | May 25, 2026

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) is being backed in her bid for governor by the Tennessee Professional Fire Fighters Association (TPFFA).

In a statement Thursday, TPFFA called Blackburn a “leader committed to standing up for public safety, first responders and strong communities.”

“The Tennessee Professional Fire Fighters Association is proud to endorse her for Governor and look forward to continuing this work together,” TPFFA added.

Blackburn said she was “honored” to have received the organization’s support in the gubernatorial race.

“The Tennessee Professional FireFighters represent the best among us, and I’m so honored to have their support as I seek to serve Tennesseans as our next Governor. As we work together to put Tennessee first, I’ll always stand with the brave men and women who serve and protect us,” Blackburn said in a statement released by her campaign.

Founded in 1960 and chartered by the International Association of Fire Fighters, TPFFA represents 31 affiliates and roughly 7,190 active and retired members across Tennessee, including firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers, and other emergency service workers.

The organization advocates on legislative and workplace issues affecting first responders and maintains representation on several state boards and commissions tied to fire safety, emergency medical services, and retirement policy.

Recently, the association has also spoken out on public safety funding issues at the local level.

Last week, TPFFA criticized proposed budget cuts to the Nashville Fire Department after reports that the department could lose nearly $400,000 in funding despite rising emergency call volume and continued population growth in Davidson County.

“When your house is on fire or your child can’t breathe, you’re not thinking about budget lines — you’re counting on firefighters to show up fast,” TPFFA wrote on social media supporting IAFF Nashville Local 140. “Don’t gamble with response times. Fully fund Nashville Fire.”

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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.

 

 

   
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Written By Kaitlin Housler

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