In a strong show of support, Atlantic City firefighter unions have officially backed Mayor Marty Small for re-election.
Members of both unions—Local 198 of the International Association of Fire Fighters and the New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association Local 8—stood alongside Small during a press event outside the city’s fire headquarters.
Firefighters praised Small for always showing up and supporting them through every challenge. Joe Rodriquez, president of FMBA Local 8, said the mayor has stood with them every time and made it clear that public safety was always a priority.
“He’s been there when we needed him,” Rodriquez said, highlighting how Small fought to protect the department and maintain services for city residents.
The unions say they appreciate that Small didn’t just talk about helping—they believe he delivered. They pointed to funding and staffing decisions that allowed the fire department to keep running strong. Leaders also said they trust him to continue supporting fire services if he wins again.
Mayor Small, who is seeking another term in the upcoming Democratic primary, said he was honored to receive the endorsement.
He emphasized how much the support of the firefighters meant to him, saying it was personal. Small added that working together with first responders is essential to keeping the city safe.
This endorsement is an important step in Small’s re-election campaign. It sends a message that the people who protect the city every day believe in his leadership. Firefighters said they are ready to go door to door and speak with voters to help re-elect him.
Mayor Small is facing at least one challenger in the June 4 Democratic primary. With union support and a track record that includes investments in emergency services, he’s hoping that residents will give him another term.
This public endorsement by two key firefighter unions shows that Marty Small has strong backing from those on the frontlines. Firefighters say they trust him, and they’re ready to help him stay in office.