| Editor’s note: In the wake of IAFF criticism of Rudy Giuliani, his campaign team releases an “open letter to America’s firefighters” from retired FDNY firefighter Lee Ielpi, who lost his firefighter son on 9/11 and sits on the board of the World Trade Center Memorial Foundation. Have your say on the matter by visiting the FireRescue1 Forums. |
Open letter from retired FDNY firefighter on Rudy Giuliani
New York, Mar 9 - To America’s Firefighters:
No American will ever forget the terrorist attacks of September 11th. As a firefighter, I know the courage and sacrifice the firefighters and first responders showed that day to rescue our friends and loved ones. I also greatly respect the leadership by our public officials. One of those people was Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
There is no one who respects firefighters and first responders more than Rudy Giuliani. That’s why I was deeply disappointed and disheartened to learn of the recent partisan political activities by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF).
Those of us who have worked with him know that Rudy Giuliani has always been a steadfast and unrelenting supporter of firefighters and first responders. The IAF’’s accusations in its “draft letter,” which made its way into the hands of the media, flies in the face of the facts. It is offensive and inaccurate.
Firefighters have no greater friend and supporter than Rudy Giuliani and I am proud to join thousands of firefighters across the country in supporting him.
Sincerely,
Lee Ielpi
FDNY, Retired