The Western New York Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO is the latest organization to back Democratic nominee Kimberly Beaty, citing her qualifications and 34 years of law enforcement experience
ERIE COUNTY, NY – Today, Kimberly L. Beaty, the Democratic nominee for Erie County Sheriff, announced that she has received the endorsement of the Western New York Area Labor Federation, American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations. The endorsement further confirms that Chief Beaty is the preferred candidate for Erie County Sheriff among organized labor in Western New York.
The Western New York Area Labor Federation membership consists of over 130,000 of our region’s working men and women. Chief Beaty was previously endorsed by six area labor unions, including Communication Workers of America, the Amalgamated Transit Union, the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, the National Association of Letter Carriers, the Service Employees International Union, and United Food and Commercial Workers.
“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the Western New York Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO and so many of their brothers and sisters in labor,” said Kim Beaty. “As the daughter of a proud union family, I’m honored to stand with working people in labor and I promise that I will always have your back. As sheriff, I will always support your right to organize and make sure your workers are safe and protected on the picket lines.”
“We’re happy to endorse Kim Beaty for Erie County Sheriff,” said Peter DeJesus, Jr., President of the Western New York Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO. “She’s the only candidate with the command experience to bring about the reform that the Erie County Sheriff’s Office needs.”
Chief Beaty has over 34 years of experience in law enforcement, including 31 years with the Buffalo Police Department. She rose through the ranks to become the Chief of Patrol for E-District Police and then the Deputy Police Commissioner of Operations and Homeland Security from 2014 – 2018.
As the former Deputy Police Commissioner of the State’s second-largest police department, with over 800 employees, Chief Beaty is the only candidate with the command experience necessary to professionally and efficiently run a department of over 1,100 employees. She has extensive experience in community policing, diversity-related issues, and crime prevention. She also served as a training officer at the Buffalo Police Training Academy for nine years, became a certified Domestic Violence Instructor, and trained other police departments as a certified Master Instructor for the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.
“The 2,000 workers of District Council 4 of the International Union of Painters & Allied Trades are proud to endorse Kim Beaty for Erie County Sheriff,” said Michael Hogan, Business Manager of IUPAT District Council 4. “With over 34 years in law enforcement and an extensive background in training, she will bring much needed expertise and perspective to policing in Erie County. Kim is a proven problem solver who can move the Erie County Sheriff’s Office forward so that it works in a true partnership with our communities.”
“Leadership starts at the top. The qualities of a good leader include communication, vision, empathy, accountability and gratitude,” said David Grosskopf, President of the National Association of Letter Carriers, Branch 3. “The job of the Erie County Sheriff is to ensure public safety and make sure those in custody are treated in accordance with the law and the values of our community. Kim Beaty is the most qualified and best-trained candidate to accomplish these goals consistent with our community’s values. Vote Kim Beaty for Sheriff in November!”
“Essential workers in Erie County know that Kim Beaty is the most qualified candidate to keep us safe and secure,” said Mark Manna, Western Area Director of United Food & Commercial Workers Local One.