Ryan Gordon, identifying himself as president of South Salt Lake Firefighters Local 4080, used public comment time on Oct. 29 to introduce himself and announce the union’s endorsements in the upcoming municipal election. He said the local endorsed Mayor Wood and several council candidates, including Clarissa Williams, Corey Thomas, Charlotte Bynum and Ray DeWolf.

Gordon summarized recent department changes: the department ended a part-time program and added 21 full-time positions, is bringing new ambulances and a ladder truck into service, and added two new engines with a "clean cab" concept to reduce firefighter exposure to carcinogens. He said the public-safety tax has helped the department offer competitive wages and that the South Salt Lake Fire Department achieved an ISO Class 1 rating, which he said fewer than 1% of U.S. departments hold. "The investment our community has made in our fire department has translated to lower fire insurance pre premiums within our city due to our class 1 rating, shorter response times for our residents, a fully staffed fire department ... and adequate water supply when it's needed most," he said.

Gordon encouraged residents to participate in the election and consider the endorsements when voting.