By Adam Pagnucco.
The Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Rescue Association (MCVFRA), which represents volunteer fire fighters in MoCo, has endorsed Council Member Andrew Friedson for county executive. The volunteers join the career fire fighters (International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1664) in supporting Friedson.
Friedson’s press release appears below.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: John Block
Email: john@andrewfriedson.com
Website: www.andrewfriedson.com
October 9, 2025
Unifying Public Safety: Andrew Friedson Earns Endorsement of Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Rescue Association
Support from the MCVFRA and IAFF Local 1664 solidifies Friedson’s universal backing across the County’s entire Fire and Rescue Service
BETHESDA, MD — The campaign of Montgomery County Councilmember and former Council President Andrew Friedson today announced a major endorsement from the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Rescue Association (MCVFRA). The MCVFRA Board voted unanimously to back Friedson’s campaign. The MCVFRA represents the county’s dedicated volunteer firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and administrative/auxiliary members who are integral partners in the County’s combined Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS).
With this endorsement, Friedson has now earned the support of both the career firefighters (IAFF Local 1664, announced in July) and the volunteer association, demonstrating universal confidence in his leadership across the entire Fire and Rescue Service system.
The MCVFRA endorsement highlights Friedson’s proven commitment to supporting the unique dual-system structure of MCFRS and ensuring that all first responders have the resources, technology, and support necessary to keep our communities safe.
“Andrew Friedson understands the unique role our volunteers play as essential community partners and guardians of public safety in Montgomery County,” said Eric Bernard, the longtime Executive Director of the Association. “He has consistently demonstrated a deep respect for our volunteer service and has championed policies that ensure our stations have the resources, modern equipment, and support needed to serve their neighborhoods. We are proud to endorse Andrew Friedson, a leader we trust to prioritize the entire Fire and Rescue Service system.”
Councilmember Friedson expressed his profound gratitude for the endorsement, further solidifying his commitment to the county’s first responders.
“I am deeply honored to earn the support of the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Rescue Association,” said Councilmember Andrew Friedson. “The MCVFRA represents the backbone of our community, protecting lives and property through selfless dedication. Securing the unified support of both our volunteer and career firefighters is a powerful validation of my continued commitment to public safety. I look forward to our continued partnership so we can ensure that every person who puts on a uniform has the support they need to protect our families and community.”
The MCVFRA endorsement is the latest in a series of major announcements, including endorsements from U.S. Representative Sarah Elfreth, State Senators Nancy King, Brian Feldman, Craig Zucker and Sara Love, former Councilmember Hans Riemer, business leader David Blair, and a broad, diverse coalition of municipal and community leaders. This endorsement further underscores his long-standing advocacy for first responders, having previously been honored by the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad with the prestigious Hiram Musgrove Memorial Award.
For more information about Andrew Friedson’s campaign for County Executive, to get involved, or to follow the campaign, please visit www.andrewfriedson.com or follow the campaign on social media at facebook.com/andrewfriedson and x.com/amfriedson.
About Andrew Friedson
Andrew Friedson is currently serving his second term on the Montgomery County Council, where he chairs the Planning, Housing, and Parks Committee and served as Council President in 2023-2024. A lifelong Montgomery County resident and proud Democrat, Friedson is recognized for his effective leadership on housing affordability, economic development, and fiscal responsibility. He has dedicated his career to building effective government that listens, works, and delivers for the public.
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