The Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts union voted to endorse City Councilor Michael Flaherty in his run for the Mayor's office yesterday. Robert McCarthy, president of the 12,000-plus group of firefighters said in a statement that "Councilor Flaherty has always put the needs of fire fighters first to ensure we have the tools to do our job."

The press release announcing the endorsement does not mention incumbent Mayor Tom Menino, who is pushing strong legislation to require state workers to pass drug tests in order to perform their jobs. Menino's drug test plan is in response to accusations that some City firefighters have used illegal drugs while on the job and has faced harsh criticism from fire fighters and other public employees.

Flaherty and firefighters: Endorsement announced