Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association endorses Sherrod Brown for U.S. Senate

The Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association has endorsed Sherrod Brown, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, in the November election. The union, known as the OPBA, represents more than 8,000 working members and retirees. "Sherrod Brown has always been a champion for Ohio's law enforcement and first responders," OPBA Executive Director Tom Austin said in a news release. "From his efforts to secure adequate funding for Ohio law enforcement, to his support of due process rights for officers and his protection of collective bargaining, Sherrod has fought hard to make sure our officers and first responders have the resources they need and that's why we're proud to endorse him this year." Brown "has been instrumental in attaining serious gains for our members, as well as stopping or mitigating legislative proposals that are harmful to law enforcement and the communities we serve. We are honored to support a candidate who understands the big picture," said George Sakellakis, OPBA director of government relations, in the same news release. "Ohio's law enforcement honorably serve our communities every day, and I've always fought to ensure they have the resources they need to stay safe on the job," Brown said in the news release. "Together, we fought for and passed the Social Security Fairness Act so that retired law enforcement officers and first responders in Ohio could receive the benefits they worked for their entire lives. I will continue to advocate for our law enforcement and work with the OPBA to help fight for a future that keeps our first responders and communities safe." Brown is challenging incumbent Sen. Jon Husted, R-Upper Arlington.