(January 30, 2006) -- As first reported last week by LBReport.com, the LB Firefighters Association is supporting the re-election of City Attorney Bob Shannon in the April 2006 election.

In a release emailed today, the 425-member LB firefighters' union (whose endorsements are made by an 11-member Executive Committee) noted that Mr. Shannon has been a member of the City Attorney's office for over 31 years and has served as the City's elected City Attoney since 1998.

"As the City's legal advisor, he has aggressively enforced laws designed to improve the quality of life of all Long Beach residents. During his tenure, Shannon has provided sound legal advice to the City's officials and employees, and has maintained the finest litigation section in the state saving millions of taxpayer dollars," the Firefighters Ass'n said in its release

The release quoted Mr. Shannon as saying, "No organization in Long Beach has a higher level of credibility than the Long Beach Firefighters. Therefore, their endorsement of my candidacy and my past work as the City's Attorney means a great deal to me. I am deeply honored."

LB attorney Michael Emling, who's challenging City Attorney Shannon on the April 06 ballot, told LBReport.com he just interviewed with the LB Police Officers' Ass'n (police union) today (Jan. 30) and didn't have a chance to interview with the Firefighters union before they made their endorsement.

"I may have been below the radar screen when they did their interviews...I certainly hope that a little later in the campaign, I'll have a chance to talk with the firefighters," Mr. Emling said.