(Jan. 24, 2012) -- At late afternoon, the political action entities for the LB Police Officers Association and the LB Firefighters Association issued a release endorsing the re-election of Councilman Patrick O'Donnell in the 4th Council district (waging a write-in campaign for a third term under LB's term limits law) and Al Austin in the 8th Council district (seeking the open seat being vacated by Councilwoman Rae Gabelich after two terms).

The groups released the following statements in connection with their choices:

[release text] Patrick O’Donnell is the candidate firefighters trust to give us the tools and support we need to keep Long Beach safe," said Rex Pritchard, President of the Long Beach Firefighters Association. "He makes the tough decisions to keep our city’s budget balanced while protecting vital services like public safety. We don’t just need Patrick O’Donnell on the council, we need more leaders like Patrick O’Donnell."

Long Beach Police Officers Association's President Steve James said, "Patrick O’Donnell has the vision and the backbone to keep our city’s finances in order without sacrificing the safety of our neighborhoods. Even in tough times, Patrick brought our city together to improve our community. We need his leadership on the council."

Patrick O’Donnell is a high school teacher and native of Long Beach. During his tenure on the council, he balanced the city’s budget, led efforts to streamline business fees and permitting, helped create innovative programs to keep our kids off the streets and out of trouble, and worked to keep Community Hospital open.

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[release text] "Al Austin has the right ideas and skills to keep Long Beach safe,” said Rex Pritchard, President of the Long Beach Firefighters Association. "We need leaders like him working for our city and neighborhoods on the Council."

"Al Austin is the candidate Long Beach Police Officers trust to help protect our neighborhoods," said Steve James, President of the Long Beach Police Officers Association. "Al Austin understands that safe neighborhoods are better neighborhoods, and he has the backbone to make the tough decisions to keep our city on track."

A longtime resident of the 8th District, Al Austin’s deep experience in government, job creation, and working to improve Long Beach make him the best candidate for Council..

On Jan. 20, LBReport.com first reported that the Police Officers and Firefighters Associations were preparing to endorse Councilman O'Donnell.