Robert B. McCarthy, President of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, a statewide union representing more than 12,000 firefighters from 200 fire departments throughout the Commonwealth, today reaffirmed the PFFM’s support for slot machines to be installed at the four racetracks.

"As the economy continues to decline and local aid has been reduced an additional four percent in the Commonwealth's Fiscal 11 Budget, firefighters are being laid-off every week in cities and towns across Massachusetts creating a ‘Fire Service at Risk’ in the Commonwealth. We believe that slot machines will have an immediate domino effect. Revenues will be boosted, which will increase local aid and jobs. Firefighters will be put back to work and our cities and towns will be safer.

The Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts strongly backs legislation authorizing slot machines at the racetracks in order to provide the necessary public safety in the Commonwealth. This is a win-win for all.

**from the PFFM website**