Brian Paruas racks up police, firefighter, municipal union nods in Hollywood Commission race

Lawyer Brian Paruas’ bid for Seat 1 on the Hollywood Commission is adding support from local police, firefighter and government employee unions.

Paruas’ campaign recently notched endorsements from the Hollywood Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), Hollywood Professional Firefighters Local 1375 and Hollywood Municipal Employees Local 2432.

Each organization sent Paruas a letter confirming its support.

Andrew LaFramboise, President of the FOP, cited Paruas’ law enforcement background, which includes work as a U.S. Department of Justice agent and federal Air Marshal in the early 2000s, as providing him “a unique perspective on the challenges faced by the men and women who wear the badge.”

“Your approach to leadership — grounded in collaboration and accountability — is exactly what Hollywood needs,” LaFramboise wrote. “It is my pleasure to present you with the full endorsement of the Hollywood Fraternal Order of Police and permission to proudly display our logo on your campaign materials as a sign of our support.”

Local 1375 President Alexandra Jonker wrote that Paruas “embodies the principles of service, accountability, and community commitment that define our profession.”

“From his work in the Florida Senate (as a legislative assistant), to his post-9/11 services as a Federal Air Marshal and Homeland Security agent, to his continued involvement with FEMA’s Citizen Emergency Response team, he has consistently demonstrated integrity, courage, and dedication to public safety,” she wrote. “The Hollywood Professional Firefighters believe Brian Paruas will bring the same commitment to City Hall, ensuring that Hollywood’s future is built on preparedness, collaboration, and leadership that puts people first.”

Bogdan Corsovic, President of Local 2432, said the organization and its members “look forward to working with (Paruas) on the goals of the Hollywood Employees.”

“As we strive to drive our city forward in fairness and equity,” he wrote, “we hope our partnership will be welcomed.”

Paruas also carries support from the Fort Lauderdale-based Federal Law Enforcement Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 138 and the Downtown Hollywood Property Owners Association.

A Republican, Paruas is competing against Democrat Catherine Uden, a senior field representative for ocean conservation nonprofit Oceana, in a technically nonpartisan contest for Seat 1. The winner will succeed Commissioner Caryl Shuham, who is running for the Broward County Commission.

Candidates Erin Marvasti and Adam Roberti are also competing for the Hollywood Commission’s District 5 seat, which Kevin Biederman now occupies.

Alex Recio is running for the District 3 seat unopposed.

A coastal Broward municipality, Hollywood boasts about 150,000 residents and is governed by a citywide-elected Mayor and six district-based Commissioners, with nonpartisan, staggered elections held every two years.

Ahead of its election this year, the city is grappling with a mix of familiar South Florida pressures and localized controversies, including contentious development fights in residential neighborhoods, broader affordability strains tied to the region’s worsening condo and insurance landscape, and fresh ethics concerns following the recent resignation of a Historic Preservation Board member over an alleged conflict of interest tied to a project vote and subsequent real estate solicitations.