Firefighters line up behind Lauren Book in SD 30 comeback bid

Add two more groups to the labor coalition forming around Lauren Book.

The former Senate Democratic Leader has picked up the endorsements of the Florida Professional Firefighters and Metro-Broward Professional Fire Fighters Local 3080 in her bid for Senate District 30, bringing thousands of firefighters, paramedics, EMTs and emergency personnel into her corner across Broward and Palm Beach counties.

During eight years in the Senate, Book built one of the chamber’s strongest records on first-responder safety — and the firefighters made clear they remember it.

“Lauren Book has always understood that supporting first responders means more than simply thanking them for their service — it means showing up and fighting for them when it matters,” said Wayne “Bernie” Bernoska, President of the Florida Professional Firefighters.

“Whether advocating for mental health resources, workplace protections, or the families who stand behind our members, Lauren has consistently been an ally. We are proud to endorse her for the Florida Senate.”

The centerpiece of that record came in 2018, when Book carried a landmark bill that finally extended workers’ compensation benefits to first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. The measure cleared the Senate 33-0 and let firefighters, paramedics, EMTs and law enforcement officers access treatment and benefits for PTSD without an accompanying physical injury — a long-sought change for a workforce that absorbs trauma as part of the job.

Her advocacy wasn’t confined to the Capitol. After the Surfside condominium collapse, Book launched what grew into a national letter-writing campaign, rallying kids and communities to send cards of encouragement to the crews working long, dangerous days at the site.

“I am incredibly honored to have the support of the Florida Professional Firefighters and Metro-Broward Professional Fire Fighters,” Book said.

“When families face their worst moments, firefighters and emergency personnel are often the first to arrive and the last to leave. They put service above self every single day, and they deserve leaders who will fight just as hard for them. I was proud to champion legislation that expanded mental health protections for first responders, and I will continue working to ensure these brave men and women have the resources, support, and respect they have earned.”

Formed in 1944, the Florida Professional Firefighters represents more than 30,000 firefighters and EMS personnel statewide. Local 3080, based in Pompano Beach, represents over 800 firefighters and paramedics across Broward — squarely inside the district Book is running to represent.

The endorsements add organized-labor muscle to a campaign that has moved fast out of the gate. Book raised more than $59,000 in her first 10 days as a candidate and has consolidated Democratic support, including an early nod from U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz.

A nationally recognized child-safety advocate, former Senate Democratic Leader, mother of twins, and founder of Lauren’s Kids, Book represented Broward County in the Senate from 2016 to 2024, emerging as a leading voice on child protection, mental health, public safety, affordability and survivor advocacy.

Winning SD 30 — an open seat spanning Broward and Palm Beach communities she has long worked alongside — would return her to Tallahassee to continue that work.

The Primary is Aug. 18, with the General Election on Nov. 3.

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Ed. note: This story was drafted with assistance from AI. Editorial judgment, sourcing, and final review were performed by Peter Schorsch and the Florida Politics editorial team.