Mayoral candidate and Council Member Gary Schiff has snagged the endorsement of the city's firefighters union.

The endorsement is fairly unsurprising -- union leaders were on hand for Schiff's announcement last month -- but could play an important role in the campaign.

"Gary earned our support because he listens to the professional voices of our city's everyday heroes," said Mark Lakosky, the union's president.

"Gary has led the fight to reduce response times by fighting for the training, equipment and staffing levels we need. Gary Schiff is our number one choice because he is committed to keeping our city safe."

Schiff isn't the only candidate boasting public safety support, however. Council Member Don Samuels had former police chief Tim Dolan introduce him at his campaign kickoff last month.

Photo: Schiff with Lakosky (right) and firefighter Christie Nixon (left) at the Capitol this June (Renee Jones Schneider)