Mayor Ken Welch has secured re-election endorsements from the Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association and the St. Petersburg Association of Fire Fighters, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 747. Union leaders pointed to Welch’s support for law enforcement and firefighters, with PBA President Jonathan Vazquez saying his “words and deeds regarding law enforcement are in complete alignment,” and IAFF Local 747 President Rick Pauley adding that firefighters are “proud to endorse him” for continuing to invest in public safety and neighborhood protection.