PRESS RELEASE from the Fraternal Order of Police

Chuck Canterbury, National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, today announced the organization's endorsement of Senator John S. McCain III for the office of President.

"The FOP carefully considered the records and the responses of both candidates and, in our evaluation, Senator McCain will provide greater leadership for our country and for our nation's law enforcement officers," Canterbury said. "We will be proud to stand behind him this November, and to stand with him for the next four years."

For a candidate to receive the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police, he must receive a two-third majority of the National Board, which is made up of one Trustee from each of the organization's State Lodges.

"Our National Board, and the more than 327,000 members of the FOP, acquainted themselves with Senator McCain's record, and, after meeting with him face to face in July, he made it very clear that he is with us on the issues most important to our members," Canterbury said. "Like our members, he sees issues through the eyes of someone that has been on the front lines. That is exactly the kind of perspective, and the kind of leadership, that we need in the White House."

Canterbury cited Senator McCain's strong support for the FOP's efforts to amend the Law Enforcement Officers' Safety Act and pledged to work with the organization in crafting our nation's law enforcement policy.

"Senator John McCain is a proven leader with a clear record of support for the men and women who put their lives on the line—just as he did—to defend our communities and our nation," Canterbury said. "I am proud to offer the Senator our endorsement today and I look forward to working with the McCain Administration over the next four years."

The Fraternal Order of Police is the largest law enforcement labor organization in the United States, with more than 327,000 members.