Buckeye Reporter

The Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters (OAPFF) is calling on Gov. Mike DeWine to appoint Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH-15) to fill the seat currently held by Vice President-elect J.D. Vance. Carey is currently one of the leading candidates under consideration for the position.

In a letter submitted to Gov. DeWine, Jon D. Harvey, President of the OAPFF, announced the organization’s backing for Carey. Representing more than 13,000 professional firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics, Harvey highlighted Carey's proven commitment to Ohio’s public safety and his bipartisan efforts in Congress.

“Ohio has no shortage of capable leaders willing to serve the people of Ohio in the United States Senate,” Harvey wrote in his letter. “However, we believe Congressman Mike Carey is uniquely positioned to serve the needs of Ohioans and our fellow Americans.”

The letter emphasized Carey’s ability to foster relationships within both parties and his dedication to prioritizing Ohio’s interests in the House of Representatives. Harvey commended Carey for his advocacy on public safety issues that benefit the state’s fire, EMS, and police services—critical areas that, according to Harvey, also play a vital role in strengthening Ohio’s economy and business landscape.

“When citizens need help, they call 911. When we have needed Washington's support for Ohio's fire fighters we have called Mike Carey,” Harvey wrote.

According to the South Franklin News, J.D. Vance has served as Ohio's U.S. Senator since 2022 but will step down to assume office as Vice President next January. Gov. DeWine will appoint a temporary replacement, who will serve until a special election in November 2026, determining who will complete Vance's term, which runs until 2028.

Carey, who won re-election in 2023, is well-connected with both Gov. DeWine and President-elect Donald Trump who endorsed him during the 2021 Primary Election. Before entering Congress, Carey had a career in the energy sector, serving as vice president of government affairs at Murray Energy Corporation, one of the largest privately owned coal companies in the U.S. 

The Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters represents the interests of firefighters across Ohio, advocating for their rights, safety, and benefits. Founded in 1918, the OAPFF has played a pivotal role in shaping the profession, expanding services to meet the evolving demands of fire and emergency services, including EMS. As part of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the OAPFF continues to work tirelessly to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its members through legislative advocacy, education, and peer support.