Governor Murphy Praises Firefighter Partnership, Defends Pension Funding Record

Atlantic City, NJ – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy received an enthusiastic reception from firefighters during his appearance at the FMBA's annual convention on September 17, 2025, defending his administration's record on pension funding and worker benefits while praising the organization's advocacy on behalf of first responders.

President Ed Donnelly introduced the governor, highlighting their productive working relationship throughout Murphy's eight years in office. "There is no fiercer advocate for your interests than Eddie Donnelly," Murphy told the assembled delegates, returning the compliment and acknowledging the FMBA president's effective leadership.

Donnelly presented Murphy with a ceremonial fire helmet from the NJ FMBA, recognizing the governor's support for firefighter issues and his pivotal role in securing the pension carve-out legislation. The gesture symbolized the respect and appreciation firefighters have for an administration that consistently prioritized their concerns.

Murphy spoke emotionally about his partnership with the FMBA, thanking members for standing together to secure higher wages, enhanced benefits, and more dignified working conditions. "You deserve leaders that have your back, especially regarding the dignified retirement you have earned," he declared, pivoting to discuss his administration's pension funding achievements.

"We are the first administration in 25 years to restore full funding to the state's pension system," Murphy emphasized, addressing a failure of leadership by previous governors who consistently underfunded pension obligations. His administration made full $47.2 billion in pension payments over eight years, representing a historic commitment to meeting the state's obligations to retired public servants.

The governor contrasted his record with previous administrations that treated pension funding as discretionary rather than mandatory, creating the massive unfunded liability that threatened retirement security for thousands of firefighters. "There have been failures of leadership in past administrations that did not make pension payments," he stated bluntly, drawing knowing nods from older firefighters who lived through those difficult years.

Murphy reviewed his administration's investments in firefighter safety and equipment, including $30 million in grants awarded to departments across the state for apparatus, equipment, and training. The federal grant funding supported by Congresswoman Sherrill—through AFG/SAFER programs and American Rescue Plan COVID funding—supplemented state investments in public safety infrastructure.

The governor spoke movingly about mental health support for first responders, acknowledging the psychological toll of emergency response work. "The job takes a toll mentally on responders. It's our responsibility to make sure you are taken care of around the clock," he said, referencing expanded mental health services and PTSD coverage implemented during his tenure.

Murphy's remarks included powerful acknowledgment of the 9/11 attacks and New Jersey first responders' contributions to rescue and recovery efforts. "Those were dark days, but NJ responders provided help without hesitation," he recalled, connecting that legacy of service to his administration's commitment to supporting essential healthcare and worker protections.

The governor concluded with a personal note about the honor of working shoulder-to-shoulder with New Jersey's firefighters throughout his time in office. "It has been an honor to stand with you," he said. "Thank you and God bless you."

President Donnelly used the opportunity to emphasize the importance of mental health resources, encouraging firefighters to overcome stigma about seeking help. "It's ok to not be ok," he told members. "We're seeing things in our communities that take a toll. Please take those resources back to your firehouses, squad buildings, and dispatch centers."

The governor's appearance demonstrated the political capital the FMBA has built through strategic advocacy and relationship-building across party lines, ensuring access to decision-makers regardless of which party controls Trenton.