Sen. J.D. Vance faced a tough audience Thursday when addressing the International Association of Fire Fighters conference in notoriously blue Boston, The Hill reported.
The Ohio Republican, former President Donald Trump's running mate, was was greeted with a mix of reactions, including applause, as he took the stage following Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., a former firefighter.
"Semper fi, guys," Vance responded, referencing the Marine Corps motto "Semper fidelis," which translates to "always faithful."
"It sounds like we got some fans and some haters," he said. "That's OK. Let's listen to what I have to say here, and I'll make my pitch."
Vance expressed deep appreciation for firefighters' work.
"You make a difference every single day, and I thank you for it," he said, adding that the Trump campaign would "always stand with the courageous firefighters and the first responders who keep this country safe every single day."
Vance also said he had supported the profession legislatively, mentioning his co-sponsorship of the Social Security Fairness Act and his vote in favor of the Fire Grants and Safety Act.
His claim that the Trump-Vance ticket was "the most pro-worker Republican ticket in history" prompted a round of boos. But his remarks on defending free speech — particularly regarding opposition to COVID-19 vaccine mandates — and his support for workers' rights to engage in collective bargaining seemed to resonate with segments of the audience.
Vance also paid tribute to Corey Comperatore, a volunteer firefighter who died during the attempted assassination of Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July, a mention that drew further applause.
"Now I know this is a diverse union. Some of you love President Trump, and some of you clearly don't," he said.
"Now, this may come as a shock to you: But once upon a time, I wasn't a Trump guy either. And trust me: The president never lets me forget it.
"Whatever your politics and whatever your preferences, I make this solemn promise, whether you support us or not, whether you ultimately endorse us or not, President Trump and I believe in our firefighters, we believe in our first responders, and we will never stop fighting for you," he said.