Rock Island Today

Two first responder groups offered support for one of their own by endorsing state Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Moline) in his bid for re-election.

Anderson, who serves with the Moline Fire Department, cited endorsements from both the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police and the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois in a Sept. 12 post on his Facebook page.

“As a firefighter and paramedic, I understand the sacrifices that our first responders make to serve their communities, and what it’s like to wake up every day and put other people’s lives before your own,” he wrote, adding that the endorsements left him “humbled.”

Gregg Johnson | http://greggfor36.com/about-gregg/

Anderson, a member of the Moline Fire Department, also celebrated his recent promotion in a Sept. 27 Facebook post.

“Last night I hit a proud milestone in my career as a firefighter – I was promoted to engineer,” he wrote. “I could not have done it without the love and support of my family, or without the brave people I am honored to work beside every day.”

In the November general election, Anderson will face Democrat Gregg Johnson in his bid to retain the seat he has held since 2014.

Johnson is an East Moline native who served for 32 years as a corrections officer and supervisor with the Illinois Department of Corrections.

The 36th state Senate District includes the communities of Colona, East Moline, Fulton, Moline, Morrison, Prophetstown, Rock Falls, Rock Island, Savanna, Silvis and Sterling.