Retired First Responder John Shea Launches Campaign For Staten Island’s North Shore City Council Seat

RETIRED FIRST RESPONDER JOHN SHEA OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN FOR STATEN ISLAND’S NORTH SHORE CITY COUNCIL SEAT

NYC Council Candidate John Shea delivers remarks. Photo Credit: Anthony Reinhart

Editor’s note: John Shea is running to unseat incumbent council member Kamillah Hanks. 

STATEN ISLAND, NY –Surrounded by family, supporters, and a superstar coalition of Republican elected officials and leaders, former NYPD officer and retired FDNY firefighter John Shea officially launched his campaign for New York City Council in Staten Island’s 49th District, which encompasses nearly the entire North Shore.

The speakers included Staten Island Republican Party Chairman and Assemblyman Michael Tannousis, Republican mayoral nominee Curtis Sliwa, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo, Assemblyman Mike Reilly, and Councilman Frank Morano.

“Once again, I feel called to serve my neighbors and community,” John Shea said.

 “As a police officer, firefighter, husband, and father, I know firsthand the challenges Staten Islanders face. It’s time to bring common-sense leadership back into the conversation. I will always support law enforcement, fight to fix our broken bail laws, ensure our children have access to quality education, and work to ease the financial burden that families and small businesses are experiencing.” Shea continued.

The Staten Island contingency praised Shea’s lifelong commitment to public service and his readiness to represent Staten Island in an increasingly radical City Hall.

Staten Island Republican Party Chairman Michael Tannousis said, “John Shea’s record of dedicated service as both an NYPD officer and FDNY firefighter epitomizes what it means to put community first. Throughout his career, John has shown unwavering leadership and commitment to Staten Island’s North Shore. He stepped up during our City’s most challenging moments and has always answered the call to serve his neighbors. His honesty, integrity, and deep ties to our community are a testament to his campaign. He’s a proven leader and dedicated public servant.”

Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis said, “He was there on 9/11, he was there during Hurricane Sandy, and he’s well known on the North Shore, the community he seeks to represent. …We have an opportunity this year to elect somebody who will represent this community and fight back against the one-party rule that has made us suffer over the last decade. And with that said, I’m very proud to endorse John Shea.”

Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo said, “New York City is dealing with major challenges right now. If we want real change, we first need to admit that the status quo isn’t working. People aren’t satisfied with where things stand, and the only way forward is to elect someone who truly represents change. That person is John Shea.”

Assemblyman Mike Reilly said, “When you look for candidates, you look for good candidates, who you can support, who you know will have your back. John Shea has proven that. He wore the police uniform for the NYPD. He’s worn the fire department uniform for FDNY. He’s got a life of service, and he wants to continue that service. And I want to stand shoulder to shoulder with him and fight for our city.”

Councilman Frank Morano said, “With John, you get a man with an incredible resume, you get someone who’s intelligent, you get someone with great character, and you get someone who is going to be the hardest working elected official you’ve ever seen. And I’m proud to stand with John Shea.”

Mayoral nominee Curtis Sliwa said, “It’s important that we win the North Shore. It’s important that we have a man who has his tentacles, his feet, into the dirt of the North Shore. That’s John Shea, and I’ll be with you side by side.”

Shea’s strong candidacy represents a historic opportunity for Republicans to strengthen their presence in the New York City Council. If elected, Shea pledged to represent all of the North Shore, “from Rosebank to Mariners Harbor,” regardless of party affiliation.

“This campaign is about giving Staten Islanders a voice in City Hall and standing up against radical policies that ignore our needs,” Shea continued. “Together, we can make the North Shore stronger and ensure Staten Island is no longer treated like the city’s ATM.”

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ABOUT JOHN SHEA

For two decades, John Shea had the privilege of serving the people of New York City. Now, he is asking for the support of his neighbors to continue that service as the North Shore’s next New York City Council Member.

Raised on the North Shore, John attended both public and Catholic schools before building his life and family in the community he has always called home. While still working as a first responder, he got married, purchased a home, and raised his three daughters on Staten Island’s North Shore.

As a member of the NYPD, John responded to the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. In the weeks that followed, he worked at Ground Zero alongside countless others in the search, rescue, and recovery efforts. Later, as a firefighter with the FDNY on Staten Island’s North Shore, he served the everyday needs of the community and helped lead recovery efforts following the devastation of Superstorm Sandy.

John now seeks the opportunity to once again serve the residents of the North Shore. If elected, he is committed to working with every community every day to create meaningful change and ensure Staten Island remains the best borough in New York City.

Banner Image: Asm. Pirozzolo endorses  NYC Council Candidate John Shea. Image Credit – Anthony Reinhart