Howard County Professional Firefighters Endorse Ryan O’Connor for County Council
The career firefighters and paramedics of IAFF Local 2000 are backing the District 5 campaign.
West Friendship, MD. Ryan O’Connor, Republican candidate for Howard County Council District 5, today announced the endorsement of the Howard County Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 2000. The union represents the career firefighters and paramedics of the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.
“When your house is on fire or someone you love can’t breathe, the only thing that matters is how fast help gets to your door,” said O’Connor. “Our firefighters and paramedics know what it takes to get there. They know where the county is getting it right and where it’s falling short. Having them in my corner means a great deal, and I intend to earn it every day on the Council.”
O’Connor has made fully funded fire and rescue services a cornerstone of his campaign. District 5 has two sides with different needs. In the rural west (Woodbine, Glenwood, Glenelg, Cooksville and West Friendship), homes are spread out and distance is the enemy. Along the Route 40 corridor in Ellicott City, crews handle the steady call volume that comes with busier roads and denser neighborhoods.
“Two sides of one district, and both deserve the same thing: a fire and rescue service that has the people and equipment to show up fast,” O’Connor said. “That’s the basics. The Council should fund the basics before it spends a dime on its next political statement.”
O’Connor was born and raised in Ellicott City and graduated from Glenelg High School. A finance professional and the father of three children in Howard County Public Schools, he is running to succeed retiring Councilman David Yungmann in District 5. His campaign is built on strong schools, lower taxes and safe communities. He has also been endorsed by Councilman Yungmann and the Howard County Association of REALTORS®.
Early voting runs October 22 through 29. The general election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Contact: Friends of Ryan O’Connor · Ryan@RyanForHoCo.com · RyanForHoCo.com