Republican nominee Ryan Costello won the endorsement of the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) in his race to win the open 6th congressional district.

“We feel confident that Ryan Costello will represent law enforcement in Washington and help promote legislation that improves the quality of life for families as well as representing all first responders and the citizens in the community,” said PA Lodge President Les Neri.

“I greatly appreciate having the support and confidence of the Pennsylvania FOP State Lodge and its 40,000 members,” Costello responded. “I have the utmost respect for the men and women of law enforcement who put their lives on the line each and every day to keep our families safe. I look forward to working with our local and state law enforcement officials on a range of public safety issues in Congress.”

The FOP represents Pennsylvania’s current and retired law enforcement officials and their endorsement is particularly sought after. Unlike other labor unions, they don’t tend to favor one party’s nominees over the other’s.

For instance, in the gubernatorial race they endorsed Tom Wolf despite backing Tom Corbett in 2010.

Costello is the Chair of the Chester County Board of Commissioners. He is running against Iraq War veteran Manan Trivedi for the seat of retiring Rep. Jim Gerlach. The 6th district consists of parts of Berks, Chester, Lebanon and Montgomery counties.