New Jersey police and firefighters plan to speak out at the "Stand Up for Safety" rally in Trenton.
Up to 10,000 off-duty police and firefighters are expected to rally on behalf of public safety outside the New Jersey Statehouse on Thursday.
Union officials say public safety workers want the governor and Legislature to know layoffs, retirements and unfilled positions have made towns and cities less safe for public servants and residents.
The unions also want to send a loud signal to Gov. Chris Christie and Senate President Stephen Sweeney that they oppose proposals to significantly increase the amount public employees pay for health care.
Bill Lavin, who represents 5,500 firefighters as president of the Firemen's Mutual Benevolent Association, says the rally is ``to let taxpayers know what's really going on.''
About 3,100 rallied Friday to support Wisconsin state workers whose collective bargaining rights are being threatened.
