Dearborn district judge candidate Richard Wygonik this week recieved a big local endorsement, the candidate's team announced.

The Dearborn Firefighters IAFF Local 412 announced their endorsement for Wygonik in a letter.

Firefighters’ union president Joey Thorington wrote, “The Dearborn Firefighters IAFF Local 412 are proud to endorse Judge Wygonik for re-election.”

Wygonik, an incumbent judge in the 19th District Court, faces Dearborn attorney Sam Salamey in the race for the open seat in November.

Wygonik, who has been on the bench in Dearborn since 2005, said in a statement that he is grateful for the endorsement.

“Dearborn’s firefighters are respected for their professionalism and dedication to serve the people of Dearborn," Wygonik said. "I’m proud to have their support."

Wygonik is also endorsed by the 15th District Democrats, Dearborn Democratic Club, Michigan Spanish Speaking Democrats, United Auto Workers, Police Officers Association of Dearborn, Greater Detroit Building and Construction Trades Council, Plumbers ’98 PAC, Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Trowel Trades Union Local 1, Sheet Metal Workers Local 80, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters, Pipefitters Local Union #636 among others.

Wygonik is a lifetime resident of Dearborn and a graduate of Fordson High School. He received his law degree from Wayne State University after completing his undergraduate work at Henry Ford Community College and Western Michigan University. Wygonik has been a practicing attorney since 1972.

He was selected in 2011 by the Michigan Supreme Court to serve as chief judge of the 19th District Court.