ST. PETERSBURG -- The Pinellas Fraternal Order of Police, which includes many ranking officers, has endorsed Steve Kornell in St. Petersburg's District 5 council race, Kornell's campaign announced Friday. Kornell previously was endorsed by the St. Petersburg Police Benevolent Association, which is more of a rank-and-file union.

"I am grateful for this endorsement from our local Fraternal Order of Police chapter,'' Kornell said in a release. "I look forward to working with them to make St. Petersburg a better, safer city.''

Kornell's opponent, Angela Rouson, has been endorsed by the St. Petersburg fire fighters' union. Besides the publicity value of such endorsements, police and fire fighters are known for actively campaigning on behalf of their chosen candidates.

Stephen Nohlgren, Times staff writer