Several hundred off-duty firefighters and police officers picketed a $500-a-plate fundraiser for Mayor Byron W. Brown on Thursday afternoon in the Buffalo Chophouse.

The protesters also vowed a repeat performance next Thursday during President Obama’s visit to Buffalo, “to show the country how Buffalo treats its police officers and firefighters,” PBA President Robert Meegan announced at the end of the rally.

“There’s a dislike of public safety officers in this city that starts with the control board and ends with the mayor,” Meegan said. “We’re not the enemy.”

The city’s fire and police unions have been at odds with City Hall over issues involving contracts and pay raises for the past several years. And last month, a judge ordered firefighters to repay raises to the city that they had already received.

Daniel Cunningham, president of Buffalo Professional Firefighters Local 282, accused the Brown administration of repeatedly failing to negotiate in good

faith with firefighters, who are now in their eighth year without a contract.

“He’s boosted his reputation by building a surplus on the backs of police, firefighters and other workers for the City of Buffalo,” Cunningham said.

The event was Brown’s annual political fundraiser for the “Mayor’s Council,” according to mayoral spokesman Peter K. Cutler, who added that the mayor’s office would not be commenting Thursday on the union picket.

The picket outside the Franklin Street restaurant was quiet, except when someone dressed in a suit and believed to be associated with the Brown administration crossed through the line. A chorus of boos rose from the pickets.

Brown, who was not seen during the protest, was believed to be already inside the restaurant, union officials said.

Nearly every protester carried a sign. The various messages included: “8 Years, No Contract”; “7 Fire Companies Closed since 2002 = 170 jobs. No Raises”; “Mayor Brown Unfair to Firefighters”; and “Millions $s Saved on Our Backs.”

During the protest, several motorists passing the scene honked their car horns or shouted out support.

Union organizers said it is time for citizens to take a much more active role in demonstrating support for police and firefighters.

“They are certainly behind us when they need us,” Meegan said. “They should call the mayor’s office and get behind police officers and firefighters for a change.”

Cunningham noted the Fire Department has lost five members in the line of duty since firefighters received their last contract.

“When most people are in their warm houses when it’s cold outside, police and firefighters are outside protecting you,” Cunningham said. “We’re not fair-weather employees.”