Last week, we added the names of five of our brothers to the California Firefighters Memorial Wall in Capitol Park, Sacramento. Local 1014 members and firefighters from near and far came together to show respect and love for the 30 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice. We gathered to remember, to honor, to share stories, to laugh, to cry, and to stand together as a Fire Family.

L.A. County added Ulysses Duran, Jon Van O, Henry Flores, Sharkey, and Andy Pontious to the sacred and beautiful memorial wall. The Pipes and Drums, Honor Guard, Chaplains, and PEERS provided a powerful backdrop as flags were presented, names were added, and honors were bestowed. “We shall not forget” means something deeply to all of us, and we came together to reflect and support one another as these great brothers were remembered.

Remembering Kent Wong – Labor Leader and Educator

We mourn the passing of Kent Wong, a true giant in the labor movement. As a leader with the LA FED and founder of the UCLA Labor Studies Program, Kent trained generations of organizers and advocates for workers’ and immigrants’ rights.
 
Kent was not only a labor leader but also an extraordinary human being who cared deeply about our members and their families. President Gillotte had the honor of joining Kent and now–Senator Maria Elena Durazo, former LA FED President and soon-to-be LA County Board of Supervisors member, on a labor organizing trip to Shanghai, China. During this trip, the labor delegation met with multiple industries—including Chevy and Cadillac plants—to secure historic U.S.–China agreements for unionized work in China. These agreements ensured that profits were shared back with U.S. plants to help offset UAW worker costs.

This was a true bridge-building mission, one that improved pay and benefits for Chinese workers while strengthening job security, wages, and benefits for UAW members in the U.S. The team also negotiated a significantly larger share of container traffic into the Port of Los Angeles, generating billions in tax revenue and securing stability for ILWU port workers. Kent’s efforts during this trip even helped end a major port strike, bringing together container company owners and labor leaders to find a fair and lasting resolution.

Kent Wong’s legacy of justice, compassion, and solidarity will live on through the institutions he built and the lives he touched. Rest in peace and power, Kent.
 

Our very own LA County Dodgers defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 2–1 in an 11-inning battle at Dodger Stadium to advance! NLDS Champs—off to the NLCS! Let’s go, Dodgers!

Please take a moment to read the letter from Firefighter Paramedic Scott Takeguma, who shares his family’s experience with the Local 1014 Health Plan. His story is a powerful reminder of the value and security this plan provides to our members and their loved ones.

Enroll now at www.mylacountybenefits.com. For more information, call Member Services at 800-660-1014 or email medicalplan@local1014.org.