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Brothers and Sisters,
This week, we begin with a thank you to our amazing members who have been hit hard with multiple major incidents across the County, including the Green IC in Lancaster and the River IC in Rosemead, in addition to rising calls for emergency medical services this summer.
As always, your Executive Board is proud to represent the men and women of this Department who risk their lives daily for the county's residents. Thank you for all you do to keep this County safe, even under extraordinary conditions. |
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This month we have faced record tempertures with no end in sight as we begin what will surely be another intense fire season.
As our crews head up to Chico to help with the major fire up there and we continue to see fires erupting daily in our own LA County district, we want to remind you to stay safe.
Hot weather can lead to firefighters experiencing heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Heat can also increase the risk of firefighter injuries as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses and dizziness.
Check out the following recommendations to stay safe in extreme heat from NFPA:
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Drink water frequently. Drink enough water that you never become thirsty. You should start drinking water before your shift begins and continue to drink water following your shift.
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Wear breathable, loose fitting clothing such as cotton t-shirts and under garments to help sweat evaporate. Avoid non-breathing synthetic clothing.
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Schedule training, when possible, during the coolest parts of day.
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Take more breaks in extreme heat and humidity.
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Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, and large amounts of sugar.
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Be aware that protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat stress.
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Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers. Always train and work with a fellow firefighter or paramedic and keep an eye out for each other.
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EXPANDING FEDERAL DEATH BENEFITS FOR OCCUPATIONAL CANCER
Families who have lost loved ones in the line of duty, alongside IAFF union leaders, gathered to advocate for expanded federal benefits for fallen fire fighters on Capitol Hill.
The focus of their efforts is the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act of 2024, legislation aimed at providing greater support to families affected by occupational cancers.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced the bipartisan bill in March 2023 with Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Reps. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ) and Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) in honor of fallen St. Paul, MN Local 21 Captain Mike Paidar. The bill unanimously passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee in May.
“When a fire fighter dies from occupational cancer, we owe it to them to ensure their families get the line-of-duty death benefits they are owed,” said General President Edward Kelly. “Cancer’s grip on the fire service is undeniable. The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act recognizes this by extending benefits to the survivors of our brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
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Members of the IAFF, the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters, Minnesota Professional Fire Fighters, families, and IAFF Locals throughout Virginia, Minnesota, Ohio, and Florida gathered on Capitol Hill to lobby for the passage of the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act (S.930/H.R.1719)
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THANK YOU TO OUR FRIEND BRYAN FREIDERS - FCSN
Finally, we close this week with a thank you to our good friend Bryan Freiders, who is retiring from the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN). FSCN was founded with passion by Los Angeles County Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Dubron, a survivor of stage IV colon cancer and became a leader in firefighter cancer awareness, education, and prevention training nationwide.
Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) President and Chief Executive Officer Bryan Frieders has announced his retirement, effective December 31st, 2024, ending a decade-long tenure that has significantly advanced the organization’s mission, positioning FCSN as a leader in the fight against cancer in the fire service.
Throughout his 20 years of service with FCSN, including 10 years as President and CEO, Frieders has left an indelible mark on the fire service and FCSN by driving initiatives in cancer prevention, education, and advocacy. His leadership has dramatically changed the way firefighters view occupational cancer.
Among Frieders’ major achievements are the publishing of the groundbreaking white paper “Taking Action Against Cancer in the Fire Service” and its recent second edition, “Doing It Right”; the expansion of FCSN’s cancer prevention education to 47 states and Canada; partnerships with several National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer treatment centers to deliver concierge health services for firefighters battling cancer; standardizing the FCSN’s badge-to-badge mentorship program and training; and the production of the distinctive Firefighter’s Guide to Cancer Survivorship.
Thank you for all you have done for our members and thousands of others throughout the nation. We are eternally grateful.
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In Solidarity,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board |
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