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FRIDAY UPDATE
Sisters & Brothers,
As our Firefighters and our fire families continue to heal and rebuild, we also continue with important work affecting our members and members throughout the nation.
The Surfside condo collapse in Miami has devastated the nation and our national fire family. As we learned of the loss of a Firefighter's daughter, our IAFF members continued working to rescue and recover the many lives lost. The work as one can imagine is horrific and stressful. Post-traumatic and cumulative stress are a major concern as this incident moves to the end of recovery efforts. Our Los Angeles County Fire Department Peer Support Team was called on once again to help and is on the ground in Miami to lead a team of IAFF Peers from across the nation to help close out the incident and start the healing.
We are proud to always answer the call especially in light of our own pain over the past few weeks. Thank you to Chief Osby for supporting the mission as he always does, and Fire Chiefs and Unions throughout the nation continue to model our approach to “mutual aid” for peer support. We will update you on their work as the week moves forward.
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Click above to view testimony from Firefighter Nichole Notte has been working the Champlain Towers South condo collapse in Surfside, near Miami Beach, for weeks.
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CCU Bargaining
Local 1014 along with the members of the Coalition of County Unions (CCU) has been meeting and bargaining with the County regarding our fringe benefits. We have two contracts we operate under, our salary contracts and our fringe benefits contract. The fringe contract expired on June 30, 2021 and bargaining has been in full swing as we work to get benefit levels set for 2022. We have met formally four times trading proposals and counter-proposals. The work primarily centers on costs of health care premiums and increases in coverage for insurance to include medical, dental, and vision. In addition, we are focused on Juneteenth as a nationally recognized holiday that we would like to capture for recognition at the County. We also are dealing with COVID reimbursement funds from the Federal Government and trying to capture our workers' service in the mix. The table broke down hard on Wednesday evening. This item is now set for the Board of Supervisors' (BOS) closed session on Tuesday, July 13, 2021. We will be applying pressure and educating the BOS and the CEO as we seek to settle a simple agreement. The County's short-term financial outlook is very good to support our proposals that are not only fundable but fair. Stay tuned and be prepared if we need your help to carry the message to the public or to the BOS at a meeting.
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Bargaining Continues Between the Union and the Department
Last week we had the first of what promises to be regular and recurring meetings between Local 1014 and the Department to add ress issues regarding the Sierra Incident and also working condition items that were highlighted as a result.
We have made great progress in a short amount of time to get some things in place. “Team Building” will be a common theme as we work to restore camaraderie and teamwork to our fire stations, dispatch center, camps, forestry, fire prevention, and hazmat offices. Team Sports were reinstated after lengthy negotiations. While the Department remains hesitant about it in the long term, they recognize the short-term impact for our members. Please take care to treat this with respect.
Additionally, the tolling of online training except critical mandatory training and a return to in-person multi-company drilling has been a source of teamwork and team building for all our members as well as an opportunity to give back to the newer members of our Department in a way that is meaningful. “Captains Run Your Stations and BC’s Support The Mission” is a top-down mantra that the Chief moved to support and we will continue to press that approach. It works.
We also have negotiated major operational administrative changes for oversight to critical work that has seen a disconnect between admin and operations, and while the movement is positive there is still work to be done and negotiations continue with the Fire Chief in this area. We thank the Chief for showing up to address our issues in a collaborative manner and the immediate product has been positive for us all. We also continue to remind all that the work is far from done, and with BOS involvement in partnership with Local 1014, accountability for continued work product.
Some of the most important issues to be addressed in a follow-up meeting are those relating to promotions and vacancies and the net effect on our members' days off. Sworn Chief Officers with 1014 Executive Board Members to address both long-term and short-term solutions for our staffing shortage.
First and foremost vacancies at all levels continue to be the primary cause of all things relating to recalls, and the inability to take benefit time. Constant hiring and promotions annually are the core fix to the problem. Specifically, the Engineers' rank is the most affected. The meeting concentrated on how to expedite the current Engineers test to translate into members in the seats with upfront training and follow-up engineer academies with 1A, 1B, and 1C elements. We have been pushing hard to have the Department in agreement with the Union to put in motion plans and tell DHR and Big County to make it work.
We have three major items we are addressing. First, we are working for an expedited appeal process on individuals who have an issue with one station of the practical exam but a certain level of standard on the remaining to be able to recapture the moment, reset and demonstrate competency in a retake of that event only. Usually, appeals for a variety of reasons are successful and months later we have retests. Director Pat Dolan along with Chief O Brien are working on this with a small fast-acting committee.
Second, we are also working on a process to allow immediate promotions and placement as soon as individuals successfully complete their practical exams. The goal is for all individuals who successfully complete the exam to be promoted in the fast possible time. This is outside the box thinking and completely foreign to the County but we are driving this hard with BOS help.
Finally, we want to evaluate the numbers of Engineer vacancies after all successful candidates are promoted and if the vacancy percentage remains critical, an acting firefighter specialist program will be proposed. The Engineer vacancy rate soars above 23% and needs immediate attention. The Captains list was set to expire and the remaining candidates were promoted before the list expired. While this adds to the vacancy rate for Engineers, it had been done with regard to the list expiration and also in combination with the aforementioned Engineers exam variances to expedite promotions.
We can ill afford to move slow on this and in fact, the Captains list is now used up and a Captains Exam process in motion that will also require steps to expedite the exam and the appeals and promotions as Captains also hover near 21% vacancy rate. The FF and PM positions while much more stable, also require a plan for constant hiring through 2021 and into 2022 and we negotiated sworn chief oversight with BOS involvement to mandate a plan for annual testing and promotions. Our testing cadre has come up with a few very good ideas that center on rapid testing. Current procedures take too much time and in fact, are never consistently ready with lists. This is a work in progress but rest assured we are negotiating an overhaul for how the Department approaches entry-level testing and promotional processes. The Chief took responsibility for this issue and has pulled in the best from the sworn chief ranks and union ranks with subject matter experts to craft a plan that will work. Stay tuned.
Short-term “bandaid” staffing solutions have been flooding in and a body of work that was already in progress continues to be negotiated and discussed with Chief Deputy of Operations Pena, Chief O Brien and Union Vice Presidents Lew Currier and Kurt Kobler. The meeting was intense and follow-up work will continue this week for possible agreement on several items.
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The Department has been provided all information with details for logistics, operational concerns, and approval of a 48/96 One Year Trial Shift Schedule Change. This item remains one of the most majority supported tools to improve schedule control even with vacancies. President Gillotte spoke with the Chief today. He is diligently considering all aspects of the proposal and is set to respond back next Monday or Tuesday.
Finally, workers' compensation injury vacancies are also part of the problem plaguing our staffing issues, and we have begun meeting to address this issue that will require much work on its own to correct course. At the state level, Local 1014, along with our partners in the CPF are lobbying SB 335 which is a state bill seeking to address ongoing problems with presumptive workers' compensation injuries being unreasonable denied and treatment being withheld. The bill seeks to impose deeper penalties on employers and TPA’s faces significant opposition from employer and TPA administrator organizations that seek to continue practices that result in delay or denial of our members' claims.
It is imperative that we incentivize the TPA’s and employers to review these claims in good faith and reach well-reasoned and substantiated decisions for acceptance or denial of a claim. We are a self-funded organization and cost savings with regard to backfill and medical costs will be realized as we also get our members treated and back to work in a more timely manner. This bill is set for the Insurance Committee on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 and President Gillotte is heading to Sacramento to weigh in with our LA County Legislators to move this out of committee and forward in the legislative process. This will aid our work at the County and Department level.
Fire Family Team Building Continues
Please send us your pictures and stories of fire station life including team sports, line up, drills, and more that reflect how positive leaders' intent can be in our stations.
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Pictured above: Avalon Fire, Baywatch, and LACoFD members training on ropes and rigging for stretcher evolutions often used on Catalina Island. In the words of Baywatch Avalon Boat Captain and former LACOLA Board member, “Training should be not only based on what we do, but it should be fun again”. These are true words as we move back to physical training and multi-company drills that feed more than just our skill levels.
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In solidarity and strength, as we continue to work on important issues affecting our members' and our families' lives.
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In Solidarity,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board |
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FRIDAY UPDATE
Sisters & Brothers,
Our Los Angeles County Firefighters will never be alone because we have each other. This week we once again proved how resilient and strong we are as a fire family when we work together to heal.
We have traveled through shock, anger, and grief; now we are moving forward with hope. We are working to repair and rebuild the LA County Fire Department. We will once again shine as the premier and most sought-after fire department in the country with the best firefighters and fire personnel serving the citizens of LA County.
We have negotiated some simple but powerful tools to get moving in the right direction with much more to be done. Sports are back, no online training for 90 days, no more EVOC training, Chief Breshears and Chief Marrone together with Chief Chapman are taking the helm of entry-level testing, promotional testing, and training to set the gold standard and push big county back when they infringe on the quality of process or candidate. Additionally, we worked with the Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Janice Hahn to pass a motion that will ensure action on a variety of behavioral health, working conditions, and leadership items with a 30-day report back to the Board of Supervisors. Local 1014 has also continued to engage the Fire Chief and Executive Staff to negotiate more changes to staffing, promotion, and leadership items.
LABOR-MANAGEMENT MEETING JULY 1, 2021
Local 1014 along with the California Professional Firefighters (CPF) and the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) hosted a meeting to continue working to get our Department back where it needs it to be. The Fire Chief showed up committed and engaged with his Executive Team to work. Local 1014 hosted an AAR on the Sierra Incident with Peer Support, Chaplains and family liaison teams, MMT, Operations, Union, and Management to follow up on recommendations on working conditions, leadership, training, and staffing.
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The meeting was not an easy meeting and had some intense moments. In the words of President Gillotte and the Executive Board, “words alone, or plans will not suffice... only ACTIONS and deliverable work product will be acceptable for all who we serve in our leadership roles.” The Fire Chief committed to working with all to get things done.
At the meeting, we reviewed items in the Board of Supervisors' (BOS) motion regarding behavioral health. We also conducted a deep dive into working condition items and filling vacancies in all ranks. We are crafting a plan for entry-level and promotional testing with 3 to 4 classes annually, medic drawdown from FF, BC, Captain and FFS promotional exams every year with periodic, perhaps quarterly, promotions and training for the newly promoted. Filling our vacancies for FFS is the most critical need right not and a current exam is in progress. Outside the box ideas are in play including an FFS acting program one time to help with the vacancies. We are also working to promote the FFS as soon as they pass the practical in weekly groups until we finish the process and all successful candidates are promoted.
Additionally, instead of a long-drawn-out appeal process, Director Pat Dolan and his team are working with Chiefs O’Brien, Breshears and Marrone to streamline a retest process for the practical portion of the exam. Nationally there are many departments who have moved to this and we know this will allow some to show their skill and move forward. Furthermore, the Labor / Management Staffing Committee with the Acting Chief Deputy of Operations at the management helm for the first time will meet this month to work on recall relief ideas and any other items in the mix. Local 1014 will keep the pressure on entry-level testing, hiring, and regular promotional exams, because no matter what schedule we are on, or what recall or staffing rules we have, no solution will fix the recall numbers in volume beyond full staffing. We will keep you posted as we move forward on these issues.
Finally, we are continuing progress on the members-voted 48/96 trial shift schedule proposal. The Department has had presentations, data, logistical information, and the “vote”. Now more than ever before should be when we try. Next week we will have the official Department position on this item. Stay tuned. We are also vetting leadership, conflict resolution, and management training programs that fit so that our members have the tools to use when conflict or disorder hits.
We want to thank the Fire Chief and his Executive Team for joining President Gillotte and the 1014 Executive Board, Supervisor Barger’s Justice Deputy Christina Mesesan, President Brian Rice of CPF, and 10th District VP Steve Gilman from the IAFF along with subject matter experts and the Peer Support, Chaplain, MMT, RTW, and staff to work on the issues that are going to change our work environment for the better.
CAPTAINS RUN YOUR STATIONS; BC’S EMPOWER AND SUPPORT THE TEAM
TEAM-BUILDING is the word we are going to use from now on. Teamwork, compassion and behavioral and physical health through training. Sports, physical drilling, in-person training, and station life with family and multi-company love with everything we do is where we are going. Companies are back to having a little fun with lineup, workout, hose lays, ladders going up, and FGS being taught.
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Captain Gillotte’s Engine 9, Engine 16 and Squad 16 fought two commercial building fires in their backyard before noon and then hit the pickleball court. Truck 164, Engine 164 and Squad 164 were throwing ladders and putting up the stick on little Alameda under Captain Johnny Ahten’s careful watch. This is what station life is meant to look like. Please send us your pictures of station life, drills, and activities that show “TEAM-BUILDING” as we want to share our successes in station life.
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PEER SUPPORT QUARTERLY TRAINING IN PERSON
Our Peer Support Team along with our Chaplains convened for an in-person quarterly training for the first time in over a year. Retired Fire Captain Joe Woyjec joined the peer meeting and together with President Gilotte shared some important insights and words prior to the anniversary of Granite Mountain Hotshots. |
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At the training, peers reviewed the response to the Sierra Incident and the ongoing work needed to help repair our fire family. Jake Wendell reported on our Peer Support Dog Program and we heard from Kristine Thompson who coordinated our outside agency peer response. Our Peer Support Team is one of the best in the world. We are used to being shipped out to help others with major impact incidents, but this time it was us who needed the help. Dr. Steve Froehlich was formally introduced to our team and our Department. Local 1014 hired Dr. Steve to work as our lead culturally competent clinician and work is in progress to make our program even better and secure additional behavioral health resources.
CLASS 162 GRADUATES WHILE 163 IN PROGRESS AND 164 SLATED FOR JULY 15
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Proud parents, siblings, and even second-generation firefighters came together today as Recruit Class 162 graduated and new boot firefighters hit the streets filling vacancies and joining our team to serve others. Congratulations to all who completed the grueling program to get their badge pinned today. We will repair, recover and rebuild and class 162 is a sign of just such resiliency and solidarity in our Fire Family.
START WHERE YOU STAND, YOU ARE NEVER ALONE, AND YOU NEVER WILL BE. |
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In Solidarity,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board |
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FRIDAY UPDATE
Sisters & Brothers,
While last week marked a week of healing and family, this week we return to the business of making real lasting changes in our behavioral health program and working conditions for our members.
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Click above to read the full story.
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This past Tuesday was a busy day for Local 1014 in partnership with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (BOS). Supervisor Kathryn Barger (District 5 representing the North Ops Region) and Supervisor Janice Hahn (District 4 representing Central Ops Region) co-authored a motion to address behavioral health, peer support resources, and working condition accountability for Department management.
The motion is a continuation of the 2018 work between Local 1014 and the BOS on peer support and behavioral health relating to firefighter suicide. The current motion is designed to enforce action to increase behavioral health tools, improve working conditions including staffing and help bridge the disconnect between the Department Administration and Operations.
The motion, which President Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board helped craft, contains continued vigilance for suicide prevention and awareness, increased behavioral health peer support resources and best practices, and increases accountability. Additionally, the motion:
- Defines the Peer Support and Clinician Team
- Evaluates existing workers compensation treatment tools
- Works to secure workers compensation and health insurance coverage in a coordinated manner for behavioral health visits to 24 visits annually
- Develops a plan to offer Department-funded mental health visits to employees and their immediate families with vetted culturally competent clinicians
- Asks for the Department to work with LACERA to provide peer support and clinician support to retirees coordinated through the PEER support program.
- Directs Department to reduce staff recall due to vacancies and injury vacancies by at least 50% by March 1, 2022.
- Evaluate the Department’s Grievance process to provide timely and safe harbor for investigations, manager issues, other employee issues.
Your Union will be a driving force to help make changes and restore the connection between Admin and the Field. This is key in any and all actions going forward to improve working conditions and items affecting our work life.
Tuesday was a powerful day. In his testimony, President Gillotte called for a 30-day report back with ongoing reports instead of the 60 days as originally proposed. The co-authors took the friendly amendment and wrote it into the motion which passed unanimously and serves not only as a start but a mandate for the Fire Chief and his staff’s work.
“I am going to be working week after week after week to make sure this is followed through because, on my watch, I am not going to have something like this happen again...The credit goes to Dave Gillotte and Local 1014, they have been pushing this narrative quite hard… The Union actually was the first to move on hiring (a psychologist) because it was not moving quick enough.”
-Supervisor Kathryn Barger
“Our Fire Department employees have told us that they need support from peers, and they need mental health clinicians who understand what they are going through…thank you, so much, to Dave Gillotte and Local 1014 for all your help with this motion, thank you for being so strong during this tragic time and being there for all of your rank and file firefighters…”
-Supervisor Janice Hahn
“As a State Legislator, I served on the Labor Committee my entire 10 years there, this isn't the first time this issue has come forward, not only through 1014 who had legislation before the legislature, but correctional officers, law enforcement, and firefighters up and down the entire state who have really begun to come forward and acknowledge the trauma they experience in doing their day-to-day jobs and how we, as government, their employers, must acknowledge that and provide them with protection and safe options to confidentially seek help and service.”
-Supervisor Holly Mitchell
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Click above to listen to the audio of President Gillotte's testimony at the LACounty Board of Supervisors.
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“The selfless efforts of our first responders takes an emotional and mental toll, not only on those placing themselves on the frontlines, but also on their families,” said county Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose 5th District includes the Santa Clarita Valley.
Through the pandemic, many firefighters were separated from their families as they worked increased hours and multiple shifts, Barger noted.
“As the county begins to reopen and the trauma our first responders have experienced over the past 18 months will be realized, it is imperative that we take action now to provide them with the support and care they need, just as they provided us with the support and care we needed during this pandemic,” Barger added.
(Click above to read full story)
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We will be embedded and actively driving the work from the Department for these items. We believe a true labor/management work product will have the best result for our members. If that does not happen, then we will work through our BOS partners to get it done. We expect swift and meaningful action from the Department and we will be following up on each and every item.
Today we also followed up with the Fire Chief on our outstanding working condition items. Effective July 1, 2021, sports for the purpose of team building and camaraderie will be released officially this afternoon with the details of the operations policy to be in place prior to July 1. In addition, NO ONLINE TRAINING except any emergent items dealing with EMT and PM certifications and licenses for 90 days! This will go out in the message from the Department making that “official.” We are also working behind the scenes to ensure the programming ceases to populate material and that EVOC is removed from any and all systems.
Additionally, in negotiations with the Fire Chief, President Gillotte garnered an agreement to appoint a Sworn Chief Officer to oversee the Exam Unit inclusive of entry-level exams, promotional exams with layering into training to ensure operational needs are included in the plan. Furthermore, HR and the Exam Staff will report directly to this Chief and will be a Direct report back to the Fire Chief. We thank the Chief for hearing our needs and the needs of the membership on this particularly important item that affects staffing shortages in the most dramatic and long-term manner. More on this as we get that appointment set and a 30-day turnaround on a plan for hiring and promotions annually.
There is much more in motion with the BOS, the Department, and at the State level with regard to that need to be addressed with a sense of urgency following the events of June 1st. We must look at any and all issues with regard to behavioral health and working conditions to be better. We continue to meet almost daily with the Department and the BOS to secure the needed changes.
As we said to our elected Board of Supervisors, our members never complain, they come to work to get it done bravely and proudly but that doesn’t mean they don’t need support and tools to carry out this mission of protecting our communities.
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In Solidarity,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board |
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Sisters & Brothers,
Happy Father's Day to all our Fire Family! Today is the day we celebrate our dads, fathers, stepfathers, and mentors both those that are with us and those that have passed on.
This year we were reminded that some of our Fire Family will need some help from us, the extended family. Please keep Brother Carlon's girls, Joslyn, Brynn, and Bree in your hearts and all our kids who have lost a father. Take a moment to send a text, call or reach out and let them know they are loved.
FIRE FAMILY...
Fire Family is something we are going to say more and something we are going to do more. Yesterday we converged on Santa Clarita to take time and be that Fire Family.
Over 300 LA County Fire members took time to get together and not only begin to heal but to talk and hang out like family. Local 1014 and the Department through our wonderful Peer Support Team sponsored a day of healing and fun for all. We had music, games, balloon animals, coloring and crafts, good barbecue, Kana Shave Ice, and even an old-school water balloon fight!
Special thanks to Long Beach Fire Fighters Local 372 for grilling up so much good BBQ. We had our LACOFD leaders like Vince Pena, Jon O Brien, and Dennis Breshears, and members from Dispatch, Forestry, Health HazMat, FSA, Camps, Air Operations, and office and support staff. Benefit and Welfare was also there and is always so supportive of our Labor Management Peer Support Program, as well as our LACOFD Fire Wives. We also want to thank the amazing staff at California Professional Firefighters for supporting this event in every way.
Each and every one of us in the words of President Dave Gillotte and Chief Deputy of Operations Vince Pena are “just humans in need of human contact, friends and family love” and that's exactly what happened yesterday.
While the water balloon fights, baseball and good music allowed our families to sit and reconnect, it was the conversations that were the highlight. We heard so many of our families say ''We need to do this more'' and they are right.
Let's encourage and sponsor smaller station or battalion events going forward. Get those river trips or pool parties together. Go to the beach and mountains together. Give each other the support we so desperately need.
Our army of trained Peers Support Team members together with Dr. Steve, Dr. Karl, and the Windells had conversations that began the healing for many members. In fact, some of the best peer support for our families came from our Peer Support Comfort Dogs, Milo and Echo.
We are far from done. We have been reminded of the importance of each other and the Fire Family support that needs to be a constant focus of our collective time both in and outside of the stations.
Thank you to all who worked so hard to make this day of healing and love for our Fire Families a reality and thank you to all the Fire Unions and Departments that we worked to get into our stations to cover so we could bring a week to reset to those impacted the most by the incident. Both stations in Battalion 22 and individuals from other key stations were ''automatically'' off. We heard from so many that if it wasn't automatic they likely would not have taken the days off and they really needed this reset. We are always learning how to heal from trauma and the family day and reset will likely become a California peer support standard for all.
Take care today and again, Happy Father’s Day to all. Today please take time to reach out to someone who might need that "Fire Family” support.
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With Love and Solidarity,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board |
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FRIDAY UPDATE
Sisters & Brothers,
Yesterday was an amazing day of celebration of Tory Carlon’s Life. Tomorrow, we will be supporting our Fire Family and continuing the healing and hope. We look forward to time spent together and we ask you to keep the Carlons, the Sandovals in your prayers, and all Firefighters and their families who are trying to heal and turn grief into hope.
While we want to be able to focus on healing and celebrating the life of a wonderful family man, and support for the Sandovals and those who need it, we also want to provide an update to you, our members, on the events of the past few weeks and what your Union is doing to help create better working conditions for our members and prevent this from ever happening again.
The past two weeks Local 1014 resurrected negotiations on staffing and began negotiating with the Department on short-term and medium-term solutions as we set a course to long-term improvements to our working conditions. While this incident is exceptional in many ways, there are certain inescapable job-related items that are highlighted as a result. We continue to work to provide some solutions to help with staffing and station working conditions.
TOWN HALL MEETING
While we met with the Department immediately following the incident to begin negotiating changes, on June 12th the Department hosted a “Town Hall” meeting with the Union to hear thoughts and issues that are heavy on our minds during this time. The town hall provided a forum for members to express their thoughts, concerns, and frustrations to the Fire Chief and to the Union as well. Members spoke to issues that are affecting their working conditions in a negative way.
BOS ACCOUNTABILITY SUPPORT
The Union invited Supervisor Kathryn Barger. She came to hear directly and take issues back to the Board of Supervisors. Together with Supervisor Janice Hahn, Supervisor Barger is working with Local 1014 on a motion to help effect some real change related to behavioral health and staffing. We thank her for her continued support and love of our membership. We know that with them on our side we will make real change in our Department. They care deeply about our organization and our people.
Our job in so many ways is an amazing place to work for pay, benefits, and retirement. We recognized the work on legislation and state level action for cancer presumption, peer support resources, post-traumatic stress presumption, health and safety laws, and more. There is not one ungrateful member of our Department and everyone had perspective on the great things we have attained and how we can take care of our families financially and more.
Having said that, we have a lot that we can do to improve life for our members. At the town hall, we focused on areas we can improve like working conditions items and leadership of the Department, hiring and promotions, staffing shortages, lack of tools for camaraderie and team building, disconnect between the administrative side of our Department and the Rank and File, and a general feeling of lack of direction in where we go from here.
NEGOTIATED CHANGES TO HELP US HEAL
During the meeting, the Union brought up a number of items we have been working on these past couple of weeks. We believe that the immediate implementation of these items will alleviate some of the stress on our members. First, we have an agreement on bringing back team sports! We negotiated a new sports policy that will take effect July 1st. Second, with the lifting of the State order on June 15, we can bring our families back into the firehouses and begin to get back to our way of life pre-COVID.
In addition, the Union brought up the issue of online training and the stress and anxiety caused by the volume of online training and the inefficiency of the systems. This stressor has an impact on our whole shift and provide care to the citizens we serve. The Chief agreed to “toll” all non-essential online training for 90 days, and work to remove EVOC training. This training is often in conflict with other training and doesn’t work well on the system it runs on. Frustrating is an understatement when referring to online training. The Department seemed to not understand the level of dysfunction of our systems and how much that drives workplace anxiety and frustration. This was yet another instance that highlighted the disconnect between management and the rank and file. We will continue to work to permanently change this system and move to more in-person training. A systems analyst will be included in the revamp.
Another issue discussed was the lack of understanding and effort from HR to have promotional exams on schedule and every year, not in the middle of brush season. At our request, the Chief agreed to bring in a sworn chief to head up exams and to have a plan in 30 days for exams every year between February and April. This is a huge victory for getting promotions back on schedule and always having names on the list. The entry-level hiring will remain in full swing with seven classes this year and likely five next year. The only way staffing issues can be normalized is to have FULL STAFFING in all ranks.
Staffing remains the number one issue to tackle for working conditions and due to the Department’s lack of promotional testing and readiness, we find ourselves in a shortage of Engineers more than any other rank. The recent exam had 150 applicants. This will not net the number of Engineers we need to fill the nearly 200 vacancies. We are getting outside the box with a plan to reset the Engineer ranks especially the vacancies in the North region. This very progressive and problem-solving plan will also join the continued temporary regional recall plan and detail plan to fill vacancies in battalions with higher percentage vacancies in various ranks.
We have negotiated a one-time side letter agreement to the MOU to create an In-Service Acting Engineer position. The candidates will be selected by seniority only, be given an in-service training on the front end, and be placed into Engineer positions. They will be required to complete an Engineer Task Book with elements of Driver Operator 1A, 1B, and 1C as well as other County Engineer items. All-time will be counted towards AP category items in FFS sections, and the individuals must satisfactorily complete the 6-month probation. Upon successful completion of both, the candidate will be promoted to Engineer. The Acting FFS will earn bottom step FFS pay, and PM’s will earn the step of FFS pay to not lose salary. The FFS exam will continue and run concurrently, and candidates taking the exam may also be selected within the seniority draw to work as Acting FFS. The Exam candidates will have priority to be promoted as soon as the list is promulgated.
We encourage all senior Firefighters and those competing in the Firefighter Specialist Exam to watch for the announcement and if motivated to step up to the next rank take advantage of this one-time in-service promotional opportunity. This is a very radical way to reset the numbers between Firefighters, Paramedics, and Captains. We cannot catch up with the current testing situation and look forward to the annual testing plan to stay on schedule going forward. Good luck to all.
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"I WANT MY CAPTAINS TO RUN THEIR STATIONS"
This work is only the beginning of the change within management we feel is needed to reconnect to the needs of the rank and file. The Fire Chief said at the town hall, “I want my Captains to run their stations.” We agree completely and ask our rank and file leaders to follow that order expressly.
Start line up with talks of how we can help each other out. Take care of the overtimer working to help out by not having them be the cook or on the squad. Encourage going available to help those in need of days off. Make sports and workouts a key and important part of the day, a priority not a luxury. Get out and drill in person and get away from the online work for the next 90 days. Ensure that at least one meal per day but both if you can be “organized mess” and play cards for dishes or throw the football at the trash can. Work hard to set the tone for taking care of each other. It’s free and can be implemented immediately with all Captains moving there and all BC’s supporting the plan.
BOS MOTION TUESDAY JUNE 22ND
In closing, know that accountability for Department Management, how we change our staffing and working conditions will be outside the Fire Chief and Executive Staff table every bit as much as at that table. We have reached out to the BOS for help to focus actions from management to bring about the policy and support we need.
On Tuesday, June 22nd, a motion by Supervisor Barger and cosponsored by Supervisor Hahn will be heard. This motion will address Behavioral Health and working conditions items including staffing and workers compensation. We will seek support for the motion and desire open and honest discussion on these issues with the Chief and the Department as we move them forward. We will keep you posted as this progresses. We would like to thank the Supervisors for being on the ground with us from moment one and recognizing that both of them have personal and powerful connections to LA County Fire and our Local 1014 Members.
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With Love and Solidarity,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board |
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UNION UPDATE
Sisters & Brothers,
Today we honored the memory of our Brother Tory Carlon.
It was an emotional and difficult day today but also a day full of love and stories about Brother Tory and his incredible love of family and the Fire profession.
At the service, we heard from Tory’s family including his five siblings and his daughter Joslyn as well as his LACOFD family. Our Brother Tory was an extraordinary man. A man who left this world a better place and who was a dedicated servant to the community he grew up in for the past 21 years. A loving and committed family man, a jokester, a mentor, and brother to all.
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Click above to view the memorial service.
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Throughout these past few weeks, we have been confronted with so many difficult questions. But each time the solution has been family, our fire family.
Our Local 1014 Executive Board attended and together with California Professional Firefighters President Brian Rice and IAFF 10th District Vice President Stephen Gilman presented The Local 1014 Bible and the IAFF Medal of Valor to Tory’s wife Heidi.
In his remarks, President Gillotte asked everyone to honor Tory’s legacy as a ‘family man’ by taking a moment today to appreciate and love your family. Whether that’s our fire family or our families at home.
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| We would especially like to thank all our Union brothers and sisters who not only showed up to support us at the memorial service but staffed our stations so our members could attend the service today. |
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LACOFD Fire Family Day
In honor of our fallen Brother Tory Carlon, a devoted family man, the Department, together with the Union, would like to host a “Fire Family Day” for all those impacted by the events at Fire Station 81. Families, spouses, partners, and children are encouraged to attend. All food and beverages will be provided as well as games and activities for kids.
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While an RSVP is not necessary to attend the event, we ask that if you are able you RSVP at the following link with the number of attendees in order to ensure we have enough food for all. |
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| Our Fire Family has been through so much these past few weeks. We hope you and your family can join us as we come together to reconnect and heal. |
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With Love and Solidarity,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board |
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FRIDAY UPDATE
Sisters & Brothers,
This week will be a week no LA County Firefighter will ever forget. Active duty retired Firefighters and those preparing to enter our drill tower and their families were rocked to our core when the unthinkable happened.
The lives of so many changed forever. Brother Tory Carlon, an amazing engineer, and mentor to so many on our job leaves behind a wife and three daughters. Brother Arnie Sandoval was critically wounded and is still fighting in the hospital. We will be there for him and his family moving forward as he begins to heal both physically and mentally.
There were others in the fire station that day also, who will need support and healing. All of the first responders who had to go to work on the rigs, in the air, the ambulances, law enforcement, and hospital nurses and personal were also impacted heavily by this unthinkable event. We have the best Peer Support Team Members and Behavioral Health Clinicians on the scene. They were the first to arrive and they will be the last to leave to help our members heal. Some will heal faster than others and some will need more time.
The Union and the Department met and have in place plans for continuous help, including help for those who need a change of work location and time to heal before returning to work. Everyone in the inner circle has been in contact with Peers Members and Clinicians. We are working with everyone individually to get them back to work when it is right for them. For some, it may be very soon as that work-family balance is critical to their wellbeing, for others it is the time needed away from work. The Department has been very agreeable and collaborative to provide the time and tools they need liberally.
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CARLON’S DAUGHTERS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION - FAMILY
Last night, we demonstrated why we call ourselves a family. The eldest Carlon daughter graduated from Saugus High School last night. Our LA County Fire Department family showed up in force to make sure she had her Department family to support her. Brother Tory was there in every sense, from wearing her dad’s turnout coat to the hundreds of LA County and law enforcement family members in attendance. Our fire family comes together like no other when we have tragic events, and in this our darkest hour, we showed up in force to be there for those in need. |
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Click above to watch the video of the graduation ceremony by Austin Dave.
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PEER SUPPORT AND HEALING WORK - HEALING OUR OWN
This will never “go away” or “be done.” It will always be with us. We will not forget and we will band together and support each other and our families.
Our Peer Support Team, along with Dr. Steve Froehlich, were on scene from the beginning with our families, firefighters, and fire personnel conducting debriefings with strike teams of engines moved up. They will continue until every person has been reached. The Peer Support Team, as most know, is our brothers and sisters, trained to a higher level of understanding on how to help facilitate conversations with members and families following incidents. Those conversations allow personnel to understand the normal impact, feelings, pressures and stressors that will occur and also understand what is beyond normal. We encourage all to access Peer Support. It is confidential and private. They will be there for you whenever and wherever you need them.
Thank you to the LA County Peer Support Team, Dr. Steve Froehlich and our army of retirees who have jumped in selflessly to help on this incident. Thank you also to the outside agencies from LA City, Orange County, San Bernardino and San Diego County for providing Peers and the support we needed to reach so many. Special thanks also to Kristine Thompson and Nicole Scott who serve on the California Fire Service Behavioral Health Task Force alongside President Gillotte for helping coordinate our work. And last but not least, to our Lead Peers for their work to coordinate a plan and the resources needed to handle this incident.
THE NEXT WEEK AND FEW WEEKS
We will be working hard on all the things needed for services as well as LACERA and insurance and fundraising efforts for the families led by Director Jason Cervantes and our MMT team at the Department and Union. In addition, we have the formal legal investigation in progress with the Sheriff’s Department and other agencies. We will also be working with the Department and the Board of Supervisors to tackle the hard questions and answers relating to this incident.
We cannot let an incident like this go and not look into it, learn to try and prevent this type of workplace violence. We have many great tools in place and a good foundation to work from, but everyone can be better and we must work to be better. Now is not the time, but we want our members to know that this conversation is afoot with the IAFF, CPF and Local 1014, and the Board of Supervisors with Supervisor Barger leading the work. More as we continue this conversation in the coming weeks.
MEMORIAL TIMES AND DATES AND FUNDRAISING EFFORTS
As we end this week, we will keep you informed on the memorial service for Tory Carlon and the work needed to keep Arnie Sandoval and his family in our care. Fundraising is happening in a variety of forms. The Local has worked with the F&A Credit Union to set up an account to benefit both families affected by this tragedy. 100% of the funds raised will go to the families of Brother Carlon and Brother Sandoval. See details below.
Los Angeles County Fire Dept Station #81 Memorial Fund Account
Please make checks payable to
LACFD STATION 81 MEMORIAL FUND
F&A FCU
Attn: Aymee Yanesa
2625 Corporate Place
Monterey Park, CA 91754
Please share the graphic below and encourage your friends and family to donate.
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As a reminder for those who have asked, we host our General Membership Meeting on the second Tuesday of each month. Our next General Membership Meeting will be this Tuesday, June 8th, at 10:00 am at the Union Hall. We welcome all members to come and voice their concerns and thoughts on how we can improve our workplace safety and move forward and begin to heal.
LA County Fire Family, including Local 1014 members, Fire Department Personnel in all jobs and in all ranks, and our families have been impacted beyond words by the events of this week. The Fire Chief and Executive Staff, the Executive Board of Local 1014, the inner circle Fire Fighters and Fire Personnel and Families, the Board of Supervisors, all of us visibly shaken.
Let us band together and work to look out for each other and communicate with each other. We are an amazing family of proud, hardworking Firefighters and Fire Personnel serving our communities through our own pain. We have been dealt a hand we never thought possible. We need each other now.
The graduation last night was a shining light of hope and a demonstration of who we are as a fire family. Let’s continue to band together and do the hard work that needs to be done to heal and embrace our work going forward. We will never forget and we have much to learn. We are confident that each and every one of you are part of the healing for our family. |
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With Love and Solidarity,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board |
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FRIDAY UPDATE
Sisters & Brothers,
This week, we learned of the tragic events in San Jose. We are shocked and saddened by the horrific shooting which took place at a VTA Union meeting. We stand with our brothers and sisters in Labor as they mourn the nine dead this week in this senseless tragedy.
Our thoughts as prayers are with their family, friends, and our Union brothers and sisters at the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 256. We are working to send our LACOFD Peer Support Team to assist in the critical incident response for both the victims' families and the first responders on this incident.
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PERFORMANCE NET UPDATE
As previously mentioned in past Friday Updates, Local 1014 is trying to get out ahead of potential issues in regards to The Performance Net-based annual performance evaluations and future promotional candidates for Captain and Battalion Chief, as it pertains to the Appraisal of Promotability (Form 574.1). As it is right now, The Performance Net model does not transfer over very well with how the AP is formatted for Captain and Battalion Chief, especially as it pertains to Work Activities the candidate has done throughout the rating period.
Last month, Directors Pat Dolan and Jason Cervantes met with members of the Executive Staff, DHR, and the Exam Unit to start the process of modifying The Performance Net PE model to be more in line with how the AP Work Activities are worded and to make sure all the Work Activities can be included in The Performance Net categories seamlessly. As it is right now, that isn’t how it is, and Local 1014 is trying to make sure all future promotional candidates will be able to correctly document where their Work Activities should be placed.
Deputy Chief Chris Anderson and his staff, along with members of ISD and IT, have agreed to help include language from our AP Form 574.1, and the Work Activities in particular, in The Performance Net PE forms for all levels, from Firefighter through Captain, so that supervisors who are writing performance evaluations for their subordinates, can properly document the work their subordinates have done, and more importantly, get the credit they so rightful earned. Remember, Captain’s and Battalion Chief’s, this documentation is vital when your subordinates are trying to promote, and they are using their PE’s as their documentation.
This is still a work in progress, and probably will not take effect until the testing cycle for 2022, so in the meantime, do your best when filling out your annual Performance Evaluations for your subordinates. Their promotion could be riding on how you document their work. |
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Memorial Day
Finally, as we commemorate Memorial Day this weekend, please take time to remember those who have sacrificed to protect our way of life. Please join the entire Local 1014 Executive Board as we pause this Memorial Day to reflect and remember all of the military personnel who have served or are serving our great Country. In all branches of service, Americans have proudly sacrificed so much to make America the greatest Country in the world. It is important to remember those who have given their all so that we may prosper and have the freedoms we enjoy.
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We would also like to once again take a moment to remind everyone to celebrate responsibly this holiday. If you make a mistake and have too much to drink, think you might have impairment from drinking, or if you know you will be having a few and be over the limit, DON'T DRIVE. Also, be mindful of distracted driving activities like texting. We want all our members and their families to celebrate safely this holiday and enjoy a well-earned break.
Thank you to all our 1014 members who will be on the line during this holiday protecting and serving our citizens in Los Angeles County.
Stay safe and have a great weekend. |
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In Solidarity,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board |
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FRIDAY UPDATE
Sisters & Brothers,
This week, we again saw what brotherhood and sisterhood looks like for our 1014 family. Time and time again our membership comes together to lean on each other and into each other in times of need. Local 1014 members, Chief Officers, Vista Firefighters Local 4107, friends, and family all stood beside our Brother John Tuck and Sister Christy Tuck and their extended family to remember Nick Tuck and to speak openly and honestly about behavioral health.
The service in Vista was truly special. We heard of a remarkable man in Nick Tuck, an 8-year Air Force veteran and a great human. A remarkable husband, son, brother and uncle who selflessly helped others and served our great Country only to lose the battle with the demons he faced.
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John and Christy Tuck were so brave to help us all break down stigma and speak openly and honestly about behavioral health, watching out for each other, looking for signs and symptoms, and seeking help. We were all moved by the realization that everyone, simply everyone, has behavioral health issues and injury to some extent. Some more than others and it’s time to give ourselves a break and find the tools to deal with these issues.
We thank John and Christy Tuck and their family for their brave compassion for us all during their time of need. Nick and the Tucks made a difference and going forward will continue to help others to avoid split-second decisions that last a lifetime.
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SAFETY STAND DOWN
On the heels of the Tuck’s ceremony, LA County Firefighters, Dispatchers, Heavy Equipment Operators, Fire Suppression Aids, Fire Prevention, HazMat, LIfeguards, and Forestry Personnel engaged in a Department-wide Safety Stand Down to bring awareness to Firefighter and Fire Personnel suicide. We joined over 30,000 Firefighters across the State in standing down for behavioral health and making a commitment to prevent firefighter suicides and treat all post-traumatic stress injuries.
For the third year in a row, our Department engaged in three days of drills in our firehouses and fire administrative sites to bring awareness to not only the signs and symptoms of behavioral health issues including suicide, but also to review the tools we have to battle these injuries.
Our members are being pushed harder than ever, forced to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic and historic wildfires. The pandemic has introduced new anxiety to an already stressful job. This stress can overwhelm even the strongest among us – with one of our own taking their life.
The facts speak for themselves:
- Firefighting is second only to combat soldiers in terms of occupational stress
- Over the past five years, more firefighters have taken their own lives than died in traumatic line-of-duty deaths
- Nearly one in three firefighters has considered suicide.
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Los Angeles County Fire Fighters Local 1014 and the Department have negotiated to train and resource over 150 Peer Support Team members with Dr. Steve Froehlich as our lead clinician to help our members. These Peers are members like you and me with extra training to help those in need with confidential peer-based conversation and intervention.
Please take time to review the material that went out with the station drills and stand down conducted in our houses this past week for mental health awareness month.
Look out for each other, communicate with each other. Remember to take time to get away from the stressors of the job with days off, exercise, hobbies, and family outside of work. We have created a safe place for those in need to reach out to peers and trained clinicians when help is needed in a confidential manner. You can also take a look at healingourown.org for additional resources along with Firestrong all in a confidential manner. |
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48/96 Trial Shift Schedule Update
We continue to push on the 48/96 Trial Shift Schedule. This week, Local 1014 hosted a great discussion between Local 1014 Executive Board Committee Members and the Fire Chief and his Executive Staff. We have been seeking the Fire Chief’s support for our proposal before we carry our ask to the Board of Supervisors. This week, we met for over three hours to discuss the proposal and ask and answer any and all questions and concerns as well as reviewed logistical issues for any such temporary change. |
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It was a productive conversation with many issues brought up both old and new for our collective consideration. We want to thank the Fire Chief and the Executive Staff for coming to the Alfred K. Whitehead Labor Center and 1014 Union Hall to meet and discuss this issue. We will continue to discuss this with and try to earn the Fire Chief and managers' support for the one-year trial.
Patience as well as addressing the logistical and operational realities with facts has been key in moving this proposal to a formal and legitimate MOU ask relative to schedule. This has not been easy and in the words of the Fire Chief, “if it was easy there would already be an answer or an action relative to the request.”
We want to thank Brother Lyle Koegler and the 48 /96 Committee members for their hard work and Lyle's time to present the formal proposal in a professional and powerful manner with Local 1014’s guidance and advocacy. Stay tuned and keep calm and patient as we get to final deliberations and discussions with Labor and Management.
Stay safe and have a great weekend. |
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In Solidarity,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board |
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FRIDAY UPDATE
Sisters & Brothers,
This week, our members have been fighting on the frontline with the Pine Fire in Piñon Hills and the Sante Fe Fire in Irwindale. We can never emphasize enough the gratitude we feel for representing the finest Fire Personnel in the country. As we head into the summer months, we know that our members will be tested more than ever with the increasing intensity and scale of wildfires in LA County and across the State. Thank you to you and your families for your unwavering commitment to the safety of our LA County residents and our communities.
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LA County Firefighter Memorial
This week, we also paid tribute to all of the brave and selfless LACOFD brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect others.
In a small ceremony, we recognized and remembered Battalion Chief Mark Tolbert and Brother Randall Duarte, both of whom passed away in 2019. We shall not forget. |
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SAVE THE DATE: BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SAFETY STAND DOWN
Next week, our entire Department will be engaging in a Department-wide Suicide Awareness & Safety Stand-Down. From May 17 to May 21 we will join our 30,000 plus brothers and sisters from across California in a Behavioral Health Safety Stand Down to bring awareness to the importance of mental health for our Firefighters and Fire Personnel.
Our members are being pushed harder than ever, forced to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic and historic wildfires. The pandemic has introduced new anxiety to an already stressful job. This stress can overwhelm even the strongest among us – with one of our own taking their life.
The facts speak for themselves:
- Firefighting is second only to combat soldiers in terms of occupational stress
- Over the past five years, more firefighters have taken their own lives than died in traumatic line-of-duty deaths
- Nearly one in three firefighters has considered suicide.
This May, the California fire service is once again mobilizing firefighters to participate in a Behavioral Health Suicide Awareness Safety Stand Down. Now in its third year, the Safety Stand Down seeks to engage firefighters directly through training on a health and safety issue that could, literally, be a matter of life and death.
The California Fire Service Behavioral Health Task Force, co-chaired by President Dave Gillotte, will provide fire stations and local unions the tools they need to help get the conversation started. Material, including wallet cards, posters, and other material, will be available along with links to resources. In addition to these resources, Local 1014 will also be posting new station posters with behavioral health resources and Peer Support Team contacts.
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As always, stay safe and take care of each other.
In Solidarity,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board |
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