| |
|
|
|
Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014
Representing over 3200 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Fire Prevention, Forestry
and Health Haz Mat Personnel
|
|
|
Friday Update
Brothers & Sisters,
This week as we continue to fight enormous fires across the state, your Union Board is also continuing to work and push the Department for changes to staffing that make sense for our members.
The Chief Deputy of Operations has many staffing revisions on his desk regarding days in a row worked, recall thresholds, rest days post-Strike Teams. Many of our solutions for short-staffing levels, fires and recalls have been implemented but are not in print yet. We will push hard to get those revisions updated and out from the Department. The Fires have put a strain on our workforce and the members have met the challenge and need as we always do. The Department needs the filters removed sometimes to recall and know what that means where the rubber meets the road and the boots meet the dirt.
We will continue to bring that clear unfiltered view of the workers' world to the Chief and Executive Staff.
 
STATE LEGISLATION ON COMMUNITY PARAMEDICINE
This week we are also pleased to announce that Governor Newsom signed into law AB1544 (Gibson), the Community Paramedicine or Triage to Alternate Destination Act which will help get vulnerable patients the care that they need leading to better patient outcomes. By allowing for transportation to alternate destinations like sobering centers and mental health facilities, this law will help connect trusted firefighter-paramedics to the most vulnerable patients in our community and deliver vital services to ensure the highest quality care. It will also help reduce overcrowding in our emergency rooms.
This is a big victory for Local 1014 and has been a long hard-fought battle for LA County. Local 1014, President Dave Gillotte and Supervisor Janice Hahn, and our legislative team at California Professional Firefighters have been pushing for this legislation for many years. Special thank you to Supervisor Janice Hahn who has been a staunch advocate for our members and this critical piece of legislation since the beginning.
IAFF FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL
Tomorrow, Saturday, September 26, the California Professional Firefighters together with the California Fire Foundation will honor the sacrifice of our 32 fallen brothers and sisters as their names are added to the California Firefighters Memorial Wall in Sacramento. In addition, a commemorative video tribute that embodies the honor, courage, duty, and sacrifice of California firefighters we have lost in the line of duty will be created. All names added to the wall in 2020 will be honored at the 2021 California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony along with 2021 honorees.
Please save-the-date for next year’s 19th Annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony being held Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 11:30 AM in Capitol Park, Sacramento, CA.
WATCH:
https://www.facebook.com/CAFirefighters
WELCOMING CITY OF VERNON TO THE 1014 FAMILY
This week, Local 1014 attended a question and answer session with the City of Vernon members. The transition is set to take place on October 21. Welcome to the LA County Family!
As always stay safe and take care of each other.
In Solidarity and Strength,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014
Representing over 3200 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Fire Prevention, Forestry
and Health Haz Mat Personnel
|
|
MEMBERSHIP MEETING
DATE: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2020
TIME: 10:00 A.M.
LOCATION: LOCAL 1014 UNION HALL
3460 FLETCHER AVENUE
EL MONTE, CA 91731
OFFICE: (310) 639-1014
FAX: (310) 639-5314
SPECIAL ITEM OF BUSINESS:
NOMINATIONS FOR OFFICERS
AND DIRECTORS OF LOCAL 1014
ELECTION SCHEDULE – 2018
October 13, 2020 - Nominations
October 20, 2020 - Acceptance Closes
October 23, 2020 - Resumes Submitted
November 6, 2020 - Ballots Mailed
November 23, 2020 - Ballots Counted
January 12, 2021 - Installation of Executive Board
Local 1014 is in the process of preparing for our 2020 Executive Board Elections. If you had a change of address in the last 6 months and have not notified the Union, you need to call, fax or email your new address immediately.
E-MAIL : mail@local1014.org
Visit our Web Page at: www.local1014.org
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014
Representing over 3200 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Fire Prevention, Forestry
and Health Haz Mat Personnel
|
|
|
Friday Update
Brothers & Sisters,
 Today as we laid to rest Brother Mike Fournier and honored his sacrifice and that of his family, we learned of another tragic death of one of our brothers from the US Forest Service at the El Dorado Fire. Our prayers and condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
This year has been particularly difficult for our members as we are being stretched to the limit both physically and mentally with COVID-19 as well as facing unprecedented dangers with wildfires across the state. The tragic death of Brother Fournier and our USFS brother are stark reminders of the risk we take to protect our communities. As we continue to battle the Bobcat Fire, stay safe, and take care of each other. Remember to use the resources in your stations if you or someone you know needs peer support.
IAFF FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL
Tomorrow, Saturday, September 19 at 11:00 a.m. (Mountain Time) for the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) 2020 Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Virtual Remembrance to honor our fallen whose names will forever be etched onto our Wall of Honor. We are all disappointed that we are unable to hold our traditional ceremony this year, but this is the safest and best path during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year we will be adding Brother Randall Duarte’s name to the Wall of Honor. All our 2020 families are invited to the 2021 Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial service on September 18, 2021, in Colorado Springs where they will receive flags and experience the full magnitude of the honors provided at our annual ceremony. Honor our fallen brothers and sisters and tune in to tomorrow’s memorial.
WATCH:
www.iaff.org/fffm20/
www.youtube.com/IAFFTV/Live
www.facebook.com/iaffonline
MEMBERS NEEDED FOR UCLA COVID-19 STUDY
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is conducting a study on Firefighters and COVID-19. We need greater participation from our members to ensure that we have the data necessary to fight for critical legislation and benefits like presumption. See the details of the study below:
- The UCLA team is only using the samples for COVID related tests (i.e. antibody and PCR).
- The testing they are providing through their study is the most state-of-the-art testing offered.
- They are able to test for the presence of antibodies as well as antibody levels.
- This is important because we expect some people will be able to maintain antibody levels while others may not, however, we need more information to predict this accurately.
- We have noted that even asymptomatic Firefighters who are post-COVID infection may have reduced exercise tolerance. This has been particularly notable during fires. Our hope is that this study will help us identify at-risk members BEFORE they go into a fire.
- Lastly, we are already seeing reinfections worldwide and likely within the fire service. If we have baseline data on reinfection we can ask the UCLA lab to genetically sequence the virus. This will help tell us why reinfection occurred (among other things).
Participation is voluntary but we are encouraging members to participate because this study is critical to understanding how this disease is going to impact our workforce and ability to respond to emergencies now and in the future.
If you are interested in participating please contact Battalion Chief Brian Kane.
In Solidarity and Strength,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014
Representing over 3200 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Fire Prevention, Forestry
and Health Haz Mat Personnel
|
|
|
Friday Update
Brothers & Sisters,
Tuesday, September 11, 2001, is a day that we shall never forget. Firefighters and Paramedics who responded to the Pentagon, Shanksville PA, and the World Trade Center, which took 343 of our bravest, became Americas' symbol of hope, honor, and resilience.
We are still seeing the effects of this tragedy today for our First Responders who are suffering from exposure to the toxic chemicals released when the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center fell.
Please take a moment today to stay true to our commitment: "We Shall Never Forget". As you move through your day, take time to remember and honor all those who served and gave all including our military personnel.
Today we honor our fallen and the continued sacrifice of ALL our Local 1014 members as they battle massive wildfires throughout the state and spend time away from home and family in order to keep their commitment to the residents of Los Angeles County.
In Solidarity and Strength,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014
Representing over 3200 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Fire Prevention, Forestry
and Health Haz Mat Personnel
|
|
|
Friday Update
Brothers & Sisters,
Strike Teams and Statewide Fire Mutual Aid
  
With record high temperatures set for this weekend, Local 1014 members are already fighting fires on Lake 1, Lake 2, Ranch 1, Ranch 2, CZU August Lightning Complex, LNU Lightning Complex, North Complex, Cold Springs, SCU Lightning, and the Red Salmon Complex incidents. Our members are assisting statewide while continuing to deliver world-class service to our residents at home.
Many of your Executive Board members were out on strike teams over the last two weeks as well. Local 1014 members were embraced all throughout the State as one of the hardest working department’s to hit the dirt. Most of the fires were in timber to the north and our strike teams, 4 Type 1 and 1 Type 3, handled every bit of the work. Battling fire and structure protection, cutting line in and around houses, mopping up giant ash pits, and helping the communities integrate back into their neighborhoods.
Times like these are the reasons we need to staff full, train, prepare, participate in IMT Teams, and Type 3 and Crew work. Through the State's master Mutual Aid System, we give help, and we get the help. All our 1014 members should take pride in the hard work of all our teams that handle the work from the time the call comes in until the last moment the emergency is mitigated. Thank you to all of our Local 1014 Members who continue to deliver service excellence in all we do.
SEPTEMBER IS SUICIDE PREVENTION AND AWARENESS MONTH
September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. We know that as First Responders, saving lives is the most rewarding part of our profession, but the emotional burden of traumatic calls can overwhelm even the strongest among us. As we battle unprecedented wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to be extra vigilant about our own health both mental and physical. In many cases, post-traumatic stress injury is the cause of suicidal thoughts and all too often, our brothers and sisters suffer in silence.
Please continue to use the resources at your stations and sites to access our Peer Support Teams and Behavioral Health Resources or visit www.healingourown.org for resources and additional stand-down materials. Don’t let our brothers and sisters suffer in silence.
COVID CAN'T STOP US FROM FILLING THE BOOT! Virtual Fill The Boot Campaign!
If every member donates just $15 we will make our goal of $50,000!!!
MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND DONATE TODAY!
For 66 years, the IAFF has been committed to supporting MDA and the families they serve. The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted that support. Children with muscular dystrophy are some of the most susceptible to this virus. Additionally, the quarantine has limited available resources for their parents and caregivers.
The inability of our members to conduct traditional Fill the Boot drives has been devastating to MDA, which still must continue to provide vital services for families in need, especially for their most vulnerable children in the midst of this pandemic.
We have already raised nearly $5,000 for MDA but let's not lose momentum now! Click here to donate just $15 today!!
As always, stay safe, practice social distancing, wear your masks and take care of each other.
In Solidarity and Strength,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014
Representing over 3200 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Fire Prevention, Forestry
and Health Haz Mat Personnel
|
|
|
Friday Update
Brothers & Sisters,
As we head into the second week of massive fires raging across California and our members being deployed to major incidents across the state, we would like to acknowledge the incredible effort on behalf of every member of this Union. From Firefighters and Paramedics to Dispatchers, Health Hazmat, Camps, Pilots, and Forestry personnel, we work as a team to ensure that not only are we providing mutual aid to our fellow jurisdictions but we are also keeping our communities at home protected. Our members make it happen every day and we thank you!
   
ONGOING STAFFING CRISIS
Throughout these past few weeks of major incidents, your Local 1014 Executive Board has continued to tackle the staffing issues plaguing our Department. While the Department has been quick to work with us on these issues, we are continuing to push for both short-term and long-term solutions as we get deeper into the wildfire season. We have pushed to detail 30+ Fire Prevention and Camp Personnel to fill the voids in Battalions 4,5,6, and 22 as well as pushed to maintain our hiring with new academies beginning September 9th and September 28th.
The staffing crisis is now adversely affecting our Firefighter Specialist ranks as well. Local 1014 negotiated with Department to get an expedited Firefighter Specialist exam in place. Many options were discussed to ensure that the wildland fire impact did not prevent this exam from taking place. The decision was made to omit the written exam and go straight into the hands-on practical with eligibility based on existing criteria of three years of Department service as a Firefighter. This criteria yielded over 270 applicants. Our hope is that with this expedited FFS exam, an active Captain list and Firefighter entry-level academies going through that there may be some stability with staffing on the horizon for our members at least in the short-term through the holiday season.
BUDGETARY ISSUES
We continue to work to navigate the ongoing economic crisis and volatile budgetary climate from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department has been stating a projected deficit between $40 million and $80 million. As you may know, 70% of our budget comes from property taxes. We will have a much clearer vision of property tax revenue in December. Until then, we continuing to monitor these numbers closely. While budgetary times are uncertain there are reforms we can make that will help bridge these gaps like expanding revenue sources, CARES and HEROES Act monies, reimbursement from FEMA for Woolsey, and other sources.
Your Union Board is committed to working with the Department and the Board of Supervisors to fix these funding gaps and ensure that we have the resources we need to maintain service and most importantly protect jobs and benefits for our members and their families.
Finally, as always, we would like to remind our members to please stay safe and healthy both physically and mentally. Use the resources in your stations, our Peer Support Teams, and/or HealingOurOwn.org if you or your family need to support or need to talk to someone. Your Union Executive Board will continue to fight for you and your families as we battle through these tough times.
Stay safe, practice social distancing, wear your masks and take care of each other.
In Solidarity and Strength,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014
Representing over 3200 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Fire Prevention, Forestry
and Health Haz Mat Personnel
|
|
|
Friday Update
Brothers & Sisters,
This week, we are sad to report that we lost one of our Local 1014 Brothers in a tragic helicopter accident on the Hill Fire in Northern California. Brother Mike Fournier, 52, had been a Pilot with LACOFD for only a short time but he made a big impact on all who knew him. He will be missed greatly. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Please consider donating to the GoFundMe page in support of his family.
His death is a reminder that we face dangers every day as we fight to protect our communities. We shall not forget.
The past few days, we have seen a rash of hundreds of fires erupt across the State, burning over 770,000 acres and killing at least 6 people. We are truly in an unprecedented moment where our resources for both the County and the State are being stretched to the extreme. Combined with the COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in responses, we are seeing our members stretched to the limit as well.
We thank you and your families for stepping up and answering the call to serve our communities. The sacrifice you make is not unnoticed. We are honored to represent the finest Fire Personnel in the nation.
 
We would like to remind our members to please stay safe and healthy both physically and mentally. Use the resources in your stations, our Peer Support Teams, and/or HealingOurOwn.org if you or your family need to support or need to talk to someone. Your Union Executive Board will continue to fight for you and your families as we battle through these tough times.
As always stay safe, practice social distancing, wear your masks and take care of each other.
In Solidarity and Strength,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014
Representing over 3200 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Fire Prevention, Forestry
and Health Haz Mat Personnel
|
|
|
Friday Update
Brothers & Sisters,
Today we are seeing, yet again, that our members are called to do the extraordinary to serve our communities. As we battle both the Ranch Fire and the Lake Fire in addition to COVID-19 we are reminded how grateful we are for our members and their families who sacrifice every day to ensure our communities are safe. THANK YOU!
Staffing and FFS Crisis
As we mentioned previously, Local 1014 has been working extremely hard to address the FFS staffing shortage that has now hit a critical level in many battalions resulting in recalls and denied days off. This has been a major priority for us over the last few weeks. We have continuously met with the Department to negotiate temporary solutions to aid our members in the FFS ranks.
We understand and share the anger and frustration on staffing. Your Union Board is committed to coming up with real long-term solutions to this issue. To that end, we have continued to push, even in the midst of COVID-19, to hire and train in our COVID-compliant Drill Towers in order to keep up with staffing needs.
As we work on long-term solutions, we have asked for the following short-term staffing solutions to aid in the battalions that are hardest hit. For Battalions 4, 5, 6, & 22, we have asked for the following: 1) promote the remaining Engineers on the promotional list, 2) expedite the FFS exam (no written exam), 3) allow Captain work downs in Battalions 4, 5, 6, & 22 which do not count toward the 68.5 overtime cap, and 4) detail 40 FFS from 40-hour spots into the field in Battalions 4, 5, 6, & 22 only.
Working together with the Department we have already implemented or are in the process of implementing items 1, and 2 from the list above. Items 3 and 4 we are still working on implementing and will have updates for you on our progress next week.
We need short-term immediate help as we head into what will certainly be one of our most intense brush seasons. Your Executive Board is working hard to implement the remaining short-term items and get relief for our members and their families.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! Virtual Fill The Boot Campaign Begins NOW!
For 66 years, the IAFF has been committed to supporting MDA and the families they serve. The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted that support. Children with muscular dystrophy are some of the most susceptible to this virus. Additionally, the quarantine has limited available resources for their parents and caregivers.
The inability of our members to conduct traditional Fill the Boot drives has been devastating to MDA, which still must continue to provide vital services for families in need, especially for their most vulnerable children in the midst of this pandemic.
It is that time again! Time to Fill The Boot!
If every member donates just $15 we will make our goal of $50,000!!!
MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND DONATE TODAY!
As always stay safe, practice social distancing, wear your masks and take care of each other.
In Solidarity and Strength,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014
Representing over 3200 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Fire Prevention, Forestry
and Health Haz Mat Personnel
|
|
|
Friday Update
Brothers & Sisters,
Today, we honored the legacy and life of a true legend in our Department, Brother Brian "Buck" Ballentine. Buck was a teacher to many on our Department and will be remembered for his kindness, his incredible sense of humor, and his love of his family.
Buck served the residents of Los Angeles for 35 years. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, and four daughters, Alex, Lauren, Brianna, and Jaquelyn. President Dave Gillotte and members of the Local 1014 Executive Board were humbled to present the traditional engraved Bible to the Ballentine family at the service.
A testament to his legacy was the incredible turnout today for his services. Thank you to all who attended the service today and showed solidarity and support for his loved ones. He will be greatly missed.
Click here to read the tribute article to Brother Buck in the Journal of Emergency Medical Services.
Watch the live feed of the services below.
As we move into the weekend let us honor Buck's legacy by cherishing every moment with our families and friends and continuing to serve the residents of Los Angeles County with professionalism, respect, and honor.
Stay safe and take care of each other out there.
In Solidarity and Strength,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
Los Angeles County Firefighters IAFF Local 1014
Representing over 3200 Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers,
Pilots, Wildland Firefighters, Fire Prevention, Forestry
and Health Haz Mat Personnel
|
|
|
Friday Update
Brothers & Sisters,
CA Supreme Court Upholds PEPRA But Preserves CA Rule on Pension Rights
As many of you may have heard by now, the California Supreme Court has issued a narrow ruling upholding several provisions of the 2013 Public Employees Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) that limit terminal pay provisions that were negotiated before the law went into effect.
However, the court has preserved the core of the California Rule, which holds that basic pension promises made when an employee is hired must be kept, unless offset by other compensation.
In partnership with the California Professional Firefighters (CPF), Local 1014 has been tracking and analyzing several court cases that have now made it to the CA Supreme Court on this issue. This issue landed frankly right where everyone thought it would. In a very narrow ruling, the Court upheld the constitutionality of the reform items PEPRA changed in 2013. So simply put “Ventura” remains the same for legacy employees and changed for new employees post-PEPRA (Plan C).
President Gillotte, along with President Rice of CPF, has had numerous productive conversations with the Governor about protecting negotiated benefits. There is always a possibility to see additional pension or retiree healthcare attacks in the future, and now the challenge affirms it is not only legal but constitutional. More now than ever our political action and legislative advocacy work are critically important. We must also be judicious in the cases we take to challenge such an important issue in court.
We will be continuing to use all our available resources and relationships to achieve a level playing field for all members. This remains one of the top priorities for not only our Union but Fire Unions throughout the State of California.
Staffing and FFS Crisis
Local 1014 is acutely aware of the FFS staffing shortage that has now hit a critical level in many battalions resulting in recalls and denied days off once again. The last few days we have been meeting with the Department to negotiate temporary solutions to aid our members in the FFS ranks.
We will resume our talks with the Department again early next week with a sense of priority and a goal of negotiating real solutions to rapidly establish an Engineer’s List and also offer short-term staffing solutions to aid in the battalions that are hardest hit.
Stay tuned as these volatile discussions continue and we work toward an agreement. We understand and share the anger and frustration on staffing. Your Union Board is committed to coming up with real long-term solutions to this issue, but right now once again we need short-term immediate help as we head into brush season. More next week as we get this done. Stay tuned.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! Virtual Fill The Boot Campaign Begins NOW!
For 66 years, the IAFF has been committed to supporting MDA and the families they serve. The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted that support.
Local 1014 has been a proud sponsor and fundraiser of the MDA for over 60 years! As public servants, our members are not only serving on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are also helping our most vulnerable communities survive and thrive. Children with muscular dystrophy are some of the most susceptible to this virus. Additionally, the quarantine has limited available resources for their parents and caregivers.
The inability of our members to conduct traditional Fill the Boot drives has been devastating to MDA, which still must continue to provide vital services for families in need, especially for their most vulnerable children in the midst of this pandemic.
It is that time again! Time to Fill The Boot!
If every member donates just $15 we will make our goal of $50,000!!!
MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND DONATE TODAY!
As always stay safe, practice social distancing, wear your masks and take care of each other.
In Solidarity and Strength,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board
|
|
|
|
|
