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:  

1. The UCLA team is only using the samples for COVID related tests (i.e. antibody and PCR).
2. The testing they are providing through their study is the most state-of-the-art testing offered.
3. They are able to test for the presence of antibodies as well as antibody levels. 
   1. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!

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. 

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 

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 end the fourth month of our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Once again we saw our members step up to the plate and serve our communities with professionalism and care. As we wrap up the third day of our Safety Stand-Down for training and education on COVID-19, we are reminded of the critical importance of gear, masks, and protocols and to heed the words of our Medical Director, Dr. Clayton Kazan, as he and his staff work to keep us safe. These protocols are in place for a reason and even though we have been doing an excellent job of protecting ourselves, we need to remain vigilant as the climate and infection rates change. 

We would also like to thank our LACoFD Health Programs Office for their dedication to ensuring that our members stay safe and healthy and get the best, evidence-based treatment available. With over 150 years of experience combined, they are led by three attending physicians and have been tackling an enormous job. In the words of Dr. Kazan, "Over the past month, due to the spike in cases, that has meant actively monitoring more than 500 personnel simultaneously...Most of the individuals who spread it did so unknowingly because they were either asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic at the time...In the past month, the Department has had more than 100 new confirmed infections."  

For more information on the incredible job our HPO is doing to track our members and deliver care, please read the latest article in EMS 1 "Longitudinally tracking fire/EMS staff exposure to COVID-19". We need to remain vigilant to protect our members and their families. Stay safe and wear your masks. 

Click here to listen. 

If you have not had the chance to already, please take a moment to listen to the latest California Professional Firefighters Fire Wire Podcast and the powerful testimony from two of our brothers at Anaheim Firefighters Association Local 2899 — healthy, experienced firefighters — who spent close to a month in the hospital after contracting the deadly virus.

Fill The Boot Campaign Update

For 66 years, the IAFF has been committed to supporting MDA and the families they serve. The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted that support. 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. 

With our iconic Fill the Boot campaign on hiatus, the IAFF and MDA are currently working together on a virtual Fill the Boot program to continue to support and help raise these critically needed funds. This campaign, scheduled to launch in early August. 

Click above to see why supporting MDA is so important.

Please keep an eye out for our upcoming virtual campaign and encourage your family, friends, and loved ones to participate via social media. 

 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

Sisters and Brothers, 

First, on behalf of the Union Executive Board, we want to say THANK YOU to all our members and their families for the incredible dedication, professionalism, and care you have shown to our communities as we navigate the constantly changing frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic. This has not been an easy few months and we know that this pandemic has placed a strain on you and your families. Thank you for continuing to serve our most vulnerable at great personal risk to you and your families. You are our frontline heroes and we can never thank you enough. 

The Department sent out EA 326 in an attempt to reiterate policies and help us continue to do the great job we have been doing to stay healthy while we handle this dangerous mission. While we acknowledge that we ALL need to remain vigilant and practice the highest level of protection and precaution, the tone and language in the EA does NOT reflect the incredible care that our members have taken as they serve day in and day out on the frontline.  

Our members as a whole have done an incredible job of not only serving our residents but maintaining standards needed to prevent the spread and our numbers reflect that commitment. It is true we have had our incidents of people not adhering to the standards and those issues have been addressed and dealt with appropriately. It is extremely important to continue to hold ourselves to the highest standard for the good of our members, our families, and our communities. To that end please take a moment to listen to the latest CPF Fire Wire Podcast and the powerful testimony from two of our brothers at Anaheim Firefighters Local 2899 — healthy, experienced firefighters — who spent close to a month in the hospital after contracting the deadly virus.

We are blessed to have Dr. Kazan as our Medical Director and Health Services Director during this trying time. He has done a great job removing the politics, advising us, and crafting policies to keep us safe.  We support Dr. Kazan and all his input and expertise in our policies. However, we risk losing that message when it is not delivered properly by Management. 

It can be easy for Management, who are removed from the reality of the field, to not comprehend the level of commitment it takes for our members to maintain these standards as we work on thousands of COVID patients and transport and care for the most severely ill patients several times a day. However, ignorance of the field is NOT an excuse for the unacceptable language used in the EA to scold our members.  

We will be working with the Department to discuss this rollout and will work to regain the leader’s intent and good practice as we continue to serve the public during this challenging time. The Union has contacted Chief Osby and is working to make changes to the language of this EA that reflects both the need for vigilance and the dedication and sacrifice our members have made and continue to make to serve LA County.  

We are fighting for you and your families, not only for you to remain safe and healthy but also for you to receive the respect you deserve as you risk your health every day in the field.  

In Solidarity and Strength,

President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board