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FRIDAY UPDATE
Brothers and Sisters,
This week, our members continue to see a steady influx in the severity of calls due to COVID-19. Your Union is working collaboratively with the Department, LA County Public Health, our Board of Supervisors, and the State to ensure that we continue to receive the equipment and resources we need to serve our communities and keep our members safe. As we continue to navigate this process, your Union is looking for more ways we can support our members, their families, and the community.
On a positive note, we have encouraging news from our Brothers and Sisters at Torrance Firefighters Association Local 1138, who had a member who needed a plasma donation due to COVID-19. See their message of thanks below:
The Torrance Fire Department would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming support over the past few days! We are happy to report positive progress in our fire engineer's recovery as he continues to receive aggressive treatment, and a preliminary plasma donor has been identified. We are hopeful that his condition improves. Should his condition improve enough and he does not need the plasma therapy after all, the plasma that is now designated for him can be given instead to a patient in more dire need. Each day we are celebrating small gains and keep our prayers focused on our family member who is fighting COVID-19.
Thank you to our Union family for stepping up and finding a donor. While this is good news, we must remain vigilant as we are still facing this danger every day out in the field.
In our own Local 1014 Family, we have a member who needs our thoughts and prayers next week. Brother Germain Aguilera from FS 20 is undergoing surgery to have a brain tumor removed next week. Please keep our Brother in your prayers next week. We will have more information for those who wish to support him and his family next week. For now, thoughts and prayers for a smooth surgery and a quick recovery.
Peer Support and Telemental Health Services and Services for Families
As a reminder, the Warriors Research Institute (WRI) - run by IAFF Behavioral Health partner Dr. Suzy Gulliver - is offering telemental health services at no cost to all IAFF members.
Treatment is provided on a secure web platform by licensed therapists who have experience working with firefighters. Call in by phone or participate via your personal computer in the comfort of your own home. Treatment can address a range of behavioral health challenges and you do not need a specific diagnosis to participate. Learn more here.
 Additionally, please remember to use the resources available through the Union from IAFF, and CPF including the Peer Support Program, which includes active, retiree and family resources, and the Healing Our Own website if you need help.
We often focus on the stress of our members while on the job; however, the stress at home for families is equally great right now with schools closed and activities postponed. Please share these resources with your families and encourage them to reach out if needed.
As always, please get your information from reliable and confirmed sources: Local 1014, Department EA’s, IAFF and CPF as well as FireSync App which all have COVID-19 information links with the COVID-19 reporting link as well.
Stay safe; take care of each other. Remember that your conduct both on and off duty with regard to social distancing, cleaning and proper PPE makes a difference in not only your health but the health of those you work with and their families. Be responsible and let us all do our part.
In Solidarity and Strength,
President Dave Gillotte and the Local 1014 Executive Board
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