Dear CAL FIRE Local 2881 members:
Not only in California and the United States but worldwide, the present healthcare crisis has created a situation that none of us have ever seen. As of this morning, more than 100 million Americans are in lockdown. The restrictions on Californians increase each day. For example, Los Angeles closed their beaches, parks, and canyons to personal gatherings. The impacts, however, are not limited to either the urban or rural sections of our state but are shared by everyone.
CAL FIRE Local 2881 is on the frontline of navigating the unprecedented impact of COVID-19 and the communities we serve. The residents of California are depending more than ever on public safety, and, as the situation likely worsens, we will be called upon to do much more.
CAL FIRE Local 2881 and the Department are working closely together during this evolving crisis. We are working in conjunction with the Governor’s office and following Governor Newsom’s guidelines as laid out in his emergency declaration. Please understand, both the Union and the Department are monitoring the situation hourly and are working through issues as they present themselves. Make no mistake, we are still in the early stages of this crisis, and it will have an impact on the work we do.
Firefighters have an inherent risk for injuries and illnesses. The career to which we decided to dedicate our lives is filled with risk. However, when it comes to physical injuries, we rely on our training and take precautions to prevent them. We need to apply the same professionalism and high regard to caution when it comes to infectious diseases like COVID-19. Each of us must take every precaution possible.
Not surprisingly, considering the responsibilities we have as firefighters, we have had several members who have been, in the course of their duties and taking all appropriate precautions, exposed to COVID-19. We have also had members who were not wearing the protective equipment provided experiencing exposure to the virus. I cannot overemphasize the importance of wearing proper protective equipment. Please understand that it is imperative for everyone to take the necessary steps to protect themselves, their coworkers, and their families from possible infection.
We are being tasked with maintaining calm during a time of profound uncertainty in our state, our country, and the entire world. Every day, we are responding to chaotic situations, and I am proud that each of you has the training and experience to bring a sense of structure and hope.
The pressures in our lives are not from just being firefighters. We are dealing with spouses out of work, childcare issues, and ensuring our families have the necessities needed to endure the statewide “Shelter in Place.” The additional stress can take a toll physically and emotionally. As colleagues, Union brothers and sisters, and as friends, let’s find the time to check on each other and offer assistance whenever we can. Now more than ever, we must look out for one another.
We have handled disasters in the past. We are the best at handling crises. I believe the men and women of CAL FIRE will rise to the challenge and be an example for all of our neighbors, showing policymakers at every level why we are California’s Fire Department.
Stay strong,
Tim Edwards
President, CAL FIRE Local 2881
