On Thursday, March 14, 2024, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) Peer Support Team participated in the 2024 first quarter in-person training seminar at Cottonwood Church in the City of Los Alamitos.
More than 125 individuals attended this highly informative seminar that covered topics of substance abuse, coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the positive health and well-being of active and retired members. This event served as a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and provided peer support team members and guests an opportunity to explore and learn more about cultural competencies along with other service benefits for our members.
LACoFD Chief Deputy of Emergency Operations, Jon O’Brien gave opening remarks, followed by Deputy Fire Chief of the Leadership and Professional Standards Bureau, Dennis Breshears, Acting Assistant Fire Chief of Division IX and the Wellness Section, Gerald Gonzales, and IAFF Local 1014 President Dave Gillotte who highlighted the importance of this training event.
Retired Fire Captain Joe Woyjeck gave a powerful keynote that included a personal testimony of family loss and grief that was followed by an engaging panel discussion featuring contract clinicians and Dr. Steven Froelich who discussed important aspects of behavioral health tailored to the needs of LACoFD members.
The LACoFD expresses its deepest gratitude to Frontline Behavioral Wellness for sponsoring this event, to all the peer support team members and guests in attendance, and to Ontario Fire, Corona Fire, and Torrance Fire Departments for participating and underscoring the collaborative and supportive nature of the fire service.
