8TH DISTRICT REPORT | FREDDY ESCOBAR
Look out for one another
On September 16th, members of our UFLAC Executive Board attended the 2023 IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Colorado Springs as the names of five former UFLAC members were added to the Wall. LAFD Captain II John Ruedy, Captain I George Roque, Captain I William James, Firefighter III Henry Munoz, and Firefighter III Russell Nakamura were all remembered, along with hundreds of other firefighters from throughout the United States and Canada who died from Line of Duty Deaths. It was truly our honor to attend this special ceremony with the families of our fallen LAFD brothers on this somber occasion.
Sadly, just one week after the Fallen Firefighter Memorial, I gave remarks at the funeral service of yet another beloved LAFD brother who we recently lost - Firefighter III Daniel P. Ramirez, who served the people of Los Angeles with courage, respect, and compassion for more than three decades.
I’ve seen the fire service evolve over the course of my 34-year career with the LAFD in many ways. One of the good things that has changed over time is our collective willingness to talk about mental health, post-traumatic stress, and the other challenges that come with this profession.
LAFD Firefighter Ramirez was a friend of mine. I worked side by side with him for years at the legendary LAFD Fire Station 26 and he was a solid firefighter and a great family man. He was a Captain’s dream to have on the crew. Those who were close to him didn’t realize anything was wrong until it was too late.
On August 1st, LAFD Firefighter III Ramirez decided to take his own life. It is only with the permission of his wife of 30+ years that I share this story with others in the fire family because everyone needs help from time to time.
So please take care of yourself. And as firefighters, that doesn’t only mean physically, but mentally & emotionally. We don’t talk about it enough, but our mental health is equally as important as our physical health, so let’s continue to look out for one another.