Dear SAFER Friends and Family,
As has been the ongoing theme due to COVID 19, I am regretfully notifying you that the September SAFER meeting which was scheduled to be hosted by Ventura City Fire Department has been canceled. We would like to thank them for their continued support and willingness to host. Unfortunately the hard fact is we should consider all in-person meetings canceled until further notice, we are looking into other options to host with COVID 19 protections in place . Executive SAFER Staff is trying to post relevant information on our webpage, please check in on us when you can. If you have information that you believe is in alignment with SAFER values and would like it to be posted, contact me via e-mail.
This month is Breast Cancer Awareness month. LIke so many others Breast Cancer and Cancer in general has invaded our families, it resides in our neighborhoods and is continuously seeking a new and innocent victim. It is a sobering experience causing extreme anxiety and questions when you are told "you have cancer". Thankfully, due to science, medical advancements, prevention and benevolent charities many are surviving this insidious disease. The journey is trying in countless ways. My mother survived breast cancer, but it was not without deep personal losses; at that time the treatment was nearly as difficult to tolerate as the horrific disease. The first time I saw her bald due to Chemo and radiation reality hit and it finally showed on the outside the battle that was raging on the inside.
COVID 19 has ruled life, it has prevented critical care to cancer patients, it has put many at an increased risk, it has delayed needed advancements in ongoing research and has been a distraction to so many other greater causes. Donate, share, call a friend and look out for each other; someone very near you would appreciate your time during their time of need.
September and October are also the time we reflect on our fallen brothers and sisters who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, COVID 19 restrictions should not prevent these brave men and women from being recognized. I will be arranging an executive board meeting to address next years positions, innovation and meeting opportunities.
https://www.cafirefoundation.org/programs/california-firefighters-memorial/this-years-ceremony/
http://lafdweb.ad.lafd.ci.la.ca.us/
Please feel free to send the link to your Department's memorial and we will post it.
Please be safe,
Scott P. Quinn
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Scott P. Quinn
Battalion ChiefRisk Management Section.