Named after the Greek goddess Maia, the month of May brings warmer temps, blooming flowers, and the fresh beginnings of summer. From May Day celebrations to Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, and of course Mother’s Day, May is a month worth celebrating. May is also Mental Health Awareness Month. Millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. That is why in May hundreds of organizations across the country are raising awareness for mental health. Inspire others to raise awareness, and take part in sharing information, resources, and support for mental health conditions. Many of our members are experiencing the challenges of living with a mental illness. The good news is we have so many resources to address mental illness.
UFLAC and the Los Angeles City Fire Department have built a Behavioral Health Program that you have access to at no cost. You can reach the UFLAC Center For Health and Wellness at (747)-200-6266. Additionally, UFLAC/LAFD has a robust Peer Support Program. Currently, there are 115 well-trained peers you can contact directly. Access to a complete roster of team members is posted on the UFLAC website. Assistance is just a call or text away. The LAFRA PPO Medical Plan is here to support you and your family if your mental health is suffering and offers great mental health benefits. Mental Health is covered for outpatient services at 100% with a small $15.00 copay for an in-network PPO provider and $30.00 for a Non-PPO Provider. Mental Health- Inpatient Room and Board for a PPO provider is covered at 100% after you meet $250.00 deductible, then 10% of the first $5,000. Your total out-of-pocket would only be 750.00 for Inpatient Room & Board (including residential treatment facilities).
We have a new five-year contract: Attention pensioners and soon to be pensioners. LAFRA, UFLAC, LAPRA, PPL, and LAFPP have secured a new five-year contract. LAFPP requires LAFRA to operate within this contract as we are one of the approved associations that provides benefits to our retirees. A tremendous amount of work was put forth to make us successful in this endeavor. Thank you to the associations, bargaining units, and LAFPP for your collaboration and patience over the many months of work. On April 6th, 2023, during the LAFPP regular board meeting LAFPP commissioners approved a 6% increase in the Pre-Medicare health subsidy for pensioners. I would like to personally thank the LAFPP Board of Fire and Police Commissioners for their diligent work and consideration to increase the Pre-Medicare health subsidy. Continued increases in healthcare present an ongoing financial challenge for our pensioners and this increase will help keep premiums more affordable. We appreciate the long partnership with LAFPP and are looking forward to continuing to work closely with LAFPP for the benefit of our members.
On March 18th, 2023, the annual Hook and Ladder Enduro ride, which supports Widows Orphans and Disabled Firefighters Fund, was held in California City. This is the second year under the new leadership of Tim Wuerful, the Cooper Family, and an army of volunteers. Of course, this event was very well-attended and Tim, along with his crew, put together an amazing event raising $28,000 for the WODFF. This year was a great year, not only for fundraising, but hotdogs consumed thanks to our LAFRA Trustee Steve Berkery and Teter’s Trailer. This event never disappoints, provides great camaraderie for the whole family, and supports our members. If you have never attended this event, please consider adding this to your calendar next year.
Last month brought another successful year of the Lane Kemper Softball Classic. This great event has been a long-time Relief Association function, originally called “Bats and Beer” started by the late and great Lane Kemper and now currently organized by Keith Bandy. I would like to acknowledge the dedication and all the hard work put forth by Keith and his volunteers. Keith has been at the helm for the last five years and he does an incredible job creating an event that provides great camaraderie for our members and their families. This is the final chapter for Keith and the Lane Kemper Classic as he is hanging it up. Judd Ream and Chad Corona will be taking over as the new leads for this event. From all the Trustees here at LAFRA, thank you Keith for your commitment and contribution to our Relief Association.
On April 18th, 2023, LAFRA, UFLAC, LAFD members, and several family and friends attended the celebration of life for Captain I George Roque. The celebration was held at The Pond at Casey Orchards in Redlands CA. The Roque family did an amazing job at putting together one of the finest celebrations to honor this great hero. George was a husband to Hope, a father to four children, and a grandfather to eight grandchildren. This man, along with the entire Roque family, are loved tremendously and that was obvious by the number of people who attended his celebration of life. Rest easy Captain Roque.
Are you ready for this year’s annual Firefighter’s reunion at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula? Come out and join us for some great camaraderie including golf, a wine tour, pizza night, and Representatives Day. We are looking forward to a record year so please make your reservations early for the May 22-26 festivities. Save your RV space by contacting Juan Albarran at (805)807-3616 or jalbarran@lafra.org. If you are not going to book an RV space or they are taken, contact Pechenga Room Reservations at 1 (877) 711-2946 to book your room.
Save the Dates:
• Pechanga Reunion- 5/22- 5/26
• Hope For Firefighters- 6/1
• Fire Hogs Memorial Ride- 6/10
• Scott Souter Charity Golf Tournament- 10/9
• LAFD Invitational Golf Tournament- 10/16
Christopher Stine
president@lafra.org
323.259.5202
