California – Saving Lives Starts Here

Calling themselves the “motor doctors,” these equipment mechanics — all members of Local 127 (Council 36), and employed by the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department — were indispensable to firefighters.

San Diego, California

Calling themselves the “motor doctors,” these equipment mechanics — all members of Local 127 (Council 36), and employed by the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department — were indispensable to the firefighters who battled the wildfires that raged across Southern California in October. Charles Gray, who services fire engines, says he and his co-workers knew what was at stake. “Ours is a small part, but the life-saving starts here in the shop. A defective water pump could cost a firefighter’s life.” AFSCME members were also among the thousands who evacuated during the fierce blazes.Photo: Jon Melegrito