By Brandon Miller
In April, Local 935 asked for members to apply to a newly formed
Workers’ Compensation Committee. Captain Bob Mack was inspired to
create the group after seeing coworkers struggle with the process of going
off work after an illness or injury. Once injured, members had questions
but sometimes did not know where to look for guidance. They may know
someone who has been through the process, but there has been no
formal training or direction offered. Members are unsure of what their
paychecks will be, what their treatment might look like and how long they
will be off work. This is where the committee comes in. Our goal is to help
answer our member’s questions by learning about the “OC” process and
serving as an advocate for our firefighters to receive quick and effective
treatment to return to work.
Committee members include Captains Bob Mack, Collin Sheehy and Jett
Schuster; Engineers Aaron Aspel, Omar Aguilar and Michael Caddell, as
well as Firefighter/Paramedic Brandon Miller. Each member is committed
to learning about the process and to offer help to anyone with questions.
Photos: Dennis Weaver
Omar Aguilar summarizes the committee’s purpose. “It’s vital for our
committee to provide the most up to date information to our members
by having proper legal representation in their corner. We strive towards
getting our brothers and sisters back to work healthy and in a timely
manner. We want to advise them to seek legal guidance to help navigate
through the ever changing workers’ compensation arena.”
compensation specialist and has extensive experience in the field. Mr.
Straussner is available for consultation at any point to make sure our
members are receiving proper care. “My partners and I had the pleasure
of meeting with the IAFF Local 935’s Workers’ Compensation Committee
to discuss trends in the workers’ comp system. Following the meeting, we
committed to helping the members with any workers’ comp and disability
retirement issues that may arise. We are available for free consultation
regarding questions, information and representation to all members.”
If injured, please contact your union representative. They keep track of
members on OC and update their status at union meetings. Be sure to
maintain copies of all your medical records and document conversations
and doctor visits. It is also beneficial to complete the process to have a
predesignated primary doctor you would like to use. Once injured, you
will be unable to use your primary doctor if you have not filled out the
appropriate paperwork.
The committee will meet once a quarter and hold conference calls. We
are committed to supporting our members and their well-being. Do not
hesitate to contact any members of the committee with questions or with
personal experiences.
Firefighter/Paramedic and committee member Brandon Miller is
currently assigned to Station 221 in San Bernardino.
Attorney Aaron Straussner has graciously offered to meet with our
members to offer his services and guidance. He is a certified workers’
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FIREWIRE • FALL 2018
FALL 2018 • FIREWIRE
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