They say help is always one call away.
For Louisiana fire fighters, that sentiment rings especially true. IAFF members from Louisiana and Texas came together in a show of solidarity to support the San Diego Fire Department’s Urban Search & Rescue California Task Force 8 following a severe crash on Interstate 20 in East Texas that left three members injured. The 48-member task force was en route to assist with Hurricane Helene relief efforts when the crash occurred.
San Diego, CA Local 145 Battalion Chief Aide Barbat, and Captains Jesse Schultz and Greg Davies were hospitalized with traumatic injuries. They have all since been released from the Louisiana hospital and are back in California recovering.
“It was absolutely divine intervention,” said Matt Lauterbach, secretary-treasurer of the Professional Fire Fighters Association of Louisiana and president of Bossier City, LA Local 1051. He believes they were in the right place at the right time, having learned about the accident from retired Burleson, TX Local 4350 fire fighter Curtis Dunn. “He told me there had been a serious crash, something terrible happened to three fire fighters in our area, and I immediately started making phone calls to gather more information,” Lauterbach said.
As the injured fire fighters were taken to Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, several Louisiana Locals, including Local 1051; the Professional Fire Fighters Association of Louisiana; Shreveport, LA Local 514; and Benton, LA Local 4015, quickly mobilized support using their training center for meetings, providing meals and peer support for the remaining task force members and families of the injured.
“Our guys and the local community showed up donating food and money. We cooked dinner for them, brought them lunch, provided breakfast before they headed out, played games to get their minds off things, took them to the fire stations to shower up, rest, wash their clothes, and helped with the docking of the trucks,” Lauterbach said. “Our churches, chief, and mayor were also great. The San Diego Peer Support team flew in, and our teams here assisted as well. It was heartwarming to watch all of the support.”
Danny Todd, 14th District Vice President, praised the collective efforts. “The IAFF Local leadership and membership in the Shreveport/Bossier area, along with the assistance from the Professional Fire Fighters of Louisiana, were outstanding in their support of the injured members, their families, and the other members of the San Diego team. Proud to have these unselfish members and leaders in the 14th District.”
Darrell Roberts, president of Chula Vista, CA Local 2180 and a member of Task Force 8, felt a deep personal connection to the injured fire fighters. He was back in California when he learned about the crash, with the news hitting close to home. “These are my brothers. When I heard about the accident, I immediately reached out to ensure they were being cared for,” he said. “I know Local 514 President Barbara Sellers, and she was like a lifeline for us. I knew our guys were in good hands. Her team was not just there for the medical side; they were looking after the emotional well-being of everyone involved.”
Sellers commended the unified response that sprang into action as soon as they learned of the crash. “Our state association leaders, including Lauterbach and Chad Major, were ten steps ahead in organizing support for the San Diego fire fighters. We had members at the trauma center acting as liaisons for the injured and their families. Others coordinated logistics to bring families in from Dallas and hosted meals. The outpouring of support from our community made us incredibly proud,” she said.
The support extended across state lines. “Local 514 members attending a dog training event in Dallas were able to drive the first injured fire fighter’s family back to the Shreveport hospital from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport,” said Sellers. “Arlington, TX Local 1329 members were able to bring in the second wave of the other families. I just can’t stress enough how many people stepped up to help.”
Davies returned to California and has since been released from the hospital. Schultz was released from the Louisiana hospital and arrived back home to San Diego where he will continue his recovery. Barbat returned to California today to continue receiving medical care.
“We are grateful to have Jesse back with us, continuing his healing journey. Today, Aide is expected to return home, embarking on the same path. No matter the challenges they face, they will never be alone,” said Jason Shanley, Local 145 board member. On behalf of President George Duardo, the executive board, and members, Shanley said, “we appreciate how these members helped turn a difficult situation into a demonstration of Southern Hospitality.”
General Secretary-Treasurer Frank Líma visited the task force members in the hospital. “Getting injured on the job is stressful enough when it happens in your own city, but to be injured halfway across the country makes it even harder,” Líma said. “It was an honor to be able to visit those members and see their spirits uplift even just a bit, knowing that their union was there to support them.”
Families of the injured also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support. In statements shared online, the Davies family said, “We appreciate all the love and support. The road to recovery will take time, but it’s comforting to know we have our fire family to lean on.” The Schultz family reported that Jesse is making daily progress, while Barbat’s family shared positive updates on his condition. “In this union, no one fights alone,” said General President Edward Kelly. “I’m grateful to our affiliates in Louisiana and Texas for supporting our injured brothers and their families during a particularly difficult time. The entire IAFF is with them on the road to recovery.”
The incredible support demonstrates the power of union solidarity that knows no boundaries or state lines.
“When one of us is in trouble, we all feel it. This incident has truly exemplified what it means to be part of this firefighting family,” said Roberts. “This union is in good hands. When things hit the fan, everyone’s door is open, and we come together,” said Lauterbach.
For updates, visit San Diego Fire-Rescue Department’s Facebook page here.