Transcript:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This is your Business Manager Joe Dabbs. It is with a heavy heart that I bring you tragic news of loss and trauma to our brotherhood.
On the afternoon of Tuesday, February 13 at the Manassas JATC, a student attacked and assaulted two other students, injuring one and killing the other. Police who arrived on the scene used lethal force on the attacker who ignored commands to disarm. The attacker was declared dead at the scene.
We know that many students and staff witnessed this tragic event, and scores of other Local 26 members are grieving the loss of their friends and colleagues. Our Local 26 leadership immediately began addressing the trauma experienced by those who witnessed the incident.
In addition to helping those who were stranded at the scene, we began marshaling the health and wellness resources the Union has available, while also seeking outside experts to provide counseling and support to help our members and others present to mitigate the adverse impact of trauma and distress. You should have all received information from health and welfare on the availability of resources through our BHS system. Attached to this message we will include resource links.
We are preparing to make available in-person crisis counselors for witnesses of the tragedy at a meeting early next week.
Thank you to the hundreds of members who attended the funeral of Elijah Safadi on Thursday. It was touching to see the brotherhood come together in the most difficult of times.
The messages of support from our contractors, members, and the community at-large have been astounding. We are currently exploring how to take in funds to further support the families of the victims.
Don’t be afraid to take advantage of the resources available and please be safe out there.
Joe Dabbs
Business Manager
IBEW Local 26
jdabbs@ibewlocal26.org
301-459-2900
