While most realize that firefighters play a critical role in emergencies, the proud title of Caregiver is by no means restricted to public safety or health care professionals.

As we gather with family and friends this holiday season, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department ask you to join them in a spirit of compassion and prevention, by frankly assessing and addressing the medical, social and safety needs of those closest to you.

Whether an elderly or infirm person - or a dependant child, our time together during the holidays allows us to both appreciate the challenges before us, and most importantly to ask for help.

Along with statewide resources in California, including our regional 2-1-1 system, the Federal Government provides information to help family and informal caregivers maintain the comfort, wellness and safety of others. To learn more, visit:

usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Health/caregivers.shtml
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department