When they heard that budgetary restraints were preventing the installation of Automatic External Defibrillators (AED’s) in Algona and Pacific City Halls, Valley Professional Firefighters Union IAFF Local 1352 took it upon themselves to solve the problem. Using $2,800 from their benevolent fund, firefighters purchased two of the life-saving devices for the citizens of Algona and Pacific.

“The use of an AED in the first moments after a cardiac arrest, before emergency responders arrive, can dramatically increase the chances of survival. We as a firefighters union felt we needed to provide these life-saving devices for the citizens we serve,“ said Michael White, Firefighter and Union Local 1352 Executive Board Member.

City employees will receive training on the devices in the next two weeks, also provided at no charge by the Valley Professional Firefighters Union. Following the training, the AED’s will be mounted in Algona City Hall and the Pacific Community Center.

Members of the media are invited to attend and photograph the training sessions: Tuesday, Oct. 12, 1:30 2:30 p.m. at Pacific City Hall, 100 3rd Ave. SE and Thursday, Oct. 21, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Algona City Hall, 402 Warde St.

Please contact Executive Board Member Michael White at mwhite@iaff1352.org or 253-347-2484 with any questions.