Local 196 Sister, Janet Gerhard, Honored with the Inaugural Local 196 First Responder Dedication Award

IFPTE Locals across New Jersey travelled to Atlantic City this week to participate in the New Jersey AFL-CIO’s annual Legislative/COPE Endorsement Conference.  The conference’s theme was “The New Jersey Labor Movement is Rising to Meet the Moment,” and was held to review and identify legislative priorities and endorse candidates who support working families. 

Among the highlights of the conference was the awarding of the Local 196 First Responder Dedication Award to IFPTE Union Sister, Janet Gerhard.  In presenting the award, Local 196 President/Atlantic Area Vice President, Brother Sean McBride, called Sister Gerhard, “our Guardian Angel who gives of herself to help not only turn lives around, but save the lives of Local 196 members who are at the lowest points in their lives.” 

Gerhard, who is the Director of Public and Community Affairs for FHE Health and a member of Local 196, Chapter 13, commented, saying that, “To be called ‘Sister’ to the finest union on the international platform is a privilege I don’t take lightly…It’s very personal to me to be called upon when your members are struggling and find themselves in the vortex of addiction or complex mental health issues.” 

Janet was presented with framed letters of commendation from IFPTE and Local 196.  Congratulations Janet!  Learn more about FHE Health here.