Front Line Voices

We’re living through a tragedy of historic proportions. The coronavirus pandemic has already taken tens of thousands of lives and destroyed our sense of normalcy. Schools and businesses are shut down. Most of us are confining ourselves to our homes, going out only for the most essential needs. Our lives have been turned upside down, and millions of Americans are struggling in an economy that has ground to a halt.

But through it all, America’s public service workers are answering the call. Putting themselves and their families at risk, they are out there every day keeping our communities healthy and safe.

Schools may be closed, but cafeteria workers are still handing out meals to children every day. EMTs are still on the streets, not just helping people with suspected coronavirus, but doing the work they’ve always done helping people in emergencies. Corrections officers are working in environments where the virus could explode at any moment. Sanitation workers are still picking up our trash and recycling.

AFSCME members are still doing thousands of essential jobs every day despite the risks. That’s what public service means. It’s not just a job – it’s a calling.

But while AFSCME members are on the front lines of this pandemic, many aren’t getting the support they need to do the jobs we all depend on. Too often, they don’t have personal protective equipment. And with budget crunches getting worse, many public service workers may find themselves being thanked with pink slips.

Here are some of their stories.

Lauren Hartnett Paramedic, New York New York City has experienced the worst of the coronavirus pandemic, and EMS workers like Laura Hartnett have been on the front lines, risking their health for the people they serve every day. Click to read more about Lauren’s story

Jason Suggs Unemployment Insurance Professional, Maryland With the economy in shambles, millions of Americans have been applying for unemployment insurance every week. Jason Suggs is working harder than ever with compassion as well as competence to get Marylanders the benefits they need to keep a roof over their heads. Click to read more about Jason’s story

Camille Frazier Social Caseworker, Colorado Camille Frazier worries about bringing coronavirus home to her daughter. But she serves some of Colorado’s most vulnerable children, and she believes in her duty to protect them. Click to read more about Camille’s story

Mike Yestramski Psychiatric Social Worker, Washington With COVID-19 running rampant through his facility, Mike Yestramski still shows up to care for his clients and fight for the resources he and his coworkers need to stay safe. Click to read more about Mike’s story

Donna Ragland Food Service Manager, Ohio Even with schools closed, food service workers like Donna Ragland are still making sure children are fed every day, serving hundreds of meals to the kids who rely on them. Click to read more about Donna’s story

Kalani Motta Child/Adult Protective Services Specialist, Hawaii The pandemic has made it nearly impossible to place foster children. But Kalani Motta can’t stop working to protect children in danger, even if that means putting himself at risk. Click to read more about Kalani’s story

Miren Algorri Child Care Provider, California Child care providers like Miren Algorri are often the first line of defense for children when it comes to hygiene, teaching them how they keep germs at bay. And that has never been more important than right now, during a dangerous public health crisis. Click to read more about Miren’s story

Blake Anderson EMT, California When a cruise ship infected with coronavirus docked in Oakland, Blake Anderson did what people in public service always do: He ran toward the danger, not away from it. Click to read more about Blake’s story

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Corrections officers are working in environments where the virus could explode at any moment. Sanitation workers are still picking up our trash and recycling.

Lauren Hartnett Paramedic, New York New York City has experienced the worst of the coronavirus pandemic, and EMS workers like Laura Hartnett have been on the front lines, risking their health, for the people they serve every day. Click to read more about Lauren’s story

Jason Suggs Unemployment Insurance Professional, Maryland With the economy in shambles, millions of Americans have been applying for unemployment insurance every week. Jason Suggs is working harder than ever, with compassion as well as competence, to get Marylanders the benefits they need to keep a roof over their heads. Click to read more about Jason’s story

Miren Algorri Child Care Provider, California Childcare providers like Miren Algorri are often the first line of defense for children when it comes to hygiene, teaching them how they keep germs at bay. And that has never been more important than right now, during a dangerous public health crisis. Click to read more about Miren’s story

Blake Anderson EMT, California When a cruise ship infected with coronavirus docked in Oakland, Blake Anderson did what people in public service always do: ran toward the danger, not away from it. Click to read more about Blake’s story