The Los Angeles Fire Department CERT Program is proud to introduce Sally Thompson as February’s LAFD CERT Spotlight.
Sally grew up in the San Fernando Valley with her family roots now extending to her beautiful granddaughter. Sally’s incredible work ethic was instilled years ago as she began working as a restaurant server with little surprise, a career in restaurant hospitality is where she remained. Early on in her restaurant career, Sally was given the opportunity to shine as a manager. Leading teams as the general manager of some of the most popular restaurants in the San Fernando Valley and Glendale, California, Sally finally landed at the Daily Grill where she left an 18 Year legacy.
When asked the question of what first brought Sally to CERT, “Little did I know that working in this industry would be akin to CERT. In restaurants, an every week occurrence is slips and falls, fingers cut, burns, and eye injuries that I had to attend to. I even had to perform a Heimlich maneuver, TWICE! That’s where CERT comes in.”
Sally takes pride in ensuring an all-encompassing customer service experience is/was always delivered. From the food served to the safety of staff and patrons. Sally’s commitment to safety included inspecting all fire extinguishers within the establishment, verifying service of them, and training her staff to properly utilize them. Attending ServSave training, administered by the U.S. National Restaurant Association, Sally’s ongoing mission was to make sure every product in the restaurant was perfect including the building itself, to receive an ‘A’ rating from the health inspector. This was all for the customers to have a “dining experience”, not to just serve food Sally says.
Sally enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and really anything to do with the great outdoors. Sally has an infectious positive can-do attitude. Those who know Sally can agree that there really is no slowing down for her. Sally’s managerial duties included 10-12 hour shifts in the restaurant. After she sustained a substantial knee injury which landed her behind a desk, she needed a new challenge. Something that would challenge her and something that would be a game changer.
While attending LAPD basic car meeting, Sally came across an informational flyer on CERT. It took seven weeks and she was hooked! Sally began expanding her preparedness education by completing FirstAid, CPR & AED Training, and EMR class.
When Sally was asked, what motivated her to continue on this new journey, she replied, “Finally, something to challenge my brain, help people, family and especially the community. I was approached to be a coordinator early on, which excited but terrified me. One of best challenges ever taken. So many new friends, constant learning, and being and teaching others to become team players!”
It is an honor to have Sally part of our team as the Battalion 10 CERT Coordinator. She has been a tremendous asset to our community and the Los Angeles Fire Department. We thank you for your continuous commitment and dedication in helping others to be LAFD Disaster Ready.
