(The International Brotherhood of Teamsters issued the following press release on January 14, 2011.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Teamsters at Local 104 in Phoenix and across the country are mourning victims of the Tucson shooting.
“Our thoughts, hearts and prayers go out to all the victims and their families whose lives have been cut short or tragically altered by this senseless shooting,” said Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa. “Words cannot begin to describe the pain and shock we are all feeling.”
The shooting directly affected members of Local 104. Among the victims is Dorwin Stoddard, the 76 year old who died shielding his wife, Mavanell, from the violence. Stoddard was the stepfather of Penny Wilson, the wife of long-time Teamster and former Local 104 business agent Rod Wilson. Mavanell is Penny’s mother.
“Dorwin Stoddard is a hero,” said Andy Marshall, President of Local 104. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Wilson family, the Stoddard family and all who were so violently touched by this terrible tragedy.”
Honoring the Fallen
U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was severely wounded, is a supporter of working families. The Teamsters endorsed her in each of her three successful elections.
“Gabrielle Giffords is an outstanding leader who genuinely cares about her constituents and about the future of our country,” Marshall said. “She has our unwavering support and we are proud to stand with her during this difficult time.”
The victims and survivors of the Jan. 8 shooting were remembered and honored during a memorial service Wednesday, led by President Obama.
Teamsters volunteered their time, working for free driving shuttles to transport those who attended the memorial service. Local 104 partnered with Sun Tran Transit, Tucson’s public transit system, to safely transport the city’s residents and visitors.
“Sun Tran provided free shuttle service for all of the people who descended upon Tucson to remember the victims and honor the survivors. Teamster drivers and mechanics volunteered their time, working for free, to ensure the public reached their destinations safety,” Marshall said.
Some drivers worked extra hours between shifts, others came in on vacation days or offered to work on their day off to accommodate the crowds. Tens of thousands flocked to the city to say their goodbyes and offer support to survivors.
“This community really pulled together in a time of tragedy. I want to thank all of the Teamsters who selflessly gave their time and talents to the city of Tucson,” Marshall said.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.