Department of Public Health says it is 'strong' following San Bernardino shooting

The director and assistant director of the County of San Bernardino Department of Public Health said in a statement on Sunday their team is "strong" following the mass shooting at a department event Dec. 2 that killed 14 people.

"We mourn the loss of our fallen friends and pray for those injured to recover," said Director Trudy Raymundo and Assistant Director Corwin Porter. "Some of us witnessed horrific scenes unfold in front of our eyes. This has shaken all of us. Yet, we are grateful for the many lives that were spared. We need to come together and strengthen one another as we say goodbye to our beloved coworkers and seek to heal wounded hearts." Raymundo and Porter said they have both visited wounded colleagues in the hospital, and "were amazed at how positive and upbeat" they all were "despite their injuries." Many are in stable condition, they added, and others have been released and are now at home.

Raymundo and Porter urged their colleagues who needed help "in the coping and healing process" to call a counseling hotline, and said security will be increased at public health buildings for "added peace of mind." They also said later this week the FBI will release the personal items and vehicles left behind at the Inland Regional Center by survivors who fled the shooting. "We are strong," the directors said. "We will get through this together." Catherine Garcia

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