CPF Convention Wrap-Up: Firefighter Proud, Union Strong
The curtain has rung down on California Professional Firefighters’ 42nd Biennial State Convention. But if the mood of the delegates is any indication, the hard work is just beginning.
For three days, a record number of delegates met this past week (Apr. 29-May 1) in San Diego to chart the policy course for CPF in the coming two years. Elections were held to choose CPF’s Executive Board and other leaders, and delegates heard from an array of state and national leaders.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW A GALLERY OF PHOTOS.
The convention also featured the announcement of the California Firefighters Endowment -- a program to help bridge the college funding gap for the children of fallen firefighters – and the awarding of the Dallas Jones Political Action Award to Rick Fisher, president of Carlsbad Firefighters.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THE ENDOWMENT ANNOUNCEMENT
“This convention’s theme – “Firefighter Proud, Union Strong” – reflects the solidarity and commitment at the heart of our profession,” said CPF President Lou Paulson. “But it also is a ‘call to action’ for all of us as we take on those who would take away our jobs and our future security.”
Featured speeches at the convention were delivered by Attorney General Jerry Brown and IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. Schaitberger made it clear that now, more than ever, firefighters needed to stand together to preserve our hard-earned gains. Brown’s rousing speech spelled out the differences between his history of support for first responders and the attacks aimed at public workers by billionaire candidate Meg Whitman.
“We can’t have a governor who’s beholden to Wall Street and doesn’t understand the issues facing working families,” Brown said.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THE GOVERNOR'S RACE
In addition to elections, delegates also approved some two-dozen resolutions to map the agenda for the coming two years. They also heard from key elected leaders, such as Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, Assembly Speaker John Pérez and Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell.
The convention wrapped up with the installation of all newly-elected officers for the coming two years:
EXECUTIVE BOARD
- President -- Lou Paulson, Contra Costa Professional Firefighters
- Secretary-Treasurer -- Lew Stone, Burbank Firefighters
- 1st District Vice President -- Tim Strack, Riverside City Firefighters
- 2nd District Vice President -- Chris Mahon, Ventura County Professional Firefighters
- 3rd District Vice President -- Bobby Weist, Davis Professional Firefighters
- 4th District Vice President -- Randy Sekany, San Jose Firefighters
- 5th District Vice President -- Mike Massone, Federal Firefighters of San Diego
CPF TRUSTEES
Jim Ahl -- Kern County Firefighters (ret.)
Erik Baskin -- San Luis Obispo City Firefighters
Tom Gardner -- CDF Firefighters
CLICK HERE TO VIEW LIVE UPDATES POSTED DURING THE CONVENTION.