California Professional Firefighters

Contra Costa Fire Engineer/Paramedic Dave Manzeck and Long Beach Firefighter Charles Hakopian, along with 11 law enforcement officers, today were awarded the Medal of Valor, the highest public safety award in the state. 

Every year, California Professional Firefighters invites photographers to share their unique view of the front lines with us. In 2010, we’ve received a stunning array of images that speak volumes about the everyday acts of heroism of first responders.

Firefighters are known for their skills in the kitchen and California is home to many of the country's best firehouse chefs. Some CPF members have even reached the status of celebrity chef.

California Professional Firefighters members across California rolled out the welcome mat when IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger and CPF President Lou Paulson embarked upon their four-day station tour across the state.

At the CPF 2010 Convention, CPF affiliate delegates gathered in San Diego to chart a new two-year course for the cause of firefighters and their families.

When Larkspur fire captains Matt Cobb and Jim Clark saw the horrifying images of suffering coming out of Haiti after the January 12th earthquake, they knew they had to do something. What they didn't know was that, right up the road, San Rafael Captain Paul LeVeque - one of their brother firefighters from Local 1775 - was thinking exactly the same thing.

Since 2002, California Professional Firefighters has honored those whose images capture the essence of what it means to be a first responder. This year, we again pay tribute to those who - often at risk to their own safety - capture the courage and commitment of California's bravest.

Thirty-one firefighters who died in the line of duty were forever memorialized when their names were added to the California Firefighters Memorial in October, 2010.

Over 120 members from 40 locals gathered in Sacramento to attend the 2009 Daniel A. Terry Legislative Conference. Members heard from some of California's top elected officials and met with legislators to educate them on the issues that affect firefighters and their families.