Serving Our Profession
Making a Difference for the California Fire Service
Every time firefighters put on their uniforms, they are representing a proud profession. To them, firefighting is more than just a job. For that reason, California Professional Firefighters is more than just a union. CPF is a partner in building a better fire service for all Californians.
California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee
The California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (CFFJAC) is a nationally recognized firefighter apprenticeship and training program co-sponsored by CPF and the California State Fire Marshal. The CFFJAC provides direct funding for local apprenticeship programs in dozens of fire service disciplines, from EMT all the way to fire chief. In 2006, the CFFJAC continued to build the CPAT’s position as the “gold standard” of candidate physical ability testing. The CFFJAC’s Committee to Recruit Women for the Fire Service extended its reach, making plans to hold recruitment seminars in the spring of 2007. And thanks to legislation pushed by CPF, the CFFJAC is in line to provide updated Terrorism Consequence Management training for first responders throughout California.
Firefighters Print & Design
Since opening in 1989, CPF’s Firefighters Print & Design (FFPD) has offered design and printing services to the ever-increasing number of CPF locals, businesses, legislators and individual members. From business cards and stationary through political brochures and newsletters, FFPD is a proud guardian of the firefighter image. Firefighters Print & Design helps our affiliates have an impact on local elections, public relations, professional communication and other areas. In 2006, Firefighters Print & Design shattered records for production of printed material in support of our affiliates. FFPD provided printing services for one out of every three CPF affiliates, and generated nearly 1.2 million pieces of mail and printed material for local candidates and causes.
FireStar Productions
The CFFJAC established FireStar Productions to generate video-based firefighter training. FireStar has since grown to become a high-quality, full-service video production company. FireStar produces all in-house video for CPF, and offers specialized video services to CPF member locals and an array of outside clients. In 2006, FireStar Productions won acclaim for its work in and out of politics. Their much-publicized spots on behalf of gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides were the difference-maker in the 2006 primary. FireStar also won recognition from IAFF for its moving video tribute to the California Firefighters Memorial.
CPF Callback Association
When firefighters retire, most try to stay connected with the profession they love, and do what they can to help the men and women on the front lines. CPF Callback Association was created to keep our retirees. Callback membership increased by eight percent in 2006, and now has more than 1,850 members. These members did more than just pay their dues – all together, they contributed more than $10,000 to CPF PAC funds, to help assure the election of pro-firefighter legislators.
CPF Online Fire Department Directory
Initiated three years ago, the Online Fire Department Directory is CPF’s free resource for details about every fire department in California. Updated monthly, the CPF Online Fire Department Directory has information on more than 1,000 separate departments.
CPF Health Benefits Trust
Established in 1971, the CPF Health Benefits Trust oversees a range of supplemental insurance products designed by firefighters … for firefighters. In 2006, the Health Benefits Trust continued to market its successful Protect Your Income (PYI) plan for long-term disability coverage, as well as a variety of customized life, home and even auto insurance.
IAFF/PEP Leadership Training
In 2006, CPF inaugurated an annual leadership training program designed to insure that the new generation of union leadership has the skills to effectively serve their membership. The IAFF’s Partnership Education Program (PEP) brings experienced union leaders as instructors for day-long seminars on subjects ranging from how to run a union meeting to how to win at collective bargaining. PEP seminars take place in conjunction with the first round of CPF District Meetings and are held in Northern and Southern California.