The Front Lines

Thousands of FFs Work to Save Hundreds of Homes From Carstens Fire

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 -0700

More than 2,200 fire personnel are fighting to save more than 800 homes from the Carstens Fire in Mariposa County. The 1,600 acre blaze was 15% contained as of Tuesday morning with no injuries reported, but nearly 1,000 people have been evacuated. The blaze is the latest evidence of the dangerous fire season ahead.

Vandenberg FFs Get Fire Season Furlough Notices

Thu, 30 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

At a time when the Central Coast is under siege from wildland fires, Vandenberg firefighters are getting furlough notices. Thanks to the federal sequester, all 57 firefighters will face furloughs of up to 32 hours a month from July through September, and will see the closure of the base Hot Shots program.

Slate: First Responder Training and Teamwork Key to Disaster Response

Tue, 28 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

Untrained or poorly-trained "rescuers" are increasingly becoming casualties themselves in multiple fatality incidents, both in and outside the workplace.

Anti-Pension Ballot Wave Crests as Court Problems Arise

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

No new anti-pension measures are being eyed at either the state or local level in California, and those that have passed are facing increasing difficulty in the courts. With pension funds at record levels and voter indifference rising, the anti-retirement tide may have finally ebbed.

CPF Firevision -- L.A. Arsonist Parole Fight

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

The convicted murderer who set a North Hollywood arson fire that killed 34-year-old L.A. City firefighter Thomas Taylor in 1981 is eligible to be released from prison. Watch and share and find out why Mario Catanio deserves to stay behind bars.

Massive Springs Fire Approaches Containment With No Homes Lost

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

Rain and cooler temperatures provided a much-needed break for firefighters battling the 28,000 acre Springs Fire in Ventura County. But the real miracle may have been the work of the firefighters themselves.

Windswept Fires Force Evacuations in Two Counties

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 -0700

Windswept wildland fires in Riverside and Ventura counties have forced the evacuation of hundreds of local residents, the leading edge of what could be a record-setting fire season.

CalPERS Erases Investment Losses From Recession

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0700

CalPERS' investment portfolio hit a record $261.7 billion last Friday, earning back all of the investment losses suffered as a result of the 2008 market meltdown.

Fire Activity Up in Wildlands - Bad Fire Season Looms

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0700

Drought conditions in California have caused a 45% increase in wildland fire activity, signaling the early beginning of a potentially bad fire season.

Local Govt. Lobbyist Spending Close to $100 Million

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0700

Cities and counties are far and away the biggest spenders on lobbying at the California State Capitol. According to the LA Times, local agencies spent nearly $100 million last year on lobbying, a total that "dwarfs" spending by unions, oil companies and energy firms.

Misleading Sac Bee Editorial Attacks Firefighter Survivor Benefits

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0700

The Sacramento Bee has renewed an attack on legislation aimed at easing a 100-year-old restriction on firefighter survivor benefits in a harsh, and in CPF's view, misleading editorial

CPF Firevision - CFFJAC Career Expos

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0700

Building the Next Generation: This May, would-be firefighters will have the chance to meet department reps and learn if they have what it takes at the annual Career Expos in Orange and Livermore, co-sponsored by CPF through the CFFJAC and its Women's Commission.

Furloughs, FIRE Act, SAFER Cuts Loom in Budget Fight

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0700

More than 700 California firefighters are scheduled to get layoff notices tomorrow, and local public safety grants face steep cuts ... all courtesy of the latest round of federal budget brinksmanship.

LODD: Retired Fire Captain John Duff

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0700

It is with great sadness that Ventura City Firefighters Local 3431 announces the passing of Retired Fire Captain John Duff. John passed away with his family at his side on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013 after a long and hard battle with job-related cancer.

Bleak US Retirement Future Thanks to Loss of Pensions

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0700

The next generation of retirees will be measurably worse off thanks, in large measure, to the end of defined benefit pensions. According to the Washington Post, the U.S. faces a $6 trillion retirement savings deficit that will likely mean greater pressure on the social safety net and more poverty among the elderly.

San Diego Pension Initiative Shot Down by PERB

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0700

The California Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) provided San Diego firefighters and other public workers with a major victory this week. In an exhaustive and well-documented decision, the PERB's chief administrative law judge ruled that San Diego's pension-slashing Measure B violated state collective bargaining law.

SJ Merc Op-Ed: Voters Weary of Billionaire Pension "Reformers"

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0700

Yet another Texas billionaire has decided he's going to spend big to "reform" retirement security in California. Voters, however, are tired of the posturing.

CPF Firevision - Memorial Ceremony 2012

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0700

Ten Years Honoring California's Fallen -- The California Firefighters Memorial marked a decade honoring California's fallen firefighters with a two-day commemoration in Sacramento. CPF Firevision provides a recap of the moving ceremonies.

Pension "Reform" Winds Up Costing San Diego Taxpayers

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0700

It looks like the promise of pension "reform" comes with a price tag for San Diego taxpayers. In its new city budget, San Diego officials predict a $44 million hike in the pension obligation, most of it caused by last year's Proposition B.

Santa Maria Firefighters Rescue Christmas for Family

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Santa Maria firefighters responded to a destructive house fire during the holidays, and managed to save the family and its Christmas presents.

FDNY Firefighters Salute Fallen Newtown 1st Grader

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Seven-year-old Daniel Barden of Sandy Hook Elementary wanted to be a New York City firefighter like his father's cousins. On Wednesday, FDNY firefighters in full dress uniform paid tribute to young Daniel, who was killed in Friday's Newtown school massacre.

CPF Airs Post-Election "Thank You" Radio Spot

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0700

After one of the most expensive initiative campaigns in state history, California Professional Firefighters this week began airing a radio spot thanking voters for their trust and support in rejecting Proposition 32, the Special Exemptions Initiative.

Historic Win for FFs & Working Families: Prop. 32 Decisively Defeated.

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0700

California’s firefighters earned a hard-fought but historic win in last night’s elections. Despite $60 million in spending – much of it from billionaire special interests – California voters rejected Proposition 32, a measure that would have silenced the voices of working people.

For-Profit Slate Card Misuses FF Image, Deceives Voters

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Less than a week before Election Day, voters throughout California are receiving a “California Public Safety Newsletter”. What they’re really getting is a political slate mailer, sent by a for-profit political consultant that misleads voters about public safety positions on ballot measures.

CA Firefighters Mobilizing to Aid Sandy Recovery

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700

USAR teams from L.A. County and Riverside have been placed on alert and firefighters from Northern and Southern California are being dispatched to support response efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Take Your Best Shot at the 2012 CPF Photo Contest

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Every year, California Professional Firefighters takes a moment to celebrate the heroic images that honor the noble profession of firefighting. Share your unique view of the front lines and you could be awarded $1,500!

CPFs Wrap 4-Day No on 32 Tour With IAFF General President

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700

In the fight against Proposition 32, the stakes are high and every vote counts. That was the message delivered this week by IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger during a four-day, 14-stop tour of California fire stations and union halls.

CPF Firevision - Prop. 32: It's Not What It Seems

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700

WATCH AND SHARE -- Prop. 32 on the November ballot goes after firefighters and working families, but gives special exemptions to wealthy corporate and individual interests. Firefighters talk about how this will impact their lives and the lives of those whom they serve.

The 2012 California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony

Sat, 20 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Uniformed firefighters, family members and dignitaries from throughout California gathered Saturday in Sacramento to pay tribute to those who gave their lives to protect the lives and property of Californians.

In Memoriam: L.A. Co. Firefighter/Paramedic John Cobos

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Los Angeles County Firefighters Local 1014 is saddened to report the death of Firefighter/Paramedic John James Cobos.Brother Cobos suffered from job-related cancer and died October 12th.

Introducing the CPF Mobile App

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Your profession in the palm of your hand. The CPF Mobile App helps CPF members keep up with the latest news and critical information affecting their lives, their families and their futures. Download today for iPhone, iPad and Android smartphones.

SF Chronicle: Prop. 32 is Unbalanced 'Reform'

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700

In editorializing against Prop. 32, the San Francisco Chronicle says voters should "see through the facade" and vote NO.

Gov. Signs Measure Rolling Back Future Pensions

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Legislation imposing sweeping rollbacks on retirement security for future public workers was signed today by Gov. Jerry Brown.

SJ Firefighter Stricken in Blaze Regains Consciousness

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700

A San Jose firefighter who suffered an on-scene heart attack is awake and alert after a week of unconsciousness. Frank Ryan collapsed Aug. 30 while on the scene of a fire at St. Patrick's Cathedral in downtown San Jose.

Bipartisan Work Comp Reforms OK'ed By Legislature

Sat, 01 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Employee benefits will rise, medical restrictions will be modified, red tape will be cut and employer rates will go down under a CPF-backed Workers' Comp reform measure approved by the Legislature.

Pension Rollbacks Dodge Bargaining, Hurt Middle Class

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700

As lawmakers prepared to vote Friday on an historic rollback of retirement security, critics say the proposed pension deal usurps collective bargaining and is unbecoming of politicians who claim to support the Middle Class.

SJ Mercury News: Prop. 32 Would Worsen Campaign Finance Mess

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700

The San Jose Mercury News joined a growing list of those who are saying NO to Prop. 32 -- the Special Exemptions Act. "A sham," says the Merc, "that would magnify the influence of wealthy interests while shutting out many middle class voters."

Reduced Winds Aid Battle Vs. Nor Cal Fires

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Nine fires that have collectively burned more than 400,000 acres may get an assist from Mother Nature as winds have begun to die down. More than 8,000 firefighters have been on the lines battling the blazes, the largest of which is on BLM land straddling the California-Nevada border.

CPF Firevision - Memorial 10th Anniversary (Pt. 2)

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700

In Part 2 of a series of profiles commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the California Firefighters Memorial in Sacramento, CPF President Emeritus Dan Terry recalls the founding of the Memorial.

CPF 2011 Annual Report Now Online

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700

California Professional Firefighters has published its 2011 Annual Report, reviewing the highlights and accomplishments of the year as well as the challenges ahead. CLICK HERE to read and download the report.

CalPERS Pres.: Pensions Unfairly Blamed for Local Bankruptcies

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Media reports about the bankruptcies in Stockton and San Bernardino have tried to link these disasters to pension costs. CalPERS President Rob Feckner says the facts tell a different story.

CPF & Kaplan Partner to Offer Members Tuition Discounts

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700

CPF is pleased to work with Kaplan University to offer a special opportunity for CPF members. CPF members can earn degrees in fire science and emergency management online while on the job, and may receive credit for JAC or SFM training.

Pension "Reform" Increases Poverty Risk for Older Americans

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0700

The decline in secure pensions has coincided with a disturbing increase in elder poverty and future "reforms" could push millions into poverty. So says a new report from the National Institute for Retirement Security.

Pension Critics' Doom and Gloom Assumptions Put Schools At Risk

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700

The critics of public pensions have tried to inflate the supposed pension crisis by assuming incredibly low return rates for CalPERS investments. But a respected independent expert who co-authored a book on California government dysfunction says these assumptions have no grounding in history, and, if implemented, could cost the next generation.

Sub Prime Meltdown, Not Unions, to Blame for Bankruptcies

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700

The cities' anti-labor, anti-firefighter spin being peddled about municipal bankruptcies is coming unraveled. Turns out Stockton and San Bernardino were sub-prime central, and were done in by housing meltdown ... not labor contracts.

Pension Costs Not the Core of San Bernardino Bankruptcy

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700

A statewide pension analyst often quoted by anti-union forces has run the numbers in San Bernardino. Conclusion: Economic meltdown, mismanagement and toxic politics are at the heart of the San Bernardino bankruptcy bid.

Five Myths about Public Pensions

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700

IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger has penned an op-ed for the Huffington Post debunking skewed study from Pew Centers. Bottom line: Funding "crisis" is overstated.

Prop. 32: The Special Exemptions Act

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Proposition 32 on the November ballot -- the Special Exemptions Act -- would choke off the effective voice of you and your fellow firefighters, all the while protecting the rights of corporations and the super rich.

Field Poll: Pension Reform Not a High Priority With Voters

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Looks like Californians aren't as crazed to slash retirement security as some would have you believe. A new independent poll shows more than half believe pension levels are about right or too low. Voters also back public employee collective bargaining.

LODD: Alameda County Firefighter Hollis Franks

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Alameda Co. Firefighters Local 55 is saddened to announce the line-of-duty death of Firefighter Hollis Franks. Brother Franks died June 23, 2012 after a brief but valiant fight with job-related lung cancer.

FFs Make Case for Removing Toxins from Flame Retardants

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Uniformed firefighters from Stockton and San Gabriel joined medical researchers, furniture manufacturers and environmental groups at a legislative hearing to call for an end to the use of dangerous toxins in furniture.

FF Cancer Risk Cited in Bid to Reform Flame Retardant Standard

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0700

CPF- and IAFF-backed efforts to get cancer-causing toxins out of fire retardants got a boost when Gov. Jerry Brown issued a directive to revise California’s decades-old flammability standard.

CPF Firevision - Memorial 10th Anniversary

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Ten Years Honoring California's Fallen -- Part 1 of a series of profiles commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the California Firefighters Memorial in Sacramento.

LODD: East Contra Costa Engineer Willie West

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0700

United Profession Firefighters of Contra Costa County Local 1230 is saddened to announce the line-of-duty death of East Contra Costa FPD Engineer William West. Brother West succumbed to job-related cancer on June 12, 2012.

CPF Firevision - Apprenticeship Works

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Apprenticeship Works -- New documentary outlines value of firefighter and building trades apprentices in training for the jobs of the future.

Daniel A. Terry Scholarships for Children of Fallen Firefighters

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:00:00 -0700

The Daniel A. Terry Scholarship provides higher education financial assistance to the children of California's fallen firefighters. Applications are being accepted for the 2012 scholarships.

Santa Rosa Charter Commission Votes to Keep Binding Arbitration

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700

A 21-member independent commission developing changes in Santa Rosa's city charter has voted overwhelmingly to preserve binding arbitration protection for firefighters and police. The commission refined the existing language, but ultimately decided that public safety officers deserve to have their contract disputes resolved through arbitration.

CPF Firevision: The Corporate Power Grab

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700

A Fight We Can't Afford to Lose: CPF Firevision spotlights the November battle over a Corporate Power Grab initiative that would muzzle working families while preserving political fund raising for corporations and the super rich

Firefighter Appreciation Day at the Auto Club Speedway

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700

This weekend's Auto Club 400 NASCAR race in Fontana will be honoring California first responders on Firefighter Appreciation Day. A portion of each firefighter ticket goes to support the California Fire Foundation. Tickets are still available -- the race is Sunday, March 25th.

LODD: CAL FIRE Hvy. Equip. Operator Gordie Varney

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700

CDF Firefighters Local 2881 is saddened to report the loss of CAL FIRE Heavy Equipment Operator Gordon Varney, who succumbed to job-related cancer.

CPF Firevision - CFFJAC Mentoring Program

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Recruit ... Retain ... Promote: A groundbreaking new program for departments, designed to help retain and promote the best and brightest through formal peer mentoring.

CFFJAC Launches Firefighter Mentoring Program

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0700

The CFFJAC and its Women’s Commission have launched a groundbreaking mentoring program designed to help firefighters succeed in a tough, demanding career, and help fire departments retain and promote their best and brightest.

CBS2 Report: Rewards, Challenges For Women in Fire Service

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0700

LA County Firefighters Sarah Cortez and Eleni Pappas are buying the ice cream at their stations this week. The two were profiled in a CBS2 Special Report spotlighting the challenges and rewards of being a woman in the fire service.

Anti-Pension Group Suspends Initiative Campaign

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Citing funding shortfalls and ballot language that was too close to the truth for their liking, anti-pension activists have suspended their attempt to undermine retirement security for millions of California workers.

CPF Firevision - Special Convention 2012

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0700

A Fight We Can't Afford to Lose: CPF members from throughout California gathered in an urgent Special Convention in January to take action against a November initiative aimed at working people in California.

Governor's Pension Plans Target Current and Future Workers

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Governor Brown has released details of his plan to roll back the retirement security of current and future employees. The plan proposes to bypass collective bargaining by imposing a range of pension rollbacks and locking them into the state constitution. CPF and dozens of other organizations denounced the move as an assault on current and future workers.

CPF Firevision -- 2011 California Firefighters Memorial

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

On October 1, 2011, 30 names were added to the California Firefighters Memorial at a solemn ceremony in Sacramento.

CPF Wins Big at This Year's IAFF Media Awards

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

California Professional Firefighters was recognized with four awards at this year's 2011 IAFF Media Awards, with CPF.org and CPF Firevision receiving top honors.

2011 CA Firefighters Memorial -- Photo Gallery

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

California honored its fallen firefighters Oct. 1 at the annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony in Sacramento's Capitol Park.