News From the Field

Chico FD Budget Cuts May Increase Response Times

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Budget cuts at the Chico Fire Department are making it harder for firefighters to do their jobs. The loss of three firefighters and closure of an engine engine at Fire Station 1 in July means it takes longer for emergency response.

Contra Costa FF Honored by Legislature for Water Rescue

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Contra Costa firefighter and Local 1230 member Dave Manzeck was honored by the California Senate and Assembly today for his dramatic swift water rescue of a 74-year-old woman in April.

Woodland FF Leads Competition on 'Regis and Kelly'

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Woodland firefighter and Local 4029 member Tara Daniels scorched the competition on Friday, as her "Smokin' Pear Salad" scored an impressive 9.2 out of ten and jumped to the front of the pack in LIVE! with Regis and Kelly's "Coast to Coast Firehouse Cook Off."

Latest Crown Wildfire Signals Start of Fire Season

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Black smoke billows over northern Los Angeles County as over 750 firefighters continue to battle the Crown wildfire this morning. Located in the Leona Valley, the wind-fueled fire has burned more than 8,000 acres, according to fire officials.

Public Chides Committee Over Fire Service Cuts

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Members of the public chided a San Diego City Council committee Wednesday for emergency services cuts that they argued contributed to the death of a toddler who choked on a gumball.

Fire Foundation Program Helps 7-Year-Old Save Family

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Seven-year-old Adriana Ignacio was honored for her heroism this week, after her quick thinking helped save her family from a raging fire in her Fresno home. Adriana helped guide her grandmother and two little sisters from the blaze using lessons from the California Fire Foundation's Firefighters On Your Side program.

Hemet Receives Grant that will Keep Fire Station Open

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Hemet firefighters say they've found their "lottery ticket" that will help keep a fire station open for at least two more years. The City Council will vote next week to approve a measure that would accept a $2.26 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security's SAFER grant program.

Brownouts May Have Had Role in Tot's Death

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

San Diego fire officials said Wednesday that their department’s cost-cutting “brownouts,” which idle equipment, may have contributed to the choking death of a toddler in Mira Mesa.

West Covina Firefighters Lose Hair for Woman's Cancer Fight

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Thanks to a "Hair Be Gone" event held on July 10 by the West Covina Firefighters Association Local 3226, one woman battling cancer can fulfill her dream of participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer with her husband.

Corona FF Back on Lines After Open Heart Surgery

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Corona Firefighters Local 3757 President Jim Steiner is back in the station, less than three months after open heart surgery. Steiner, a captain with Corona FD, had the surgery to repair a dime-sized hole in his heart. He came back only six weeks after his April 22nd surgery with the support of his brother and sister firefighters.

SB Firefighter Returns to Work After Kidney Transplant

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700

In August 2008, Santa Barbara City Fire Captain and Local 525 member Heidi Rockenbach was hit with the news that for an unknown reason her kidneys were failing, and that she would need a kidney transplant to continue her career as a firefighter. This week, Rockenbach is back working on the fire engine, thanks to a kidney donation from a former classmate.

Fresno's Budget Cuts Affect Fire Response

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700

If you were faced with an emergency, would help be just around the corner, or responding to a more urgent call? That's the dilemma facing the Fresno City Fire Department because of budget cuts. Crews are now responding to fewer medical calls in order to get to more fires.

A Boy's Life Mended

Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Lovensky Alexandre and his mother, Roselene Ducelus, are back in Haiti. They returned May 12, 26 days after Lovensky underwent successful heart surgery at Sacramento's Sutter Medical Center, thanks to the help of Sacramento Fire Captain and Local 522 member Barbie Law.

CPF Convention: Firefighter Proud, Union Strong

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 -0700

The curtain has rung down on California Professional Firefighters’ 42nd Biennial State Convention. 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.

Local 522 Member Helps Repair Haitian Boy's Heart

Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Sacramento Metro fire captain and Local 522 member Barbie Law knows how to mend a broken heart. In the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti, Law volunteered as a medical relief worker with the non-profit humanitarian agency, Relief International. It was here that she first met seven-year-old Lovensky Alexandre.

Marin Firefighters' Missions of Mercy

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

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.

Injured Firefighter 'Knew In My Gut' It Was Bad

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Ventura County firefighter and Local 1364 member Paul Torres lost his right eye after being hit with flying shrapnel while fighting a fire in Thousand Oaks earlier this month. He expects to return to work once he gets the OK from his doctors.

Firefighters Attend MDA 'Boot Camp'

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

At the annual MDA "Boot Camps" in Southern and Northern California, departments from across the state came together to share best practices to ensure that the 2010 Fill the Boot Campaign is a huge success. CPF President Lou Paulson encouraged firefighters to support MDA and to continue filling their boots for the worthwhile cause.

Public Backs FFs in Dispute With Winery Owner

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

An St. Helena winery owner is getting a lesson in the public's support for first responders. After writing an opinion article claiming that "overpaid" firefighters receive "high salaries for doing very little," Dario Sattui found himself the target of a boycott and the trigger of an outpouring of support for first responders.

Fresno Firefighters Reach Hispanic Community Through Firefighters On Your Side

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

In Fresno, where nearly 40 percent of residents are Hispanic, fire safety messages can get lost in translation. Firefighters still recall the story of the little girl, who was killed in a house fire in Fresno last year, because her family didn't know the importance of smoke detectors.

San Diego Fire Chief Sounds Brownout Warning

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

San Diego Fire Chief Javier Mainar told city officials Wednesday that a cost-cutting plan to temporarily remove fire engines from service has lengthened response times around the city, increasing the risk of property loss, injury or death.

Firefighter Recovering From Eye Surgery After Fire

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

A Ventura County firefighter was recovering at UCLA Medical Center on Tuesday after surgery for a serious eye injury he suffered Monday evening when ammunition and other items exploded during an house fire in Thousand Oaks, authorities said. Local 1364 member Paul Torres, 36, underwent five hours of surgery to his right eye, Ventura County Fire Department officials said.

Two Hemet Firefighters Return From Aid Mission to Haiti

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Hemet firefighters and paramedics Chris Galetta and Dan Lamy felt like they made a difference. They spent eight days in the village of Titanyen, repairing broken bones that hadn't been set since the quake occurred on Jan. 12 and treating survivors for typhoid and malaria.

Critics Decry Brownouts as Rolling Dice

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Whether an elderly man would have survived a recent apartment fire had a nearby fire engine been in service that day is debatable, given the quick response by firefighters. What isn’t up for debate is that the city’s decision to sideline up to eight fire engines per day in a cost-cutting “brownout” plan has led to longer response times in San Diego.

Emergency Response Times in San Diego Increase

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Fire crews are taking longer to respond to emergencies since a budget-cutting plan that eliminates engines from several stations took effect last month, a new city report says.

Sacramento Metro Fire Captain Fights for Haitian Boy's Surgery

Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0700

When Sacramento Metro Fire Captain Barbie Law was a relief worker in Haiti, she befriended a 7-year-old Haitian boy with a heart defect. Law has since returned to the United States with a mission: To get him the surgical help that he needs.

CAL FIRE FF Memorialized In Freeway

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0700

A stretch of the I-215 Freeway in Perris has been named after fallen CAL FIRE firefighter John D. Guthrie this week. Guthrie valiantly battled the Decker fire with his crew on August 8, 1959 and was overrun by flames.

Fire Station Cutbacks Could Hurt Response Times

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0700

San Diego’s fire department has been operating under a money saving strategy for about a month. Under the plan, up to eight fire engines can be idled each day and their crews reassigned to cover for sick or absent firefighters. The plan saves money but could also impact the department’s response times.

Local 2881 Doubles MDA Fill-The-Boot Donations in 2009

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0700

In 2008, CDF Firefighters Local 2881 netted more than $140,000 for MDA in its statewide series of Fill-The-Boot fund raisers. For Local 2881, however, it appears 2009 was twice as nice.

Marin Firefighters Making A Difference in Haiti

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Stepping up on their own time, two Marin County firefighters brought their skill and heart to the citizens of earthquake-ravaged Haiti. Spending their vacation time and their own money, Larkspur firefighters Jim Clark and Matt Cobb spent two weeks helping anyone they could find, armed only with a duffel full of medical supplies and a determination to make a difference. The two -- both proud members of Marin Professional Firefighters Local 1775 -- raised some $7,000, half of it their own money, for their personal relief mission.

Fire, Police Get In the Ring At Ventura Battle of the Badges

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0700

On the front lines, firefighters and police are trained to work as a team. This past weekend, however, Ventura County’s firefighters and law enforcement officers were mixing it up … for a good cause … in their first-ever “Battle of the Badges” boxing match.

AFLAC Reverses Denial of Fallen LA FF Death Benefit

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The widow of fallen Los Angeles City Firefighter John Lawrence won delayed justice this week, thanks to the efforts of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City. AFLAC Insurance originally denied the death benefit for Lawrence's estate, claiming that his death by job-related cardiac arrest was not covered as a heart attack. After pressure from UFLAC, AFLAC reversed its stand and paid the benefit.

Fresno FFs Reach Out to Senior Citizens with Disaster Preparedness Help

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Earthquakes. Fires. Floods. For Fresno's senior citizens, these are just a few disasters that can strike at any moment and Fresno Firefighters Local 753 has launched its latest program to reach this vulnerable community with disaster preparedness help. The program was created by the California Fire Foundation, which brings public service announcements and evacuation planning materials to elderly individuals.

CPF Affiliates Use Social Media to Keep Members Informed

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Most local firefighters unions have been on the Web for some time. But several locals have taken their online presence to the next level, using online communications to keep members and the public informed about important issues ... especially those affecting public safety resources.

CPF Welcomes Six New IAFF Local Unions to our Great Union

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Since last winter, CPF President Lou Paulson and the entire CPF Executive Board have welcomed six new IAFF local unions to our proud statewide organization.

CPF Members Win Big at World Police and Fire Games

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

CPF members gathered with firefighters and police officers from around the globe last month to compete in the World Police and Fire Games. Held biennially, the World Police and Fire Games hosts over 60 sporting events, ranging from archery and lacrosse to soccer and water skiing.

California City Launches Disaster Preparedness Workshops

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0700

California City Firefighters Local 3903 has partnered with the California Fire Foundation to bring public service announcements and evacuation planning materials to elderly individuals at their hosted disaster preparedness workshops.

Lodi Fire Staffing Impacts Response

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Tuesday was a "brownout" day for the Lodi Fire Department. That meant because of budget issues, staffing wasn't at 19 or even 16 firefighters. It was at 13. Unfortunately on Tuesday, a residential fire ruined a home in southeast Lodi. Because of the brownout, Lodi had to rely on mutual aid from surrounding San Joaquin County fire agencies.

Alameda FF Injuries Possibly Linked to Staffing Reductions

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Two Alameda firefighters were injured this past Sunday while responding to a house fire in a single family residence -- injuries that may not have happened but for public safety cuts in Alameda. The firefighters were injured responding to a Sunday evening structure fire call. At the time of the call, all three of the city's ALS ambulances were conducting transports. The lack of resources allowed the fire to intensify and hazardous conditions to exponentially increase.

Ventura County Firefighter Released From Burn Center

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The last of the three Ventura County firefighters injured while fighting the Jesusita Fire in Santa Barbara was released this week from a Sherman Oaks burn center, authorities said. Firefighter Robert Lopez, 44, is recovering at home. He is a proud member of Ventura County Professional Firefighters Local #1364.

Three Ventura Co. FFs Recovering After Escaping Burn-Over

Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Three Ventura County firefighters are recovering in a Sherman Oaks burn center after narrowly escaping a deadly burnover while protecting a structure in the Santa Barbara fire yesterday. Fire Captain Brian Bulger, 57, and Ron Topolinski, 51, are resting at the Grossman Burn Center at Sherman Oaks Hospital, as is 44-year-old Firefighter Robert Lopez. All three are proud members of Ventura County Professional Firefighters Local #1364.

Marin Firefighters Fill the Boot for MDA

Tue, 05 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

When Marin Professional Firefighters Local 1775 participate in a Fill the Boot fundraiser, they really fill the boot. Local 1775 kicked off the fund drive at the end of April and 65 members canvassed seven locations in Marin County to raise money for MDA.

Chula Vistans to Vote on Sales Tax Increase

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0700

By May 5, Chula Vista voters will decide whether to increase the city's sales tax rate one percentage point. The City Council approved a resolution asking voters – through a mail ballot – to raise the sales tax rate from 7.75 percent to 8.75 percent. The increase could bring an estimated $20 million a year to the general fund and would be in effect for 10 years. This would benefit public safety services in the city including Chula Vista Firefighters.

FEMA Offers Workshops on Applying for Firefighter Grants

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0700

FEMA Region IX is hosting a series of firefighters grant workshops in California from January to March, in order to help departments qualify for the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG). The free workshops will provide information to departments about submitting applications for the upcoming FY 2009.

Turlock Firefighters Save Christmas!

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0700

When the Turlock Holiday Parade was in danger of being canceled due to lack of sponsorship money, the Turlock Fire Fighters Association Local 2434 stepped in with a significant cash contribution, becoming the primary sponsor for this 25-year community holiday tradition.

Firefighter Audience Helps Jay Leno Celebrate Thanksgiving

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0700

California’s firefighters once again answered the call this fall, responding to devastating fires and saving thousands of homes. Jay Leno wanted to say thank you in person. So Leno invited CPF members from throughout the state to fill his audience this past Wednesday, as part of his Thanksgiving Eve episode.

Palo Alto Fire Fighters Don Pink Helmet to Raise Breast Cancer Awareness

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0700

One October shift, Palo Alto Fire Fighters Local 1319 Secretary Barry Marchisio looked every bit the classic picture of a firefighter - well, apart from the petal pink helmet that he wore proudly atop his head. "It was definitely a radical departure from our traditional black helmet, but I enjoyed it. I played it up," laughed Marchisio, who responded to a natural gas leak while wearing the pink helmet.

Anti-Pension Ideologue Ousted in SD City Attorney Race

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0700

San Diego's firefighters won an important victory Tuesday, when they helped oust one of the most hostile anti-retirement politicians in California. With room to spare, voters in San Diego threw out City Attorney Michael Aguirre, who has waged a single-minded legal war against the retirement security of San Diego City Firefighters Local 145. His replacement -- local judge Jan Goldsmith -- has pledged to take the politics out of the City Attorney's office and be "a watchdog, not an attack dog."

L.A. City Firefighter Elected CPF Trustee

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

A statewide special election has concluded with the election of Los Angeles City firefighter Steve Norris as CPF Trustee.

Ventura Co. President Elected New 2nd District VP

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

A Special Election to fill the post of CPF 2nd District Vice President has ended with the election of Ventura County Professional Firefighters Local 1364 President Chris Mahon.

Vallejo Uses Bankruptcy Courts to Renege on Firefighter Contract

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Rejecting all offers of assistance - including substantial labor concessions as well as help from the state and from a private financier - the City of Vallejo filed for Chapter 9 Bankruptcy in late May, becoming the largest city in California to declare bankruptcy.

Davis President Elected New 3rd District Vice President

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

At the 41st CPF Convention, Bobby Weist was elected by acclimation to the post of Vice President for CPF's 3rd District. He replaces the position formerly occupied by Brian Rice.

Foundation Awards 2008 Daniel A. Terry Scholarships

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The California Fire Foundation is once again pleased to support the aspirations of fallen firefighter families through the awarding of the Daniel A. Terry Scholarships for 2008.

CFFJAC Opens CPAT Testing Center in Sacramento

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The CFFJAC’s groundbreaking system for testing the next generation of California firefighters is expanding again, with the announcement of the third CPAT Testing Center. Located a stone’s throw from the State Capitol, the new Sacramento CFFJAC CPAT Testing Center is dedicated solely to the administration of the CPAT – the Candidate Physical Ability Test.

CPF Backs Common Sense Development Oversight in WUI

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

With California in the grips of its third catastrophic fire season in five years, CPF is backing an effort that seeks to check uncontrolled growth in the state's fire-prone wildlands. Assembly Bill 2447 would require that any new construction in the wildland-urban interface pass a simple test before it is approved -- can it be protected from devastating wildfire.

Local 372 Member Re-Elected as IAFF Western Trustee

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

A CPF Trustee and proud member of Long Beach Firefighters Local 372 has won decisive re-election as the IAFF Western Trustee. Tony Mejia won an overwhelming vote during the IAFF Convention in Las Vegas this week. Mejia was first elected IAFF Western Trustee in February, winning a vote to complete the term of Trustee Bob Greenwood, who died in January.

Vallejo Bankruptcy Threatens All FF Collective Bargaining

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

As part of its unprecedented bankruptcy filing, Vallejo has petitioned to have all of its labor contracts voided by the bankruptcy court. If allowed to stand, Vallejo’s attack on its own employees would send shock waves throughout the labor movement, setting the stage for a cascade of tactical “bankruptcies”, all filed with the sole purpose of reneging on their employees.

Vallejo FFs Wins Statewide Labor Fed Organizing Award

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Even as it faces one of the most aggressive management attacks, Vallejo Firefighters Local 1186 has been able to count on united and active labor support. This week, Local 1186 was recognized for its part in creating that steadfast labor unity, winning the California Labor Federation's award for Outstanding Volunteer Mobilization.

Northern CA Enters Second Month of Fire Siege

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

For the residents of Paradise, east of Chico, July 11th looked almost exactly like June 11th -- fire raging on their doorstep, smoke darkening the skies, and first responders urging them to evacuate. As the Siege of 2008 enters its second month, crews from throughout California and the nation continue to battle the elements and fatigue to protect our state.

Vallejo Asks Court to Let Them Renege on Employee Contracts

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Lawyers representing the city of Vallejo have asked the courts to validate their attempt to renege on commitments made to their employees, including their firefighters. In a filing before state bankruptcy court, the city sought the unprecedented step of canceling all of its collective bargaining agreements.

CPF & Foundation Launch "Firefighters On Your Side"

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

California Professional Firefighters and its non-profit California Fire Foundation have launched a statewide campaign, in Spanish and English, on the importance of having and practicing a fire escape plan. "Firefighters On Your Side/Bomberos A Tú Lado" is designed to teach families how to safely evacuate a home that is on fire.

Vallejo Rejects Help, Files Bankruptcy

Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Rejecting all offers of assistance -- including substantial labor concessions, help from the state and from a private financier -- the City of Vallejo filed for Chapter 9 Bankruptcy on Friday, becoming the largest city in California to declare bankruptcy. According to Reuters, city officials have acknowledged that bankruptcy is intended as a tool to give them leverage in labor talks.

CFFJAC Firefighter Recruitment Fairs

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Would-be California firefighters converged on the CPAT testing centers in Orange and Dublin for the second California Firefighter Recruitment Fairs. Presented by CPF co-sponsored California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (CFFJAC), the fairs gave candidates an “up close and personal” look at what it takes to be a first responder. Nearly 600 people attended the two sessions -- April 12th in Orange, and April 19th in Dublin.

San Diego Firefighters Protest Anti-Pension City Attorney

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 -0700

More than two years after the defeat of statewide efforts to take away the retirement security of public workers, San Diego City Attorney Michael Aguirre has continued a rogue legal assault against public employee retirement. This week, more than 100 firefighters, city employees, teachers and other public workers gathered Tuesday at the state building to urge the San Diego County Democratic Party to withhold their endorsement for Aguirre.

Ventura Co. FF Wins American Inventor Contest

Sat, 03 Feb 2007 00:00:00 -0700

In the classic holiday movie “It’s A Wonderful Life,” Jimmy Stewart’s guardian angel showed him that he was the “richest man in town.” Ventura County Firefighter Greg Chavez’ “Guardian Angel” has made him a rich man, too. Chavez, a member of Ventura County Firefighters Local 1364, has won the nationally broadcast American Inventor contest – and a $1 million prize – for his holiday fire safety device disguised as a Christmas tree ornament. His “Guardian Angel” design beat out five other finalists and literally thousands of entries to with the contest, which aired on ABC television on Wednesday nights.

Palo Alto Firefighters Pepper Sauce is a Hot Commodity

Fri, 25 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0700

If you're looking for something to make those firehouse menus really sizzle, have we got a hot product for you ... Palo Alto Firefighters Hot Pepper Sauce. Thanks to Palo Alto Engineer Lee Taylor and his special recipe of serrano and jalapeno peppers, a homebrewed pepper sauce has become an area sensation. Bottles are selling by the thousands, yielding huge donations to Local 1319's non-profit charitable fund.