The Front Lines

Unintended Consequences of Proposition 22

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Under the guise of "reform," Proposition 22 locks a bulletproof shield around special pots of money for redevelopment agencies. Unelected and unaccountable, redevelopment agencies hand out lucrative taxpayer subsidies to developers for auto malls, hotels and stadiums.

CPF Firevision - Aug. 25, 2010

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0700

CPF Firevision is California Professional Firefighters' online news service. The 2010 Governor's Race: Jerry Brown's 40 years of support for firefighters and their families has earned him the CPF endorsement. CPF Firevision reviews Brown's record of support and the stakes for firefighters this November.

Inhaling Ultra-Fine Particles May Raise Heart Risks

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Firefighters may face a heightened risk for heart disease as a result of breathing in extremely fine particles that infiltrate the smallest air passages and lodge in their lungs, new research indicates.

Make a Muscle: Flex for MDA

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Firefighters have been making a muscle and making a difference for children and adults fighting neuromuscular disease for over 55 years.

Another Long Hot Summer in 2010?

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

In 2010, milder temperatures and relatively normal rainfall have given rise to hopes that the state might be spared the worst this summer and autumn. But state officials, weather experts and fire behavior specialists have a sobering response: Don't bet on it.

CPF Firevision - August 11, 2010

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0700

CPF Firevision is California Professional Firefighters' online news service. Headlines: IAFF Convention comes to San Diego Firefighters Giving Back: Founded by LA County firefighter Mike Dubron, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network offers hope and resources for firefighters dealing with cancer.

Increasing California's Firefighting Staff Could Save Millions

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0700

A study released by researchers at San Diego State University on Tuesday, shows increasing the number of firefighters per engine could save California millions. The researchers discovered that one extra firefighter per engine, could increase effectiveness of the state's firefighters by more than 50 percent, plus reduce the cost of fighting large wildfires.

And This Year’s Telly Awards Go To … FireStar Productions

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0700

FireStar Productions' contributions to the fire service were recognized this year by the Telly Awards. The video production company was honored with six Telly Awards including awards for San Jose Fire Fighters Local 230's "Every Second Counts" video, CDF Firefighters Local 2881 and CAL FIRE's "California's Fire Department" video and CPF Firevision Episode 2.

CPF Firevision - July 28, 2010

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

CPF Firevision is California Professional Firefighters' online news service. Fresno's Littlest Hero: A Fresno 7-year-old saves her sisters and grandmother from a fire, with some help from "Firefighters On Your Side"

CPF Firevision - July 14, 2010

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0700

CPF Firevision is California Professional Firefighters' online video news service. Fire Season 2010: A range of fire and weather experts agree -- California still faces a high fire risk this fall.

CPF Firevision - Jun. 23, 2010

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700

CPF Firevision is California Professional Firefighters' online video news service.

Terrorism Consequence Management: Behind The Scenes: Firefighters from San Diego and Livermore-Pleasanton participate in training scenarios, as part of California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee's upcoming online terrorism response training.

FF-Backed Candidates Win Favor in June Primary

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Firefighter-friendly candidates continued to find support among voters in this year’s primary contests for the Legislature and constitutional offices. CPF-backed candidates won in all but two constitutional races, and in 95% of legislative contests.

CPF Firevision - May 26, 2010

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:00:00 -0700

CPF Firevision is California Professional Firefighters' online video news service. Firefighters Giving Back: Fill-the-Boot drives aid MDA; firefighters help Haitian earthquake victims.

East Bay FFs Get Terror Training & Acting Experience

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Seven firefighters from the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department and a Livermore police officer starred Wednesday in a training video meant to help their colleagues across the state learn what to do in the case of a chemical attack at an office building. FireStar Productions filmed the video Wednesday, which will be part of the CFFJAC's Terrorism Consequence Management (TCM) curriculum.

CPF Firevision - May 12, 2010

Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 -0700

CPF Firevision is California Professional Firefighters' online video news service. Recap of 42nd CPF Convention; Introducing the California Firefighters Endowment.

California Fire Foundation Launches Endowment

Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 -0700

The California Fire Foundation has unveiled its latest venture to help firefighters and their families: The California Firefighters Endowment. Its mission: To increase the scholarship awards for the children of California's fallen firefighters.

Daniel A. Terry Scholarship Eases Burden of College Tuition

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

With the rising costs of tuition, students across the state are finding it more difficult to afford a college education. The Daniel A. Terry Scholarship helps to ease this burden for children, whose parent was a California firefighter whose name appears on the California Firefighters Memorial Wall.

Firefighters Stay Informed with CPF Firevision

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

Firefighters are getting more news that matter to them in minutes, courtesy of CPF Firevision. Since CPF Firevision launched in January, the online news service has reported on issues affecting our profession, like the re-introduction of the Emergency Response Initiative, the California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony and pension-slashing measures.

New FF Presumption Bill Builds on CPF Legacy of Leadership

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

For three decades, California Professional Firefighters has led the fight to recognize the increased job-related risks faced by first responders, beginning with the nation's first cancer presumption law, signed in 1982 by Jerry Brown. This year, that legacy continues with the introduction of AB 2253, the William Dallas Jones Memorial Cancer Presumption Act of 2010.

CFFJAC's TCM Train-the Trainer Course Reaches Nearly 100 Departments

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Nearly 100 fire departments in California will be better prepared for a terrorist threat, after sending their training officers and Haz Mat personnel to one of the CFFJAC's Terrorism Consequence Management (TCM) Train-the-Trainer courses. The CFFJAC has held classes in 11 locations throughout the state over the past year.

CPF Firevision - Apr. 14, 2010

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0700

CPF Firevision is California Professional Firefighters' online video news. CPF continues three decades of leadership with new cancer presumption legislation.

State Controller Offers Foreclosure Help for Public Employees

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

State Controller John Chiang, in partnership with state employee unions, is hosting a free Foreclosure Counseling event in Sacramento this June, part of a program that could expand statewide. The event will take place on June 4th at the State Controller's Office, 3301 "C" Street, Suite 750, in Sacramento.

CPF 2009 Annual Report Now Available for Download

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

This 24-page report reviews CPF’s major events and accomplishments during the past calendar year, as well as identifies challenges for the future. It offers a snapshot not only of 2009, but also provides a primer on the range of services and benefits offered by your state association.

NIOSH Recommends Discontinuing Use of Four Champak Respirators

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

Citing problems with internal testing, NIOSH has recommended that fire departments discontinue use of four Champak N95 respirators. NIOSH's recommendation targets four of the units' approval numbers: TC-84A-4363, TC-84A-4364, TC-84A-4394 and TC-84A-4665.

L.A. County USAR Team Returns From Haiti

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

Los Angeles County firefighters credited with saving lives in the aftermath of Haiti's devastation are back in the U.S. Task Force 2 -- one of only two teams in the nation certified for world-wide disaster response -- was on the ground less than 48 hours after the quake hit. They returned late last week.

CPF Firevision - Jan. 27, 2010

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0700

California Professional Firefighters' online video news. Pension-slashing measures introduced; LA County FFs on the ground in Haiti; Terrorism Consequence Management behind-the-scenes.

Local 1014 Members on USAR Team Saving Lives in Haiti

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Members of Los Angeles County Firefighters Local 1014 are on the ground in Haiti. The firefighters, the core of California Task Force #2, have already been a part of some of the most dramatic rescue efforts seen since the Jan. 12 earthquake.

CPF Launches Online Video News Program -- CPF Firevision

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Want to stay connected with the stories that matter to you? Then you need to connect to CPF Firevision, CPF's twice-monthly online video update on the issues and stories that affect your life on the job and the safety and security of you and your family.

Governor Reintroduces Emergency Response Initiative

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Late last year, CPF led a united fire service in support of a measure designed to put more money directly into first responder services. When the bill failed we said we'd be back, and we are. As part of his 2010-2011 budget, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has re-introduces the CPF-backed Emergency Response Initiative.

Modesto FF Injuries Underscore Structure Fire Risks

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Years of neglect, complicated by undocumented modifications, are believed to have played a role in the disastrous Modesto fire which left two firefighters injured ... one of them with burns over nearly half of his body.

NFPA: CA Wildfires Caused 40% of U.S. Major Fire Loss in 2008

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The story of property loss to major fires in the United States begins and ends in California. In its annual report on Large Loss Fires in the United States, NFPA says that California wildland fires caused a collective property loss of nearly $950 million in 2008. That means 40 cents of every dollar of major fire loss in the US in 2008 occurred in the California wildlands.

Firefighters Help Scouts Feed Hungry During Holidays

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Firefighters have a reputation for being “Boy Scouts” – always doing good deeds. This year, California’s first responders are helping Bay Area Boy Scouts do their own “good deeds” by contributing to the annual Scouting For Food program.

CPF Backs Pro-FF Candidate for CalPERS Board Runoff

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0700

At a time when the retirement security is under attack, CalPERS firefighters can make their voices heard by participating in the CalPERS Board of Administration runoff election. Ballots have been sent to all CalPERS members and retirees for the runoff in Position A. CPF believes J.J. Jelincic is the best choice for firefighters and their families. BALLOTS DUE THIS FRIDAY!

Application Period Opening for Expanded SAFER Grants

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The new rules are in, and November 16th is the day that applications will open for the newly-expanded SAFER grants. The SAFER Grants can be used to rehire laid off fire fighters and birng back positions that have been left vacant due to the financial crisis.

Budget Cuts Slow Response to Sac City Fire

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The brown-out at a fire station in Sacramento City added three minutes to the response time for a November 1st house fire. City fire officials say the blaze was closest to a fire station whose engine company was browned out, forcing crews to wait until the engine from the next-closest station arrived. Nobody was injured.

Local EMSA's Authorizing Paramedics to Administer H1N1 Vaccine

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

With the flu pandemic upon us, the state EMS Authority has set in motion a plan to allow local paramedics to administer the influenza vaccine. Under the plan, the LEMSA and the local health department may decide to temporarily expand the paramedic scope of practice to include administration of the pandemic vaccine, thereby enhancing community mass vaccination programs.

Moving Ceremony Honors California's Fallen Firefighters

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

More than 1,000 uniformed firefighters, family members and dignitaries from throughout California gathered this weekend to pay tribute to those who gave their lives to protect the lives and property of Californians. In a solemn ceremony featuring honor guards and the traditional pipe and drum salute, 82 firefighters who fell in the line of duty – some from as far back as 1899 – were added to the California Firefighters Memorial.

Pension Foes Stoke Economic Fears

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

Most working Californians see the current economic crisis as a challenge to be met with shared sacrifice, tough choices and resilience. A few, however, take a more cynical view - they see our collective struggle as an opportunity to score a political victory. This cynicism is at the heart of a renewed attack on your retirement security.

Local Cuts Threaten Public Safety and State Mutual Aid

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

Every year, billions of dollars in state tax money flows directly from the state to local governments to support essential services, including police and fire. Thanks to the state budget shortfall, and the politics at the Capitol, local government's piece of the pie is about to get a lot smaller.

CPF/IAFF Workshops Give Locals Tools to Succeed in Hard Times

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

The current economic tsunami is hitting California's fire service as never before. Your local union is fighting on multiple fronts to protect your interests, whether it's at the negotiating table, the halls of local government or the court of public opinion. As part of our collective mission to support those who work on your behalf, CPF and IAFF this summer hosted a series of one-day workshops to give your local leaders the tools to help them fight back.

National Survey: Firefighters Have Most Demanding Job in US

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

If you're a firefighter, chances are you're exhausted at the end of the day. That's the conclusion of a new study conducted by the job-rating firm CareerCast.com. In it's annual Jobs Rated Report, the organization lists "firefighter" as the most demanding job in the US, ahead of surgeon, corporate executive and police officer.

CPF, CalChiefs Sign Labor-Management Collaboration Initiative

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

In a move that underscores fire service solidarity on core public safety issues, CPF President Lou Paulson and CalChiefs President Sheldon Gilbert have signed an agreement outlining guiding principles for labor-management collaboration. The Labor-Management Initiative Guiding Principles is California’s implementation of the IAFF/IAFC Labor-Management Initiative.

CPF, CalChiefs Back ERI at Joint Legislative Committee Hearing

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Despite our current economic crisis, California's endangered mutual aid system can be saved, through passage of the Emergency Response Initiative (ERI). This is the message that CPF President Lou Paulson and California Fire Chiefs Association President Sheldon Gilbert hammered home this week at the Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management hearing in San Diego.

CPF Honored at IAFF Media Awards

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Each year, the IAFF Media Awards recognizes the reporting, photography and other media that embody what it means to be a first responder in the United States and Canada. This year, CPF was honored with four IAFF Media Awards.

Fire Service Vows to Renew Fight As Mutual Aid Bill Falls Short

Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Despite a furious last-minute lobbying effort and a direct telephone pitch from firefighters across the state, the California Legislature adjourned early Saturday without approving desperately needed first responder legislation. But a unified California fire service is vowing to keep working to pass the Emergency Response Initiative, which would pump hundreds of millions into local and state fire protection services.

Another FF Injured on Station Fire As Containment Improves

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

A firefighter cutting fire lines overnight was airlifted out of the LA County mountains this morning, as the battle continues against the deadly Station Fire. Nine other firefighters have been injured fighting the 157,000 acre blaze, which is now the 10th largest since 1932. Two firefighters have lost their lives battling the fire, which is now 56% contained, but still active and dangerous

Weather Key to Checking Station Fire's Continued Growth

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Fire officials are watching the skies in Southern California, hoping that increased humidity levels will continue to slow the march of the Station Fire. The blaze has now burned more than 127,000 acres, and stretches over nearly 200 square miles, but cooling temperatures have aided firefighting efforts in the Angeles National Forest, and the blaze is now 22% contained.

CFFJAC Classes Prepare Firefighters for Terrorism

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Firefighters and first responders up and down the state have been training for terrorism incidents since the California Fire Fighters Joint Apprenticeship Committee (CFFJAC) rolled out its new Terrorism Consequence Management (TCM) Train-the-Trainer course earlier this year. The CFFJAC is co-sponsored by CPF and the California State Fire Marshal.

United Fire Service Urges New Standards for Outsourcing EMS

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

A united California fire service task force called on the state EMS Authority to take steps to increase fiscal and public accountability in the outsourcing of EMS services to private, for-profit providers. In a white paper issued July 22, California Professional Firefighters, CalChiefs and the League of Cities Fire Chiefs unanimously concluded that some Local EMS Agencies (LEMSAs) were overstepping their statutory authority in fashioning contracts with private ambulance companies.

Displaced Firefighters List Provides Help for Laid Off FFs

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

When firefighter David Wills received his pink slip from Alameda Fire Department in June, he was added to the Displaced Firefighters List. Two weeks later, on his termination date, he received a call from Moraga-Orinda Fire District, letting him know they were hiring. The very next day, he went for an oral interview and a paramedics skills assessment.

Local Agencies Fear State IOUs Could Force Them Out of Mutual Aid

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0700

California’s critical disaster response network could break down as a result of the state’s cash crisis, leaving millions at risk in the event of an earthquake or catastrophic wildfire. That’s the concern being expressed by first responders, in the wake of a sobering report in the San Diego Union Tribune. In a July 15 story the Union-Tribune reports local fire officials are considering whether to opt out of participating in the state’s mutual aid disaster response system.

’08-‘09 ROP Fire Tech Class Concludes

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Sacramento County ROP fire tech students spent the last year learning what it takes to be a firefighter. Last week, they met for their final class, which gave their families and friends a chance to see the students in action. The CPF co-sponsored CFFJAC and the Sacramento County Office of Education work in cooperation to make this ROP fire tech class possible.

Riverside Arsonist Gets Death Sentence in Esperanza Fire

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0700

A Riverside man found guilty of touching off a 2006 blaze that killed five firefighters has received the death penalty. Raymond Oyler, 38, was convicted of multiple counts of murder for starting the 2006 Esperanza Fire. Five U.S. Forest Service firefighters died battling the deadly blaze.

Adopted Cal/OSHA Standard Reduces Infectious Disease Risk

Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Thanks to a strong push from California Professional Firefighters and technical support from the IAFF, a new standard has been adopted that will reduce first responders' risk of exposure to infectious disease.

So Cal Chiefs Make It Official: "Stay and Defend" Is Dead

Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Southern California fire officials have rolled out an updated fire preparation and evacuation plan to help citizens prepare for what's expected to be an exceptionally dangerous fire season. "Ready ... Set ... Go" emphasizes the need for homeowners in high-risk areas to make their homes fire safe and evacuate as early as possible. The new plan formalizes the fire service's unconditional rejection of the risky Australian model called "stay-and-defend".

Determination and Unity Key to Surviving Budget Fights

Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The tough times we're all facing got tougher when voters rejected a package of budget-balancing ballot propositions. Their anger is understandable, but the voters’ judgment will have a profound impact on firefighters.

Preparation and Response Save Lives and Homes in SB Blaze

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Firefighters are earning horn-tooting, sign-waving thanks from grateful Santa Barbara County residents for saving hundreds of homes in the sprawling Jesusita Fire. Area firefighters returned the complement, pointing to diligent advance preparation and early evacuation as critical to their success. More than 3,000 first responders have responded to the blaze, which has charred some 9,000 acres and is currently 80 percent contained.

2009 Recruitment Fairs Attract New Candidates to Firefighting

Tue, 12 May 2009 00:00:00 -0700

When the going gets tough, the tough choose firefighting. Nearly 1,000 young men and women did, packing the 2009 Firefighter Recruitment Fairs at the Candidate Physical Ability Testing (CPAT) Centers in Sacramento, Livermore and Orange. It was hosted by the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (CFFJAC), which is co-sponsored by CPF.

Sacramento CPAT Open House Spotlights Recruitment Efforts

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0700

California is looking for a few good women (and men) to serve on public safety's front lines. That's the message offered today by lawmakers and fire professionals as they renew efforts to build the next generation of first responders.

New Reports Predict Major Fire Risk in 2009, Beyond

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0700

There have already been twice as many wildland fires in the first three months of 2009 as there had been during the same period in 2008. And that's the good news. According to two reports -- one federal and one state -- California and the rest of the nation should brace for another bad fire year in 2009, and that, down the road, the state could see fire losses average $2 billion a year.

CPF, CalChiefs, Cal-EMA Agree: Pack Test Falls Short as Fitness Test

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0700

California’s new Emergency Management Agency (Cal-EMA) has joined with labor and management to reject efforts to impose an inadequate physical ability test on both incoming and incumbent firefighters. In a joint statement, Cal-EMA, CPF and CalChiefs conclude that the National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s “Pack Test” can’t and shouldn’t be used as a “fit for duty” test.

State Scrambles for Funds with Fire Season Looming

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0700

As California approaches another dreaded fire season, tax-weary legislative leaders have put a hold on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's contentious plan to impose a surcharge on property insurance bills that could raise $278 million a year for more crews, engines and helicopters.

Esperanza Fire Arsonist Guilty of Murder in FF Deaths

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The arsonist responsible for touching off a massive 2006 blaze that killed five firefighters has been convicted of murder. Raymond Oyler, a 38-year-old former auto mechanic, was found guilty of five counts of first-degree murder, one for each of the five US Forest Service firefighters who died in the 2006 Esperanza Fire in eastern Riverside County. The five firefighters died defending a home that had been overrun by the fast-moving blaze. Oyler was also convicted of 20 counts of arson, meaning he could face the death penalty.

CA Fire Service: Prepare, Leave Early, Follow Evacuation Orders

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The California fire service -- management and labor -- have come together to reaffirm the core principles of fire and emergency response in the state's wildland-urban interface. FIRESCOPE and the California Blue Ribbon Task Force have issued a joint statement repudiating the Australian so-called "stay and defend" model. If you're in California, the advice is clear: Prepare, Leave Early, Follow Evacuation Orders.

Q & A: A Talk with CalPERS' Chief Investment Officer

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0700

CalPERS is getting a new chief investment officer, but don't expect any immediate wholesale changes in how the big pension fund invests its money. Joseph Dear, the newly appointed chief investment officer at CalPERS, says this isn't the time to panic. (SacBee registration may be required.)

Richman Renews Attack on FF Pensions

Sun, 25 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0700

The man who spearheaded the 2005 attacks on public employee pensions is at it again. Former Assemblyman Keith Richman says he's going to use the Internet to gather signatures for a proposal that would increase the retirement age and cap pensions at a level nearly 1/3 lower than current law.

SoCal Fire Chiefs Debate Stay-and-Defend Program

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0700

A few Southern California fire chiefs are responding to budget and weather concerns by trying to rethink long-standing public safety policies on ordering mass evacuations in a wildfire. The so-called "Stay and Defend" policy is drawing fire from labor and management.

Proposed WUI Standards of Coverage Offer 'NFPA 1710 for Wildlands'

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Before 2003, most of California's worst-case disaster scenarios revolved around earthquakes. But over the last five years, our state has increasingly become associated with another kind of disaster - catastrophic wildland fires.

Firefighter Voice Rings Loud and Clear in Election

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0700

California Professional Firefighters and its affiliates proved once again that the issues that matter to first responders are issues that resonate with the state's voters. In a year with a record election turnout, CPF-endorsed candidates have won or are leading in all but three of the 91 Assembly and Senate contests in which we made a recommendation -- a whopping 97% success rate! Firefighters also helped lead the defeat of a ballot measure that could have diverted millions away from state fire protection programs.

We Will Remember ... California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony 2008

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Firefighters, family members and dignitaries from throughout California came together Saturday, October 18, 2008 in remembrance of those who paid the ultimate price to protect the lives and property of Californians.

Early Summer Firestorm Foreshadows Record Fire Season

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

According to CAL FIRE statistics, the 2008 Firestorm that ran from approximately June 11th, with the outbreak of the Humboldt Fire, through the end of July consumed more than one million acres - the most ever for a single state fire incident.

CFFJAC Women’s Commission Hosts 2009 Firefighter Recruitment Fairs

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

Sponsored by the CFFJAC Commission to Recruit Women in the Fire Service, the Firefighter Recruitment Fair provides an up-close-and-personal look at the women and men who serve on the front lines to protect millions of Californians.

Telegraph Fire Nears Full Containment

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Evacuation orders have been lifted and full containment is near for the 34,000-acre Telegraph Fire, which threatened Yosemite National Park. The blaze destroyed more than 100 structures, including 28 residences. Roughly three-dozen minor injuries were reported, but no deaths.

Lew Stone Sworn In as New CPF Secretary-Treasurer

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

A 60-day Special Election to fill the post of CPF Secretary-Treasurer has ended with the election of Burbank Fire Fighters Local 778 President Lew Stone. Stone, who has served as CPF 2nd District Vice President since 2001, was sworn in this week at a meeting of the CPF Executive Board.

Nor Cal Fires Set Acreage Record for Single Incident

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

As weather on the front lines continues to assist the firefighting effort, the sobering toll of the 2008 Firestorm is, in one area, without precedent. According to CAL FIRE, the month-long siege of fires has swallowed up nearly 850,000 acres, surpassing the 2003 Southern California Firestorm, which officially consumed about 650,000 acres. All but 80 of the more than 2,000 fires have been contained.

Heat Stress Warning Signs and Prevention Tips

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

During the hot summer, the risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke increase. A new CalOSHA warning about heat stress is especially important for firefighters as fire season kicks into high gear in Northern California.

Climate, Development Heighten Fire Danger: Nat'l Geographic

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

In its July issue, National Geographic examines the escalating fire risk throughout the Western United States, citing development in the WUI as well as climatic changes as the cause of fires that are ever-more dangerous.

LA City Releases 40-Year-Old Photos From RFK Assassination

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0700

When LA City firefighter Harold Burba was dispatched to the Ambassador Hotel on the night of June 4, 1968, his job was to photograph possible fire code violations. He wound up as a witness to history. Just after midnight on June 5th, documented the immediate aftermath of the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Burba's photos were published late last month by the Los Angeles Firefighter, the official newspaper of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, Local 112.

Imperial Beach Hires First Woman Firefighter

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 -0700

The 10-person fire department in Imperial Beach, in San Diego County, now has its first woman firefighter. Tyra Moe turned down offers at two other departments to work in the small coastal community. The CPF co-sponsored Commission to Recruit Women for the Fire Service has been working to bring more qualified applicants to fire departments throughout the state.

Report: State and Local Pensions Well Funded

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

At a time when budgets are tight, a new national study has revealed a "miracle" at work in state capitals and city halls: Fully funded pension systems. The report, conducted by the Center for State and Local Government Excellence, indicates that overall, pension systems in the U.S. are doing better than private systems, and are 90% funded.

CalPERS for Private Sector Workers?

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

State lawmakers proposing opening up the CalPERS retirement system to private sector employees have won the support of Governor Schwarzenegger. The plan would let private employees have retirement accounts managed through CalPERS. CPF is watching the proposal, but has no position to this point.

LODD: Berkeley Apparatus Operator Jay Walter

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Berkeley Firefighters Local #1227 is saddened to announce the loss of one of their brother firefighters in the line of duty. Apparatus Operator Jay Randall Walter, 54, lost his battle with job-related cancer April 6th. Memorial Services are scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 11:00am at St. Joseph The Worker Church, 1640 Addison St., Berkeley. CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST.

Justice Dept. Denies FF Death Benefits

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0700

A new audit at the U.S. Justice Dept. has confirmed what many grieving families already know -- the Department has improperly denied and delayed death benefits owed to the families of fallen first responders under the 2003 Hometown Heroes Act.

IAFF/CPF-Backed Online Paramedic Training

Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0700

California firefighters and fire departments can now obtain the latest in online EMS training from the National Paramedic Institute (NPI) at a discount, thanks to a new partnership agreement between IAFF, NPI, and California Professional Firefighters.