News From the Field

Court Strikes "Unlawful" Ballot Language in SJ Pension Measure

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0700

The effort by San Jose city officials to tilt the field in a June fight over pensions has been struck down by the courts. Declaring it "impermissibly partisan and misleading," a unanimous appeals court rewrote biased ballot language drafted by the city for its retirement security rollback measure.

NBC2 San Jose: City Officials Influenced "Independent" Pension Audit

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700

A blistering investigative report suggests that San Jose city officials exerted influence on a supposedly "independent" audit of its retirement system to inflate the fiscal risk to the city. The report also indicates city officials withheld vital information from its Retirement Board.

Non-Partisan Analyst: End of Redevelopment Means Billions for Vital Services

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Ending redevelopment will eventually produce $5 billion of additional general fund money for vital services. So says the non-partisan Legislative Analyst's office. According to a new LAO report, local agencies will eventually see an increase of up to 15% in available property tax revenue without redevelopment.

PERB: SD Pension Measure Violates Collective Bargaining Law

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0700

The state Public Employment Relations Board has ruled that the San Diego ballot measure to eliminate public pensions violates California's collective bargaining laws, and constitutes an unfair labor practice. The ruling clears the way for San Diego employees to file suit to remove the measure from the city's November ballot.

San Jose's Fuzzy Pension Math Unmasked in News Report

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0700

San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed has tossed around a scary $650 million estimate of the city's pension obligation. But an investigative report by NBC11 in the Bay Area has revealed that the number was something the city just pulled out of its ... hat.

Livermore Labs Sticks with Alameda Co.; Rejects Private Provider

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0700

The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), the seat of much of the nation’s nuclear research, this week announced it is renewing its five-year contract with Alameda County Fire Department to provide fire and EMS services for the facility. In so doing, the facility rejected an effort by Wackenhut Services International to privatize the facility’s critical safety services.

Sonoma Co. Pols Get Schooled on Firefighting at Fire Ops 101

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Political leaders from throughout Sonoma County got a "master class" on the rigors and risks of firefighting as Santa Rosa Firefighters Local 1401 hosted their latest "Fire Ops 101".

CPF Locals Go Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0700

California firefighters are in the pink this month in honor of breast cancer awareness month. Pink duty shirts are replacing the traditional blue uniforms in many fire stations across the state.

Pioneer FFs Hosts Fundraising Raffle

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Pioneer Firefighters Local 4586 is hosting a raffle to raise money in support of Measure F, a local ballot measure that will keep Pioneer Fire Protection District open.

Pasadena Residents Petition for Full Fire Station, Crew

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Over 600 concerned Pasadena residents signed a petition submitted to the City Council Monday night to formalize their demands for better fire department coverage following the closure of Station 39 after a seismic study found it unsafe.

Two CA Firefighters Honored with Medal of Valor

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0700

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.

CPF 1st District VP Named to CA Seismic Safety Commission

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0700

CPF California's first responders will have a powerful new voice in helping to shape our state's earthquake safety standards with the appointment of Riverside Fire Captain Tim Strack to the California Seismic Safety Commission.

Fresno Firefighters Provide Win-Win for City, Members

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Fresno Firefighters Local 753 has much to celebrate. They have helped the City of Fresno close its $3 million budget shortfall and given more back to their members. For the next 24 months, starting August 4, Fresno Firefighters agreed to a 2.5% salary concession, if the City would extend their contract for one more year.

Shuttered Ventura Fire Station Could Reopen by Year's End

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0700

A Ventura fire station shuttered last year amid steep city budget cuts could reopen by year's end. The city learned Wednesday it was awarded a three-year, multimillion federal grant to afford the nine firefighter-paramedic positions necessary to reopen and staff the fire house 24 hours a day.

Vallejo FD To Add Staffing, Reopen Fire Station

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Vallejo's fire department is set to hire nine new firefighters for two years, buy two new fire engines and reopen a station following City Council approval Tuesday night. The new fire staffing will come from a federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant, the second the city has received in recent years.

Budget Cuts Mean Fewer Firefighters to Fight CA Wildfires

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0700

As California closed a gaping budget deficit this year with sweeping cuts to numerous agencies, it saved $34 million by cutting 750 seasonal CAL FIRE firefighters. That means one less person per engine unit to haul thousands of feet of hose lines and share the exhausting physical rigors of battling wildfires.

Southern California FFs Cycle Across US for Sept. 11

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Firefighter paramedics George Ostrovsky and Jim Prabhu have shedded their Los Angeles City Fire Department uniforms to go on a new adventure with eight other Southern California firefighters. The group is bicycling across the country, covering 3,308 miles.

Woodland, Sac Metro and Davis Advance in Firehouse Challenge

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Firefighter teams from Woodland, Sacramento Metro and Davis have advanced into the final round of competition for the annual California State Fair's Firehouse Challenge. The final round of cooking is scheduled for Sunday, July 31.

Firehouse Champs Can Take the Heat

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700

As two-time defending champions of the California State Fair's Firehouse Challenge, firefighters Tara Daniels and Walter Scruggs are working on their arsenal of dishes to prepare for battle this Sunday.

Sac Fire: Budget Cuts Delayed Response at Fire

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Budget cuts in the Sacramento City Fire Department are now being felt on the fire lines. On Wednesday, firefighters battled a tractor-trailer fire in South Sacramento with half its hazmat companies gone.

CPF Firevision - June 22, 2011

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Firehouse Chef: Lodi firefighter Kris Graves takes his culinary skills from the firehouse to the Food Network on "24 Hour Restaurant Battle."

Lodi FF Competes on Food Network Show

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Lodi firefighter and Local 1225 member Kris Graves is used to taking on whatever work throws at him on his 24-hour shift at Lodi's Fire Station 1. But recently, he stretched the 24-hour time frame to its absolute limit when he and his fraternal twin brother Michael competed in "24 Hour Restaurant Battle," a Food Network reality TV show that challenges two teams to create, design and open their own restaurant - all within a 24-hour time frame.

Bid to Privatize Retirement Could Boost SD Pension Costs

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0700

San Diego's controversial plan to privatize retirement could wind up costing the city more, not less. An analysis of the ballot proposal to replace secure pensions with 401(k) plans says the proposal may actually force the city to pay more into the pension system, at least in the short run.

State Pension Costs Down Because Employees Step Up

Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Pension costs for the state of California will go down by nearly $200 million in the coming year, thanks to state workers. CalPERS reports that new collective bargaining agreements are already helping to rein in retirement costs.

Kern County Goes Pink to Support Cancer Awareness

Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

In an effort to support cancer victims and survivors, three pink fire trucks rolled into Kern County last weekend to support Links for Life. It's part of a cross-country cancer awareness tour.

CPF Firevision - May 11, 2011

Thu, 12 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

California LAST Teams: The CA Fire Foundation joins with Nat'l Fallen Firefighter Foundation to provide comprehensive local assistance when a firefighter falls in the line of duty.

Firehouse Chef Competition Now Accepting Entries

Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Which local has the best firehouse chefs? The California State Fair wants to crown this year's champ. If you've got gourmets in your midst, get your team together for the 2011 California's Kitchen Best Firehouse Chef Competition at the California State Fair. Entry form deadline is July 1, 2011.

CPF Firevision - Apr. 27, 2011

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Modesto Firefighter Miracle: Modesto Engineer Jim Adams returns to full duty 13 months after the New Year's Day 2010 blaze that nearly cost him his life.

LODD: Long Beach Fire Capt. Hank Zavaleta

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0700

It is with the utmost sympathy and deepest regret that the Long Beach Firefighters, Local 372 and the Long Beach Fire Department announce the passing of Fire Capt. Hank Zavaleta from a long battle with brain cancer. He was 49.

San Carlos Votes Against Outsourcing Fire Department

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0700

After two hours of at times emotional debate, the San Carlos City Council late Monday unanimously voted to seek a partnership with Redwood City for its fire protection and rejected a plan to outsource the service.

Downtown Redding Fire Shows Holes in Staffing

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Thursday's three-alarm downtown Redding blaze was the first major test for city firefighters since the officials closed a station and cut a dozen department jobs a few months ago. Firefighters responded swiftly to Thursday's alarm. But the recent cutbacks revealed new weaknesses in an already chronically understaffed department.

Video: Firefighters Pass the Boot for Burn Victims

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Firefighters fanned out across San Diego County Wednesday to collect money for the Burn Institute during the 12th annual Firefighter Boot Drive. Firefighters at stations and major intersections around the county solicited donations during the morning and afternoon commutes.

Local 3757 President Honored as Corona FF of the Year

Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700

The president of Corona Firefighters Local #3757 has been honored by his department for community service above and beyond the call. Jim Steiner was selected as Corona's Firefighter of the Year for 2010. Steiner was honored for his fund raising work on behalf of ill children.

CPF Firevision - Mar. 24, 2011

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Costa Mesa City Council issues mass layoff notices, including 90 firefighters, in attempt to privatize city services.

Arcadia Firefighters Give Back at City of Hope

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Children at City of Hope National Medical Center were visited by Arcadia firefighters last week and got to cheer them on as more than 30 firefighters shaved their heads. The program is part of their involvement with St. Baldrick's Foundation, an organization that raises money and awareness for childhood cancer research.

Olivenhain Residents Demand Faster Response Times

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Olivenhain residents said they are upset about what they call unacceptable fire and medical response times for their community, which is east of Encinitas. The problem is that four out of Encinitas' five fire stations are located near the coastal part of the city and miles from Olivenhain.

Local 1364 Members Save Four in Swift-Water Rescue

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Ventura County FD's swift-water rescue team, consisting of Local 1364 members, successfully saved four friends who became stuck in a creekbed in Thousand Oaks during last Sunday's heavy storm.

Costa Mesa Firefighters Targeted in Mass Layoff Notice

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700

The national attack on your rights and benefits as public servants is washing up on the shores of the Golden State. And it now has claimed a life. More than 200 employees in Costa Mesa, including 90 firefighters, got six-month layoff notices Thursday, March 17th, as part of a brazen, ideologically fueled effort to privatize the entire city.

LA County Completes First Day of Recovery in Japan

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700

LA County Fire Department's California Task Force 2 finished its first day helping the recovery effort in Japan without finding any survivors, a county fire department official said Tuesday.

CAL FIRE Training Heats Up

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Using Visalia's multimillion-dollar Fire Training Center for the first time, CAL FIRE firefighters got one step closer to being ready for fire season. The training was made possible by funding from the CPF co-sponsored California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (CFFJAC).

LA County Fire To Send Rescue Team To Japan

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700

The Los Angeles County Fire Department is preparing to deploy a 74-member team to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts in Japan. The California Task Force 2, a urban search and rescue team, was requested by the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance.

LA County Firefighters Join Rescue Efforts in New Zealand

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Rescue teams from around the world have landed in New Zealand to help with rescue and relief efforts, including a team of Los Angeles County firefighters. Half the members of the U.S. rescue team are working in a high rise building in Christchurch, where most of the staircases collapsed after the quake.

24 LA City Fire Heroes Given Awards, Including Medal of Valor

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Twenty-four heroes of the Los Angeles City Fire Department were given special awards and commendations Thursday for their actions above and beyond the call of duty.

Sacramento Firefighter Fall Highlights Staffing Shortage

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700

A serious fall taken by a veteran firefighter from the roof of a burning home has raised some big questions about staffing shortages. Sacramento City Fire department Captain Gene Dibble along with Engine 60 and several other crews responded to the house fire Saturday night.

CPF 2010 Annual Report

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0700

California Professional Firefighters' 2010 Annual Report is now available online. The 24-page report provides an overview of CPF, a rundown of its major accomplishments for the previous calendar year, and a look ahead to new challenges.

Thousands in Downtown LA to Honor FF Allen

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Thousands of mourners gathered in downtown L.A. on Friday for the funeral of fallen firefighter Glenn Allen, who died last week while fighting a house fire in Hollywood Hills. According to the L.A. City Fire Department, officials are expecting about 8,000 spectators, 200 dignitaries, about 200 fire apparatus and over 100 agencies from all over the country.

Full FF Honors for F-33 Member Who Died Suddenly at Home

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Federal Firefighters Local F-33 mourn loss of Matt Moreno, who died off-duty at the age of only 26. A memorial with full honors will be held Saturday, Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. in Chula Vista.

Injured Modesto Firefighter Returns To Work

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0700

A Modesto firefighter who has spent the past year recovering from injuries suffered in a fire returned to work on Sunday. James W. Adams underwent 13 months of medical treatment, including multiple surgeries and intense rehabilitation, after a roof that he was standing on collapsed on Jan. 1, 2010.

San Jose to Citizens: Starve Public Safety, Feed Developers

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0700

On the heels of a round of layoffs that cost 49 firefighters their jobs, San Jose officials are vowing to slash nearly 1/4 of their fire and police services in the coming year's budget. But while threatening to decimate vital services, San Jose continues to siphon over $200 million in property-tax money to support developer subsidies through its redevelopment agency.

Study: San Diego Needs 10 New Fire Stations

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0700

The city of San Diego needs to build and staff 10 new fire stations at a cost of well over $100 million to reach acceptable response times, according to a study released Monday.

Video: Slower Response Times in SD due to Brownouts

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -0700

It's been a year since the City of San Diego started rolling brownouts at local fire stations. Most agree response times are slower, but the question is how long will it last. "We've seen response times increase significantly," said San Diego Fire Chief Javier Mainar.

Staffing Cuts Have Increased Response Times in SD

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Firefighters are taking longer to arrive at emergencies since staffing cuts were instituted nearly a year ago, fire Chief Javier Mainar told a City Council committee Wednesday. As many as eight fire engines are taken out of service each day on a rotating basis to reduce costs.

Brownouts Reduce Fire Inspections, Revenue

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0700

The city of San Diego's decision to idle up to eight fire engines daily to save money has had an unintended consequence — revenue from fire inspections by those crews has plummeted.

"Redevelopment Mardi Gras" Draws Mounting Criticism

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0700

This past weekend’s multi-billion dollar spending binge by redevelopment agencies is drawing mounting denunciation, with one story terming it “the redevelopment equivalent of chugging Hurricanes on Bourbon St.”

Cities Launch Fast-Track Attack to Keep Money Out of Vital Services

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Acting with unprecedented haste in response to an apparently specious rumor, local politicians up and down the state are on track to ram through more than $1 billion in special pet projects at the expense of public safety, schools and core services. Local governments throughout California jammed through a blizzard of special projects, creating massive new taxpayer debt with almost no accountability.

Pension Backlash Clouds Contests in Local Ballot Measures

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0700

The success of firefighter-backed candidates was a cause for celebration at the state and local levels. Further down the ballot, however, a less hospitable wind was blowing.

Contra Costa County FFs to Give Bikes to Needy Children

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Contra Costa County firefighters have put together 350 new bicycles this year to be given out to low-income children in the annual Bikes for Tykes program. Every year for the past 20 years, firefighters have spent their pre-Christmas off-duty time assembling bicycles and tricycles at fire stations throughout the county for the program.

Pasadena Reinstates Browned-Out Ladder Truck

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0700

The city of Pasadena Tuesday ended a "brown out" in emergency fire services, reinstating a four-firefighter ladder truck that was temporarily taken out of action earlier this year to save money, officials announced.

Loyal Fire Captain Dies From Heart Attack at 55

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Javier coached Little League baseball, played in a men's basketball league and played the trombone. He had a passion for traveling and often took roadtrips to Grants Pass, Ore., to visit his mother, brother and sister.

Long Beach FFs Lauded After Boy's Rescue

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Long Beach Firefighter Chuck Hakopian has been lauded a hero after he ran headlong into a burning apartment to rescue a 2-year-old boy, when he and other members of the crew from Fire Station 11 were told a baby was trapped inside.

CAL FIRE Firefighters Awarded Governor's Medal of Valor

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today awarded the distinguished Governor's Medal of Valor to 17 CAL FIRE employees for acting above and beyond the call of duty. The firefighters received the Medal of Valor, the highest honor that California bestows upon its public servants, as part of a ceremony recognizing 38 state employees.

Long Beach Firefighters Help Grieving Family at Thanksgiving

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

It was a tough Thanksgiving Thursday for the family of a teenage boy who was shot to death last week, the victim of gang violence. But a group of Long Beach firefighters took it upon themselves to make the day a little brighter, by preparing and delivering a holiday feast for the family, all 80 of them.

Escondido FFs Bake Pies for St. Clare's Women's Shelter

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

For the past 17 years, Escondido Firefighters has baked pumpkin pies for St. Clare's Home in Escondido. This year, they will continue this tradition by baking 30 pies at the firehouse to bring holiday cheer to the homeless and battered women and children who are residents there.

Doctor Concerned about Montebello FD Station Closure

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Beverly Hospital officials say fire station closures may be delaying treatment for heart attack victims. Between April and June, the hospital dropped from No. 6 or No. 7 among the 32 hospitals participating in the "STEMI" rapid heart attack treatment program to No. 27.

San Bernardino City FFs Provide Thanksgiving Meals For Needy

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -0700

About 30 Local 891 members gathered at Mary's Mercy Center in San Bernardino on Wednesday morning to unload a truck full of donations for the nonprofit organization that serves the poor. It's the fifth year the local has made the annual donation and they have partnered again with Stater Bros. Supermarkets to increase the size of their donation.

Road to be Named for Hall, Quinones

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

Two firefighters who were killed trying to protect their fellow firefighters stuck in the path of last year's Station Fire will have Angeles Forest Highway named after them Monday.

Closure of Ventura Fire Station Increases Response Times

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

The July closure of an east Ventura fire station as a cost-cutting move has shaved $163,000 in overtime costs, but department response times to emergencies in the surrounding neighborhood have fallen sharply, records show.

CPF Firevision - Oct. 27, 2010

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0700

The 2010 Governor's Race: Why it Matters to You: For firefighters, 2010 is the "election of your career." CPF Firevision contrasts Jerry Brown's 40 year record of support for firefighters against Meg Whitman's vow to take away negotiating rights, secure pensions and job security.

Stockton City Manager Thwarts FFs Breast Cancer Campaign

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Stockton Firefighters Local 456 members were threatened with discipline this week for participating in a "Go Pink" breast cancer awareness campaign. A directive from the Stockton city manager imposed a variety of restrictions on firefighters' participation in the campaign, and barred the sale of charity "Go Pink" t-shirts. Firefighters were advised they faced discipline if they participated.

Firefighters Think Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0700

In fire stations across the state, firefighters have traded in their standard blue on-duty shirts for petal pink ones. It's one way that CPF locals are thinking pink in October to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Community Pays Tribute to Sacramento Firefighter

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

More than 2,000 firefighters, emergency personnel, friends and family gathered today at Sacramento State's Hornet Stadium for a memorial service honoring the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District firefighter James Saunders.

LODD: Sacramento Metro Firefighter Jim Saunders

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

It is with deepest regret that Sacramento Area Fire Fighters Local 522 and Sacramento Metro Fire Department announce the death of firefighter Jim Saunders of Engine Company 101.

LODD: San Miguel Fire Engineer Richard Pascall

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

It is with deepest regret that San Miguel Fire Fighters Local 1434 and the San Miguel Fire District announce the passing of Fire Engineer Richard Pascall on October 1, 2010 of melanoma. He was 49 years old.

CPF Firevision - Sept. 22, 2010

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Firehouse Chefs: California is home to many of the country's best firehouse chefs, including CPF members Tara Daniels, Walter Scruggs and Eddie Sell, who have earned the title of celebrity chef.

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.