Volume 22 | No. 4 Fourth Quarter 2013

California Professional Firefighters

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND? CPF members have definite ideas about their profession, their union and their futures

fter more than half a decade of budget cuts and eco- nomic distress, the “Great Recession” seems finally to be receding. State and local coffers are slowly refilling, laid-off firefighters are finding work and the rush to Aclose or brown-out stations seems to be easing. The depth of the economic crisis has left its mark on California and firefighters are far from immune from its effects. More than ever, first responders have been the targets of unfair attacks on the pay and secure benefits they’ve earned. CPF members find themselves in political battles to protect basic rights, such as last year’s success- ful fight against Proposition 32. Additionaly, all of this is taking place as a new generation takes the reins and new technologies reign. The impact of recent upheaval, and the dizzying pace of change prompted CPF to check in on its 30,000 members to find out what was important to them. In a series of focus groups and a statewide telephone survey of members conducted this past summer by respected pollster David Binder, CPF members chimed in on the job, their union, the issues and the future. Their answers will help CPF and its affiliates chart a course that reflects the priorities of the men and women they serve. Continued on page 4

PRESIDENT’S CPF 75TH MEMORIAL CFFJAC PERSPECTIVE ANNIVERSARY CEREMONY CONFERENCE Page 3 Page 10 Page 12 Page 22 niv An ersary LETTERS TO THE PRESIDENT

Congratulations on being named our members’ health, safety and over- CALIFORNIA FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL a Labor Hero Honoree at the UC all well-being. Our members depend Berkeley Center for Labor Research on us and we must see to it that their and Education’s 50th Anniversary rights and safety are never compro- I just wanted to say thank you for the Celebration. On behalf of the Unit- mised. beautiful ceremony you put together. ed Firefighters of Los Angeles City UFLAC is proud to be a member I have never been to a memorial like (UFLAC) Local 112, we commend of California Professional Firefighters that, I have nothing to compare it to! you on your dedication to serving the and we will continue to work hand- But I believe my standards of such a needs of the brave men and women in-hand with you to protect the brave ceremony will be high, as nothing will who selflessly protect lives and public men and women who put their lives be able stand up to it! My husband safety. at risk on a daily basis. Keep up the who is retired from the Navy has been The 30,000 firefighters and para- great work and please do not hesitate an Honor Guard for more memorials medics that California Professional to contact me at any time. than I can count, as well as my aunt Firefighters proudly represents are and her friend (both retired Shasta fortunate to have you advocate on Frank Lima, President, County Sheriffs) and they have said their behalf. It is crucial to continue United Firefighters of Los Angeles they have never seen anything so well to work hard to promote and protect City Local 112 put together! This has to be one of the I want to thank each of you for al- most beautiful memorials! I just want lowing me the opportunity to pho- to tell you and everyone who has been tograph what was one of the most a part of this process, thank you from poignant events I have ever attended. On behalf of the Sacramento Met- ramento Area Firefighters Local 522 the bottom of my heart! This was such an amazing experience ropolitan Fire District, the Board of with respect to employer-provided and I will never forget the day. You Directors and members of the Sacra- retiree healthcare contributions. Liz Prince all did such an amazing job and you mento Area Firefighters Local 522, We are proud to have partners like deserve tremendous credit for pulling I would like to extend our sincere you working with us for the better- off a beautifully orchestrated tribute. appreciation for your part in author- ment of the fire service. If any of you should ever need any ing and guiding AB 1346 through If there is anything I can do for you photographic assistance from my neck the legislature and to the Governor’s in the future, please don’t hesitate to of the woods, please do not hesitate to desk. ask. Again, thank you for your assis- call on me as it would be my honor to As you know, this legislation was tance in this important legislation. contribute in any way I can. critical to the vesting schedule to PEMHCA, which reflects the terms Kurt P. Henke, Fire Chief, Craig Rose, of the collective bargaining agree- Sacramento Metropolitan San Jose Fire Photographer ment between the District and Sac- Fire District

CPF HONORED WITH IAFF MEDIA AWARDS

alifornia Professional Firefight- Also recognized with first place hon- ers’ groundbreaking member and ors in the “Special Project” category public communications have a was Uncommon Courage, the stunning Cfew more awards on the trophy commemorative book marking the 10th shelf. Most recently, CPF’s efforts were anniversary of the California Firefighters A moving recognized by the IAFF with its 2013 Memorial. The volume tracked the tribute Media Awards. CPF came out on top at decade-long trek to make the Memorial to fallen this year’s IAFF Media Awards, receiv- a reality and its impact on the profession heroes, ing awards for all four of the entries since its unveiling in 2002. Uncommon submitted. “We are tremendously proud of the Courage The IAFF’s Media Awards – an annual quality of all of our publications and was honored contest honoring CPF affiliates for their various media that we provide for our with the work communicating with the public and members. It’s an honor to be recognized by 2013 IAFF its members – has again honored CPF with our peers, our fellow firefighters across the Media awards in all four of its entry categories. U.S. and Canada for our communications Award Topping the award chart in 2013 is the efforts,” said CPF President Lou Paulson. California Professional Firefighter, CPF’s In addition to its two winning entries, official quarterly publication, which was CPF also won 2nd Place for its website, honors for its “No on Prop. 32” member part of our success in defeating Prop. 32," named best print publication among www.cpf.org. The CPF site is a consis- outreach campaign – a soup-to-nuts said CPF President Lou Paulson. “These unions with circulation above 1,000 tent winner in this category, logging outreach program that helped produce a awards really go to show the hard work members. Independent judges credited upwards of 20,000 visits a month. It was muscular turnout against Prop. 32. our staff puts in for our members and the the engaging content and easy-to-read described as “an information hub about “CPF’s communication efforts prior to high quality products that result from format and layout. the firefighting profession. CPF also won and during the election were an integral their dedication.”

2 FOURTH QUARTER | VOLUME 22 NO. 4 CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

A Legacy of LEADERSHIP A Future of PROMISE Lou Paulson

his year, Califor- presumption laws to the Firefighters Bill To this day, CPF’s leadership continues public pensions, CPF remains “Always nia Professional of Rights. to leave its mark on the labor movement Vigilant,” standing ready to confront the Firefighters marks During the first half of the 20th as a whole, most recently with 2012’s suc- challenges ahead. its 75th year of Century, joining a union was a danger- cessful campaign to defeat Proposition 32. Just like our predecessors, we are con- commitment to ous thing to do. When the Federated Fire CPF took the lead in the fight against stantly defending our rights and preparing making life bet- Fighters of California was char- ter for firefighters, tered as the IAFF State Council their families and in 1938, there were only seven their communities. Since its inception, active IAFF local unions in the CPF has been a steady, unifying force state. After its first three decades Thelping to advance firefighter rights and of existence, the number of local benefits. affiliates increased to thirty and In October of 1938, the United was at the forefront of a signature States was still in the midst of the event in the history of labor in Great Depression and headed toward a California—the right to organize world war. That same month, the Fed- and collectively bargain. In 1959, erated Fire Fighters of California was FFFC helped to pass Assembly established as the State Council for the Bill 618, which was the first stat- International Association of Fire Fight- ute in California to explicitly ers (IAFF). Its mission: make life better recognize the right of any group for California firefighters and their fam- of public employees to organize. ilies. Over the next three generations, Since then, CPF has contin- that same organization – now known ued to expand its leadership in as California Professional Firefighters the state, becoming an influential – has held true to that mission. In the force in the State Capitol. In 1982, process, CPF has become one of the most Governor Jerry Brown signed innovative and influential labor organi- CPF-backed AB 3011 into law, zations in the nation. the nation’s very first firefighter The story of California Professional cancer presumption law, and CPF con- Prop. 32, which would have eliminated for the next fight. We have come a long Firefighters is really the story of the fire- tinued to strengthen California’s cancer the political voice of all labor unions in way in CPF’s 75 years, but cannot rest fighter labor movement in this state. It presumption laws throughout the 1990s, the state. Together with our allies in on our laurels and must instead continue is also the story of how firefighting came into the 2000s and beyond. CPF has won organized labor, we were able to defeat to press forward if we hope to hold on to from an occupation populated mostly by passage of countless other laws for the this insidious measure by a larger margin what we have gained. It’s an honor to lead volunteers to a sophisticated and highly- benefit of California’s first responders, than any of its previous iterations, with an organization with such a rich legacy of regarded profession. CPF has been at the including statewide binding arbitration firefighters voting No on Prop. 32 at a accomplishment, but our eyes are always forefront of virtually every significant and the Firefighter Bill of Rights and, higher rate than any other labor union. fixed on the road ahead. Over the course advancement in the careers, health and more recently, Workers’ Compensation But we could not celebrate for long. of the next year, we look forward to recog- well-being of California’s first respond- reform in 2012 and a ban on toxic, flame- With numerous challenges on the hori- nizing both the successes of our past and ers—from collective bargaining and retardant chemicals in 2013. zon including the continued assault on the challenges of our future.

CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS FOURTH QUARTER | VOLUME 22 NO. 4 3 Continued from page 1 WHAT MATTERS TO YOU THE STATE OF THE STATE CPF-BACKED Understanding the priorities of its mem- Even though the recession seems to have CANDIDATES LIFE ON THE FRONT LINES bers is the key to success for any labor bottomed out, most firefighters, like most Probably the least surprising finding was organization, and firefighters are not shy Californians, still are nervous about the that firefighters love what they do. The about their opinions. future. As of the survey last summer, a statewide survey found between 80% and At the top of the priority list are pro- majority (54%) think California is still 90% satisfaction with their pay, benefits, tecting jobs and protecting retirement. on the wrong track. Many families felt the hours and job security. Beyond the tangi- Asked to choose between pay cuts and effects of the economic downturn, with ble benefits, most point to the excitement station closures, only about 1/3 chose fewer than half describing themselves as WINRE-ELECTION TO and variety of the job and the ability to closing fire stations. Even stronger was “comfortable.” make a difference in the world. Almost the urge to protect retirees. Asked to “I’m very worried about health care, CALPERS BOARD all said they would encourage their chil- choose between pay cuts and reducing the cost of living going up without raises dren to pursue the profession. retiree health benefits, active firefighters and retirement costing more,” said one The one exception to this positive out- were willing to take the pay cut by more younger firefighter. “At some point, you look was when it came to staffing, as the than two-to-one. just can’t pay the bills.” era of layoffs has clearly taken its toll. “Retirees don’t have as big a voice,” Regarding politics, most firefighters Roughly half of those polled were either said one younger Concord firefighter. understand the importance of having a somewhat or very dissatisfied with fire- “They can’t get it back.” voice in the process. Although a plurality, fighter staffing levels. Most firefighters give their local, (47 percent) identify themselves as leaning Some firefighters – particularly younger state and national unions high marks: Republican, most say their union’s voice members – also felt the strain of politi- Favorability for the local, CPF and IAFF matters to them at election time, espe- Michael Bilbrey cal attacks on pay and pension security: among firefighters is significantly higher cially when it comes to ballot initiatives. While more than 80 percent still believe than that enjoyed by most other unions. “I disagree with the union, but I under- firefighters are well regarded, more than Still, firefighters have definite ideas stand they back the firefighting family,” half think the public’s view has changed about what they want from their union. said one active Riverside firefighter. “They for the worse in the past half-decade. Surprisingly, about one in three believe have a job to protect us as firefighters.” “There’s a lot of pressure from the gen- their union’s top priority should be work- This economic uncertainty has created eral public,” said one younger firefighter ing with local officials. That’s a higher a new sense of kinship between firefight- from Los Angeles. “I feel respected, but percentage even than contract negoti- ers and their brothers and sisters in the there’s more negativity towards public ations. Educating the public also rated rest of the labor movement. Well over half employees now.” highly as an important function. of CPF members say they closely iden- tify with other public and private sector J.J. Jelincic unions. Nine out of ten members believe unions in general are very important to CPF is pleased to report that the SATISFACTION WITH SATISFIED (TOTAL) the state and its communities. Nearly the Secretary of State’s Office certified JOB-RELATED ITEMS VERY SATISFIED same number – 89 percent – believe that on October 14, 2013, that CPF- Members are very satisfied with most aspects of their life what happens to other labor unions mat- backed candidates Joseph (J.J.) and job, except when it comes to staffing levels. ters to firefighters and their families. Jelincic and Michael Bilbrey have “How can you not feel connected when been re-elected to the CalPERS Your hours and schedule 93 you know someone is losing their job or Board of Administration. They 70 their condition is bad?” said one member. will serve four-year terms begin- “You’re a worker just like them.” ning January 16, 2014. Your job security 91 59 J.J. Jelincic was first elected to MAKING YOUR VOICE HEARD the CalPERS Board in 2010. A life- Your retirement benefits 90 51 Like any statistical poll, CPF’s member long fighter for retirement security, Working conditions/equipment 89 survey has a “margin of error” – in this Jelincic has shown he will stand up 47 case, plus or minus four percent. Here’s for CPF members and all public Your safety on the job 87 your chance to help us fill in that margin. workers. As a CalPERS invest- 50 Email us your comments at ment officer and past president of Your salary 83 [email protected]. Give us your thoughts the California State Employees 33 on your profession, your priorities and Association, he has the background Your health care benefits 80 your union. Please keep it clean and to protect CalPERS’ fiscal health 40 respectful. A sampling of your comments without sacrificing secure benefits. Staffing levels 47 will be published in the next edition of Michael Bilbrey was first elected 15 TheCalifornia Professional Firefighter. to the Board in 2011. He has a proven record of fighting to ensure that public employees are treated fairly and his fiscal experience RETIREE HEALTH CARE CLOSE FIRE STATIONS CHANGE IN OPINION managing a multi-million-dollar VS. PAY CUTS VS. PAY CUTS OVER PAST FIVE YEARS investment portfolio make him uniquely positioned to help the AGREE (TOTAL) 60% CalPERS Board meet its future 54 AGREE STRONGLY 54 challenges and obligations. 40% These newly re-elected 21 41% incumbents join a host of other 31% CPF-backed Board members 21 20% 18 including President Rob Feckner, 17 16 17 % 4 9 12 4 10% 13% Vice President George Diehr, Ex 0% Officio Member John Chiang, Reducing Reducing Neither Unsure Closing Reducing Neither Unsure Much Some- Some- Much No health salaries stations salaries better what what worse change Ex Officio Member Bill Lockyer care better worse and Public Agency Member Given the choice, current firefighters would rather take pay cuts than cut health care Many CPF members believe public perception of Representative Priya Sara Mathur. benefits for retired firefighters or close fire stations. firefighters has gotten worse over the last five years.

4 FOURTH QUARTER | VOLUME 22 NO. 4 SECRETARY-TREASURER’S DESK

ARE YOU A MEMBER OF “ORGANIZED LABOR?”

ow would you answer then organized labor. Our recent Prop. 32 fight following question: "Are is the prime example of all unions here in you a member of organized California coming together to fight the labor?" Fifty years ago, you ultra-wealthy, bent on depriving public probably would not have sector workers of their collective bargain- needed an explanation or ing rights and pension protections. We Hclarification of the question to provide need the power that comes with solidarity. an answer. Back then, more than 35% of It is amazing how the same retailers all workers were unionized. Today, that that pay the vast majority of their workers number is closer to 12%. the minimum wage will attempt to come Sometimes we forget that we truly alongside firefighters to show us what are members of “organized labor,” a part great companies they are. They want to of trade unionists. Construction, food, donate free bikes for our toy drives. They service, communication, education and arrive at our fire base camps with truck- health services are just a few of our broth- loads of personal necessities. They enlist Lew Stone ers and sisters in the labor movement. our help on bond measures and initiatives, Why do I bring this up? Because the promising us more revenues gathered from further we move away from the pinna- their corporate greed. The average living wage in California We have choices to make. Hopefully, cle of union strength, the more we fail You might be thinking that this has is about $22.15/hour for a family of we see ourselves as a part of organized to properly respect and support those in no application to us, but it does. We four. Every day we have opportunities to labor and we support our brothers and other areas of the union movement. A few already have Walmart attempting to support retailers and corporations that sisters by supporting them with our earn- of us ignore a picket line at a supermarket. provide volunteer EMS service in rural provide wages and benefits to give their ings. Buy the car manufactured by the We buy goods from retailers that have a areas of the U.S. under the guise of being employees respect. We could shop for the United Auto Workers. Support nurses disdain for workers’ rights. We fail to see “community-minded.” We have all seen cheapest deals available, but the goods are in your community when they ask for a the ramifications of investing in compa- the private, non-union “fire protection more expensive than you think. Calculate fair contract. Don’t cross a picket line at nies that are headquartered outside the experts” attempting to insert themselves the percentage of your tax dollars that are the supermarket. Stand behind the other U.S. These attitudes all contribute to the into California’s mutual aid system. We going to those workers who must rely on employees in your jurisdiction as they bar- erosion of union solidarity. all know that our private EMS competi- food stamps and other governmental assis- gain for a fair deal. Let us proudly support Why should we care? Because we tors rely on a cheap labor force and a hefty tance while working at Walmart. The deal and continue to be a vital part of orga- are much more powerful as a part of profit margin. diminishes rapidly. nized labor in this state.

Executive Board CPF Callback Association CALIFORNIA Lou Paulson President Cynthia Clark Projects Coordinator Lew Stone Secretary-Treasurer PROFESSIONAL Tim Strack 1st District Vice President Firefighters Print & Design Chris Mahon 2nd District Vice President Mariena De Anda Director Bobby Weist 3rd District Vice President Autumn Emond Administrative Assistant FIREFIGHTERS Randy Sekany 4th District Vice President Cynthia Clark Promotional Products Representative Michael Massone 5th District Vice President Robbie Panco Graphic Designer Mike Lopez 6th District Vice President Natalie Mercado Prepress & Print Specialist Published Quarterly Dave Gillotte 7th District Vice President Victor Jimenez Press Operator Frank Lima 8th District Vice President Todd Archer Delivery/Shipping Clerk

Publication Office Trustees California Fire Foundation California Professional Firefighters Jim Ahl Hedi Jalon Executive Director 1780 Creekside Oaks • Sacramento, CA 95833 Erik Baskin Kaitlin Conrad Foundation Coordinator (916) 921-9111 Rick Swan California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee Web: www.cpf.org Staff Yvonne de la Peña Program Director Email: [email protected] Teresa Ortiz Managing Director Christy Bouma Governmental Advocate FireStar Studios Amy Howard Legislative Director Kelley Trujillo Vice President Editor: Carroll Wills Chris Patterson Political Director Managing Editor: Mitch De Anda Carroll Wills Communications Director Kevin White EMS and Health & Safety Director Graphic Designer: Robbie Panco Mitch De Anda Communications Assistant Pharris Treskunoff Administrative Asst. to the President Apryl Swanberg PER Coordinator Kathy Shipley Full-Charge Bookkeeper Ting Ting Hui Senior Accountant Rosalia Lopez Administrative Assistant A D M I N S T R O Stacy Smith Receptionist

Official publication of the California Professional Firefighters, organized October 12, 1938. Incorporated as not-for-profit May 27, 1958. Member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, AFL-CIO. All unsolicited articles, manuscripts, letters and photographs sent to California Professional Firefighters are sent at the owner's risk, and California Professional Firefighters expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for their safe custody or return.CALIFORNIA Signed articles express PROFESSIONAL the views of the authors FIREFIGHTERS and not necessarily those of the editors of California Professional Firefighters. Send all correspondenceTHIRD and photographs QUARTER to California | VOLUME Professional 21 NO.Firefighters, 3 5Publication Office, 1780 Creekside Oaks, Sacramento 95833. We reserve the right to edit submitted materials. © 2014 California Professional Firefighters. PREPARING FOR

CAMPAIGN SEASON Photo by Robbie Panco

PF’s latest round of district October: one in Northern and one in campaigns and PAC reporting and com- win campaigns in the modern era using meetings and workshops gave Southern California, both of which pliance issues. This included sample social media. both new and veteran local included workshops on PAC compliance social media policies and the CPF PAC California Professional Firefighters Cunion leaders the chance to and campaigning with social media. CPF Guide, a complete guide prepared exclu- remains “Always Vigilant,” continuously touch base on issues of mutual impor- is pleased to report that this latest round sively for CPF local affiliates by Olsen, preparing for the challenges ahead. The tance, to train on PAC reporting and District Meetings and PAC/Campaign Hagel & Fishburn, LLP. These work- two regional District Meetings and compliance rules, to get introduced to Workshops were a resounding success. shops helped local union leadership learn workshops in October were again suc- the new digital campaigning frontier In order to have the best, most what the PAC rules mean, the impact cessful at bringing together local union and to have their questions answered by complete resources available, CPF com- on their locals and how to make them leadership from throughout California CPF’s expert team. bined the Fall District Meetings with work best for union members and their to stay informed, in-touch and ahead of CPF held two district meetings in some special seminars on social media families, not to mention learning how to the curve.

THEY’RE AT IT AGAIN THE BROKEN PROMISE INITIATIVE STATEWIDE BALLOT MEASURE SEEKS TO GUT RETIREMENT SECURITY  ELIMINATES CONSTITUTIONAL PROTECTION for pensions and health care ith an Enron profiteer Measure B openly attacked the legal, in his corner and a small vested benefit rights of public employ- cheering squad of hard ees, prompting what has already been an  LETS AGENCIES BREAK CONTRACTS to cut line local officials, San expensive, and likely futile, legal fight. pensions for current workers Jose Mayor Chuck Reed “After wasting millions on legal fees, Whas launched a statewide campaign this all the while knowing that his Measure B  MILLIONS FOR LAWYERS to defend past fall to cut the heart out of retire- was unlawful, Reed now wants to change unconstitutional measure ment security for millions of firefighters, the Constitution so that he can break teachers and other public workers. promises made to city workers,” said San Seeking to extend his legally suspect Jose Fire Fighters Local 230 President  COSTLY NEW RESTRICTIONS threatening San Jose pension slashing measure, Reed Robert Sapien. retirement and vital services has submitted initiative language that Almost as soon as it was proposed, will make it possible to eliminate vested the pension initiative came under fire pension benefits for current workers, for overreaching and deceptive hidden allow local governments to break con- tricks. As originally proposed, the mea- tractual commitments on firefighter sure essentially eliminated the right to So far, California voters do not appear name as an Enron trader, has made clear retirement security and enforce an bargain for retirement benefits and made to be impressed by Reed’s idea. New poll- his desire to roll back public employee expensive funding standard that could state taxpayers the deep pocket for all ing information indicates Californians retirement security. His foundation ultimately be the death knell for secure legal issues arising from its passage. The are reluctant to break the promises made contributed $200,000 to help research pensions and critical local services. flaws forced the ideologues to re-draft to their employees. By overwhelming Reed’s proposal and helped convene a “Mayor Reed hopes to do at the state their measure. margins, Californians oppose taking campaign strategy session on the pro- level what he has, so far, failed to do in The effort to gin up local government retirement away from those who have posal earlier this year. San Jose – break the promises made support also fell flat. Within weeks of earned it and strongly support resolving “Californians have constantly shown to current employees to the benefit of its introduction, nearly two-dozen local pension issues at the bargaining table, their distaste for measures put on the Wall Street special interests,” said CPF mayors – Democrat and Republican rather than the ballot box. ballot by Texas's interests and secret out- President Lou Paulson. alike – urged the mayor to drop his ini- Despite these setbacks, Reed’s ini- of-state contributors,” said Dave Low, Reed has become a celebrity in the anti- tiative. More bad news came for Reed in tiative is expected to benefit from the chair of Californians for Retirement pension world after ramming through a December, when key portions of his San bankrolls of deep pockets from outside of Security – a CPF-backed coalition sup- pension “reform” package specifically Jose Ballot measure were struck down by California. Texas billionaire hedge fund porting pensions. “We expect this flawed written to be unconstitutional. San Jose’s the state courts. manager John Arnold, who made his proposal to be no different.”

6 FOURTH QUARTER | VOLUME 22 NO. 4 CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS LEGISLATIVE 2014 EARLY UPDATE: ENDORSEMENTS Bipartisan list spotlights strongest candidates alifornia Professional Firefighters’ legislative scorecard for the 2013 on first responder issues session boasts six significant measures. Of the nine sponsored or Cco-sponsored bills that CPF was successful in getting approved by the Legislature and sent to the Governor this year, six were signed into law and three were vetoed. At the top of this list is SB 594, which closed the loopholes allowing quasi-public, non-profit agencies to spend taxpayer dollars on political campaigns. Since 2003, more than $17 million of campaign money has STATE CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS: been spent from these “non-public funds” – anonymous accounts run by Lieutenant Governor: Gavin Newsom (D) taxpayer-financed non-profits. Attorney General: Kamala Harris (D) SENATE BILL 594 (Senator Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo) opens the books Insurance Commissioner: Dave Jones (D) on millions of campaign dollars paid out by so-called “non-public funds” Secretary of State: Alex Padilla (D) from taxpayer-financed non-profits like the League of California Cities Controller: John Perez (D) and strengthens state law to ensure that public dollars are not paying for ballot initiative campaigns. Treasurer: John Chiang (D) • It imposes tough new disclosure requirements, ensuring full disclosure Superintendant of Public Instruction: Tom Torlakson (D) of non-public funds when spending rises above a nominal threshold. Board of Equalization 02: Fiona Ma (D) • It reinforces the state’s determination that the “marketing fees” derived from bond sales are, in fact, public dollars and off limits for political Board of Equalization 04: Jerome Horton (D) mischief. • It establishes new oversight and auditing requirements through the Franchise Tax Board. The legislation sparked a unique alliance between good government groups, organized labor and anti-tax organizations. In the end, the measure won the support of the California State Association of Counties and numerous STATE SENATE: SD 24: Kevin de Leon (D) other smaller groups. SB 594 was signed into law on October 12, 2013. SD 12: Anthony Canella (R) SD 26: Ted Lieu (D) In addition to SB 594, five other CPF-sponsored bills take effect SD 20: Norma Torres (D) SD 30: Holly Mitchell (D) January 1, 2014: SD 22: Ed Hernandez (D) SD 40: Ben Hueso (D)

ASSEMBLY BILL 312 (Bob Wieckowski, D-Fremont): AB 312 reduces the time a firefighter’s name must remain on the CFFJAC displaced firefighter hiring list from 48 to 36 months and removes the requirement that place- ment on the list be determined by length of service. STATE ASSEMBLY: AD 39: Raul Bocanegra (D) AB 410 (Reggie Jones-Sawyer, D-Los Angeles): This bill protects retirees AD 01: Brian Dahle (R) AD 41: Chris Holden (D) of PEMHCA participating employers from a reduction in their health care benefits when they return to active employment with a public employer for AD 05: Frank Bigelow (R) AD 43: Mike Gatto (D) a period of time before re-retiring. AD 08: Ken Cooley (D) AD 44: Jeff Gorell (R) AD 11: Jim Frazier (D) AD 46: Adrin Nazarian (D) AB 537 (Rob Bonta, D-Oakland): AB 537 improves local employer- AD 12: Kristin Olsen (R) AD 48: Roger Hernandez (D) employee relations by strengthening the Meyer-Milias-Brown Act (MMBA), which is the law that has been used since 1968 to help resolve disputes AD 13: Susan Eggman (D) AD 49: Ed Chau (D) regarding wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment AD 14: Susan Bonilla (D) AD 50: Richard Bloom (D) between public employers and public employee organizations. AD 18: Rob Bonta (D) AD 51: Jimmy Gomez (D) AD 19: Phil Ting (D) AD 52: Freddie Rodriguez (D) AB 1346 (Richard Pan, D-Sacramento): This bill, which only applies to the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, reflects the terms of a AD 20: Bill Quirk (D) AD 57: Ian Calderon (D) collective bargaining agreement between the SMFD and Sacramento AD 21: Adam Gray (D) AD 58: Cristina Garcia (D) Area Firefighters Local 522 and adds an alternative vesting schedule AD 22: Kevin Mullin (D) AD 59: Reggie Jones-Sawyer (D) to PEMHCA with respect to employer-provided retiree health care AD 23: Jim Patterson (R) AD 60: Eric Linder (R) contributions. AD 24: Rich Gordon (D) AD 61: Jose Medina (D) SB 311 (Alex Padilla, D-Pacoima): SB 311 requires measures that propose AD 27: Nora Campos (D) AD 63: Anthony Rendon (D) to convert a general law city to a charter city and certain charter amend- AD 29: Mark Stone (D) AD 65: Sharon Quirk-Silva (D) ment proposals to be placed only on the general election ballot. AD 30: Luis Alejo (D) AD 66: Al Muratsuchi (D) “Even in a year of continued economic challenges, our firefighters con- AD 31: Henry Perea (D) AD 69: Tom Daly (D) tinue to win legislative battles in Sacramento,” said CPF President Lou AD 32: Rudy Salas (D) AD 75: Marie Waldron (R) Paulson. “We’re grateful that the Legislature continues to recognize the AD 35: Katcho Achadjian (R) AD 76: Rocky Chavez (R) important role that firefighters and other first responders play in California.” AD 36: Steve Fox (D) AD 78: Toni Atkins (D) The Legislature reconvened on January 6, 2014 for the second year of its two-year session. At that time, numerous other CPF sponsored and co- AD 37: Das Williams (D) AD 79: Shirley Weber (D) sponsored bills may experience a breath of new life. AD 38: Scott Wilk (R) AD 80: Lorena Gonzalez (D)

CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS CALIFORNIA FIRE FOUNDATION

OCT SUPPORT 2014 OUR 5FMV123 FALLEN F I R E F I G H T E R t’s been almost twenty years since iconic symbol within the fire service. of the proceeds from the sales of these The plates cost $50 (sequential) and the California Firefighter license More than 30,000 of the striking plates specialized license plates to maintain $98 (personalized). Renewal costs are plate made its debut on California’s are on the road in California. Only active the California Firefighters Memorial, $35 (sequential) and $73 (personal- highways and byways. and retired firefighters may purchase these located in Sacramento’s historical Capitol ized). Also, $35 from each renewal goes The California Firefighter license plates to display on their automobiles, Park. to the California Fire Foundation and is plate program was designed and cre- trucks, trailers and motorcycles. So, if you haven’t already, you can pur- tax deductible. ated by the California Professional The California Firefighter license plate chase one or more of these iconic California For more information about order- IFirefighters. Using an image from the program is administered by the California Firefighter license plates and support a ing your very own California Firefighter box office hit “Backdraft,” the California Fire Foundation - CPF’s non-profit, chari- cause that is close to all our hearts: the license plate, call (800) 890-3213 or e-mail Firefighter license plate has become an table organization, which uses a portion California Firefighters Memorial. Kaitlin Conrad at [email protected].

2013 DANIEL A. TERRY SCHOLARSHIPS

Jacobs Otto accepts his 2013 Daniel A. Terry Scholarship, Megan Burton accepts her scholarship from members alongside his mother and members of San Luis Obispo Clint Troncale accepts his 2013 Daniel A. Terry of Contra Costa County Firefighters, Local 1230. Firefighters Local 3523. Scholarship.

ith the rising costs of tuition, students across Scholarship Recipients Fallen Firefighter Local the state are finding it more difficult to afford Wa college education. Megan Burton Matthew Burton Contra Costa Co. The California Fire Foundation contributes to the dream of a college education for the children of fallen firefight- Kyle Costamagna Larry Costamagna Fremont ers through the California Fire Foundation Endowment. The Daniel A. Terry Scholarships help to ease this Jordan Keck Matthew S. Keck El Dorado Co. burden for children whose parent was a California fire- Savanah Loutzenhiser Mark A. Loutzenhiser USFS fighter whose name appears on the California Firefighters Memorial Wall. Branden Moore Matthew Moore Murrieta Each year, in the form of Daniel A. Terry Scholarships, grants of $2,000 are awarded to the children of those who Trenton Moore Matthew Moore Murrieta have paid the ultimate price to help them pay for college. So far, the Daniel A. Terry scholarships have paved the Jacobs Otto Gregory M. Otto San Luis Obispo way for 62 students to attend the college or university of their choice. Clint Troncale Andy M. Troncale Arcadia In 2013, the Foundation was proud to award scholar- ships to the following nine students: Michael Walsh Robert Walsh Redwood City

8 FOURTH QUARTER | VOLUME 22 NO. 4 CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS CALIFORNIA FIRE FOUNDATION

IN MEMORIAM CPF Second District Vice President Emeritus JOHN TENNANT alifornia Professional Firefighters join Pasadena Firefighters Local 809 and the fire service in mourning Cthe passing of CPF Second District VP Emeritus and former State Fire Marshal John Tennant. Tennant died mid- December after an extended illness. Brother Tennant began his public safety career in 1972 with the Pasadena Fire Department. In 1985, he was elected President of Pasadena Firefighters Local 809, a post he held for over 14 years. He was elected as CPF 2nd District Vice-President in 1994, and his plain-spoken demeanor and knack for “cutting to the chase” earned him the respect of the entire firefighter family. Throughout his career, Tennant was a leader in his commu- nity and the fire service. He served his profession as an expert on ladder truck safety and a labor instructor in the fire chiefs’ training curriculum. John also served as special assistant to State Senator Cecil Greene, helping draft legislation to strengthen the state building codes. In 2001, John Tennant was appointed as the California State Fire Marshal. In that role, Brother Tennant earned a reputation for strict enforcement of the state’s fire safety building codes. In the aftermath of 9/11, Tennant helped secure $1 million in funding from the state’s Workforce Investment Act to finance the CFFJAC’s Terrorism Consequence Management training program – the nation’s first post-9/11 terrorism-response training to focus on the fire service. “Throughout his career, John Tennant made a difference for our profession, whether it was as a firefighter, labor president or as state fire marshal,” said CPF President Lou Paulson. “Although he excelled at building bridges with management, there was never CPF Second District VP Emeritus and former State Fire Marshal any question that his heart and his commitment always stood John Tennant (1948-2013) with the men and women on the front lines.”

CPF LOCAL SUPPORTS CALIFORNIA FIRE FOUNDATION CPF local affiliate – San was once again a huge success. The event Ramon Valley Firefighters also included a performance by the San Local 3546 – was inspired to Ramon Valley Pipes & Drums. Everyone in do something positive that attendance had a great time and was able to would allow neighboring fire support a great cause, with proceeds total- Adepartments, friends, family and local ing $5,121. bands to participate. In 2012, Local Organizing an event like Local 3546 put 3546 created “Rock to Remember,” a together can be a great way to bring people benefit concert for the California Fire and communities together, to have a good Foundation Endowment Fund. time and to support a cause that is near and The event’s success last year convinced dear to the heart of the profession. Local 3546 to hold a 2nd Annual “Rock to For information or assistance organiz- Remember” concert this year, on October ing a benefit event for the California Fire 19, 2013. Featuring musical performances Foundation, please contact Foundation by AudioDub, Conscious Souls, Calm & Executive Director Hedi Jalon at Chaos and the Slim Chances, the event (916) 921-9111 or [email protected].

CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS FOURTH QUARTER | VOLUME 22 NO. 4 9 the Capitol, assisted by firefighters from up and down the state, including 2nd District Vice President Dallas Jones. For Jones, the issue was personal – he had been President of Whittier Firefighters when brothers Rowland and Griggers were exposed to the toxins that would take their lives. In a remarkable display of unity, advocates for the California Fire Chief’s Association (CSAC) and what was then known as the California State Firemen’s Association also lobbied on behalf of the presumption law. With the League and CSAC throw- ing up roadblocks to the groundbreaking measure, Hatch rallied firefighter allies in the legislative leadership, notably Senate President David Roberti and Assembly Speaker Willie Brown and shepherded California’s Groundbreaking the measure through both houses of the Legislature and to the desk of Governor Cancer Presumption Law Jerry Brown. But though Brown was a longtime sup- porter of firefighter causes, his signature was not a slam dunk. n the evening of April 6, 1973, Fighters of California (FFFC) conven- “When it was still going through the Whittier firefighters Richard tion in Anaheim, delegates unanimously Legislature, the governor said, ‘Dan, I Rowland and Porter Griggers passed Resolution #19 – Presumptive need to see some statistics on this … we Owere called out to mop up a Cancer Legislation for Fire Fighters. need proof,'” Terry recalled. “That’s why hazardous materials spill in a nearby shop- “We’d had the presumption for heart we put a five-year 'sunset' clause in the ping center. An overturned tanker was disease, pneumonia and hernia since bill and started the Personal Exposure leaking an extremely toxic chemical soil (1939),” CPF President-Emeritus Dan Reporting system.” fumigant containing dichloropropene, a Terry recalled a quarter century later. “But On September 29, 1982, Brown signed probable human carcinogen. nobody had gotten it for cancer.” AB 3011, making California the first Six years later, Rowland and Griggers – With resolution in hand, Terry and the state to enact a firefighter cancer pre- now working for L.A. County Fire – were FFFC's legislative advocate Brian Hatch sumption law. both diagnosed with diffuse histiocytic approached Art Torres, a labor-friendly The legacy of that event continues to 1975 lymphoma – an extremely rare form of state assembly member who would go on reverberate throughout the fire service. FFFC works with Brown administration during lymphatic cancer. Within six weeks of to become a powerful senator and, even- Today, more than 40 other states have Santa Barbara, San Francisco public safety each other, in late 1980, the two men died tually, chair of the California Democratic enacted firefighter cancer presumptions. strikes to prevent use of strikebreakers of their illness. Yet despite a seemingly Party. Torres agreed to carry the bill, In California, the presumptions have been obvious connection between the incident despite pitched and active opposition broadened to include chemical and bio- and their cancer diagnoses, it would be from the League of California Cities and logical toxins and MRSA. Most recently, two years before their widows would win the County Supervisors Association of the Dallas Jones Firefighter Cancer a workers’ compensation judgment. California (now known as the California Presumption Act extended the amount By then, cases like these were all State Association of Counties). of time past retirement that stricken too familiar to firefighters and their “Their approach was not that much dif- firefighters could qualify for workers’ families. Repeated exposure to toxic ferent from what it is on anything else that compensation benefits. chemicals, coupled with often-inadequate benefits our members – put up an inflated “We felt like we won a victory when the (or unused) lung protection, was produc- cost figure and try to scare lawmakers,” Legislature adopted the bill,” Rowland’s ing cancer rates among firefighters up to recalled Terry. widow Guyla told the Orange County three times the average. Hatch and Terry hand-carried the Register at the time of AB 3011’s passage. In the fall of 1980, at the Federated Fire legislation to every legislative office at “For that, I am really thankful.”

CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS 1974 1977 FFFC forms first FFFC launches quarterly magazine, 1970 - 2000 firefighter PAC The California Fire Fighter Throughout a turbulent era, Federated Fire Fighters of California built a reputation as a powerful force helping to build firefighting in our state into a modern, well- respected profession. Evolving as the profession evolved, 1970 1980 FFFC became California Professional Firefighters. 1973 FFFC emerges from year-long 1970 receivership; Modesto After five-day fire and police strike in 1969, FF Daniel A. Terry Vallejo voters pass local binding arbitration chosen as president

10 FOURTH QUARTER | VOLUME 22 NO. 4 CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS Original, hand-signed copy of AB 3011, the nation's first firefighter cancer presumption law.

Governor Jerry Brown signs AB 3011 into law with Dan Terry (right), President of the Federated Fire Fighters of California and legislative advocate Brian Hatch.

1978 Proposition 13 passes; FFFC engineers legislation protecting fire district funding 1999 AB 539 strengthens cancer presumption law; CFFJAC 1988 establishes CPAT; CPF-backed legislation allows FFFC changes name to California bargaining for 3% at 50/55 retirement benefit Professional Firefighters; Firefighter Print & Design established

1992 CPF-backed legislation authorizes 1984 California Firefighters Memorial; First-ever Personal Exposure Firestar Studios established Reporting system established

1990 2000

1982 1987 1995 2000 Gov. Jerry Brown signs AB 3011, California Fire Foundation Memorial site dedicated Gov. Gray Davis signs the nation’s first firefighter established to meet needs on grounds of Capitol SB 402, first statewide cancer presumption law; of fallen firefighter families binding arbitration law California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Cmte. established CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS FOURTH QUARTER | VOLUME 22 NO. 4 11 Photos by Robbie Panco

California Firefighters 2013 MEMORIAL CEREMONY

overnor Jerry Brown and responding to a traffic accident. Douglas’ friend uniformed firefighter procession and the traditional Attorney General Kamala and battalion chief Mark Williams paid tribute “Last Alarm” ceremony, in which a fire bell is rung Harris joined uniformed to his fallen friend and to the families of those to signify a fallen firefighter’s final call to duty. firefighters, family mem- whose loved ones have paid the ultimate price. “This Memorial is not simply about the empty bers and dignitaries from “There isn’t a day that goes by when I don’t space we feel at the loss of these heroes. It is also Gthroughout California on the grounds of the think of Christopher and I know it is the same about how they filled that space in life and the leg- California State Capitol on Saturday, Octo- for each of you,” Williams told the families. acy they leave for future generations,” said Paulson. ber 5, 2013 for a solemn tribute to those who “Because of this beautiful memorial, these special Unveiled in April of 2002, the California Fire- have given their lives to protect the state and people will always be remembered and honored fighters Memorial features two stunning statues its citizens. for what they gave.” and a dramatic Memorial Wall on which the names In a midday ceremony steeped in fire ser- The centerpiece of the ceremony is the pre- of 1,246 fallen firefighters are engraved. The Memo- vice tradition, the California Firefighters sentation of flags to the families, friends and rial was created without any state funding through Memorial added the names of 22 California representatives of every one of the individuals private contributions to the California Fire Foun- firefighters who fell in the line of duty. The being honored. The tribute also featured a solemn dation, most of them directly from firefighters. Memorial, located in the heart of Sacramen- to’s Capitol Park, carries the names of nearly 1,250 firefighters who died in service since California became a state in 1850. “On this solemn occasion, we’re reminded of what it takes to keep our communities safe,” said Governor Brown. “These 22 firefighters truly exemplify the meaning of service.” The ceremony, conducted by the Cali- fornia Fire Foundation, honored eighteen firefighters who died from traumatic injuries or job-related illnesses in the past year and a half. Four others from earlier years, whose names came to the California Fire Founda- tion’s attention in 2013, were also added to the Memorial Wall. “Through this memorial, 22 more names are timelessly etched on these walls in the shadow of the Capitol of this great state,” said Lou Paulson, Chair of the California Fire Foundation and President of California Professional Firefighters. “They will forever be bathed in the glory of a life of duty, honor, courage and sacrifice.” The most recent California firefighter to fall in the line of duty, CAL FIRE Engineer Christopher Douglas, was struck by a vehi- cle and fatally injured July 5, 2013 while 2013 MEMORIAL CEREMONY Tim Strack st CPF 1 District Vice President DISTRICT REPORT CPF District 1 represents the counties of San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Imperial and Orange. 1st tournament. They promptly met with Will Mossonette, owner and operator of Empire Bowl, who agreed to lend his REDLANDS venue to the effort. The bowling tournament turned out to be a great way get local businesses involved and support the Inland Empire Fire and FIREFIGHTERS Burn Foundation. All together, $11,700 was raised for the Burn Foundation. It took about four months to prepare for the event, but it cost about the same as build- ing the golf cart and lasted only one night n November 9, 2013, Redlands “It was a tremendous success, everyone and involved far less planning. Another Professional Firefighters Local I talked to had a blast,” said Bill Conway, advantage of a bowling tournament is that 1354 held its first Bowling President of Redlands Professional it is held indoors and is thus immune to for Burns Tournament to Firefighters Local 1354. "It was a really weather complications. raise funds for the Inland fun way to help a good cause—just five Redlands Professional Firefighters OEmpire Fire and Burn Foundation. The hours hanging out and having a good time Local 1354 hope to build on the tourna- event quickly sold out, with numerous with friends and fellow firefighters.” ment’s success and make this an annual regional fire agencies participating in the Last year, in a similar effort to raise event. “It was a huge success but we hope tournament including San Bernardino money for the Burn Foundation, Local to make it even bigger and better. We County, Corona, Riverside City, Ontario 1354 built a golf cart that was eventually Promotional flyer for had a lot of participation from other Bowling for Burns Tournament. and Rancho Cucamonga. Teams of five auctioned. The project was a success, rais- CPF locals and would like to get even took over the 24-lane bowling venue for ing $10,000, but took about a year and more locals involved in the future,” said the event, which included trophies made a half to complete and required ample this year, when Firefighter Paramedic Conway. “Now we have the foundation from bowling pins, 50/50 drawings, raffles, time and energy. They were looking for Steve Leverette and Engineer Matt Ley laid and know what we need to do to a costume contest, live music and more. a quicker and easier way to raise money came up with the idea to hold a bowling improve the event for years to come.”

CHANGES ABOUND FOR COSTA MESA FIREFIGHTERS

n the early 2000’s, Costa Mesa had six fire stations and 36 floor personnel per day. When constant staffing was Iacquired via negotiations, that num- ber fell to 32. In 2010, the City issued pink slips to every employee city-wide with the threat of outsourcing all services. The Costa Mesa Firefighters Association Local 1465 gave up constant staffing in exchange for no layoffs, no salary reduc- tions and no change in working hours through 2017. With staffing now in the hands of the City, recently departed interim fire Costa Mesa Firefighters Association chief Tom Arnold designed a reorganiza- Local 1465's popular BBQ Trailer. tion plan that called for the closure of a fire station, a new model for delivering transportation will continue to be done Mesa. Chief Stefano is stepping into a focused on staying involved with the com- services and a decrease in staffing to 28 by a contracted private ambulance department that has not had a full time munity by attending various local events through attrition. company. At the end of the reorganiza- chief for over three years, and still has no and fundraisers. Local 1465 recently pur- At the end of 2012, the interim chief’s tion, Costa Mesa will have three BLS deputy chief, no fire marshal, no training chased a BBQ trailer, which is becoming plan was to reduce staffing, reduce fire engines, two truck companies and four officer, no EMS supervisor and currently a popular item in the community and its apparatus and re-assign paramedics to paramedic ambulances, totaling 24 per- has ten vacancies within its ranks. There Santa Letters Program has grown more newly purchased ambulances. These sonnel per shift. are, however, plans to test for firefighter- than ever expected. Local 1465 also par- apparatus are due to arrive in January On December 2, 2013 Dan Stefano paramedics early in 2014. ticipated in its very first MDA Fill the 2014 and will not be transport units— started as the new Fire Chief of Costa More than ever, Local 1465 has been Boot fundraiser December 21-22, 2013.

14 FOURTH QUARTER | VOLUME 22 NO. 4 CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS Chris Mahon nd CPF 2 District Vice President DISTRICT REPORT CPF District 2 represents the counties of Kern, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles - with the exception of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City Local 112 and Los Angeles County Fire nd Fighters Local 1014. 2 BIG WIN FOR VENTURA CITY ith four seats on the Ventura retired Ventura City Police Chief, Tracy City Council up for elec- has always been a strong proponent of tion in November, the public safety and received the second Ventura City Firefighters highest number of votes. Jim Monahan WAssociation Local 3431 saw all three of has been on the council for over 30 years its endorsed candidates elected this year. and has always been a friend of firefight- Local 3431 joined forces with the city’s ers and public safety in the city. Monahan, police union, built teams and interviewed however, won by a much slimmer margin, Firefighters and Police pose with three endorsed candidates: all of the candidates. Representing pub- edging out candidate Richard Francis by (left to right) Jim Monahan, Erik Nasarenko and Mike Tracy. lic safety for the city, the coalition a total of only 41 votes. elected to endorse three candidates for The biggest challenge and the most city council race, you first need a good, but helped him amass more votes than any the open seats: Incumbents Mike Tracy significant triumph for Local 3431 was electable candidate,” said Benny Davis, of the other nine candidates vying for the and Jim Monahan, and newcomer Erik getting Erik Nasarenko elected. As a President of the Ventura City Firefighters four open council seats. Nasarenko. Local 3431 was successful District Attorney, Nasarenko already Association Local 3431. “Erik was a great “We have always been active in local in getting all three candidates elected. had a general knowledge of public safety candidate that people really liked. His politics. We have good working rela- When the final votes were tallied, chal- issues and a decent amount of exposure campaign and message reflect what is best tionships with our council members lenger Erik Nasarenko had the most votes to the public, but faced an uphill battle as for our city.” and have worked a long time to develop with 18.13% of the vote, followed by Mike the political newcomer. After Nasarenko Local 3431 worked with CPF to put those relationships,” said Davis. “I think Tracy, and incumbents Neal Andrews and threw his hat in about four months before together an effective campaign for the rel- we endorsed the best people for the job, Jim Monahan, respectively. the election, Local 3431 kicked into gear atively unknown candidate in a very short candidates that have a proven track record Both Tracy and Monahan were and devoted the majority of its time and time frame. With CPF to help with target- of supporting public safety. We look for- incumbents with an abundance of name effort to getting his name out there. ing and strategy, Local 3431 was not only ward to working with them to keep the recognition within the community. A “If you are going to be involved in a successful in getting Nasarenko elected, City of Ventura safe.”

County, Downey Fire Chief Lonnie apparent impasse, all 49 active Downey its glaring deficiencies and turning a blind Croom came out hard against the option firefighters signed a "Vote of No eye to other viable options like contracting UNDER FIRE: and has manipulated the City Council Confidence" certifying that they believe with L.A. County, Local 3473 wants to let into following suit. the fire chief is incapable of properly per- the voters decide for themselves. DOWNEY The preliminary study showed that forming his duties. But their cries for help Currently, the city’s charter stipu- L.A. County could provide fire protec- fell on deaf ears. Rather than supporting lates that any proposal to contract public FIREFIGHTERS tion to Downey at $12.1 million a year, the unanimous opinion of its firefighters, safety services must receive a 2/3 vote of about $5 million less than the $17.2 mil- the council opted to support its divisive the people. This vote, however, is merely TURN TO THE lion currently spent to run the depleted fire chief. advisory and leaves the decision to the Downey Fire Department. Local 3473 “When all 49 firefighters sign some- City Council at the end of the day. So, in VOTERS then offered to pay the $30,000 cost of thing like that, the city needs to take 2012, Local 3473 collected 12,024 signa- conducting a comprehensive survey that notice,” said Davis. “But apparently the tures, far exceeding the necessary 7,500, he Downey Firemen’s Association would give a more detailed analysis of the opinion of every single Downey firefighter to get a charter amendment on the bal- Local 3473 is under attack from all cost and level of service provided by L.A. doesn’t mean anything to this council.” lot to lower the vote threshold to a simple angles. Underfunded and under- County, but the City Council voted 5-0 Since the vote, Chief Croom has threat- majority and make it compulsory: so the Tstaffed, Local 3473 has spent many NOT to conduct the survey. ened retaliation. He has already told the voters’ choice is final. months lobbying for the city to consider “We just want the city and the citizens Downey Firemen’s Association that unless “It needs to go to a vote of the people, contracting with Los Angeles County for to have all the information available,” they revoke their no-confidence vote, he and they need to know everything—the fire protection services because L.A. Coun- said Steve Davis, President of Downey will stop promoting from within the real facts. The city needs to either finan- ty’s regional approach will likely provide Firefighters Local 3473. “The prelimi- department and even went so far as say- cially support and sustain the department better services at a lower cost. nary study already showed the cost savings. ing that he would further retaliate during or they need to give it up,” said Davis. The But even fully investigating the pos- I can’t understand why the council and the the next round of contract negotiations. charter amendment will be voted on in sibility has proven arduous. Although chief wouldn’t want all the facts, especially With both the City Council and June but, regardless of the outcome, the a preliminary study showed the poten- since we would have paid to get them.” the Fire Chief hell-bent on keeping the future remains uncertain for the firefight- tial cost savings of contracting with L.A. With tensions running high and an Downey Fire Department intact despite ers and citizens of Downey.

CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS FOURTH QUARTER | VOLUME 22 NO. 4 15 Bobby Weist CPF 3rd District Vice President CPF District 3 represents the counties of Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc, Humboldt, DISTRICT REPORT Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Mendocino, Tehama, Plumas, Lake, Glenn, Butte, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Sierra, Yolo, Placer, Sacramento, El Dorado, San Joaquin, Amador, rd Calaveras, Alpine, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Mono, Merced, Mariposa, Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, Fresno, Kings, Madera, Nevada, Tulare and Inyo. 3 STOCKTON STRIVES CHICO FIREFIGHTERS FOR SOLVENCY ilapidated by the economic crash, a collapse in real estate THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX prices, a spike in foreclosures, unmanageable debt and the issuance of ill-advised bonds, Stockton has struggled to find ith the number of fires on the right away. a way out of bankruptcy. With the passage of a new tax, rise and insufficient resources “So far this model has worked out,” said Dhowever, Stockton firefighters and city officials are starting to believe available, Chico firefighters are Harrison. “The truck has a staff of four with the city has weathered the storm and is now on the road to recovery. finding innovative and unprec- extensive truck company training, eliminating Stockton declared fiscal emergencies in 2010 and 2011, cancelling edented ways to best protect their any role confusion. We often already have guys annual pay increases for city workers. City services were decimated, Wcity. The six-station Chico Fire Department covers on the roof by the time the engines arrive.” hundreds of city employees were laid off and many retirees lost the a 31-square mile area, responds to about 15,000 More recently, in June 2013, further budget lifetime health coverage they had been promised. Firefighters alone calls a year and the department currently operates cuts prompted another unique trade off. The fire made numerous concessions prior to bankruptcy, suffered staffing only one truck—that’s one truck for a jurisdiction chief suggested that the only way to implement reductions and company closures, cut or stopped filling administra- with about 90,000 residents. these cuts was to close Station 3, which would have tive positions, lost health coverage for its retirees and still had 36 About four years ago, the Chico Fire meant laying off firefighters and closing the airport. members laid off. Department suffered major budget cuts, forc- So, again Local 2734 pushed through a novel solu- Having executed extensive benefit and service cuts, renegotiated ing it to make some tough choices. Forced to tion: Station 3 is now running only a one-person debt with its creditors and passed a sales tax increase (from 8.25% to eliminate either the engine or truck company ARFF (Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting) rig to 9%) in November, Stockton is on its way to solvency. The passage of at Station 1, firefighters elected to keep Chico’s keep the airport open and protect all aircraft. If the tax measure has created new hope for the city, representing both only truck, leaving just a truck company at the you don’t already know, the ARFF vehicle can fight a way to pay off its debt and to bolster its understaffed police force. city’s busiest station. fire from the interior cab using joysticks. The sales tax is estimated to produce $28-$30 million in revenue “Obviously we should have a fully staffed truck “We understand that it can be dangerous to have each year for the next decade and the city plans to use about half and engine downtown, but we definitely needed one firefighter staffing this very complex machine,” the money to hire 120 new cops over three years and the other half the truck,” said Steve Harrison, President of City said Harrison. “For safety purposes, the one person to pay down its debt. Following this plan, the city hopes to be out of Chico Firefighters Local 2734. “So we proposed at the airport can no longer fight structure fires and of bankruptcy by late-spring or early-summer 2014. something pretty much unheard of, but we stand is not permitted to exit the cab of the ARFF rig.” “We’re optimistic about the Council’s plan, now we can see a light behind it and our chiefs stand behind us.” City of Chico Firefighters Local 2734 is making at the end of the tunnel. The tax increase will be a huge help, but Chico’s truck is now fully staffed and fully the best of a bad situation. Local 2734 hopes these the city still needs to find other sources of revenue to sustain us into equipped with everything the four-person truck drastic changes are temporary, but will continue the future,” said Greg Biddle, President of Stockton Professional company might need. When the truck company to adapt and provide the best possible fire protec- Firefighters Local 456. “We would have liked more accountability is first in, it has no water and must wait for an tion to its citizens regardless of the circumstances. with the tax measure, but since the revenue goes to the general fund, engine to arrive from another station. If it is safe Currently awaiting the result of a SAFER grant it is important that we monitor the city’s spending to make sure they to do so, they can perform a quick rescue while that could re-staff two engines, hope could be on allocate the money appropriately and don’t revert back to the poor they are waiting, but the engines usually arrive the horizon. fiscal decisions that got us into this mess.”

The integration of policies and pro- off-campus, so they are forced to work in cedures across the two departments has the city and learn the ropes. proven substantially more difficult than “We want to get firefighters inter- STRENGTH in NUMBERS with a traditional merger because the uni- mixed on each other’s units. The next n January 2012, the Santa Cruz City the city and the university,” said Josh versity operates under completely different step is getting our guys on their rigs and UC Santa Cruz fire departments Coleman, Secretary of Santa Cruz City policies than a municipality. Because the and their guys into our stations, getting began the process of merging into one Firefighters Local 1716. “Ultimately, we two jurisdictions are so different, one being trained on each other’s equipment and department in a proactive effort to will have more personnel on an incident a city and the other a university, developing station operations and eventually have Iincrease efficiency, fiscal responsibility quicker. Once all the training and proce- a single set of SOPs has been a strenuous the same set of SOPs,” said Coleman. and quality of service. According to an dures are the same, our fire service will be process, riddled with complexity. Similar A November memo from Chief Trapp April 2013 feasibility study, the merger much more efficient.” problems have also arisen in drafting a con- to all Santa Cruz and UCSC personnel will save money for both departments One year into the merger, the tract to share personnel and equipment, as outlined a number of operational changes and improve fire coverage and response departments have consolidated at the well as to develop standardized training. to be implemented on January 1, 2014. times. Fully integrating the departments management level but are still in the pro- Despite these challenges, operational “The merger will be firing on all cyl- has proven complicated and difficult, but cess of merging operationally. So although integration has picked up steam in the inders on January 1st,” said Coleman. firefighters as well as city and university they share a single fire chief, UCSC’s last few months. As the city and univer- “Operational integration has been gain- officials are optimistic that the merger is Chief Jeff Trapp, the departments still sity work on a legal agreement to finalize ing momentum over the last six months advantageous for both departments and have separate unions, SOPs and MOU the merger, the departments have started and, since receiving Chief Trapp’s memo, will only get better moving forward. agreements. The next step, operational to swap firefighters and learn to work I’m very confident that this will be suc- “The merger should provide better consolidation, has been much more chal- together. Chief Trapp has even started cessful. We hope to be under the same coverage and improved service to both lenging to implement. requiring UCSC firefighters to work MOU within six months.”

16 FOURTH QUARTER | VOLUME 22 NO. 4 CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS Randy Sekany th CPF 4 District Vice President DISTRICT REPORT CPF District 4 represents the counties of Sonoma, Napa, Solano, Marin, Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara. 4 th are varied in nature and are typically munity paramedics, a way to flag frequent HAYWARD FIREFIGHTERS designed to address specific local prob- 911 abusers and a plan to provide effective lems. These problems include overuse of follow-up care after discharge from the the 911 system, the need for alternative hospital.” ON FOREFRONT OF NEW means of managing patients who do not With tight budgets across the state, it is need to go to an emergency room, repeat important for the fire service to continue EMS DELIVERY FRONTIER visits to the emergency room and limited finding new ways to stretch its resources. capacity for short-notice home visits. “Firefighters are always being asked to do ommunity paramedicine is a new Organizations throughout the coun- In its three-year pilot study, Hayward more with less and community paramedi- and evolving form of commu- try are now trying out different models of has been tasked with addressing two cine is a potential way for us to do just Cnity-based health care in which community paramedicine. One such orga- major problems: mitigating follow up that. It is important for us to continue paramedics function outside their normal nization is the Hayward Fire Department. care from hospitals and reducing abuse creating ways to help the public despite emergency transport and response roles to Along with Alameda City, Hayward was of the 911 system. “The idea is to create our limited resources,” said Livermore. facilitate more efficient and appropriate use selected as one of only two departments an EMS delivery model that would allow “The system will inevitably experience of time and resources. People are increas- in Northern California and eight in the us to reach people prior to activation of growing pains, but firefighters are resil- ingly looking to community paramedicine entire state. The Hayward Fire Department the 911 system,” said Jason Livermore, ient and have to adapt all the time. This to improve EMS care, including the federal hopes to launch its community paramedi- President of Hayward Fire Fighters has the potential to be part of the future government which aims to reduce costs by cine pilot program in October 2014. Local 1909. “There will be a PR piece to of the fire service and we are excited to decreasing repeat hospital visits. Community paramedicine programs let people know how to contact the com- be involved.”

LIVERMORE-PLEASANTON FIREFIGHTERS MOURN FALLEN BROTHER TURMOIL IN RUSSIAN RIVER

It is with great sadness and deep regret that Fire Department and the CPF Pipes & ecent turmoil within the Russian River Fire Protection District Livermore-Pleasanton Firefighters Local Drums. Numerous other agencies also has awakened the public and put a spotlight on the actions of its 1974 announces the passing of retired chipped in—with all LPFD stations Rfire board. After countless questionable dealings by members of the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Captain Paul closed, 10 other stations covered shifts Russian River Fire Board, the public and Russian River & Bodega Bay Chenkovich in the line of duty. for the Livermore-Pleasanton firefight- Firefighters Local 3051 are taking action to fix their broken fire board. Paul started his fire service career with ers attending the service. Troubles hit a boiling point on August 5, 2013 with the sudden firing the U.S. Forest Service and spent 10 years Nearly a thousand people, including of popular Fire Chief Max Ming, less than two years into a seven-year at the El Dorado Hills Fire Department local dignitaries, fire and law enforcement contract to share a chief with the neighboring Forestville Fire Protection before joining the Livermore-Pleasanton personnel, students from nearby schools District. Ming’s firing outraged firefighters and outspoken community Fire Department (LPFD) in 2000, even- and other members of the community, members and, in response, they have launched a recall campaign to oust tually earning the rank of captain. lined the route of a funeral procession Board President Kevin O’Shea and Vice President Linda Payne. On November 5, 2013, Brother that included apparatus from more than “He was a firefighter’s fire chief who supported both labor and manage- Chenkovich lost his three-year battle 10 fire agencies. “It was a moving experi- ment. He was extremely popular among firefighters and the public, and with occupational brain cancer, just eight ence to see the streets packed with people we were all frustrated and confused when he was suddenly dismissed,” months after he retired and was named who came out to honor Paul,” said Gregg said Ryan Lantz, President of Local 3051. Firefighter of the Year. Paul was 48 years Stanford, Vice-President of Local 1974. Recall supporters maintain that board members have micro-managed old and leaves behind a wife and two “It was the first time we’ve had to the department and have taken a confrontational position against fire- children. put on a funeral service like this, but fighters instead of constructively working through issues. According to Paul was a highly respected member everything turned out really well," said Lantz, “the board is taking action when it shouldn’t be. The board is of the LPFD and Livermore-Pleasanton Stanford. "We had no idea we’d receive primarily for appeals and most actions should go through the fire chief, Firefighters Local 1974, including the kind of support we did. It was truly but it seems like the board is trying to get involved with day-to-day opera- many years of service on the Local 1974 amazing to see the whole community tions of the firehouse.” Executive Board. During his career, Paul come together to pay their respects.” In November, the board finally voted to reinstate Chief Ming, but the worked tirelessly to improve firefighter Donations for the Chenkovich family whole process has made the public all too aware of the problems on the and community safety through his work may be made through any Bank of America board. “The recall has a good shot at being successful. Everyone we’ve on the front lines and the various pro- branch and donating to the Chenkovich talked to, including neighboring agencies, are very supportive,” said grams he was involved with. Family Account, #164110012484. Lantz. “After Chief Ming was dismissed we reached out to local media A memorial with full honors was held Donations and remembrances can also and launched a campaign to get the information out to the public. They on November 15, 2013 in his home town be mailed to: Livermore-Pleasanton took it and ran.” of Pleasanton, with the help and coordi- Firefighters Foundation, Attn: Family of Local 3051 has been collecting signatures to get a recall on the ballot nation of Local 1974, San Ramon Valley Paul Chenkovich, 4847 Hopyard Road, and has received an enormous amount of public support. They hope to Firefighters Local 3546, El Dorado Hills Suite 4 PMB 303, Pleasanton, CA 94588. hold the recall election by April 2014.

CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS FOURTH QUARTER | VOLUME 22 NO. 4 17

Michael Massone th CPF 5 District Vice President DISTRICT REPORT CPF District 5 represents federal firefighters across the state of California. 5th with several Republican co-leads and co- PRESUMPTION LAW FOR FEDERAL FIREFIGHTERS: sponsors. She is re-introducing the bill again in 2014 with the help of Republican co-lead Rep. Pat Meehan from Pennsylva- nia (R-CD 7). “I authored the bipartisan Federal THE FIGHT CONTINUES Firefighters Fairness Act to correct this unacceptable gap in benefits and sup- n 1982, California passed AB federal firefighters are still required to pin- presumptions enjoyed by local and state port our federal firefighters,” said Capps. 3011, the nation’s first public safety point the precise incident or exposure that agency firefighters in states throughout “Together with my colleague Represen- cancer presumption law with the caused the illness before it can be consid- the country to their brothers and sisters tative Meehan, we will work tirelessly to support of CPF. Since then, 39 ered job-related. employed by federal departments. Despite advance it at every opportunity until it other states have followed suit and According to California Congress- ample data proving the link between becomes law.” We commend Congress- enacted firefighter presumption woman Lois Capps (D-CD 24), current firefighting and cancer, and despite the woman Capps’ efforts and will continue laws of their own. But federal firefight- author of the Federal Firefighters Fairness numerous states that have already rec- to stand with her to get this important Iers, many of whom work in these states, Act (FFFA), “Our firefighters at the state, ognized that fact by enacting cancer law passed. have somehow been excluded from this county and municipal levels get the ‘ben- presumption laws, Congress has yet to pass “I am proud to join with Represen- important occupational protection. efit of the doubt’ that their disabilities are this common sense legislation. But, as fire- tative Lois Capps as she fights to secure Federal firefighters are regularly connected to their exceptionally hard pro- fighters always do, we continue to fight. this long-overdue benefit for federal fire exposed to various chemicals, sustain fession—a job that requires courage and Fighting beside us since the beginning fighters,” said IAFF General President industrial injuries, contract occupational clearly puts one at risk. However, most has been Representative Capps. She has Harold Schaitberger. “Our nation’s fed- diseases and endure job-related stress Americans would surely be surprised to always been a huge supporter of the bill— eral fire fighters hold some of the nation’s while protecting our national interests at find out that our federal firefighters don’t co-sponsoring the bill since arriving in most sensitive and dangerous jobs in the military installations, nuclear facilities, have the same access to those disability Congress and becoming its co-lead author country protecting military installations, VA hospitals and other federal facilities. benefits. This is a clear injustice.” when it was re-introduced in 2005. Rep- nuclear facilities and VA hospitals. The Although numerous studies have found First introduced in the United States resentative Capps started authoring the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act will heart disease, lung disease, certain can- Congress in 2001, as the result of a CPF bill in 2007, and has re-introduced it every ensure that these brave men and women cers, and other infectious diseases to be Resolution adopted at the IAFF Conven- session since. She has also built biparti- receive the benefits and compensation occupational hazards of firefighting, tion, the FFFA seeks to extend the same san support around the bill, coordinating they deserve.”

NEW AND IMPROVED PYI PLAN lmost 40 years ago, the CPF have gotten involved in the market and were to go on for 40 years, the under- Trust if there is a dispute over a claim. Insurance Trust created concerns have arisen about the validity writing agreement means that after two The Trust then reviews the claim/appeal, the Long Term Disability of those plans. CPF Members voiced years MetLife would pay out the claim. erring to the benefit of the member— Insurance (Protect Your concerns that competing self-insured “To address the concerns of our mem- something you will not get from another Income)A Plan because members were plans didn’t have sufficient reserves and bers, we created this workable agreement insurance company. having trouble finding affordable dis- worried that the CPF PYI Plan was with MetLife, enabling us to offer the The Trust hopes to start making the ability income protection coverage in the also unsustainable. Although the CPF same plan with added security but still plan available in January 2014. Any eli- existing market. Such plans were geared Insurance Trust has adequate reserves to with an affordable price,” said Ken gible member in good standing will be toward the average working person, so fund the plan, the members of the Trust Bryant, Chair of the CPF Insurance able to enroll during the open enrollment prices were exorbitant and unaffordable decided to pursue a way to address con- Trust. “Because the plan does not rely period, with no exclusion for preexist- because of the unique circumstances and cerns about the self-insured aspect of the solely on our own reserves, it gives mem- ing conditions. Existing members will risks that firefighters are exposed to. plan while maintaining its affordability. bers the comfort and security of knowing automatically be enrolled in the new The CPF Insurance Trust looked into In order to accomplish this goal, the that their claims will always be paid.” plan, maintaining any coverage already the matter and decided to create a self- Trust formed a new association with Unlike other insurance companies, in place with the addition of the new funded plan to provide this coverage to MetLife, one of the largest insurance the CPF Insurance Trusts exists to help underwriting feature. CPF members at an affordable price. companies in North America. Under you. It is constantly adapting to meet “We believe this new and improved This required a fair amount of risk to this agreement, the CPF Insurance Trust the needs of our members and provide PYI Plan is going to address any concerns begin with, but the reserves have built will pay claims out of its reserve for the a top-notch product geared toward fire- about the self-insured aspect of the plan up over time and the plan has proven first two years of a claim and MetLife fighters. For instance, even under the while allowing us to continue providing itself sound. will underwrite the claims after that. So, new agreement with MetLife, a mem- the best possible product to our mem- Over the last 20 years, other players although it is highly unlikely, if a claim ber can appeal directly to the Insurance bers at an affordable price,” said Bryant.

18 FOURTH QUARTER | VOLUME 22 NO. 4 CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS

Mike Lopez th CPF 6 District Vice President DISTRICT REPORT CPF District 6 represents CAL FIRE, Local 2881. 6 th he 48th Annual CDF Firefighters Local 2881 Convention was held in the second week of December in Sacramento, California. TThe extraordinary changes that have taken place over the past half century are evident by the passage of a convention resolution to change the name of the association. The same organization that began as the California Department of Forestry Employ- ees Association (CDFEA), and evolved into CDF Firefighters Local 2881, will now be known as CAL FIRE Local 2881. The resolution states that, when appro- priate, we will also be known as CAL FIRE Firefighters. The convention also saw the election of Tim Edwards from the Riverside Chapter as the new Rank and File Representative. Representation from the IAFF began at the top with General President Harold Schaitberger delivering a stirring speech on the opening day of the convention. The topic was the continuing inequity of the federal government’s involvement in the battling of wildland fires and the handling of almost 33 million acres of federal land in California. Schaitberger wisely said that the federal government needs to move their policy from that of being only green to also being red. The prioritization of firefighting goes beyond politics to the bold reality of how eleven of the greatest fires in California have taken place in the last twelve years. The budget for federal firefighting was barely over a billion dollars and the Photo by Jeff Zimmerman actual expenditures fell far below even that amount. CPF President Lou Paulson also deliv- 34 years of service with the department. believability. ISSUES ABOUND ered a passionate speech that highlighted Hale was a fiery protector of the wages, He will be missed. Fire seasons are getting longer. for everyone at the convention the impor- benefits and conditions of our members. Thirty-three years ago, under the presi- Some will blame the long fire season tance of all firefighters standing together. He loved being a firefighter and was dency of Ray Snodgrass, CAL FIRE Local on global warming and others will say it The safety and social challenges of respected for his work in the field. 2881 became affiliated with the CPF. is part of a weather pattern that includes privatization serve as a grim risk for com- Additionally, Ken was also willing to Now, after more than three decades, draught conditions. munities that believe that firefighting can sacrifice an enormous amount of time with Ray Snodgrass has retired from his leader- Whatever the truth, our firefighters are be done cheaply. his family and his profession in order to ship positions within our union. confronting more devastating fires over an All of us, respecting the jurisdictional protect the firefighters who admired him He was a firefighter who was twice extended period of time. boundaries of firefighters and understand- and continued to elect him to his post. awarded the Firefighter of the Year Award This year we will continue discussions ing the importance of solidarity, can take Tom McConnell stepped down from in his local community and at the same on appropriate staffing. a leadership role in providing high-level, the board. time, served our association not only as Perhaps more importantly, we will professional safety response to all of our Tom was a helicopter pilot during the president, but as the chief deputy director have discourse on whether or not the communities in California. Vietnam War and he brought unflappabil- with the department. traditional fire season still reflects the ity to his profession and to the discussions Ray has a memory for detail and a hard true conditions of what our firefighters FAREWELLS in the boardroom with his peers. grasp of firefighter and labor history that are now confronting on a yearly basis. Ken Hale, who served just two months We would be hard-pressed to find a cannot be matched. CAL FIRE Local 2881 appreciates the shy of ten years as the Rank and File Rep- more popular member of our association There were tears shed at the convention opportunity to work with our brothers resentative for CAL FIRE Local 2881, than Tom. His calm, gentle approach as Ray walked away from the podium for and sisters within CPF. retired not only from the union, but from to difficult issues made him a source of the last time.

CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS FOURTH QUARTER | VOLUME 22 NO. 4 19 Dave Gillotte th CPF 7 District Vice President DISTRICT REPORT CPF District 7 represents Los Angeles County Fire Fighters Local 1014. 7th IT’S ALL OVER, IT’S ALL GOOD, STAND DOWN...EVERYTHING IS COOL!

s my children would say to me, “Right…” as they roll their eyes. Although we have been quite fortunate to have weath- ered the storms better than other labor unions and our Amembership has fought hard to protect, maintain and in some ways progress our wages, hours and working conditions, the fact is that the attacks affecting us are FAR FAR FAR from being over.

2013 AT A GLANCE our line and even advance it a bit. critical AD 52 win for Freddie Rodriquez WHERE ARE WE GOING? Let us take a quick look back and then We bargained for the salary boost to who narrowly defeated Republican Leon, In conclusion, the 7th District would like look forward to end our year. We ended take effect at the beginning of 2013 and and Matt Dababneh winning the AD 45 to wish everyone a safe and prosperous 2012 with a historic victory to protect our we closed out 2013 with fringe benefits race by 329 votes against Republican new year with a reminder that as we take voices in defeating Prop. 32. Not a sec- bargaining that will result in increases of Susan Shelly. This is more evidence that time to enjoy the fruits of our labors, we ond too soon either, because we went right 7.2% each year for 2 years (total of 14.4%) we cannot just sit back and relax. Those must remember that THE FIGHT IS into battling draconian pension reforms. in medical premium contributions and votes will be critical for legislation like AB NOT OVER. We were able to at least get a seat at the increases to our deferred compensation 1373, our death benefits legislation that Prepare your leadership and your mem- table and ended up with PEPRA, which match program. was vetoed this year and will be taken up bers for what’s to come and realize it may will require years to undo but will let our We also had to deal with retiree medi- again next legislative session. never be over. This is the reality for us, sim- members live to fight another day. We cal health care costs and, like pensions, ply a way of life to protect our members then saw workers’ compensation reforms we worked to offset the unfunded liabili- WE SHALL NEVER FORGET and our profession. We have more pension in which we again had a seat at the table ties and established a retiree medical trust Prescott Arizona, the Granite Mountain reform and retiree medical reform initia- and were able to protect our members. that is completely union-run with mecha- Hotshots and Kevin Woyjeck, son of tives around the corner, along with 2014 We have all had to bargain and help nisms to keep up with the out-of-control LA County Fire Captain Joe Woyjeck; national and state elections that will have with statewide elections and political medical costs projected into the future. Sean Bayer, John Vincent, Jan Chate- a lasting effect on votes for years to come. action efforts, as well as deal with oper- We will be administering this trust along lain, Rick Mc Clung and Recruit 31, Local 1014 has two Board of Supervisors ations and membership issues including with our labor partners in a coalition of Jesus Ontiveros. Jesus found out he had elections that will likely run us into the the numerous deaths and injuries that 18 county unions. terminal cancer just a month and a half millions, at the same time protecting our seem to plague us all. Our legislative into the drill tower and died six weeks vote count with five of the most power- efforts have had highs and lows but have POLITICAL ACTION later, leaving behind his wife Maricela ful elected officials in the nation. In an once again been nothing but spectacu- We also ran two cycles of political action and unborn baby. Sophia Grace Ontive- effort to court the continued support of lar, especially given the hostile economic in numerous city council elections that ros is here with us now, healthy and an the people, we will be entering into labor- environment. Kudos to all CPF members required the coordination of labor, time, example that “Life Goes On.” Another management alliances in IAFF LMIs to statewide, be you from a large union or a money, boots and phones. I am proud to young, active duty brother just passed protect, fund and advance our EMS and small union and department. Thank you report that we won big in most cities, with from cancer in December—Brother fire service operations as well as our fund- to all CPF staff and support members; it an overall win average of 88% in June. In John Mazzocco. May they all rest in ing and grants, organizational culture and is our collective power and strength that the general election, we repeated that peace. image to the public we serve. keeps us protected. same success in the critical fee for service A former union warrior from the We look forward to a tough, but pro- contract cities we represent. Thank you 1950’s through the 1990’s for Local 1014 ductive, year in 2014 and will see you at NEGOTIATIONS to our members who showed up in force and our Health Trust, Herb Schisler also Convention in May – we’re proud to host In Los Angeles County this year, we nego- and got it done! died from cancer. He served with Al at Universal City! tiated a salary contract extension that At the state level, we are proud to have Whitehead back in the day and estab- put 6% salary into our members’ pockets been part of all cluster interviews and lished and maintained our Health Trust P.S. If you are going to drink or text, then over 15 months with no takeaways and no coordinated efforts to elect candidates which has gone on to provide for mem- don’t drive…. Stop, get a room, get a ride, other changes. After four years of exten- for Assembly and Senate seats. It was bers and their families, including the get a designated driver. Just do it! You sions that held everything in place at a clear that all races in the state were closer Ontiveros family….talk about full cir- won’t regret the decision. time when most departments were suffer- than expected due to national healthcare, cle. While we grieve and mourn, we also ing salary and staffing reductions, we are decreasing democratic vote counts and low celebrate the lives of our brothers and sis- quite fortunate that we were able to hold voter turnout. Highlighted for us was the ters “We Shall Never Forget.”

20 FOURTH QUARTER | VOLUME 22 NO. 4 CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS Frank Lima th CPF 8 District Vice President DISTRICT REPORT CPF District 8 represents the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City Local 112. 8th

PF’s 8th District, UFLAC Local 112, has seen its fair share of ups and downs this quarter. We have certainly stayed busy since my last report. C I am proud to report that Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles, recently replaced four of our five fire commissioners and terminated the Independent Assessor. The past five years have been devastating for our department. We have been cut to the bone and simply cannot allow any further cuts that jeopardize firefighter and public safety. It is crucial for the department to have leaders that will push for meaningful reforms, bolstered resources and increased staffing levels to improve pub- lic safety in our city. Replacing 80% of former Mayor Villaraigosa’s fire commission with new blood is a great start and a sign that Mayor Garcetti and his appointees have a sincere desire to understand our issues. UFLAC has already publicly thanked Mayor Garcetti for mak- ing these much-needed changes. Mayor Garcetti also replaced Fire Chief Brian Cummings. This is excellent news for not only Local 112, but for the safety of the citizens of Los Angeles, as Cummings was a constant advocate for deeper cuts and the decimation of the LAFD. Cummings will be replaced by Interim Chief James Featherstone, who is enthusiastically welcomed by UFLAC Local 112. Members of UFLAC Local 112 and CPF come together to support Featherstone has never been a fire chief and as a former Sebastian Ridley-Thomas for the California State Assembly. member of the UFLAC executive board, we believe him to be one of the first chiefs in the history of the LAFD to truly understand the integrity and importance of the Mitchell for the Senate seat vacated by Curren Price. fire and EMS units that responded to the deadly shoot- collective bargaining process. We support the selection We were successful in helping elect both Dababneh and ing at LAX in November, which left one brave TSA of James Featherstone and we look forward to serving Mitchell, as well as Sebastian Ridley-Thomas to back fill officer dead and several others wounded. The massive as a partner in continuing to reform the department the Assembly seat vacated by Holly Mitchell. and effective LAFD response to the shooting serves and restore our status as a premier firefighting and para- We have also been successful in using CFFJAC as another reminder of both the excellence of our first medic agency. funds to improve our department’s training equipment. responders and of the rapidly changing—and increas- On his third day in office, UFLAC was honored Working together with LAFD management, we’ve spent ingly hazardous—nature of modern urban emergency to host Chief Featherstone and Assistant Chief hundreds of thousands of dollars on burn containers, a response. The officers and staff of UFLAC join all of you Ronnie Villanueva at the Firefighter Cancer Support drill tower, academy upgrades, new technology, pump- in keeping the deceased and injured and their families in Network’s 6th Annual Gala Dinner and Fundraiser ing manifolds and more. our thoughts and prayers. Although under sad circum- on November 3, 2013 in Universal City. This was a Unfortunately, not all aspects of our training are on stances, the citizens of our city can again be thankful for wonderful opportunity to share our mutual concerns the upswing. the faithful and courageous service of their firefighters. regarding critical issues like high cancer rates among You can have all the equipment in the world, but it On a lighter note, we recently held our annual firefighters and the various medical risks our mem- doesn’t mean much if you’re not using it for regular train- Christmas party at the Local 112 Union Hall. This year’s bers face every day. UFLAC is proud to be an original ing. Training provided by the department, specifically party was a huge success, with our fire chief, fire com- sponsor of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, a the Emergency Services Bureau, has been severely cut to missioners, city council offices, mayor’s office, assembly 501(c)(3) charitable foundation organized to provide the point that it is almost non-existent. For instance, as a members, senators, past UFLAC lifetime members and timely assistance and support to fire service members result of cuts the LAFD suffered years ago, we no longer many other friends in attendance. and their families in the event of cancer diagnosis and hold our annual high rise training, division evaluations Currently, we are getting ready for the next round of to educate the fire service about cancer awareness, pre- or driving rodeos like we did in years past. MOU contract negotiations. Our contract expires at the vention, early detection and treatment options. We The problem was highlighted a few months ago when end of June 2014, so negotiations will begin soon. It has know that firefighters are being affected by cancer at an a couple of our firefighters were burned in a high rise fire been a lot of work, but UFLAC is heading in the right alarming rate and UFLAC is proud to do our part in and another firefighter fell through a roof in a district direction. I am proud to serve as the UFLAC Local 112 supporting our brothers and sisters affected by cancer. where a truck company had been permanently elimi- President, the 8th District Vice-President for CPF, an On the election front, we experienced success in nated. We are operating on a dangerous formula: starting Executive Board member for the Los Angeles County several state special elections for legislators in the years back by decimating the field and our inspectors Federation of Labor AFL-CIO and a sitting principal Los Angeles area. Two of our representatives on the with massive cuts and significantly reducing (if not elimi- member of the national NFPA 1710 committee, to name California State Legislature vacated their seats after nating) most department-wide training has recently lead a few. With the help of my executive board, we will con- being elected to the Los Angeles City Council with our to a considerably higher rate of injuries, significant burns tinue fighting to keep our members safe and secure in endorsement. UFLAC endorsed Matt Dababneh for the and very close calls for our firefighters. 2014 and beyond. Assembly seat vacated by Bob Blumenfield and Holly I’d also like to commend the members of the over 40

CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS FOURTH QUARTER | VOLUME 22 NO. 4 21 LABOR-MANAGEMENT COME TOGETHER FOR THE 12TH BIENNIAL

12TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE CFFJAC CONFERENCE NOV 5-7 CATHEDRAL CITY

CFFJAC Program Director Yvonne de la Peña addresses the general session

CFFJAC's TCM Committee stands CFFJAC Chair Daniel A. Terry to be recognized CPF President Lou Paulson

Motivational Speaker Brad Montgomery

Long-time IAFF Health and Safety Director Rich Duffy is State Fire Marshal Tonya Hoover recognized for his years of dedication to the fire service

Photos by Debbie George

or over three decades, participated in the conference – all united Featured speakers included an special commitment to the labor-man- the California Fire Fighter Joint in the CFFJAC’s ongoing mission to cre- entertaining presentation from Brad agement partnership at the heart of the Apprenticeship Committee ate excellence in the fire service. Montgomery, a motivational speaker CFFJAC’s mission. (CFFJAC) has been a leader “The CFFJAC conference focuses who talked about how to use humor in the Attendees ultimately gained insight in apprenticeship, training and on building a better fire service in workplace and how to cultivate happiness and useful tools to help them in their pro- Frecruitment for the fire service and has tough times,” noted CPF President Lou in such a stressful profession. Participants fession and learn more about the CFFJAC set professional standards for firefighters Paulson. “The conference also offers an also heard updates on the CFFJAC’s program. Finally, the conference featured throughout the state. Co-sponsored by opportunity to forge the critical labor- programs and a discussion of the state the CFFJAC’s signature golf tournament, California Professional Firefighters and management collaboration that is so vital of California’s emergency response sys- silent auction and dinner reception, ben- the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the to our profession.” tem from Mark S. Ghilarducci, Director efiting the California Fire Foundation. CFFJAC is the nation’s model labor-man- Attendees from both management and of the California Governor’s Office of “I’m thrilled to see labor and manage- agement firefighter training partnership. labor got the chance to come together, Emergency Services (Cal OES). ment come together in such numbers, to This fall, the CFFJAC continued setting aside rank, to turn the chal- Another highlight of the conference collaborate on issues that are important to advancing its mission and communi- lenges of the present into opportunities was the presentation of the “Partnership all of us in the fire service,” said CFFJAC cating its view for the future at its 12th for the future. This year’s conference fea- for Success” award to the San Diego Fire- Chair Dan Terry. “It is a tribute to the Biennial Conference, November 5-7, tured workshops on issues ranging from Rescue Department and San Diego City commitment of all in our profession to 2013 in Cathedral City, California. responding to violent incidents and man- Firefighters Local 145. The award is pre- the mission that has driven the CFFJAC’s Nearly 300 fire chiefs, labor presidents, aging risk to building support and using sented at every CFFJAC conference to long history of success – creating excel- training officers and Sub-JAC members social media to engage the public. honor departments that demonstrate a lence in the fire service.”

22 FOURTH QUARTER | VOLUME 22 NO. 4 CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS CFFJAC

Frank De Clercq, President of San Diego City Fire Fighters Local 145, and Javier Mainar, Fire Chief of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, accept the 2013 Partnership for Success Award at the 12th Biennial CFFJAC Conference.

PARTNERSHIP for SUCCESS Photo by Debbie George n 2001, CFFJAC created the the success of the CFFJAC. Likewise, 91 CFFJAC Apprentices. on every level, in good times and bad. Partnership for Success Award to in the face of stressful budget times, the San Diego Firefighters Local 145 For their dedication to the integrity of recognize fire departments and local San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and proudly represents the men and women of our profession and the protection of unions that demonstrate a strong San Diego City Firefighters Local 145 the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, the people they serve, the CFFJAC was commitment to working together have maintained a steadfast commitment who serve a population of more than 1.3 proud to recognize the San Diego Fire- Ito provide the training and education to collaboration on firefighter training, million. An early advocate of apprentice- Rescue Department and San Diego needed to ensure firefighter safety and cooperating to enhance existing training ship, Local 145 has been an active partner City Firefighters Local 145 as the 2013 effectiveness on the front lines. programs and promote firefighter safety. in apprenticeship training by providing Partnership for Success award recipients. This year, at its 12th Biennial The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department the highest level of emergency/rescue Conference, the CFFJAC was proud employs over 900 personnel and pro- services, hazard prevention and safety to honor the San Diego Fire-Rescue tects 331 square miles, including 17 education to ensure the protection of life, WATCH Department and San Diego City miles of coastline. Each year, the depart- property and the environment. CPF Firevision: Firefighters Local 145 with the 2013 ment responds to over 130,000 calls. Together, the San Diego Fire-Rescue Partnership for Partnership for Success Award. A participant in the CFFJAC program Department and Local 145 have dem- Success A united effort between labor and for over 22 years, the San Diego Fire- onstrated an enduring commitment to management is the driving force behind Rescue Department currently employs the CFFJAC’s labor-management model

RECEIVE COLLEGE fellow firefighters, a model that has proven to be effec- FIREFIGHTERS: tive. CPF members will also receive a free transcript/ CREDITS FOR YOUR TRAINING FROM KAPLAN UNIVERSITY certificate evaluation. • Take the 3-week Trial: CPF members qualify for a ow is the time to invest in your future! The • Fire Engineer = 5 units three-week trial to attend classes with no tuition obli- California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship • Fire Inspector = 15 units gation. Committee (CFFJAC) and California • Fire Department Training Officer = 21 units • Prior Learning Credits: Students may apply eli- Professional Firefighters (CPF) have joined • Hazardous Materials Response Technician = 5 units gible prior learning credits toward up to 75 percent of Kaplan University to offer special opportu- their degree plan. Nnities for California firefighters to save time and money To receive credit, the CFFJAC must submit your on tuition as they earn their college degree online. Certificate of Journey Completion to Kaplan. To Discover the CFFJAC Advantage. To learn “Firefighters are getting an education every day on the request credit, scan the QR code at right or visit more about earning a degree through Kaplan job through their CFFJAC training,” said CPF President cffjac.org. Click the link on the right that reads “Earn University, visit cpf.kaplan.edu. Lou Paulson. “The ability to get college credit for those College Credit” and complete the form. You will receive training certs toward a degree will save members money an email confirmation when the certificate has been sub- and further the ‘learn while you earn’ philosophy at the mitted to Kaplan for review. heart of the CFFJAC’s mission.” In addition to this opportunity for CFFJAC partici- Through the CFFJAC’s unique partnership with pants, Kaplan has a number of special benefits available SCAN Kaplan, CFFJAC journey certificates may translate into for CPF members: To request college units. Examples of certificates Kaplan University credit for has approved for college credit include: • Undergraduate Tuition Savings: Receive a 33 per- your journey cent tuition reduction on Fire Science and Emergency certifications • Fire Fighter = 10 units Management degree programs. • Fire Fighter II = 10 units • The Support You Need: Attend classes with your

CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS FOURTH QUARTER | VOLUME 22 NO. 4 23 California Professional Firefighters Non-Profit Org. 1780 Creekside Oaks Drive U.S. Postage Sacramento, CA 95833 PAID CPF Callback Association Sacramento, CA PAC Contributors Permit No. 1824 As a member of the Callback Association, Gold and Silver Circle members make a valuable contribution to the California Professional Firefighters’ Political Action Committee (PAC), which help us back legislative leaders and candidates – on both sides of the aisle – who stand up for firefighters.

On behalf of the CPF Executive Board, a special thanks to the following Callback members:

Oxnard Firefighters Local 1684 James Laughlin Palo Alto Professional FF’s Local 1319 GOLD CIRCLE William Gallaher Lloyd Limprecht Dan Heiser Alameda City Int’l Assoc. of FF Local 689 Thomas Waller James Wagner Joan Ruediger Richard Bennett Contra Costa County Prof. FFs Local 1230 Daren Olson Palo Alto Professional FF’s Local 1319 Pasadena Firefighters Local 809 Tim Bettencourt Steven Babcock Richard Barry James Ritchey Robert Brouchoud Clyde Bruce Petaluma Firefighters Local 1415 Berkeley Fire Fighters Assoc. Local 1227 Judith Jewell Anthony Gatson Robert Hickox Stephen Howell Pasadena Firefighters Local 809 Robert Nelson Redlands Professional Firefighters Local 1354 Burbank Fire Fighters Local 778 Larry Divan Arnold Pehlke Robert Forsythe Monte Osborn Piedmont Fire Fighters Local 2683 Charles Price Redondo Beach Fire Assoc. Local 2787 Camp Pendleton Prof. Firefighters Local F 85 Martin Ensrud Thomas Thiering Allen Allred William Harvey Redlands Professional Firefighters Local 1354 Daly City Fire Fighters Local 1879 Riverside City FFs Assoc. Local 1067 Carlsbad Firefighters Assoc. Local 3730 James Drabinski Don Ciucci Robert Linden Richard Fisher Joe Pompa Jr George Panellis Roseville Fire Fighters Local 1592 CAL FIRE Local 2881 John Roy Ben Dominguez Paul Graham Riverside City FFs Assoc. Local 1067 John Jones Davis Prof. Firefighters Assoc. Local 3494 Dennis O’Brien San Bernardino City Prof. FF Local 891 Tedd Laycock Ray Brouette Herbert Goettelmann Guyld Vincent Fallbrook Firefighters Assoc. Local 1622 Jack Webb Hank Weston Sacramento Area Fire Fighters Local 522 Charles Bader Steven Theis Fred Wrigley Contra Costa County Prof. FFs Local 1230 Fire Fighters Local 1186 Jennifer Abrahamson San Bernardino City Prof. FF Local 891 San Bernardino County FFs Local 935 James Beattie John Charboneau Thomas Nichols William Cullen Sammie Fitts Herbert Jones Marc Peebles Richard Del Fiorentino Charles Martinez Jennifer Kuret-Nadeau Jon Usselton Robert Eason Thomas Parlett Mitchel Whorton Gerald Goss San Jose Fire Fighters Local 230 Leslie Pompa Glendale Fire Fighters Local 776 Phillip Ayers Russell Greenlaw Elmer Spraker Michael Curcio Ronald Moomey San Bernardino County FFs Local 935 Danny Bowling Johnston Wray, III Philip Demers William Rabska Hayward Fire Fighters Local 1909 John Flatley Jack Walker San Jose Fire Fighters Local 230 Samuel Avila Mike Henderson Chuck Gluck Wayne Zimmerman Michael Blatz Lester Thompson Gregary Grenfell Daly City Fire Fighters Local 1879 Arthur Dundon Hemet City Firefighters Assoc. Local 2342 Jeffrey Hunter Thomas Kahle Jerry Ellis Eric Galliher San Mateo Co. Firefighters Local 2400 Davis Prof. Firefighters Assoc. Local 3494 Ken Heredia William Thompson Gerald Chevalier Richard Jett Gregory Martell Hunters Point Local F 159 John Dellinges Edwards AFB Firefighters Local F 53 Douglas Potter Paul Wallace James Fields Thomas Van Trease San Mateo Co. Firefighters Local 2400 Kern Co. Fire Fighters Local 1301 William Kucharski El Segundo Firefighters Assoc. Local 3682 William Fearing Jr. Richard Pellerin Bill Mann Gary Preston Wayne Williams Dennis Walker Kevin McDowell Fed. Firefighters, San Diego Local F 33 Livermore-Pleasanton FF’s Local 1974 David Meghinasso William Roy San Ramon Valley FF’s Assoc. Local 3546 Gene Dangel Edward Boddington Rawn Pritchard Fire Fighters Local 1186 Herbert Genelly III John Clanton Kevin Purnell San Ramon Valley FF’s Assoc. Local 3546 Long Beach Firefighters Local 372 Karen (Straub) Kiiskinen Mary Wood Santa Barbara Co. Firefighters Local 2046 Michael Bennett Alexander Cornett Ronda Ross-Leen Glendale Fire Fighters Local 776 Rodney Dykhouse Neil Kingsley Santa Clara City Firefighters Local 1171 Santa Barbara Co. Firefighters Local 2046 David Busse David Edwards James Petersen Hayward Fire Fighters Local 1909 Dan Gama, Jr. Ray Gibson Steve Montevago Santa Clara City Firefighters Local 1171 Santa Clara Co. Firefighters Local 1165 Charles Lyon Kenneth Hamlin Jr. Kern Co. Fire Fighters Local 1301 Robert Matthews Jr. Los Angeles Co. Fire Fighters Local 1014 Michael Maloney Gary Frank Mark Winters Ronald Bozarth Gregory Oakes Santa Clara Co. Firefighters Local 1165 Victor Caldwell Douglas Allen George Welch Santa Rosa Fire Fighters Local 1401 Edward Burtner Ronald Conway Bruce Dahl Charles Wimmer Timothy Doherty James Holdridge Jr Michael Eash Livermore-Pleasanton FF’s Local 1974 Timothy Hamlin Nancy Howe Lido Gemignani Raybert Thornton, Jr. Eileen Kortas Thomas Little Richard Ravizza Long Beach Firefighters Local 372 John Vetrano William Sturm Charles Sanfilippo James Firth James Tollefson John Thompson Terrell Porter Scotts Valley Firefighters Local 3577 Jim Otis Dave Walizer Santa Rosa Fire Fighters Local 1401 Los Angeles Co. Fire Fighters Local 1014 Marin Prof. Firefighters Local 1775 Verne Avila Sheldon Bromberg South San Francisco Firefighters Local 1507 Richard Dennin Jim Hopkins Brent Weidner Richard Land Lawrence Martinez Edward Murrieta Torrance Fire Fighters Assoc. Local 1138 Torrance Fire Fighters Assoc. Local 1138 Leo Palumbo James Stephenson James Ellingson John Price United Firefighters of Los Angeles City Local 112 Modesto City Firefighters Local 1289 Julian (Mack) Oetting Marin Prof. Firefighters Local 1775 Julian George James Bradberry Breal Rowe Charles Onorato Dennis Grogan Richard Davis Mary Steiner Eric Stroud Jack Holman John Greenstreet United Firefighters of Los Angeles City Local 112 Modesto City Firefighters Local 1289 Michael Lannen Phillip Lee Russell Collier Charles Giles Lawrence Thompson Barry Englestad Cecil Ridge II Monrovia Firefighters Local 2415 Alan Hewitt Monterey Firefighters Assoc. Local 3707 Benjamin Esparza Robert Karger Kirk Napier SILVER CIRCLE Monterey Firefighters Assoc. Local 3707 Samuel Lostutter Mountain View Prof. FFs Local 1965 Alameda City Int’l Assoc. of FF Local 689 Chris Miller Bruce Norman Dale Kuersten Albert Smith Mountain View Prof. FFs Local 1965 Steven Ventura Newport Beach FF Assoc. Local 3734 William Sowersby Clifford Del Carlo Robert Young Jeffrey Remmele Alhambra Fire Fighters Assoc. Local 1578 Robert Jonasson Randall Smith Vacaville Firefighters Local 3501 Paul Curtis Richard Ring Dennis Miller Oakland/Alameda Co FFs Local 55 Robert Daugherty Oakland/Alameda Co FFs Local 55 Bruce Ghezzi Ventura City Firefighters Assoc. Local 3431 Berkeley Fire Fighters Assoc. Local 1227 John Dailey David Hilty Ralph Johnson Ingrid Bailey Ronald Gervasoni Roger Morgenthaler Thomas Lueder Clinton Beacham William Hughes Alex Mathews Ventura Co. Prof. Firefighters Assoc. Local 1364 Kurt Chun Kenton King Michael Burns Eldon Parker II Malcolm Greene James Ready III John Wade Bradley Pieraldi Richard Watters Joseph Strawn Herbert Soares Jr. West Covina Fire Fighters Local 3226 Burbank Fire Fighters Local 778 Ontario Professional FF Assoc. Local 1430 Thomas Hazelleaf Oceanside Firefighters Assoc. Local 3736 Hans Jenner Alice Cicero Kenneth Love Camp Pendleton Prof. Firefighters Local F 85 Dennis Wafford Ontario Professional FF Assoc. Local 1430 Awilda (Willy) O’Brien Orange City Firefighters Local 2384 Clifton Chandler Doug Smith Brian Ford Ralph Des Lauriers CAL FIRE Firefighters Local 2881 Palm Springs Professional Firefighters Local 3601 Rick Lebel Douglas Allen Christopher Kramer