C a l i f o r n i a Professional Firefighters State Council of the International Association of Fire Fighters • California Labor Federation • AFL-CIO Volume 18 No. 1 First Quarter 2010
Standing Up Against New FF Presumption Bill BuildsCan on CPF Legacyc of Leadershiper
irefighters take the job knowing employers provide appropriate disability has been a central focus of California that the next major fire call could and workers’ compensation benefits to Professional Firefighters. CPF sponsored put their lives at risk. But there first responders, who become ill or die the nation’s first firefighter cancer Fis another, silent, threat to which first as a result of specified job-contracted presumption law, signed in 1982 by then- responders are exposed every day: the illnesses or injuries. Employers can only Gov. Jerry Brown. Over the years, CPF has slow-motion risk of job-related cancer. deny coverage if they can conclusively won additional presumptions for heart, prove that the illness or injury is not job TB, meningitis, biochemical exposure For three decades, California Professional related. and, most recently, MRSA. Firefighters has led the fight to recognize the increased job-related risks faced “From the beginning, presumption laws The new proposal, which is working its by first responders, beginning with the have protected firefighters and families way through the Legislature, is named for nation’s first cancer presumption law, victimized by job-related illness,” said the late CPF Secretary-Treasurer Dallas signed in 1982 by Jerry Brown. Paulson. “Instead of the firefighter having Jones. A giant of the firefighter labor to prove that the illness is job related, movement, Jones lost his own battle with This year, that legacy continues with management has to prove that it isn’t.” job-related cancer in 2008. the introduction of AB 2253, the Late Secretary-Treasurer William Dallas Jones Memorial Cancer Every year, the California Firefighters Keep track of AB 2253, and all of CPF’s Presumption Act of 2010. Dallas Jones Memorial adds the names of anywhere priority legislation, by checking the “Issues from 10 to 30 firefighters who have lost and Legislation” section at www.cpf.org. “As firefighters, we know that even a their lives to cancer contracted on the single incident, or a seemingly minor AB 2253, authored by Assemblyman job. Usually, it is the result of consistent FREE VIDEO! call, can produce exposures that could, Joe Coto (D-San Jose), protects exposure to carcinogenic chemicals Take a photo of this icon to see ultimately, claim our lives,” said CPF firefighters’ cancer presumption for up over the course of a career. In some our CPF Firevision video story President Lou Paulson. “This legislation to 15 years after his or her retirement. cases, a single incident can produce the about how CPF sponsored the will help protect the family of every The current statute of limitations only exposure that triggers job-related illness. nation’s first cancer presumption firefighter whose life may be cut short by extends to five years after retirement. law for firefighters. these silent killers.” Firefighter presumption laws require that Building solid protection for firefighters
The first workers’ comp presumption laws in California were passed in the 1930s, and covered hernia, TheeDc r e ades of Progress pneumonia and “heart trouble.” However, it has been in the last 30 years that California firefighters CPF’s Firefighter Presumption Legislation have enjoyed the full protection of firefighter presumption laws. CPF introduces William AB 3011, the nation’s CPF legislation Tuberculosis Meningitis, Hepatitis Blood-borne Biochemical AB 2754 (Bass) Dallas Jones Cancer first cancer presumption explicitly shifts burden presumption presumptions pathogen presumption exposure presumption establishes MRSA Presumption Act to extend law (signed by then-Gov. of proof enacted enacted enacted enacted presumption statute of limitations on Jerry Brown) to employer cancer presumption 1982 1996 1999 2000 2002 2003 2009 2010 In this issue: President’s Perspective...... 3 Legislative Update...... 6
CPF Endorsements ...... 9 PSP
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irefighters irefighters F Professional California Non-Profit Org. Non-Profit lr Ca ifo nia Professional Firefighters
Letters to the Firefighters Stay Informed with CPF President Firevision T hanks from Photo Contest Winner Appreciation for the Pipes and Drums I want to thank you and your staff for selecting one of my images for the On behalf of the family of Richard first place award for the CPF Photo “Chip” Smith, and the Ontario Fire Contest. I have already put the money Department, I’d like to thank you for the to good use, helping to restore CPF Pipes and Drums participation at a radio repeater that emergency Batallion Chief Smith’s Memorial Service photographers use in Southern on Saturday, February 27th. As you California as well as fixing several know, this service had to come together pieces of photographic equipment in a short period of time, and your that I damaged on the Station team’s responsiveness was remarkable. wildfire. We estimated that over 900 persons I am glad that many of the images attended Chip’s service. The Pipes that I submitted to you can be used and Drums portion was nothing short to further our great profession and of incredible. Over and over again, I to promote our motto of “Honor, heard attendees speak of the heartfelt Respect and Devotion to Duty.” The emotions generated by the sounds of Firefighters are getting more news “CPF Firevision is great. The episodes fire service is coming under attack Pipes and Drums. that matter to them in minutes, are short, but provide an accessible with huge budget shortfalls and I courtesy of CPF Firevision. way for us to reach our members and let them know what their union hope that the compelling images can Rest assured that Chip’s wife Since CPF Firevision launched in is doing,” said Contra Costa County be used to fire back at people who Amanda, and his daughters Colleen January, the online news service Fire Captain Pete Marshall, whose want to downsize our most noble and Shannon, will remember the has reported on issues affecting our local has begun sending these video profession. performance that day forever. Thanks profession, like the re-introduction of links to its members. “I tell folks that again for your assistance, and please the Emergency Response Initiative, if they want to learn about their As you may know, I am continuing pass on our appreciation to your Pipes the California Firefighters Memorial profession, here’s a way to do it. It Ceremony and pension-slashing just makes sense.” to publish Southern California and Drums Band. measures. The work of locals has Fire Journal and am working on a also been spotlighted ranging from Do you have a story idea for a future documentary regarding the Station Sincerely, Alameda County’s Fire Ops to LA episode of CPF Firevision? Email us wildfire. It has been a long and County Firefighters’ relief work in at [email protected]. Watch tedious task but I am finally making David A. Carrier Haiti. One groundbreaking episode the latest CPF Firevision or view past progress and your award money Fire Chief was dedicated entirely to the 2010 episodes at www.cpffirevision.org. pension fight. helped to alleviate some serious City of Ontario Fire Department financial burdens that I have. n n n Each video update averages only five minutes and can be viewed WATCH IT! Please extend my most sincere thank on a computer or cell phone. Free A Tribute to Jim Perry Take a photo of this icon to you to all of your wonderful staff and downloads are available on the CPF watch the latest CPF Firevision let them know that I am truly honored Web site, YouTube, iTunes, Facebook episode or catch up on Thank you for your financial assistance, and Twitter. A new episode is posted that you selected one of my images previous episodes. as well as for your moral support with the second and fourth Wednesday for the award. I will continue to strive Jim Perry’s memorials. of every month. to photograph as much as possible next year as long as my health and We lost a dear friend and labor brother finances hold up. and these memorials were a fitting
tribute to a great man. Thanks again! POINT AND SHOOT! Sincerely, Fraternally, Throughout this issue, you’ll find these Brian Hishinuma colorful Microsoft Tag barcodes. Use your Jeff Zimmerman Treasurer smartphone to snap a photo of any tag and Firefighter and founder of Zimmerman United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, you’ll gain instant access to related videos, Media LLC Local 112 Web sites and more! To start, download the free Tag reader at http://gettag.mobi.
n n n n n n
Volume 18 No. 1 2 First Quarter 2010 lr Ca ifo nia Professional Firefighters President’s Perspective
Lou Paulson
Why do we endorse? with local affiliates, and it is their recommendations that guide our In making endorsements in statewide endorsement decisions. S tanding Tall … Standing races, CPF is simply providing our members with information about As you’ll find, our recommended the candidates that stand with us on candidates include Democrats and Together those issues that are relevant to the Republicans, from the most liberal lives and well-being of our members to the most conservative. We back – public safety resources, retirement up those recommendations with the security, employee rights, training promise we give all of our candidates: orty years ago, this past April most important and difficult election and protecting the families of fallen We stand with those who stand with us. 13th, the confidence of America’s campaign in our lives. firefighters. We would not, and are not, space program was shattered telling our members how to vote. Fwith a few muffled words from For firefighters, the stakes in the 2010 Why it matters that we stand the cramped capsule of Apollo 13: elections have never been higher. tall, and stand together “Houston, we’ve had a problem, here.” How do we decide? That we “have a problem” is beyond With so much at stake for our The oft-misquoted phrase has become dispute. Public safety budgets are under California Professional Firefighters is profession, now is not the time to something of a cliché, used when unprecedented attack. Fire stations are committed to making its decisions stand on the sidelines. If we are to things that seemed to be going well going dark. Our brothers and sisters on the issues, not political labels. In protect the families we cherish, the suddenly go wrong. But the real lesson are being laid off. Beyond the fiscal statewide contests, every credible security we’ve earned and the safety of Apollo 13 is how, when the stakes threats, firefighters, law enforcement candidate – Democrat and Republican our citizens deserve, it’s imperative we were impossibly high, intelligence, and other public workers have been on – is invited to an interview. In the answer the call in this year’s election. cool-headedness, determination and the business end of an unprecedented governor’s race, all of the major teamwork brought three stranded wave of vicious attacks. We’ve been candidates were interviewed – I would encourage you to get astronauts home safely, turning targeted in hard-line management Republicans Steve Poizner and informed on where the candidates tragedy into triumph. tactics and the editorial ivory towers. Meg Whitman and Democrat Jerry stand on our issues. You can find more Brown. Our endorsement list for the info in this newspaper and at www. As firefighters, we’re trained to use Now more than ever, we need to stand June Primary (see page 9) includes cpf.org. Once informed, get active – these qualities on the front lines. But with those who stand up for us, our Democrats and Republicans. your local union leadership can help. in a time of economic upheaval, we families and the citizens we serve. This will be called upon to show the same principle has been the guidepost in In legislative races, CPF’s approach The stakes have never been higher, fortitude and common purpose as our endorsements for statewide and is truly “bottom up.” Candidates and the choices have never been we approach what is arguably the legislative contests. are interviewed in coordination clearer.
Volume 18 No. 1 2 First Quarter 2010 First Quarter 2010 3 Vo lume 18 No. 1 lr Ca ifo nia Professional Firefighters
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it’s easier. Outside consultants have There are many labor relations classes value, but they should not replace our outside of the fire service available to involvement. you. Ask your agency’s labor relations department where they send their Apprehensive about negotiating that employees for training. Many of those next contract? If your union has not seminars are open to you, too. They had a smooth leadership transition, are typically taught by respected you may feel the need to have an attorneys retained by management. attorney represent you. If this is It’s like peeking behind enemy lines the case, then ask questions, study – a terrific learning experience and the methods used and take lots of another great way to read the other notes. Use the attorney’s expertise side’s playbook. as a teaching time for you and your team. The same strategy would apply There are also resources geared to the filing of a PERB action or a directly to your needs. As firefighters, disciplinary appeal. Pay attention we take all kinds of command classes with the thought that someday and various certifications; everything soon you will be doing this without from the methods of intubation to the help. Do not sell your abilities short. burning index of a young sumac. We You were probably elected to office need to be just as diligent with our because you exhibited abilities in labor training. Through IAFF affiliate the various aspects of membership leadership training and CPF leadership Lew Stone representation. training, you can get the tools you need to be successful. Believe it or not, you can also get The DIY Approach an education from the other side. Successful labor representatives are I remember sitting in the human not afraid to spend the time sitting resource manager’s office very in classes, reading public sector to Labor early in my union career. He left his labor journals, picking the brains of office, so I got up and looked at his successful leaders and putting in the write this article to those of you consultant with a choking price tag to library. It was full of various public time necessary to be true advocate for in a leadership position in your perform what they probably could have sector labor relations periodicals your membership. It will also give you local union. Because the job of done “in-house.” and management books and other the wisdom to know when to initiate unionI president can seem, at times, publications, none of which were the assistance of an attorney. overwhelming, there is a growing Let me be clear. I am not advocating Sports Illustrated. I jotted down as trend toward delegating certain ignoring professional assistance where many of the titles as I could, got my I know the job can seem daunting, responsibilities – contract negotiations, it’s appropriate. Labor attorneys and hands on them and found them but the more you build your “labor I.Q.”, grievance and disciplinary appeals and other experts are a valuable resource extremely valuable resources. It is like the better prepared you will be to face political actions – to outside lawyers for us. But there’s a difference between viewing the opponent’s game film, enormous challenges that lay ahead. and consultants. Recently a CPF local hiring someone because you need studying their tendencies and what If you’d like some additional resources, told me they had hired a political them versus hiring them just because offense they are going to run. just email me at [email protected].
Executive Board Health Benefits Trust Administrator Lou Paulson, President Harry J. Wilson, InsuranCenter, Inc. C a l i f o r n i a Lew Stone, Secretary-Treasurer United Valley Insurance Agency (800) 549-4242 Dan Crow, 1st District Vice President Staff Chris Mahon, 2nd District Vice President Teresa Ortiz, Managing Director Professional Bobby Weist, 3rd District Vice President Brian Hatch, Governmental Advocate Randy Sekany, 4th District Vice President Christy Bouma, Governmental Advocate F i r e f i g h t e r s Michael Massone, 5th District Vice President Amy Howard, Legislative Director Kelly Calkin, Political Director Published Quarterly Bob Wolf, 6th District Vice President Dave Gillotte, 7th District Vice President Carroll Wills, Communications Director Tricia Tomiyoshi, Publications Editor Pat McOsker, 8th District Vice President Publication office Pharris Treskunoff, Administrative Asst. to the President California Professional firefighters Kevin White, EMS and Health & Safety Director Trustees 1780 creekside oaks • Suite 200 Vanessa Robinson, California Fire Foundation Director Tom Gardner, CDF Firefighters 2881 Lindsey Freitas, Legislative Assistant Sacramento • AC • 95833 Erik Baskin, San Luis Obispo 3523 Apryl Swanberg, PER Coordinator (916) 921-9111 Steve Norris, LA City 112 Bryan Wagner, Senior Accountant www.cpf.org Email: [email protected] Kathy Shipley, Full-Charge Bookkeeper Health Benefits Trust Directors Stacy Smith, Receptionist Ken Bryant, Chair, Modesto 1289 Firefighters Print & Design E ditor: T ricia Tomiyoshi Dennis O’Brien, CDF Firefighters 2881 Mariena DeAnda, Director Nils Anderson, Vice Chair, Contra Costa Co. 1230 Seanne Villanueva, Graphic Design Manager Ga r phic Design Manager: S eanne Villanueva Richard L. Mayberry, 3rd District Vice President Emeritus Robbie Panco, Graphic Designer
A Jimd m Robinson,i n i s t r a t LAi o n County 1014 Natalie Quinn, Administrative Assistant Sam Scoles, Kern County 1301 Victor Jimenez, Press Operator Bobby Weist, Davis Professional Firefighters 3494 Jud Whitnell, Delivery/Shipping Clerk 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. Signed articles express the views of the authors and not necessarily those of the editors of California Professional Firefighters. Send all correspondence and photographs to California Professional Firefighters, Publication office, 1780 Creekside Oaks, Suite 200, Sacramento 95833. We reserve the right to edit submitted materials. © 2009 California Professional Firefighters.
Volume 18 No. 1 4 First Quarter 2010 First Quarter 2010 5 Vo lume 18 No. 1 lr Ca ifo nia Professional Firefighters CPF Legislative Update 2010 SPONSORSHIP/CO-SPONSORSHIP BILLS (As of April 19, 2010)
AB 155 (Tony Mendoza, D-Artesia) – Authorizes a AB 2149 (Warren Furutani, D-Long Beach) - Strikes AB 2456 (Alberto Torrico, D-Fremont) - Clarifies local public entity, with the approval of the California obsolete references to “fireman” in the County existing law with respect to the Emergency Medical Debt and Investment Advisory Commission, to file Employees’ Retirement Law of 1937 (aka ‘37 Act) and Service Authority’s current ability to establish a petition and exercise powers applicable under instead, makes reference to “firefighter.” In doing guidelines that direct local EMS agencies and other federal bankruptcy law. This bill assures taxpayers so, this bill assists in broader efforts to ensure gender essential EMS stakeholders in their operations for the who rely on vital public services, as well as those who equity in the state’s county retirement law given the coordinated delivery of emergency medical services own and operate businesses, every chance to help growing focus on recruitment and retention of women in California. a municipality avoid the long term devastation of in non-traditional public safety professions, such as bankruptcy. firefighting.
ACA 9 (Jared Huffman, D-San Rafael) - Amends the state Constitution to change the existing two-thirds AB 1651 (Hector De La Torre, D-South Gate) - voter-approval requirement for local government Enables specified furloughed employees to accrue AB 2253 (Joe Coto, D-San Jose) - Enacts the “William special taxes to 55 percent. It also amends the state retirement service credit during their furloughed Dallas Jones Cancer Presumption Act of 2010” and in Constitution to create an additional exception to period, including local firefighters employed by a few doing so, extends the existing public safety cancer the 1% limit for a rate imposed by a city, county jurisdictions in the state that have imposed furloughs presumption statute of limitations – from five to 15 or special district to service bonded indebtedness on their fire departments. As such, the retirement of years – to more accurately reflect the risk to those to fund public service improvements, facilities or a handful of local firefighters affected by furloughs types of job-related cancers that are contracted by buildings that is approved by 55 percent of the would be kept whole in a manner similar to their non- firefighters and other public safety personnel. voters. furloughed counterparts.
AB 2331 (Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley) - Amends S B 5 (Abel Maldonado, R-Santa Maria) - Directs existing law to enable the California Fire Fighter Joint the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and AB 2151 (Norma Torres, D-Pomona) – Ensures that a Apprenticeship Committee (CFFJAC) to remove names Training to conduct a feasibility study regarding firefighter is held financially blameless if he or she is of those firefighters who were once added to the the peace officer designation of members of a fire involved in an accident while operating their private displaced firefighting hiring list it maintains when department bomb squad unit, who are certified vehicle at the request or direction of their employer. notification is given that the firefighter has obtained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as certified new employment or been reemployed. bomb technicians.
Volume 18 No. 1 6 First Quarter 2010 California Professional Firefighters
2010 Sponsorship/Co-Sponsorship Bills continued Pension Initiative Pulled, But New Threats Loom Battle for Retirement Security Moves from Ballot to Budget
SB 88 (Mark DeSaulnier, D-Antioch) – Deletes the current legal requirement that a spouse of a fallen firefighter transfer the firefighter license plate into their name First, the good news: A ballot with higher cost, higher risk within 60 days. It also allows other specified surviving family members to elect to measure that could have cut new retirement savings accounts. keep the plate as a family heirloom in the event there is no surviving spouse. employee retirement by as much To keep updated on CPF legislation, check the “Issues and Legislation” section at www.cpf.org. as 50% and more will not be on the Anti-employee, anti-union ballot this November. media outlets have explicitly (and inaccurately) targeted The proposal, which would have public safety retirement security 2010 PRIORITY imposed punitive new restrictions on as the biggest threat to long- retirement, health care and collective term fiscal health for local and OPPOSE BILLS bargaining, was withdrawn after state government. no deep pocket stepped forward (As of April 19, 2010) to bankroll the signature gathering “We may not see retirement security campaign. on the ballot, but that doesn’t AB 1669 (Jeffries, R-Riverside) – reduce the number of uninsured. mean the issue has disappeared,” Requires CAL FIRE to take on the HSA-compatible plans still have high expensive bureaucratic program of premiums so these accounts really The proposal was the latest in a said Paulson. “You’ve earned your conducting a state and federal level only benefit high wage earners and series of attacks launched by an retirement security, but if we let criminal offender record information do nothing to make health care more anti-firefighter, anti-employee down our guard now, they’ll take it search that does not prove, in itself, affordable for the uninsured and low- organization that’s been on the attack away.” necessary. Also, unfairly forces income earners. for the better part of the last decade. seasonal firefighters to pay the cost Their 2005 ballot proposal – also What We’re Doing of record information only to be paid AB 2126 (Garrick, R-Carlsbad) – withdrawn during signature gathering back after they have been employed Reduces the existing minimum 24-months accumulatively. For franchise tax of $800 paid by – sparked widespread condemnation California Professional seasonals, who make barely more corporations, partnerships and for shutting off defined benefit Firefighters continues to work than minimum wage, the payback other companies for the first 10 years payments to the survivors of fallen collaboratively with other labor would take between two-and-a-half they are in business and in doing so, firefighters and law enforcement. groups in the “ground war” against to four years. would result in a significant loss of steep pension rollbacks. In addition critical revenue to the General Fund “The backers of this ill-conceived to co-chairing labor’s Californians AB 1700 (Gaines, R-Roseville) – that could otherwise be earmarked proposal didn’t learn the lessons for Health Care and Retirement Repeals the pending modest Vehicle for vital firefighting and other public License Fee (VLF) increase and in safety services. of the 2005 campaign, but their Security (CHCRS), CPF has also doing so, adversely impacts critically benefactors clearly did,” said CPF produced an informational video on needed funding for local public AB 2539 (Smyth, R-Santa Clarita) President Lou Paulson, “The retirement security, available online safety programs. – Similar to AB 2041, this bill withdrawal of this measure is a victory at www.cpffirevision.org. allows a specified income tax for firefighters and their families.” AB 1833 (Logue, R-Chico) – deduction in connection with health CPF has also provided local affiliate Undermines worker safety by savings accounts (HSAs) without Now, the bad news: The battle for leadership with an array of public creating additional hurdles to the demonstrating any specific economic retirement security is far from over … outreach tools and resources to enactment of Cal/OSHA regulations, benefits for California. including the completion of an in fact, it’s just beginning. Only this fight back against the attacks. economic impact analysis of any SB 1180 (Dutton, R-Inland Empire) time, the venue isn’t the ballot box – Participating in positive public proposed regulation -- a proposed – Depresses wages and working it’s the budget process. outreach programs are the most requirement that is duplicative of conditions for California workers by effective counterbalance to the existing law and not a wise use of turning the state into a so-called Local governments have attacks on firefighters and public scarce taxpayer dollars. “right to work” state where workers made two-tiered pensions a employees. are entitled to all of the benefits of focal point of local collective AB 1990 (Anderson, R-La Mesa) – union membership, but cannot be Allows an income tax credit equal to compelled to pay their fair share bargaining. Regional city To keep current on the battle to 100% of the costs paid or incurred for that representation, thereby manager organizations, with the protect your retirement security, look for specified contributions made weakening California unions and encouragement of advocates for Pension Updates at www.cpf.org, toward child care and in doing so, making it impossible for them to such as the League of California under “Find It Here.” would result in significant revenue bargain good contracts. Cities, have proposed “pension losses that could ultimately impact guidelines” that seek to impose a revenues otherwise made available SB 1262 (Aanestad, R-Grass Valley) one-size-fits-all pension solution. for critical firefighting and public – Requires the CalPERS’ Board of safety services. Administration to offer a high WATCH OUR PENSION REPORT deductible health plan and a Health Candidates hostile to public What’s at stake in the current AB 2041 (Villines, R-Clovis) – Allows Savings Account option under employees – most notably former debate over retirement security? a specified income tax deduction PEMHCA to public employee and eBay CEO Meg Whitman – have Take a photo of this barcode in connection with health savings annuitant members. Similar to AB proposed eliminating pensions and watch CPF Firevision’s video accounts (HSAs), which, aside from 2041 and AB 2539, this bill also allows entirely and replacing them update. negatively impacting revenues a HSA-related income tax deduction, otherwise made available for public without demonstrating any specific safety services, does nothing to economic benefits.
Volume 18 No. 1 6 First Quarter 2010 First Quarter 2010 7 Volume 18 No. 1 lr Ca ifo nia Professional Firefighters Political Action A Legacy of Support … A Vision for the Future Why CPF Endorses Jerry Brown for Governor
hether it’s their brothers the only candidate who stood fast and sisters on the front in support of a secure pension for lines or their leaders in firefighters and their families; Sacramento,W California’s firefighters Collective bargaining: Brown was live by a simple motto: We stand up the only candidate committed to for those who stand up with us. working with employees through the collective bargaining process; As Californians, firefighters are also Fire service resources: Brown was concerned about the direction the only candidate who supported our state is taking, and the budget finding more resources to save our challenges that threaten their lives endangered mutual aid response. and livelihoods. “Jerry Brown doesn’t run down public After interviewing all of the major employees … he stands up for them,” Republican and Democratic said Paulson. candidates for governor, California Professional Firefighters believes that, for firefighters and their Vision for California’s Future families, the choice is clear: Attorney General Jerry Brown. During his first term as governor, Chicago columnist Mike Royko S tanding Up for Firefighter dubbed Brown “Governor Moonbeam.” Why? Because Jerry Families Brown proposed modernizing disaster response by launching During his first stint as governor, an emergency communications from 1975 to 1983, Jerry Brown satellite. It turns out that “Governor made history on behalf of Moonbeam” was ahead of his time. California’s firefighters. Lou Paulson. “When you’re S haring Our Values “If we’re really going to fix California’s Governor Brown signed the looking for a record of support, it’s ills, we can’t settle for the same old nation’s first firefighter hard to think of anyone else that Running California calls for more than partisan rhetoric,” said Paulson. “Jerry cancer presumption law, comes close.” just a resume. When interviewing the Brown is the original ‘outsider’. The the foundation of workers’ candidates, CPF pushed hard on the difference is, he’s an ‘outsider’ who compensation protection for Experience That Makes A issues that will make a difference in knows how to get things done.” front line firefighters and their families; Difference Governor Brown appointed the first line firefighter to serve as When confronting the daunting A fter interviewing all of the major Republican and California State Fire Marshal, challenges facing California, it guaranteeing a voice for front helps to know what you’re doing. line firefighters in setting state At nearly every level of service, Democratic candidates for governor, California fire policy; Jerry Brown has been there, done Governor Brown signed the bill that, and made a difference. Professional Firefighters believes that, for that created the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship As governor, his record on behalf firefighters and their families, the choice is clear: Committee, the nation’s of firefighters and their families model firefighter training and is clear. But Brown was also Attorney General Jerry Brown . recruitment organization; known for frugal fiscal policies Governor Brown authorized and strong public safety support. collective bargaining for state As California’s attorney general, the lives of its members: retirement employees, building a core Brown has been tough on crime security, safety on the job, collective CPF doesn’t endorse on the basis protection for, among others, and cracked down on corporate bargaining rights and funding for of party affiliation – we judge CAL FIRE firefighters. irresponsibility. He has also insured state and local disaster response. candidates on their past history, their balance and clarity in drafting shared values and their vision for the “Any one of these achievements by summaries for initiatives such as In all of these areas, Brown stood out. future. CPF believes that, by all of itself would justify our support for those attacking retirement security these measures, Jerry Brown is the Jerry Brown,” said CPF President and employee rights. Retirement security. Brown was right choice for governor.
Volume 18 No. 1 8 First Quarter 2010 lr Ca ifo nia Professional Firefighters
CPF Endorsements – Statewide Office Bipartisan list spotlights strongest candidates on first responder issues
fter an extensive interview process, California Professional GOVERNOR: Jerry Brown (D) Firefighters has identified candidates it believes would be the strongest firefighter choices for statewide office in this June’s LT. GOVERNOR: Janice Hahn (D) APrimary Election. Abel Maldonado (R)
“We’re proud to stand with these men and women, each of whom has a record of supporting the issues that matter to front line firefighters ATTORNEY GENERAL: Alberto Torrico (D) and their families,” said CPF President Lou Paulson. “In contests with strong pro-firefighter candidates on both sides of the aisle, CPF TREASURER: Bill Lockyer (D) endorsed in both the Democratic and Republican races.” SECRETARY OF STATE: Debra Bowen (D) The CPF endorsements for the primary were the product of weeks of interviews with dozens of candidates from both sides of the political CONTROLLER: John Chiang (D) aisle. INSURANCE COMMISSIONER: Hector De La Torre (D) Only candidates who interviewed with the CPF Executive Board were Mike Villines (R) eligible for consideration. All viable major party candidates running for statewide office were invited for interviews, and every candidate who SUPT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION: Tom Torlakson responded to our invitation was interviewed. CPF - Primary Endorsements 2010 Candidates winning the CPF endorsement have demonstrated a commitment to public safety and California’s first responders, and earned support from CPF affiliates in their area. “Neutral” means there are more than one candidate supportive of first responders. “No Endorsement” means CPF found no firefighter-friendly candidates in the race.
State Assembly AD33 – K. H. “Katcho” Achadjian AD56 – Tony Mendoza S atate Sen te AD34 – Connie Conway AD57 – Rodger Hernandez AD01 – Wes Chesbro AD35 – Neutral AD58 – Charles Calderon SD02 – Noreen Evans AD02 – Jim Nielsen AD36 – Neutral AD59 – Neutral SD04 – Rick Keene AD03 – Dan Logue AD37 – Jeff Gorrell AD60 – Curt Hagman SD06 – Steinberg AD04 – No Endorsement AD38 – Cameron Smyth AD61 – Norma Torres SD08 – Leland Yee AD05 – Neutral AD39 – Felipe Fuentes AD62 – Amina Carter SD10 – Ellen Corbett AD06 – Jared Huffman AD40 – Bob Blumenfield AD63 – Neutral SD12 – Neutral AD07 – Michael Allen AD41 – Julia Brownley AD64 – Brian Nestande SD14 – Tom Berryhill AD08 – Mariko Yamada AD42 – Mike Feuer AD65 – Paul Cook SD16 – Michael Rubio AD09 – Lauren Hammond AD43 – Neutral AD66 – No Endorsement SD18 – Jean Fuller AD10 – Alyson Huber AD44 – Anthony Portantino AD67 – Jim Silva SD20 – Alex Padilla AD11 – Susan Bonilla AD45 – Gil Cedillo AD68 – Phu Nguyen SD22 – Kevin De Leon AD12 – Fiona Ma AD46 – John Perez AD69 – Jose Solorio SD24 – Dr. Ed Hernandez AD13 – Tom Ammiano AD47 – Neutral AD71 – Jeff Miller SD26 – Curren Price AD14 – Nancy Skinner AD48 – Mike Davis AD72 – No Endorsement SD28 – Jenny Oropeza AD15 – Joan Buchanan AD49 – Mike Eng AD73 – No Endorsement SD30 – Ron Calderon AD16 – Sandre Swanson AD50 – Luis Marquez AD74 – Martin Garrick SD32 – Gloria Negrete Mcleod AD17 – Kathleen Galgiani AD51 – Steve Bradford AD75 – Nathan Fletcher SD34 – Lou Correa AD18 – Mary Hayashi AD52 – Isadore Hall AD76 – Toni Atkins SD36 – Joel Anderson AD19 – Jerry Hill AD53 – Neutral AD78 – Marty Block SD37 – Russ Bogh AD20 – Bob Wieckowski AD54 – Bonnie Lowenthal AD79 – Benjamin Hueso SD38 – Mark Wyland AD21 – Josh Becker AD55 – Warren Furutani AD80 – Manuel V. Perez SD40 – Neutral AD22 – Paul Fong AD23 – Nora Campos AD24 – Jim Beall No on Proposition 14 – Open Primary AD25 – Kristen Olsen AD26 – Bill Berryhill CPF takes positions only on those ballot measures that AD27 – Bill Monning directly affect its members and their bargaining and AD28 – Neutral employee rights. Proposition 14, in our view, will simply ramp AD29 – Linda Halderman up the financial arms race in politics, making it harder for AD30 – Pete Parra our members to participate in electing firefighter-friendly AD31 – Henry Perea AD32 – Neutral candidates to state office.
Volume 18 No. 1 8 First Quarter 2010 First Quarter 2010 9 Vo lume 18 No. 1 lr Ca ifo nia Professional Firefighters California Fire Foundation Fresno Firefighters Reach Hispanic Community Through Firefighters On Your Side California Fire Foundation Campaign Highlights Importance of Escape Plan
n Fresno, where nearly 40 percent • Members of Local 753 and the We’ve gained trust and respect in the Side program, contact Vanessa Robinson at of residents are Hispanic, fire safety Fresno Fire Department visited community, and done something really (916) 921-9111 or [email protected]. messages can get lost in translation. Fresno area schools to show proactive from a safety standpoint,” said For more information, visit www. FirefightersI still recall the story of the students how to make an escape Jerry Smith, President of Local 753. firefightersonyourside.org or little girl, who was killed in a house fire plan for their homes. Brochures were www.bomberosatulado.org. in Fresno last year, because her family sent home with students in Spanish Prior to this, Fresno Firefighters didn’t know the importance of smoke and English so that they could participated in the Disaster Planning detectors. educate their families. for the Elderly campaign, which was Watch the Interview! sponsored by Firefighters On Your Fresno Battalion Chief Tony “They didn’t understand the language • Commercials in Spanish and Side. Each year, the Foundation adds Escobedo appeared on “Central so messages of about this important English highlighted the need for additional topics and languages to its Valley Today” to discuss the topic never reached them,” said Fresno an evacuation plan in the event of program offering. Firefighters On Your Side Battalion Chief Tony Escobedo. “We want a house fire. To date, every major campaign. Take a photo of the to make sure this never happens again.” network in Fresno has aired the If your local is interested in participating barcode to see the interview. 30-second commercials created by in the Foundation’s Firefighters On Your To this end, Fresno Firefighters enlisted the Foundation. help from Firefighters On Your Side, the program created by the California • Firefighters reached residents Fire Foundation, to communicate the through their Web site and media importance of having an escape plan in interviews, again in Spanish and Spanish and English. In February, they English. began saturating their community with the Spanish/English campaign “Tenga Un “We had the chance to really get to Plan De Escape/Have an Escape Plan.” know the people we serve face to face.
Daniel a . Terry Scholarship Eases Burden of College Tuition
ith the rising costs of departments, firefighter Fresno firefighters spoke to students at Jackson tuition, students across the organizations and families of fallen Elementary about making an escape plan in case of fire. state are finding it more firefighters at the end of April. difficultW to afford a college education. Recipients will be given a $2,000 scholarship award. The closing date The Daniel A. Terry Scholarship helps to receive completed applications is to ease this burden for children, whose June 4, 2010. parent was a California firefighter whose name appears on the California “Without this scholarship, I don’t Firefighters Memorial Wall. know if I would have been able to follow my dreams of being the Named after the founder of the first in my family to go to college,” California Fire Foundation and said Heather Yonan, a 2009 Daniel President Emeritus of California A. Terry Scholarship recipient. Professional Firefighters, the Daniel “Obtaining higher education is such A. Terry Scholarship has awarded a financial struggle. I am so thankful scholarships to 17 students since the for this opportunity.” program started in 2006. Visit www.cafirefoundation.org/ The 2010 scholarship applications go/cff/scholarships-grants/ to will be sent to all local unions, download a scholarship application.
Volume 18 No. 1 10 First Quarter 2010 lr Ca ifo nia Professional Firefighters Making a Difference Firefighters Attend MDA ‘Boot Camp’ Fill the Boot Campaign gives Hope and Help
hank you to all who attended for all they do for MDA families. the annual MDA “Boot Camps” Northern California locals celebrated in Southern and Northern a significant increase in dollars raised TCalifornia. Departments from across over last year. Congratulations to the the state came together to share best following locals: practices to ensure that the 2010 • Most Dollars Raised: CAL FIRE Fill the Boot Campaign is a huge Local 2881 success. CPF President Lou Paulson • Northern California Rookie of encouraged firefighters to support the Year: Contra Costa County MDA and to continue filling their Professional Firefighters Local boots for the worthwhile cause. 1230 • Honorable Mentions: San Mateo “California firefighters are extremely County Firefighters Local 2400, proud of the money we’ve raised for Stockton Firefighters Local 456 families affected by these devastating and Marin Professional diseases,” said President Paulson. “We Firefighters Local 1775 will continue to support MDA until cures and effective treatments are Thank you to all locals who LA County Fire Fighters Local 1014 at the Southern California found.” participated! A special thank you to Boot Camp. The local received the award for raising the most Continental Airlines for awarding money for MDA as a local with over 700 members. S outhern California roundtrip tickets to the top raising Boot Camp departments throughout California! Several Southern California $1,525.73 per member - Upland Attendees met some of the families departments received awards at Boot Professional Firefighters Local Abbey Umali, the 10-year-old MDA who are directly affected by the Camp for their tremendous efforts in 3477 National Goodwill Ambassador, said funds raised by California firefighters 2009. Congratulations to the following • Most Improved Over Previous Year: it best. including Phil Kelleher, former CAL locals: CAL FIRE Local 2881 FIRE Local 2881 firefighter, who is now • Most Dollars Raised (700+ • Southern California Rookie of the “Without you, MDA couldn’t do what battling ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and members): Los Angeles County Year: Long Beach Firefighters it does, and that is to give help to kids Ashley Garcia, a 14-year-old girl with Firefighters Local 1014 Local 372 and adults with muscular dystrophy neuromuscular disease. • Most Dollars Raised (101-699 like me,” said Umali. “I hope you all members): Ventura County Northern California Boot Camp know how much hope you’re giving “You guys go out there and save lives Professional Firefighters to all of us.” each and every day but when you Association Local 1364 Firefighters had the opportunity to go out there and fill the boot you • Most Dollars Raised (100 or less meet MDA California State Goodwill Thank you, California firefighters! save one of our lives,” said Garcia, members): Upland Professional Ambassador Calum Cain, a 9-year- Because of you, the families served by who thanked the firefighters for their Firefighters Local 3477 old boy with Duchenne Muscular MDA have hope. Best wishes for a safe support. • Top Dollars Raised by a Member: Dystrophy. Cain thanked the firefighters and successful 2010.
CAL FIRE Local 2881 received an award for the MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Abbey From left to right: Fremont Local 1689’s Jim Martin, most improvement over the previous year and for Umali spoke at the 2010 Boot Camps. CPF President Lou Paulson and Contra Costa County most dollars raised. Local 1230’s Art Jacobson attended the Northern California Boot Camp.
Volume 18 No. 1 10 First Quarter 2010 First Quarter 2010 11 Vo lume 18 No. 1 lr Ca ifo nia Professional Firefighters Health & Safety Firefighters Encouraged to Record Their Exposures
hrough aggressive lobbying by CPF, California “I’ve seen too many cases where a firefighter does firefighters are now protected by some of the not get workers’ comp or a firefighter’s family strongest firefighter presumption laws in the does not get the death benefits that they deserve nation.T because there weren’t any exposure records to support their case,” said Mike Dubron, president But firefighters still need proof of exposures! and founder of the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, who recorded his exposures prior to his All of the presumptions in statute are disputable, cancer diagnosis. which means that firefighters need evidence that an illness resulted on the job. It can mean all the Dubron recommends that firefighters consider difference in a workers’ compensation claim. reporting exposures a vital part of their job. “The few minutes that a firefighter spends reporting “It’s vastly easier to make your case if you have their exposures are just as important as putting on kept extensive records of your exposures,” said Tom turnouts before battling a blaze. They both serve to Bowen, attorney with Davis, Cowell and Bowe, who protect the firefighter,” Dubron said. has represented firefighters in presumption cases. “And if you were at a fire -- any fire -- you were For more information about PER, visit exposed.” www.peronline.org, call (916) 921-9111 or email [email protected]. For more information about the So how do firefighters put their exposures on the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, visit record? www.firefightercancersupport.org.
For the past 25 years, the Personal Exposure Reporting (PER) program has been helping firefighters report their exposures safely and securely. Your Online Fire ServiceREPORT YOUR Connection EXPOSURES! For $15 a year, firefighters have unlimited access Take a photo of this barcode to find out more to PER’s unique exposure reporting form, which about CPF’s PER program. automates the sometimes time-consuming paper filing process. It’s a firefighter’s best line of defense. Your Online Fire Service Connection Your Online Fire Service Connection Report your chemical and biological exposures at www.peronline.org
Your Online Fire Service Connection
As a firefighter, you are Your Online Fire Service Connection Protect Yourself!frequently exposed to a broad rangeYour of environmental Online and Fire Service Connection biological toxins, which put you Find it here … find it fast … find it FREE at greater risk of contracting cancer, tuberculosis, blood- borne and other contagious Find it here … find it fast … find it FREE diseases. Several of California’s presumptionFind laws require it here …The findCalifornia Fire it Department fast Directory … find is your free it up-to-date FREE online resource for that firefighters document basic information about the fire service in California. occupational exposures to Complete:The California Current Fire Department contact info, Directory web addresses is your free and up-to-date even MACS online designations resource for hazardous agents. basic information about the fire service in California. Up-To-Date:Complete: Current Directory contact is updated info, web monthly addresses and even MACS designations In short, youThe need California proof! Fire DepartmentSearchable: Directory Search is your by county free up-to-date or department online name resource for basic information about theUp-To-Date: fire service Directory in California. is updated monthly Downloadable: Those who need it on paper can download a copy for FREE! The PersonalComplete: Exposure Current contactSearchable: info, web Search addresses by county and or even department MACS name designations ReportingUp-To-Date: (PER) program Directory keeps is updatedDownloadable: monthly Those who need it on paper can download a copy for FREE! track of allSearchable: of the exposures Search you by county or department name Find it here … find it fast … find it FREE report. It’s a safe and secure way to protectDownloadable: yourself! Those who need it on paperwww.cpf.org can download a copy for FREE! Find it herewww.cpf.org … find it fast … find it FREE
For more information, visit www.peronline.orgFind it here …CALIFORNIA find it fast PROFESSIONAL … findThe California itFIREFIGHTERS FREE Fire Department Directory is your free up-to-date online resource for call (916) 921-9111 or e-mail [email protected]. www.cpf.org1780CALIFORNIA CREEKSIDE OAKS, PROFESSIONAL SUITE 200 SACRAMENTO,basic information FIREFIGHTERS CALIFORNIA about 95833 the fire service in California. 1780 CREEKSIDE OAKS, SUITE 200 SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95833 The California Fire DepartmentComplete: Directory is Current your free contact up-to-date info, online web addresses resource for and even MACS designations CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONALbasic information about FIREFIGHTERS the fireUp-To-Date: service in California. Directory is updated monthly 1780 CREEKSIDE OAKS, SUITE 200 SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95833 Volume 18 No. 1 The California Fire Department 12 DirectoryComplete: is your Current free up-to-datecontact Searchable: info, online web resource addresses First Search for Qu and byar countyter even 2010 MACS or department designations name basic information about the fire service in California. Up-To-Date: Directory is updatedDownloadable: monthly Those who need it on paper can download a copy for FREE! Complete: Current contact info,Searchable: web addresses Search and by even county MACS or department designations name Up-To-Date: Directory is updatedDownloadable: monthly Those who need it on paper can download a copy for FREE! Searchable: Search by county or department name www.cpf.org Downloadable: Those who need it on paper can download a copy for FREE!
www.cpf.orgCALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS 1780 CREEKSIDE OAKS, SUITE 200 SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95833 www.cpf.orgCALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS 1780 CREEKSIDE OAKS, SUITE 200 SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95833 CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS 1780 CREEKSIDE OAKS, SUITE 200 SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95833 lr Ca ifo nia Professional Firefighters
CPF Welcomes Its Newest Local Pioneer Union Fire Fighters Local 4586
ocated in Southern El Dorado County, the Like many departments up and down the state, the Pioneer Fire Protection District serves a Pioneer Fire Protection District has been threatened 296-square mile area including the growing with budget cuts. Their department receives a quarter Lcommunity of Somerset and its surroundings. Six of its funding from El Dorado County in the form of an fire stations serve approximately 8,000 residents Augmentation Fund, which is at risk of being eliminated. and averages 780 calls each year, including Without this funding, the department is in jeopardy of medical calls, structure fires, vehicle accidents, losing their full-time ALS staffing. water rescue and Haz Mat. The local also continues to face challenges from a very Pioneer Professional Firefighters Local 4586 anti-paid firefighter board of directors. The board opposes joined the IAFF in December of 2007 and became their 2% at 55 PERS plan, even though the local has given a proud member of CPF two years later. up two pay increases and accepted a sub par medical plan.
“Since we are a small employee group with The local’s current goals include gearing up for elections limited funds and resources, we decided that to put pro-firefighter candidates on the board, obtaining joining the CPF would be a good way to increase a good retirement plan and medical plan for its staff and Pioneer Union firefighters respond to a vehicle fire. our options for assistance,” said Pioneer Union continuing to deliver a high level of professional service Fire Fighters President Jack Daniels. to its community.
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Volume 18 No. 1 12 First Quarter 2010 First QuUniona rMediater Services 2010 Serving Democrats for over 20 years Sacramento, CA 13 Vo lume 18 No. 1 lr Ca ifo nia Professional Firefighters Dan Crow CPF 1st District Vice President
CPF District 1 represents the counties of San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Imperial and Orange
The terms of their contract included: the future,” said Local 3734 President Local 1430 is currently in a contract so City of Coronado’s • A one-year extension to their Chad Ponegalek. hasn’t been in talks with Hughes yet, Prudent Approach existing contract but they have worked with Hughes • Implementing a 48/96 trial period in many joint labor-management Benefits • Paying a portion of their PERS. The Former Local projects when he was fire chief and local was due a 3½% raise. Instead, have been duly impressed. Firefighters they funneled that into their PERS President Becomes so the city pays 3½% to PERS and Ontario City “I haven’t heard of something like this Coronado firefighters have done well members do not pay out-of-pocket. happening in this area but we are very despite the current economic climate. • Any new hires after March 2010 Manager happy,” said Lewis. They are currently in a three-year would pay the full 9% of PERS for contract, which includes raises and the their first five years of employment, It’s virtually unheard of. But in the city 3% at 50 retirement formula. then they would drop back to of Ontario, Chris Hughes has moved up paying 3 ½% after the five years. the ranks from local union president The local has benefited greatly from This helped the local stave off the to deputy fire chief to fire chief to his latest position: city manager. the City of Coronado’s aggressive two-tiered retirement system. approach to savings. When their Employees still get 3% at 50. They Hughes was appointed city manager of CalPERS account became superfunded just need to invest more on the in the 1990s and the City of Coronado Ontario by the mayor and city council front end. in February. He brings with him this no longer needed to contribute 9%, most unusual career path and over 20 the city redistributed that money back “We’ve had nothing but positive years of service to the City of Ontario. into their daily budget. By banking feedback from the city and our council. this money, they built a strong reserve, The city is using us as an example of “He’s a great supporter of the fire which has been crucial these past two an organization that has been making service, of our fire department and Chris Hughes is Ontario’s new city years as revenues have fallen. a good employee,” said Ontario compromises and helping the city manager. Hughes was a past local Professional Firefighters Local 1430 during this economic downturn. In the president of Ontario Firefighters The local has also become more President Ryan Lewis. “He’s going to end, we hope to see some positive in Association Local 1430. involved in political action and has be a great city manager.” forged an excellent relationship with their mayor and city council, which has paid dividends.
“We have a fair contract. They’ve honored both sides of our MOU and we appreciate their support,” said Coronado Firefighters President Kevin Roof. Local 3734 Helps City, Raises Political Capital
Despite the current economic downturn, the city of Newport Beach is still financially secure. However, Newport Beach Firefighters Local 3734 has made concessions now to help raise their political capital for the future. Coronado firefighters respond to a house fire. Their local has stayed strong through the state’s economic crisis.
Volume 18 No. 1 14 First Quarter 2010 lr Ca ifo nia Professional Firefighters Chris Mahon nd CPF 2 District Vice President Members of Local 2046 have donated their vacation time to him, Local 4403 Provides District 2 represents CPF Local Unions shaved their heads and brought Real Scoop About in the counties of Kern, San Luis meals to his home for weeks after his Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura and surgeries. Through their Benevolent Unions Los Angeles - with the exception Foundation, they covered the costs of of United Firefighters of Los Angeles travel and expenses for his family to Arroyo Grande residents got the real City Local 112 and Los Angeles visit him at his UCLA hospital room. scoop about organized labor recently County Fire Fighters Local 1014. They even voted online in droves when Professional Firefighters Local when Gilliam and his fiancée were 4403 joined other area unions in finalists in the Southern California hosting a free ice cream event for the Dream Wedding Giveaway (and public at Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab. netted the most votes, even though they were not ultimately selected by Carpenters Local 150, a builder’s group the sponsor judges for the final prize). that has disassociated itself from the AFL-CIO, has targeted the beloved ice But perhaps the most moving show cream parlor, picketing and bannering of solidarity can be seen in “Run to the site for several months and Tyler,” a short video that documents intimidating its visitors. the three-day run that Local 2046 members made from Gilliam’s Tough Times fight for staffing and benefits in all areas home in Santa Barbara to his UCLA up and down the state. We’re dealing hospital room to surprise him. The Across the Political with it, too,” said Santa Barbara City video can be seen at http://vimeo. Spectrum Firefighters President JonT urner. com/9473769.
Santa Barbara City Firefighters Local Tyler is one of three firefighters from Locals across the state are facing tough 525 has already deferred raises but the times, regardless of where their city falls Local 2046, who has been stricken city is asking for further concessions. with work-related cancer recently. on the political spectrum. They’ve been successful in fending off brownouts up until now, but expect to But it has been especially trying “It’s been a trying time for our fire roll up their sleeves and fight harder in family and brings to light how we Brian Leathers, left, and Sean McMahon for locals in areas that have been July, when the city needs to close a $2.1 traditionally anti-union territory. all need to do give a little bit extra represented Professional Firefighters Local million shortfall. to help each other out,” said Santa 4403 at the free ice cream event at Doc Barbara County Firefighters Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab. Bakersfield City Firefighters Local In Montebello, a suburb east of Los 246 is currently being threatened with President Rob Heckman. “Tyler got Angeles, public sentiment towards work-related cancer at just 33 years The Ventura County-based group staffing reductions, brownouts and a firefighters and labor is good, but the change of retirement from 3% at 50 of age. We are criticized for having alleges that Doc Burnstein’s owner Greg city has been relentless in their demands a reasonable retirement and a fair Steinberger is using non-union labor to 3% at 55. In the best of times, the for concessions. department’s growth has been stymied, wage, but I don’t think we’re asking to build his second shop at the Santa too much when work-related cancer Maria Town Center. But construction despite the growth of its population Daily staffing has gone from 18 to 16 and city limits. For years, there have can strike any of us.” at the Santa Maria Town Center is and the city has its sights on getting controlled and paid for by the mall been no new hires, no pay raises and rid of minimum staffing to reduce it their stations do not meet the 4-0 management group, not individual further. With staff reductions, one of the tenants like Steinberger. staffing standards called for by NFPA. department’s ladder trucks has been eliminated. And the cuts keep coming And things are likely going to get Repeated attempts by Steinberger to reach out to Carpenters Local 150 were worse before they get better. Local 246 By July, Montebello firefighters will has been in negotiations since their unsuccessful and Carpenters Local most likely be paying 9% of PERS, with 150’s aggressive tactics were giving contract ended in March 2008 and has no city contribution and the city is also been unable to come to an agreement the public the wrong message about exploring a two-tiered retirement system organized labor. with the city. The city’s latest threat for new hires. is to take all staffing language from “They were not portraying unions their contract, which would mean that “The public doesn’t know about these firefighters would either have to brown in a positive light,” said Local 4403 cuts, but they will soon. We’re going to be President PJ Ferguson, who teamed out a station that is not fully staffed or passing out flyers and walking precincts run with a two-man station. with locals in hosting the ice cream in the next couple of weeks,” said Local event. 3821 President Craig Barker. “We haven’t grown like everyone else has. The city is saying we need to feel The event was a rousing success. The AFL-CIO affiliated Tri-Counties Building the pain like other city agencies but Santa Barbara County firefighters run S anta Barbara and Construction Trades Council footed we’ve been feeling the pain for the from Santa Barbara to UCLA in support of the bill for over 1,230 free scoops last 20 years,” said Bakersfield City County FFs Support their firefighter brother, Tyler Gilliam. President Bob Melton. of ice cream for the public. Over 30 Fellow FF unions, including Local 4403, set up But it’s not only locals in anti-union FREE VIDEO! booths providing information about areas that are feeling the pinch. Locals When a firefighter gets sick, their Take a photo of this icon to themselves and offering details about in traditionally progressive areas are firefighter family rallies to support them. see Local 2046’s running job opportunities, where available. also getting hammered. Such has been the case for Santa Barbara journey from Santa Barbara to County firefighter Tyler Gilliam, who LA to surprise their firefighter “This was our way of letting the “I know it’s turned from sporadic was diagnosed with testicular cancer in brother Tyler Gillam. community know what good union pension battles in anti-labor areas to a February of 2009. stewardship is all about,” said Ferguson.
Volume 18 No. 1 14 First Quarter 2010 First Quarter 2010 15 Vo lume 18 No. 1 lr Ca ifo nia Professional Firefighters Bobby Weist CPF 3rd District Vice President
CPF District 3 represents the counties of Del Norte, Siskiyou, Modoc, Humboldt, Trinity, Shasta, Lassen, Mendocino, Tehama, Plumas, Lake, Glenn, Butte, Colusa, Sutter, Yuba, Sierra, Yolo, Placer, Sacramento, El Dorado, San Joaquin, Amador, Calaveras, Alpine, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Mono, Merced, Mariposa, Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito, Fresno, Kings, Madera, Nevada, Tulare and Inyo. Law spent the next month, applying him with a staph infection, contracted for Haitian passports and arranging air while living on the streets of Haiti. His travel. The biggest hurdle was obtaining surgery has been re-scheduled for the travel visas since the U.S. Embassy in mid-April. If all things go as planned, Port-Au-Prince isn’t processing tourism Alexandre will have a heart that is good or medical visas at this time. It seemed as new. all hope was lost until she heard about U.S. Citizenship and Immigration “I saw so much suffering in Haiti. There Services and applied for humanitarian was so much that was wrong there that mother, Roselene Ducelus, saw new parole, which was granted. I was helpless to make right. This was Local 522 Member to opportunity and new hope. one thing that I could do,” Law said. Help Repair Haitian On their first two visits, the clinic was “I’ve never done anything like this still in its emergency start-up phase before but managed to achieve a lot for Boy’s Heart and could not provide any assistance this little boy in a short time,” said Law. More Bad News for to Alexandre. Law wanted to help, but Salinas Sacramento Metro fire captain and Local didn’t have the tools to do so. In late March, Law flew back to Haiti to pick up Alexandre and Ducelus and 522 member Barbie Law knows how to Salinas’ budget shortfall for 2010-2011 mend a broken heart. At least not in earthquake-torn Haiti. escort them to the Sacramento area, where they stayed with the family of is nearing $10.3 million and the city just got more bad news: Property tax was In the aftermath of the earthquake in Law consulted her father, a practicing Haitian expatriate Pierre LaGuerre, who is supervisor of business services greatly underestimated so now they are Haiti, Law volunteered as a medical relief physician in Sacramento, and asked if an additional $2.2 million short. worker with the non-profit humanitarian any of his colleagues could help. The for Sutter General Hospital and also a agency, Relief International. It was first cardiologist her father approached French and Creole interpreter at the hospital. Prior to this news, six firefighter jobs here that she first met seven-year-old agreed to review Alexandre’s records. were on the chopping block. Three of Lovensky Alexandre. With his particular heart defect, these positions will be reduced through Alexandre would have a shortened life attrition since two firefighters retired Alexandre suffered from a congenital expectancy and would be required to last year and one retired this year. The heart defect, which limited his ability to take medication for the rest of his life. fourth job in jeopardy was spared when run and play like other children. He took A fairly routine surgery could repair the Local 1270 President Steve Furtado heart medication to combat the chest defect and allow him to live a normal put himself on the line to help his pains, but his mother was hoping for a life. Doctors at Sutter Medical Center in firefighter brother. surgical solution – something that was Sacramento offered to perform the life- not readily available in Haiti. saving heart surgery for free and cover “I’ve put in my retirement notice,” said all expenses, including his hospital stay. Furtado, who plans to continue to serve With the arrival of the American clinic It was an offer that Alexandre couldn’t as president of Salinas Fire Fighters where Law was volunteering, Alexandre’s refuse. Local 1270 until his term ends in August of 2011. “I’ve decided to go, rather than see another firefighter lose a job.”
Now with the additional property tax shortfall, layoffs may be back on the table, as the city plans to make deeper cuts than previously expected.
Barbie Law takes Lovensky Alexandre and Local 1270 may be moving to constant Pierre LaGuerre to see a fire truck at Fire staffing, a model that would increase Station 106 in Sacramento. staffing and put another truck in service, while decreasing expenditures. During their visit, Law and LaGuerre Currently, Salinas firefighters don’t took them on a clothes shopping trip always make an eight-minute response since they only had the clothes on time. Putting another truck in service their back when they arrived. They would help them better serve their also visited Law’s fire station, where population, which is spread over 25 Alexandre got to tiller the truck and square miles. learned to put up the aerial ladder. But that still not enough. At the time of Local 522 member Barbie Law, right, with 7-year-old Lovensky Alexandre and his Alexandre’s original surgical date was this publication, Furtado is evaluating mother Roselene Ducelus in Haiti before flying to Sacramento. postponed after his doctor diagnosed other options.
Volume 18 No. 1 16 First Quarter 2010 lr Ca ifo nia Professional Firefighters Randy Sekany CPF 4th District Vice President
CPF District 4 represents the counties of Sonoma, Napa, Solano, Marin, Contra Costa, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara.
include 2% at 50 for public safety and CPF Firevision’s report on what’s employees. Currently, public safety at stake in the current debate over employees have a 3% at 50 plan in retirement security. The group will Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. be mailing this video to their key policymakers, local politicians and In addition, both city manager groups stakeholders. are working with the League of California Cities to call for legislative ‘Every Second Hayward From there, the local approached pension reform at the state level. Hayward’s city manager with the Counts’ in San Jose FirefightersA dd proposal and offered two models to “What’s most upsetting to me is the choose from. With the first model, list of city managers who are a part It’s never been so important BCs would fall under Local 1909’s BCs to Bargaining of the task force. Three city managers for politicians and the public to current contract and they would add from our consolidated department are understand what firefighters do and language that speaks to them. With the Unit on the task force,” said John Torres, video is an effective medium to tell that second option, BCs would keep their President of the Alameda County story. Hayward’s front line firefighters and current contract and Local 1909 would Firefighters Association Local 55. battalion chiefs are now represented represent them. Torres found out about the pension San Jose Firefighters Local 230 by the same bargaining unit under reform task force when he received an utilized help from FireStar Productions Local 1909. The city manager opted for the second email with the proposal document from option so now firefighters and BCs to put together a 10-minute video a concerned retiree. “I’m talking with called “Every Second Counts.” The The change, which took effect in have their own contracts but both are our city managers and they’re telling us, video powerfully illustrates the city’s February, has been an idea long in represented by Local 1909. ‘I can’t believe the county is after your current staffing numbers, what it the making. Former local presidents pensions’ and then I find out they’re all provides and what happens when cuts Garrett Contreras and Eric Vollmer “This doesn’t give us more leverage sitting on this task force.” are made. It has been shown as an were both active proponents of this when bargaining but it does give us educational tool to council members when they were in office. another avenue to communicate with In response, Torres and all of the local and community groups and the results BCs,” said Livermore. “We used to have union leaders from Alameda County speak for themselves: Council members “We have a great relationship with staff meetings to address concerns and have formed the Alameda County Labor unanimously voted down a proposal to both our command staff and the city ideas. Now we can just speak as union Group, a coalition which is currently close two fire stations in San Jose. and knew that they would be open to brothers in an informal setting. That’s a working on sending a clear message the idea,” said Hayward Firefighters big step forward.” about retirement security to all county President Jason Livermore. “We residents through a mailer. The group FREE VIDEO! wanted to have everyone that works City Manager has also enlisted the help of FireStar Snap a photo of this on a 24-hour shift to be under the Productions to produce a video that barcode to watch San Jose same bargaining unit since we’re all in Groups Call for combines two elements: Alameda Firefighters’ “Every Second the firehouse together, work the same County’s last Fire Ops 101, which many Counts” video. schedule and respond to the same “Pension Reform” of their politicians participated in emergencies.” The Alameda County City Managers Association and the Contra Costa Hayward battalion chiefs were County Public Managers Association previously part of their own have joined forces to push a proposal separate bargaining unit, which for a two-tiered retirement system was a management unit alongside for public employees in Alameda and two deputy chiefs. The BCs voted Contra Costa Counties. unanimously to join Local 1909. Members of Local 1909 also supported Guided by concepts from the League the idea. It required a two-thirds vote of California Cities, the two groups of the membership to pursue and have created a pension reform task they got it. force that is working to strip down the current “defined benefit” plan that “We got the votes because our has worked for public employees for members understand the importance decades. Under this plan, all employees of organizing and growing our would be required to fund a portion of membership and having all of us that their pensions through direct payroll live in the firehouse every day contributions. The plan would also under one bargaining unit,” said implement a two-tiered retirement Livermore. system for new employees that would An informative screenshot from San Jose Firefighters’ video “Every Second Counts.”
Volume 18 No. 1 16 First Quarter 2010 First Quarter 2010 17 Vo lume 18 No. 1 lr Ca ifo nia Professional Firefighters Michael Massone CPF 5th District Vice President
CPF District 5 represents federal firefighters across the state of California
This year has been incredibly tough members to the Displaced Firefighter IAFF Legislative Members from CAL FIRE Local 2881 on the fire service and the labor List, managed by the CFFJAC. Please and I had an incredible opportunity movement in general. contact the CFFJAC if your agency has Conference Update to meet with USDA Secretary Vilsack’s openings. office. We gave candid insight into Station closures, brownouts and the The IAFF’s Alfred K. Whitehead the dangers of the increased use of loss of jobs have been management’s Legislative Conference was a contractors, the deplorable pay and answer to surviving this economic resounding success. Visiting poor benefits of wildland firefighters crisis, often putting the public and Washington, DC, during the week of and the need for further cooperation our members in harm’s way, casting the healthcare vote, was exciting, to between the USFS and our federal, aside common sense in order to meet say the least. state, county and municipal agencies. the bottom line. Our members have The IAFF and CPF look forward to not wavered in their commitment and Our proposed legislation -- the most strengthening this partnership and devotion to the public we serve or ever introduced on behalf of federal providing direct input, which will to our brothers and sisters riding the firefighters -- was lobbied by the ultimately keep the public and our rigs. The pundits and politicos who amazing contingent of CPF members. members safe. attack us by saying our negotiated Thank you to all who lobbied, wrote benefits are too costly or exorbitant letters or made phone calls. Your voice Stay safe and see you in San Diego! forget that these benefits were not was heard and the feedback I am given out of the kindness of our receiving is encouraging. hearts. Locals bargained in good faith, giving back, conceding, offering ideas and real solutions in an effort to help to stem the downward economic The Presidio Fire Department has spiral we have found ourselves in. been abolished. Fire protection will be contracted to the City and I am confident that by remaining County of San Francisco. focused on what we as a union do best – staying committed to fair wages, hours, working conditions, ARE YOU HIRING? and the safety and health of our Snap a photo of this barcode members and their families -- we, too, to get more information shall weather this crisis. about the CFFJAC’s Displaced Firefighter List. Local F-145 is Abolished CPF Convention It is the end of an era. Sadly, we say Nears goodbye to Local F-145, Presidio San Francisco. The Presidio Fire Convention is rapidly approaching Department has been abolished and and I look forward to another fire protection will be contracted successful convention. As you know, to the City and County of San our biennial convention provides Francisco. Regrettably, only 15 CPF direction to the CPF Executive Board, Mike Massone, center, along with CAL FIRE members Paul Van Gerwen, Bob members will be offered jobs, leaving setting our agenda and priorities for Wolf, Ray Snodgrass and Rick Swan speak to Agriculture Secretary Vilsack’s staff 19 members unemployed. CPF, as the future. I expect that hard work, regarding USFS firefighters at the IAFF Legislative Conference. well as the California Fire Fighter communication and diligence will Joint Apprenticeship Committee be our guiding principles during (CFFJAC) is assisting by adding these convention.
Volume 18 No. 1 18 First Quarter 2010 lr Ca ifo nia Professional Firefighters Bob Wolf CPF 6th District Vice President
CPF District 6 represents CDF Firefighters, Local 2881
CDF Firefighters Local 2881 also and to listen to firefighters during Funding Battles contends that such a proposal would an emergency. The overall policy Continue make it very difficult for rural agencies emphasized that public safety belongs to pay their bills or successfully pass in the hands of professionals and I Legislators from both parties have a property assessment in their own have no doubt that it has saved lives. been looking for innovative ways to areas. generate money for state firefighters, I am especially pleased that the Stay in general, and CAL FIRE firefighters, in Of course, these issues will continue as and Defend policy, which proved so particular. long as the budget difficulties remain. disastrous in Australia, will absolutely The good news is that our state not be a part of any kind of planning Initially, in order to meet the statewide revenues are $2 billion dollars greater program in California. demand for revenues, we focused on than anticipated. This means we are the Emergency Response Initiative only $18 billion in debt. At the end of day, we do our best to (ERI), which would levy a 4.8% work with legislators and legislative assessment on all homeowner’s staff to delineate a cost-benefit policies. The fund would not be subject Bargaining appraisal for CAL FIRE that is fair and to Prop. 18 and would be funneled sensible, but mostly we remember There are 22 bargaining units in into state and local fire agencies to that, as firefighters, our ultimate California and 21 of them are without pay for mutual aid services. However, responsibility is to protect the people contracts. We are one of those units. Legislative Council has opined that of California. CDF Firefighters continues to meet the fee is, in reality, a tax and fails with the Department of Personnel to provide the appropriate nexus I am proud of all of my brothers and Administration (DPA) and is hopeful between the costs being levied and sisters in our profession. Even in that a reasonable contract can be the services being delivered. If this the difficult times, I look forward to reached. Not unlike our brothers opinion holds, the measure would working closely with you. and sisters in the International require a two-thirds vote – a tougher Association of Fire Fighters hill to climb. But the bottom line is (IAFF) and California Professional clear: California needs to do something Firefighters, the unrelenting focus to shore up a system that is our state’s on pensions and benefits makes the best response to the disasters we know challenge of finding a resolution more are coming. complex. The state Legislative Analyst’s Office We do believe that the general public (LAO) has always had a suggestion of understands the unique challenges of its own. They believe it makes greater public safety. While we are obviously sense to have a State Responsibility willing to make concessions regarding Area (SRA) fee that is specific to only spiking, it is clear that what firefighters those property owners who live in do on a daily basis separates us from SRAs. other employees. Of course, their idea also has unique problems. First, it becomes The “Ready, Set, extraordinarily difficult to figure out what the assessment fees are for those Go!” Program individuals with expensive homes in the resort areas, as opposed to cattle We were pleased to work with both ranchers in the northern counties. the IAFF and CPF to help put together How do we fairly assess the nexus that a model that educates homeowners exists between the fee and the service? about the importance of preparation
Volume 18 No. 1 18 First Quarter 2010 First Quarter 2010 19 Vo lume 18 No. 1 lr Ca ifo nia Professional Firefighters Dave Gillotte CPF 7th District Vice President
CPF District 7 represents Los Angeles County Fire Fighters, Local 1014
As we prepare for CPF Convention, the service analysis. Without that, Our US AID – UASI Task Force II Urban healthcare premiums and provide Local 1014 is in the midst of a very any consideration to an annexation Search and Rescue Team is one of increased dental and orthodontia important vote and balloting process. is dead in the water and not open for only two teams (Fairfax County, benefits, resulting in more money in This is not an election. This vote is an discussion and we will use our power Virginia is the other) to be certified our members’ pockets. investment in our future. to kill it. Next, the city must have the to respond worldwide to disasters financial health and wherewithal to of this magnitude. Our USAR team We are very similar to every other Local 1014’s Executive Board is asking pay their fire protection costs for our performed to the highest caliber of membership and we face all of the its membership to vote on a dues service. Last, we look at the “votes” and service in the nation in conditions same challenges heading into the increase from 1% of top step firefighter the “voice” of the elected officials and that were beyond belief. Our pride future. We hope to report that our to 1.33% of top step firefighter. At a the citizens. Without the “votes,” you and thanks to all of our Local 1014 membership approved the dues time when the economic environment got nothing … no deal. members and the Fairfax County increase necessary to protect our is tough and it would seem to be a members, who represented us all … a pensions, shore up our contract cities, poor time to raise dues, we feel there Some cities of interest that may be job well done. run an initiative to supplement our can be no more important time to seeking County Fire Analysis are current special fire tax cap, continue to fund the battle to protect everything Brea, El Segundo, Monterey Park, We extended our contract for one help elect leaders who will protect and we have worked so hard to achieve Montebello, West Covina and Vernon. year in December to protect all of support firefighters and their issues over the years. Needless to say, given the economy our wages and working conditions and, in the end, focus back to the and the budget, we will be moving until December of 2011 with no whole reason we are in this business We are taking the bold step to increase cautiously and carefully with each city takeaways, deferrals or changes … the advancement and protection our dues to further fund our very to ensure a good fit for all. We will keep to include staffing provisions. We of our contracts that provide the strong and pro-active political action you posted. also were fortunate to negotiate framework for our wages, benefits and program. Our political action program and find the funding to actually working conditions that we bargain is critical to our strength and voice in The end of last year had Los Angeles increase county contributions to our for. Our members deserve nothing less. protecting and advancing any aspect County Fire Fighters, along with many of our wages, benefits, healthcare and firefighters throughout the state, working conditions. fighting one of the largest wildland fires in history -- The Station Fire We serve 58 cities and the -- where we lost two of our own, unincorporated areas of Los Angeles brothers Ted Hall and Arnie Quinones. County with 165 fire stations. These Firefighters from throughout the cities require an enormous amount nation and CPF rallied and helped us of political action to elect responsible do the right thing to lay them to rest officials, who will put public safety first and we, again, thank all of you and and work to keep staffing levels where remember all the others who have they belong. made the ultimate sacrifice … they shall not be forgotten. We continue our efforts in the Cities of El Monte and Pomona to help stabilize We rose up and fought off the massive their budgets and protect our staffing. flooding conditions that occurred Other cities have expressed interest in immediately after the Station Fire contracting with the County for Fire and saved countless homes and and Paramedic Protection. As always, businesses once again in that region. we evaluate each request from a union, Just when we thought we got a handle business and political perspective. on things in our own county, Local 1014 members were called upon to First, it must be the wish and will of the travel to Haiti to help rescue and treat President Dave Gillotte (fourth from right) briefs Local 1014’s Executive Board IAFF local affiliate providing the service people who suffered one of the most members at the IAFF Legislative Conference. to the area or region that is requesting devastating earthquakes in history.
Volume 18 No. 1 20 First Quarter 2010 r Califo nia Professional Firefighters Pat McOsker CPF 8th District Vice President
CPF District 8 represents the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City Local 112
It’s been a tough year for Los Angeles had to start negotiating a new We promised to march on City Hall While the next fiscal year promises and Local 112 members. Like so contract: Our old one expired at if the deal went to the full council to be as much of a challenge as many others, our city is in a fiscal the beginning of the fiscal year. In for approval. In the meantime, we this year, the lesson many Local death-spiral that just keeps getting spite of our willingness to “share the aggressively lobbied individual 112 members just learned is that worse and worse. This year’s city sacrifice” by accepting the provisions council members for their support. success against stiff odds is possible budget began with a half-billion of contracts signed this year with when firefighters ignore the voices dollar shortfall that grew by another other city unions, the city singled us Before long, the mayor’s committee of the selfish few among us, and $185 million six months into the year. out and refused to make us the same realized that we had the votes to choose instead to stick together offer. Instead, they declared impasse succeed. They reconsidered their and fight for what is fair and just. To address the shortfall, every city just a few months into bargaining, earlier decision and elected to accept department got the budget axe at and then refused to negotiate in our last offer instead. the beginning of the year. good faith when a mediator was brought in. Local 112’s perseverance paid off At least 10% was taken from in the fight for a fair contract this BROWNOUT MAP! everyone, including the police and Thankfully, the city’s impasse year. Now, in the same way, we Snap a photo of this barcode fire departments. The LAFD went procedure requires that the sides intend to hang in there and win to see the Los Angeles from a $560 million share of the submit to a “fact-finding” hearing our fight to reopen closed fire City fire stations that have general fund in F/Y 2008/2009, to before a neutral third party. The fact- companies, paramedic resources and reduced staffing today. a $502 million share this year; $52 finder’s job is to take testimony and ambulances. million of the LAFD’s cut was taken evidence and then write a report directly from the payroll accounts of intended to facilitate continued Local 112 members. bargaining.
Rather than fight for additional Essentially, the process is non- funds from the city’s reserves like binding arbitration. the police department did, our fire chief developed a plan to save money Just as we hoped and expected, the by reducing emergency-responder fact-finder’s report sided with us. Our daily staffing. His plan – which he hold-out for a contract on par with called “Modified Coverage” – takes others in the city – contracts that 87 firefighters and paramedics off save the city money by deferring pay the streets each day by closing 15 rather than giving it up altogether fire companies, nine ambulances, – was shown by the report to be three paramedic supervisors and one justified. Having lost the high ground, battalion command team. It closes the city’s negotiators modified their these companies on a rotating basis offer dramatically. throughout the city. But their new offer still fell short In the process, it harms the public, of the “deferral only” contract that endangers firefighters and takes $39 the fact-finder had suggested and million per year out of the paychecks that we had been holding out for. of Local 112 members. When we turned our noses up at their new offer, a committee made While Local 112 leadership began up of the mayor and four council waging a battle to end the Modified members voted to impose it on us Coverage Plan, we simultaneously by force. Local 112 called their bluff.
First Quarter 2010 21 Volume 18 No. 1 lr Ca ifo nia Professional Firefighters Marin Missions of Mercy Three firefighters, two different missions, one goal: Help Haiti recover
hen Larkspur fire captains As Cobb and Clark were dispensing aerial runs between Florida and Haiti. Matt Cobb and Jim Clark dollops of hope in Port-au-Prince, their They had even hoped to airlift out saw the horrifying images firefighter brother Paul LeVeque was children orphaned by the quake, but ofW suffering coming out of Haiti after delivering mercy from the skies. A were unable to get authorities to sign the January 12th earthquake, they knew veteran pilot of the venerable Grumman off on the effort. they had to do something. What they Albatross seaplane, LeVeque was asked didn’t know was that, right up the road, to pilot a team of Michigan physicians “We wish we could have gotten some of San Rafael Captain Paul LeVeque – one from Miami to Les Cayes, on the western the kids out,” said Lynda. of their brother firefighters from Local peninsula of the island of Haiti. 1775 – was thinking exactly the same Although the timing of their thing. “The airlines were going to fly them in, respective trips overlapped, the two but of course, Port-au-Prince Airport was groups never crossed paths, though On their own time and their own closed, but the seaplane was available each knew the other as firefighters dime, all three brought their skill, and I could fly it,” said LeVeque. back home. Still, each expressed commitment and heart to the citizens of quake-ravaged Haiti. Cobb and Clark spent two weeks on the ground in Port- au-Prince as roving angels of mercy, dispensing random acts of kindness San Rafael firefighter Paul LeVeque at the armed with only a duffel full of medical helm of Grumman “Albatross” cargo plan supplies and the desire to make a used in supply airlift difference. At almost the same time, LeVeque piloted an airlift of doctors and supplies that helped save lives in a remote, little-noticed corner of the With two weeks vacation and a bag of quake-ravaged island. supplies, the two flew to the Dominican Republic, and crossed the border into “When these things happen, a lot of us Haiti. “We went in cautiously, and it just just want to be there and contribute,” evolved as we got there,” said Cobb. Larkspur FF Matt Cobb (r) uses paramedic training to assist said Clark. “We took it one step at a time.” in field hospital operation
Cobb and Clark developed their plan As EMTs and paramedics, the two were Like Cobb, LeVeque jumped at the admiration for what the others had over a series of phone calls in the days able to provide support for medical chance to help, and, like Cobb, he had a done to make a difference. after the quake. Clark, who had traveled personnel, and, on occasion, in-the- partner – his wife Lynda. “When I got off to Asia in 2004 to help victims of the field help. For a few days, the pair the phone, she just said ‘I’m going.’ And I “What they (the LeVeques) did was massive Indian Ocean tsunami, had an even volunteered at a field hospital. said, ‘OK.’” phenomenal – a whole different level understanding of what they could and Mostly, they moved through the of giving aid,” said Clark. “I can’t even couldn’t do as individuals who weren’t streets, offering twenty bucks here, a While Paul was piloting the unique fly a glider, so I thought it was great.” part of the official response. Cobb was hundred there and whatever else they cargo aircraft, Lynda was in charge of just ready to go. could spare to homeless mothers and gathering whatever supplies the doctors “For me, it was no surprise to hear children in some of the city’s poorest might need to aid in their efforts. what they (Cobb and Clark) were doing “We realized that we weren’t going to neighborhoods. because that’s just who they are,” said save the world, but to do a little piece, “They didn’t have an autoclave (to LeVeque. and help a few people along the way,” “The people had tremendous dignity sterilize instruments) so Lynda went said Cobb. “It’s just how firefighters are and, despite the conditions, I found out and bought a bunch of pressure To see a slideshow of photos from the wired … to go and try to do something them to be extremely spirited,” said cookers. We really were the supply line Marin firefighters’ trips, and watch to address the situation.” Clark. for this area.” video excerpts of conversations with the travelers, check “Firefighters in Haiti” in Originally intended as a single trip, the the “Find it Here” section at www.cpf.org. LeVeques wound up making several
Paul and Lynda LeVeque with some of the children they met during their Haitian medical airlift
PHOTO GALLERY & VIDEO CLIPS! Take a photo of this barcode to see Marin Firefighters’ Haiti mission through photos and video interviews.
Larkspur firefighters Matt Cobb (l) and Jim Clark (r) with one of many Haitians they helped on their makeshift mercy mission
Volume 18 No. 1 22 First Quarter 2010 lr Ca ifo nia Professional Firefighters
CFFJ AC’s TCM Train-the Trainer Course Reaches Nearly 100 Departments
Nearly 100 fire departments in what issues to consider when planning Biological Considerations, Radiological/ first responders with the knowledge to California will be better prepared strategies and tactics during a terrorism Nuclear Considerations, and Evidence handle potential terrorist threats,” said for a terrorist threat, after sending incident. and Crime Scene Preservation, to name CFFJAC Program Director Yvonne de la their training officers and Haz Mat a few. Peña. “We look forward to launching personnel to one of the CFFJAC’s “The curriculum offers so many our first Web Based Training product Terrorism Consequence Management examples of possible threats,” said Russ “We’re proud that we’ve equipped and trust it will be an extremely (TCM) Train-the-Trainer courses. The Fowler, Battalion Chief for CAL FIRE in training officers and Haz Mat personnel beneficial component of our TCM CFFJAC has held classes in 11 locations Butte County, who is a course instructor. throughout the state to prepare our training.” “It’s no longer just about the Twin throughout the state over the past year. Towers and Oklahoma City. People are The one-day course, offered at no seeing that it’s on the home front. It’s cost to the individual or department, happening in their backyard.” provides an overview of TCM standardized protocols, building on TCM Continuing Education the curriculum that was disseminated through the CFFJAC’s 2004 TCM course. In addition to the classroom based The class is designed to prepare TCM training, the CFFJAC has been the participants to go back to their in production on a series of Web departments to teach the course at the Based Training (WBT) modules to local level. help firefighters continue their TCM education. These modules will be The TCM class teaches first responders available to every fire department in how to recognize chemical, biological, the state and are designed to be taken radiological, nuclear and explosive by individual users online. Modules agents and devices and to understand will include: Chemical Considerations,
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Volume 18 No. 1 22 First Quarter 2010 First Quarter 2010 23 Vo lume 18 No. 1 CPF PAC CONTRIBUTORS 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:
Gold Circle Swen Swenson George Cravalho Charles Menne Modesto City Firefighters Jeffrey Hunter James Wagner Local 1289 Alameda City International Virginia Wiest Michael Curcio Richard Nakamura Richard Davis Association of Firefighters Marin Professional Firefighters Arthur Dundon Compton Fire Fighters Local 2216 John Greenstreet San Mateo Co. Firefighters Local 1775 Chuck Gluck Lane Haywood Local 2400 Local 689 Charles Onorato Gary Hinshaw James Ritchey Gregory Martell David Balestrieri Eric Stroud Douglas Potter Contra Costa County Professional James Pollard Firefighters Local 1230 Gerald Chevalier Alhambra Fire Fighters Robert Suttles Jack Salois Lawrence Thompson Jennifer Abrahamson James Fields Association Local 1578 Vincent Sciortino Robert D’Ausilio Modesto City Firefighters Nils Anderson Mountain View Professional Ross Frazee San Marino FirefightersL ocal 3626 John Coshow Firefighters Local 1965 William Kucharski Berkeley Fire Fighters Association Local 1289 Joseph Espinosa Charles Giles Mikel Bullis Kathryn Dybdahl Kevin McDowell Local 1227 Robert Jonasson Robert McManus Michael Fuhrman David Meghinasso Richard Watters San Mateo Co. Firefighters Richard Ring Allen Garbarino Gary Pfotenhauer Monterey Co. Regional FPD Local 2400 Burbank Fire Fighters Local 778 William Fearing, Jr. Anthony Gatson Napa City Fire Fighters Local 3124 Dahl Waters Michael McBride Local 2606 Jay Johnson William Greelman Don Cohn San Miguel Fire Fighters Monte Osborn Walter Days Robert Pereira Paul Howell Oakland, Alameda Co and Local 1434 Carlsbad Firefighters Association Monterey Firefighters Association Allan Walden Edward Kruse Emeryville Firefighters Local 55 Douglas Dunbar Local 3707 Michael Cain Local 3730 Wayne Williams Robert Nelson James Page San Ramon Valley Firefighters Richard Fisher Dale Prentice John Dailey San Miguel Fire Fighters Association Local 3546 Mountain View Professional Frederick Schreder Patrick Dailey CDF Firefighters Local 2881 Local 1434 Patrice Doyle FirefightersL ocal 1965 William Hughes Paul Graham Raymond Massey Thomas Thiering Karen Kiiskinen Dale Kuersten Kenton King James Mortensen Martin Vega Richard Sherard Thomas Lueder Santa Barbara Co. Firefighters Dennis O’Brien Newport Beach Firefighters Walter (Bill) Williams Daly City Fire Fighters Local 1879 Local 2046 Guyld Vincent Association Local 3734 Robert Barbanica Ontario Professional Firefighters James Petersen Jeffrey Remmele San Ramon Valley Firefighters Don Ciucci Association Local 1430 Hank Weston Santa Clara City Firefighters Randall Smith Association Local 3546 Donald May Michael Cicero Gene Dangel Local 1171 Contra Costa County Professional George Panellis Joe Dingman Oakland, Alameda Co and Herbert Genelly III Kenneth Hamlin, Jr. Firefighters Local 1230 John Roy Larry Steeber William Cullen Emeryville FirefightersL ocal 55 Michael Maloney Santa Barbara Co. Firefighters Dennis Wafford Bruce Ghezzi Fallbrook Firefighters Association Grant Porter Richard Del Fiorentino Local 2046 Richard Gower Local 1622 Orange City Firefighters Gerald Goss Michael Bennett Santa Clara Co. Firefighters Ralph Johnson Steven Theis Local 2384 Russell Greenlaw Local 1165 Santa Clara City Firefighters Stephen Phillips Jeffrey Hansen Alex Mathews Federal Fire Fighters Association Douglas Allen Jack Passadore, Sr. Local 1171 Jack (John) Kiely Local F 85 Palm Springs Professional Bruce Dahl Stanley Silva David Busse Ronald Moomey Awilda (Willy) O’Brien Firefighters Local 3601 Lido Gemignani Joseph Strawn Dan Gama, Jr. Michael Proudfoot Doug Smith Mario Coletti Richard Ravizza Don Vallejo Gary Niblock Christopher Kramer William Rabska Fire Fighters Local 1186 Santa Monica Fire Fighters Santa Clara Co. Firefighters Richard Sukacz Oceanside Firefighters Phil Davis Palo Alto Professional Firefighters Local 1109 Local 1165 William Thomas Association Local 3736 Bob Hepner Local 1319 Steve Dragovich William Ekwall Larry Tracey Kenneth Love Ralph Horne Richard Dauler Robert Matthews, Jr. Santa Rosa Fire Fighters Herman Walden Ontario Professional Firefighters Kenneth Malito Tim Giberson Mark Winters Robert Gillespie Local 1401 Jack Walker Association Local 1430 Mitchel Whorton Eileen Kortas Clifton Chandler Santa Rosa Fire Fighters Wallace Gonsalves Wayne Zimmerman Fire Fighters of San Joaquin Co. Lucy Reynolds Ralph Des Lauriers Local 1401 Dan Heiser Edward Burtner Local 1243 Davis Professional Firefighters Rick Lebel Joan Ruediger Scotts Valley Firefighters Association Local 3494 Jeff Basalto Gary McDonald Timothy Hamlin Carl Schilling Local 3577 Richard Jett John Vetrano Fremont Fire Fighters Local 1689 Victor Soto Jim Otis Edwards AFB Firefighters Oxnard Firefighters Local 1684 Gary Brown Kenneth Wills Stanislaus Consolidated Local F 53 William Gallaher Pasadena Firefighters Local 809 FirefightersL ocal 3399 Thomas Van Trease Thomas Waller South San Francisco Firefighters Fresno Firefighters Local 753 Richard Barry Nick Brotsis Richard Reed Palo Alto Professional Firefighters Local 1507 Larry Divan El Segundo Firefighters Richard Dennin Local 1319 Glendale Fire Fighters Local 776 Stockton FirefightersL ocal 456 Association Local 3682 Petaluma FirefightersL ocal 1415 Tim Bettencourt Neil Kingsley Vernon Steman Gary Preston Stanislaus Consolidated Robert Hickox Robert Brouchoud FirefightersL ocal 3399 Elmer Spraker Torrance Fire Fighters Federal Firefighters, San Diego Rancho Cucamonga Professional Nancy DeMattei Norval Knutsen Johnston Wray III Association Local 1138 Local F 33 Firefighters Local 2274 Raymond Diaz V. Douglas Bergen William Roy Stockton FirefightersL ocal 456 Hayward Fire Fighters Local 1909 Duane Wolfe Judith Jewell Joe Hawkins Mike Henderson Julian (Mack) Oetting Federal Fire Fighters Association Stanley Salbeck Redlands Professional Firefighters Breal Rowe Pasadena FirefightersL ocal 809 Hemet City Firefighters Local F 85 Local 1354 Mary Steiner Byron Brown Torrance Fire Fighters Association Association Local 2342 Robert Forsythe William Harvey United Firefighters of Los Piedmont Fire Fighters Local 2683 Local 1138 William Thompson Robert Trahan Redondo Beach Fire Association Angeles City Local 112 Martin Ensrud Leo Palumbo Fire Fighters Local 1186 Kern Co. Fire Fighters Local 1301 Local 2787 Russell Collier Milton DeLano Jennifer Kuret-Nadeau Rancho Cucamonga Professional United Firefighters of Los Angeles Allen Allred Barry Englestad City Local 112 Charles La Porte Kevin Purnell Firefighters Local 2274 Richmond International Stephen Haz Sam Spagnolo William Bamattre Richard Pellerin Mary Wood Association of Firefighters Local Jack Holman Jerry Brakeman Dennis Walker Redlands Professional Firefighters 188 Robert Karger Hayward Fire Fighters Local 1909 Julian George Richard Kalayjian Local 1354 Livermore-Pleasanton Firefighters Dana Laine Richard Cordero Dennis Grogan James Drabinski Local 1974 Sacramento Area Fire Fighters Michael Lannen James Perry Kern Co. Fire Fighters Local 1301 Edward Boddington Samuel Lostutter Riverside City Firefighters Local 522 William Cooper Al Wisuri Michael Collins Association Local 1067 Anthony Matulich Gary Frank Harvey Georgeson Felix Biggers Silver Circle Long Beach Firefighters Local 372 Bruce Norman Don Hoffman John Jones Alexander Cornett Donald Little Steven Ventura George Welch Alameda City International Rodney Dykhouse San Bernardino City Professional Robert Young Charles Wimmer Sacramento Area Fire Fighters Association of Firefighters David Edwards FirefightersL ocal 891 Ventura City Firefighters Local 522 Local 689 Randolph Gibson Livermore-Pleasanton Firefighters Charles Bader William Sowersby Gerald Bernotas Association Local 3431 Robert Hines Local 1974 Timothy Corcoran Herbert Goettelmann David Hilty Alhambra Fire Fighters Charles Lyon Raybert Thornton, Jr. Michael Laughlin Jack Webb Roger Morgenthaler William Walsh Association Local 1578 Carl Lofthouse Robert Daugherty Los Angeles Co. Fire Fighters San Bernardino County Ventura Co. Professional Local 1014 Long Beach Firefighters Local 372 San Bernardino City Professional FirefightersL ocal 935 Firefighters Association James Firth Berkeley Fire Fighters Association Ronald Bozarth Thomas Nichols Local 1364 FirefightersL ocal 891 Local 1227 Victor Caldwell Charles Pillsbury James Beattie Michael Burns Clinton Beacham Ronald Conway San Gabriel City Firemen’s Kenneth Wuchner Sammie Fitts Association Local 2197 Thomas Temple Dan Salter James Holdridge Jr Charles Martinez Nick Ramirez, Jr. Los Angeles Co. Fire Fighters Melora Valentine David Stark West Covina Fire Fighters Local 1014 Thomas Parlett San Jose Fire Fighters Local 230 Local 3226 Sheldon Bromberg Burbank Fire Fighters Local 778 Marin Professional Firefighters Thomas Hazelleaf San Bernardino County Phillip Ayers Hans Jenner Local 1775 William Frownfelter Donald Bernardo FirefightersL ocal 935 Jim Hopkins Juan Gonzalez Danny Bowling CDF FirefightersL ocal 2881 John Diquisto Douglas Allen Lawrence Martinez Richard Land Michael Leonard Jerry Ellis Interested in joining CPF’s Callback Kenneth Eller Thomas Little Jon Usselton Merced City Firefighters John Flatley Association? Call us at (916) 569-0880 Edward Murrieta San Jose Fire Fighters Local 230 James Laughlin Local 1479 Gregary Grenfell or e-mail [email protected]. John Price Samuel Avila Lloyd Limprecht Albert Gonella, Jr. Ken Heredia