Firefighter teams from Woodland, Sacramento Metro and Davis have advanced into the final round of competition for the annual California State Fair's Firehouse Challenge. The final round of cooking is scheduled for Sunday, July 31.
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...California's active and retired public workers got some good news as CalPERS continues its strong recovery from the stock meltdown. Preliminary figures from the world's largest pension fund showed growth of nearly 21% -- its best year since 1997.
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...When it comes to retirement security, a deal is a deal. So says a new legal analysis from CalPERS. In a thorough review of current law, CalPERS concludes that pension promises to current employees can't be broken. To try would bury taxpayers in legal bills and needlessly attack retirees.
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...Terrorism Consequence Management: The California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee's latest TCM training module covers response to a truck accident with a secondary device.
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...As two-time defending champions of the California State Fair's Firehouse Challenge, firefighters Tara Daniels and Walter Scruggs are working on their arsenal of dishes to prepare for battle this Sunday.
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...California's retired public workers provide $26 billion economic engine for state, supporting nearly 100k jobs, according to new CalPERS study.
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...Budget cuts in the Sacramento City Fire Department are now being felt on the fire lines. On Wednesday, firefighters battled a tractor-trailer fire in South Sacramento with half its hazmat companies gone.
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...Over 2,000 firefighters packed AT&T Park in San Francisco last night for the San Francisco Giants' Firefighter Appreciation Night. And the Giants did not disappoint.
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...For only the third time in a quarter century, California got an on-time budget this year. The $86 billion spending plan slashes deeply into every corner of state service, including public safety and public education, all part of bridging a budget gap pegged in January at more than $20 billion.
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...Gov. Jerry Brown and Democratic leaders in the Assembly and Senate have forged a compromise state budget that is expected to be approved as early as tomorrow. The accord assumes an additional $4 billion in additional revenue, but does not include any plan to extend existing temporary tax hikes. If the new revenue doesn't materialize,...
Firehouse Chef: Lodi firefighter Kris Graves takes his culinary skills from the firehouse to the Food Network on "24 Hour Restaurant Battle."
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...The California Legislature has approved a landmark reform that will free up billions of dollars for schools, public safety and other critical services. On a bipartisan vote, the California Senate and Assembly approved ABX1 26, Governor Brown’s proposal to eliminate local redevelopment agencies.
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...Standing Up for Retirement Security: A special report aimed at busting the myths about public pensions and calling out those who seek to scapegoat public employees.
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...Unseasonably cool and blustery weather throughout much of California this spring has led some to hope for a mild fire season. But the wildland experts know better -- thicker vegetation in the spring means more fuel to burn when it dries out in the summer.
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...Lodi firefighter and Local 1225 member Kris Graves is used to taking on whatever work throws at him on his 24-hour shift at Lodi's Fire Station 1. But recently, he stretched the 24-hour time frame to its absolute limit when he and his fraternal twin brother Michael competed in "24 Hour Restaurant Battle," a Food Network reality TV show...
The number of on-duty firefighter deaths is the lowest since 1977. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) today released its annual Firefighter Fatality Report at the NFPA Conference & Expo, which shows that a total of 72 on-duty firefighter deaths occurred in the United States in 2010.
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...Remember that awful public sector union pension crisis that was going to bankrupt every state from California to Wisconsin? A little less Armageddon in the coffee, please. Reuters is reporting some interesting details from a new report by the National Conference of Public Employee Retirement Systems.
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...San Diego's controversial plan to privatize retirement could wind up costing the city more, not less. An analysis of the ballot proposal to replace secure pensions with 401(k) plans says the proposal may actually force the city to pay more into the pension system, at least in the short run.
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...California's first responders join San Francisco Fire Fighters Local 798 in mourning the loss of a second San Francisco firefighter in the line of duty,Firefighter Paramedic Anthony Valerio, 53, died early Saturday morning, two days after he was critically injured battling a Thursday morning house fire. Valerio and 48-year-old Lt. Vincent Perez...
California's first responders are united in mourning the loss of a San Francisco firefighter in the line of duty, 48-year-old Lt. Vincent Perez died from injuries suffered while battling a Thursday morning house fire. Two others were injured in the blaze. One -- Firefighter-Paramedic Anthony Valerio -- remained in critical condition Thursday night.
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International Rescue: LA County’s USAR Task Force 2 responds to disasters around the world as one of only two internationally certified USAR teams in the nation.
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...A former Assemblyman from Sacramento has dropped an effort to qualify a ballot measure that would have gutted retirement security for firefighters and other public workers. However, other threats still loom.
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...California's public workers and retirees are hitting the road to stand up for the secure retirement they have earned. Speaking at separate events in San Diego and Riverside, CPF members joined teachers, police officers, bus drivers and other public workers to fight back against Wisconsin-style attacks on their pensions and bargaining rights.
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State and local pension systems are facing a long-term funding issue, but are not in “crisis”, according to a report on public radio’s Marketplace. The report also suggests concerns about recruitment if pensions are wiped out.
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...Pension costs for the state of California will go down by nearly $200 million in the coming year, thanks to state workers. CalPERS reports that new collective bargaining agreements are already helping to rein in retirement costs.
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...In an effort to support cancer victims and survivors, three pink fire trucks rolled into Kern County last weekend to support Links for Life. It's part of a cross-country cancer awareness tour.
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...California LAST Teams: The CA Fire Foundation joins with Nat'l Fallen Firefighter Foundation to provide comprehensive local assistance when a firefighter falls in the line of duty.
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...A state senator who is leading the effort to protect billions in redevelopment subsidies may have more than just a passing interest in the issue. The Los Angeles Times reports that the wife of pro-redevelopment Sen. Bob Huff is a paid consultant for a company that benefits handsomely from redevelopment subsidies.
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...Get up-to-date fire department information, searchable by county and/or department name, thanks to CPF's Online Fire Department Directory. It is the most up-to-date directory of its kind.
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...Applications for the 2011 Daniel A. Terry Scholarships are now available for download. As part of its ongoing mission to provide assistance to families of fallen firefighters, the California Fire Foundation is proud to have the Daniel A. Terry Scholarship fund.
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...Which local has the best firehouse chefs? The California State Fair wants to crown this year's champ. If you've got gourmets in your midst, get your team together for the 2011 California's Kitchen Best Firehouse Chef Competition at the California State Fair. Entry form deadline is July 1, 2011.
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...Before lawmakers heard legislation Wednesday to slash public pensions, Californians for Retirement Security's Pension Truth Squad visited the State Capitol to share personal stories and set the record straight about the sustained attacks on public workers.
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...The California Fire Foundation has joined in a first-of-its-kind partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to provide comprehensive support for local fire departments who lose one of their own in the line of duty.
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...Alexandra Le Tellier of the LA Times opinion staff takes on right wing bloggers seeking to scapegoat firefighters and their families for the city's fiscal problems.
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...Modesto Firefighter Miracle: Modesto Engineer Jim Adams returns to full duty 13 months after the New Year's Day 2010 blaze that nearly cost him his life.
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...It is with the utmost sympathy and deepest regret that the Long Beach Firefighters, Local 372 and the Long Beach Fire Department announce the passing of Fire Capt. Hank Zavaleta from a long battle with brain cancer. He was 49.
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...After two hours of at times emotional debate, the San Carlos City Council late Monday unanimously voted to seek a partnership with Redwood City for its fire protection and rejected a plan to outsource the service.
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...With a record breaking number of attendees, locals from Central California all the way to San Diego joined MDA in Anaheim to celebrate their 2010 Fill the Boot successes. Abbey Umali, MDA National Goodwill Ambassador, welcomed the crowd and introduced CPF Secretary-Treasurer Lew Stone.
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...California's Fiscal Crisis: CPF sits down with Controller John Chiang to help understand the stakes in California's budget fight.
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...The California Supreme Court today dealt the final blow to efforts in Orange County to roll back retirement promises to its employees. Without comment, the court rejected the final appeal of a lawsuit seeking to take pension benefits away from Orange County sheriff deputies.
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...Buy your Giants tickets now to Firefighter Appreciation Night at San Francisco's AT&T Park and show your support for the California Fire Foundation. The package includes a ticket to the Giants game in the Firefighter Appreciation section, access to the pre-game firefighter tailgate party and a collector's firefighter-themed Giants beanie....
Firefighters fanned out across San Diego County Wednesday to collect money for the Burn Institute during the 12th annual Firefighter Boot Drive. Firefighters at stations and major intersections around the county solicited donations during the morning and afternoon commutes.
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...Few have a better perspective on the budget issues facing our state than its top two elected fiscal officers: State Treasurer Bill Lockyer and State Controller John Chiang. In an effort to help CPF members better understand the fiscal situations facing state and local governments, CPF interviewed Lockyer and Chiang, both of whom were...
The president of Corona Firefighters Local #3757 has been honored by his department for community service above and beyond the call. Jim Steiner was selected as Corona's Firefighter of the Year for 2010. Steiner was honored for his fund raising work on behalf of ill children.
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...Beginning on April 1, 2011, the website where first responders apply for all Assistance to Firefighters Grants Programs will change its current website address from www.firegrantsupport.com to the FEMA website at www.fema.gov/firegrants.
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...Costa Mesa City Council issues mass layoff notices, including 90 firefighters, in attempt to privatize city services.
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Olivenhain residents said they are upset about what they call unacceptable fire and medical response times for their community, which is east of Encinitas. The problem is that four out of Encinitas' five fire stations are located near the coastal part of the city and miles from Olivenhain.
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Children at City of Hope National Medical Center were visited by Arcadia firefighters last week and got to cheer them on as more than 30 firefighters shaved their heads. The program is part of their involvement with St. Baldrick's Foundation, an organization that raises money and awareness for childhood cancer research.
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The national attack on your rights and benefits as public servants is washing up on the shores of the Golden State. And it now has claimed a life. More than 200 employees in Costa Mesa, including 90 firefighters, got six-month layoff notices Thursday, March 17th, as part of a brazen, ideologically fueled effort to privatize the entire city.
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Ventura County FD's swift-water rescue team, consisting of Local 1364 members, successfully saved four friends who became stuck in a creekbed in Thousand Oaks during last Sunday's heavy storm.
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Los Angeles County's search and rescue team, CATF-2, returned home Saturday, after six days aiding search efforts following the earthquake in Japan. The LA County team is one of only two in the nation certified for international response. Rescuers report being "stunned" by what they saw.
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Treasurer Bill Lockyer. CPF sits down with California's treasurer to talk about the state budget crisis, the governor's proposal and redevelopment reform.
LA County Fire Department's California Task Force 2 finished its first day helping the recovery effort in Japan without finding any survivors, a county fire department official said Tuesday.
Using Visalia's multimillion-dollar Fire Training Center for the first time, CAL FIRE firefighters got one step closer to being ready for fire season. The training was made possible by funding from the CPF co-sponsored California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (CFFJAC).
California Professional Firefighters today announced its support for Governor Jerry Brown's call for a special election this June to allow California voters to ratify his plan to close a $26 billion budget shortfall.
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Treasurer Bill Lockyer. CPF sits down with California's treasurer to talk about the state's fiscal crisis, the governor's budget and redevelopment reform.
The 2011 Daniel A. Terry Legislative Conference will be held April 6-7, 2011 at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento. CLICK HERE for more details.
California Professional Firefighters today announced its support for Governor Jerry Brown's call for a special election this June to allow California voters to ratify his plan to close a $26 billion budget shortfall.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department is preparing to deploy a 74-member team to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts in Japan. The California Task Force 2, a urban search and rescue team, was requested by the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance.
Twenty-four heroes of the Los Angeles City Fire Department were given special awards and commendations Thursday for their actions above and beyond the call of duty.
Federal Firefighters Local F-33 mourn loss of Matt Moreno, who died off-duty at the age of only 26. A memorial with full honors will be held Saturday, Feb. 26 at 1 p.m. in Chula Vista.
Capitol Report. An overview of CPF's 2011 legislative agenda, aimed at protecting core services and vital firefighter workplace and benefit protections.
The Professional Firefighters of Santa Cruz, Local 3605 and the Central Fire Protection District of Santa Cruz County is saddened to announce the loss of Firefighter John Tripodi of job related cancer. He was 58 years old.
A serious fall taken by a veteran firefighter from the roof of a burning home has raised some big questions about staffing shortages. Sacramento City Fire department Captain Gene Dibble along with Engine 60 and several other crews responded to the house fire Saturday night.
Capitol Report. An overview of CPF's 2011 legislative agenda, aimed at protecting core services and vital firefighter workplace and benefit protections.
California Professional Firefighters' 2010 Annual Report is now available online. The 24-page report provides an overview of CPF, a rundown of its major accomplishments for the previous calendar year, and a look ahead to new challenges.
Thousands of mourners gathered in downtown L.A. on Friday for the funeral of fallen firefighter Glenn Allen, who died last week while fighting a house fire in Hollywood Hills. According to the L.A. City Fire Department, officials are expecting about 8,000 spectators, 200 dignitaries, about 200 fire apparatus and over 100 agencies from all over the country.
Local 1775 Treasurer James "Jamie" Byrnes (MRN) is recovering at home from surgery to remove a job-related cancerous brain tumor February 4, 2011. Jamie has asked that the Local 1775 Executive board to thank all of the Marin fire service community for the outpouring of support.
In 2011, Local 1775 will begin sending regular updates by email to registered users who have signed up for access to our website. The newsletter will be sent to all registered users on the local 1775 website (herre) and will have an "unsubscribe" option. We'll keep members up to date with announcements, events, news articles, ad otehr important information. The first newsletter will be sent February 24, 2011.
In a stunning raid on future property taxes, the city of San Diego is scheming to lock up $4 billion in sweetheart developer projects, some of which won’t even begin until 2048. The proposed tax raid comes amid reports that San Diego remains critically understaffed in fire protection.
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United Firefighters of Los Angeles City Local 112 is saddened to announce the loss of one of their own in the line of duty. Los Angeles Firefighter Glenn Allen -- a 36-year veteran of the department -- died Friday afternoon, February 18th, two days after being gravely injured battling a structure fire in Hollywood Hills.
In a stunning raid on future property taxes, the city of San Diego is scheming to lock up $4 billion in sweetheart developer projects, some of which won’t even begin until 2048. The proposed tax raid comes amid reports that San Diego remains critically understaffed in fire protection.
Overcoming long odds, fire fighters nationwide scored a significant victory when the U.S. House of Representatives voted 318-113 to reject massive cuts to fire fighter grants.
On the heels of a round of layoffs that cost 49 firefighters their jobs, San Jose officials are vowing to slash nearly 1/4 of their fire and police services in the coming year's budget. But while threatening to decimate vital services, San Jose continues to siphon over $200 million in property-tax money to support developer subsidies through its redevelopment agency.
The city of San Diego needs to build and staff 10 new fire stations at a cost of well over $100 million to reach acceptable response times, according to a study released Monday.
It's been a year since the City of San Diego started rolling brownouts at local fire stations. Most agree response times are slower, but the question is how long will it last. "We've seen response times increase significantly," said San Diego Fire Chief Javier Mainar.
State of the State. Gov. Brown delivers first state-of-the-state message of new term.
Firefighters Giving Back: First responders give back at holiday time.
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Gov. Brown delivers tough medicine in State of the State message; CPF members give back to their communities at holiday time.
Newly released data about state and local government pensions sharply contradict statements by politicians who are attacking firefighters and paramedics with scurrilous statements about pension funding, the International Association of Fire Fighters said.
Get the latest copy of the California Fire Department Directory today. The California Fire Department Directory is your online resource for basic information about the fire service in California. Because it is updated monthly, it is the most up-to-date directory available of its kind.
Firefighters In Focus: A new training video, developed through the experiences of Sacramento firefighters, is changing the way first responders view organ donation.
Understanding the 2010 Elections CPF spoke with two independent experts to analyze state and local election results and what they mean for California's future.
Firefighters are taking longer to arrive at emergencies since staffing cuts were instituted nearly a year ago, fire Chief Javier Mainar told a City Council committee Wednesday. As many as eight fire engines are taken out of service each day on a rotating basis to reduce costs.
A new statewide poll by the respected Public Policy Institute of California indicates strong support for Gov. Brown's redevelopment reform. By a two-to-one margin, Californians support the governor's proposal to close redevelopment agencies, making billions available directly to local governments for core services such as public safety and education.
The city of San Diego's decision to idle up to eight fire engines daily to save money has had an unintended consequence — revenue from fire inspections by those crews has plummeted.
This past weekend’s multi-billion dollar spending binge by redevelopment agencies is drawing mounting denunciation, with one story terming it “the redevelopment equivalent of chugging Hurricanes on Bourbon St.”
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With criticism mounting about cities’ fiscal protectionism, San Jose officials dramatically scaled back a plan to fast track tens of millions of redevelopment dollars to keep them away from core services.
This past weekend’s multi-billion dollar spending by redevelopment agencies is drawing mounting denunciation, with one story terming it “the redevelopment equivalent of chugging Hurricanes on Bourbon St.”
Acting with unprecedented haste in response to an apparently specious rumor, local politicians up and down the state are on track to ram through more than $1 billion in special pet projects at the expense of public safety, schools and core services. Local governments throughout California jammed through a blizzard of special projects, creating massive new taxpayer debt with almost no accountability.
CPF at Rose Parade. CPF Pipes and Drums make first appearance at New Year's parade
Fred Couples Helps Firefighters: Pro golfer gives to CA Firefighters Endowment
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CPF at Rose Parade. CPF Pipes and Drums make first appearance at New Year's parade; Fred Couples Helps Firefighters: Pro golfer gives to CA Firefighters Endowment.
The need for CPF locals to be politically active has never been more important than it is now. In times like these, it's good to have pros on your side. For more than two decades, Firefighters Print & Design (FFPD) has provided CPF locals and their members with high-quality union printing in support of candidates and issues important to the...
The need for CPF locals to be politically active has never been more important than it is now. In times like these, it's good to have pros on your side. For more than two decades, Firefighters Print & Design (FFPD) has provided CPF locals and their members with high-quality union printing in support of candidates and issues important to the lives of firefighters and their families.
The families served by the Muscular Dystrophy Association are truly grateful for the incredible support from the California Professional Firefighters. The impact that CPF members make on families throughout California is immeasurable.