President Obama has signed the "James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act," which extends and expands eligibility for compensation under the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001. The measure passed during last year's lame-duck session, after being threatened by a GOP Senate filibuster.
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President Obama has signed the "James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act," which extends and expands eligibility for compensation under the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001. The measure passed during last year's lame-duck session, after being threatened by a GOP Senate filibuster.
Get a sneak peek of the latest issue of the CPF newspaper before it hits your mailbox! This issue includes stories about the 2010 election results, the California Firefighters Memorial, CPF's legislative successes, district reports and more.
It is with deepest regret that the Alameda Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 689, and the City of Alameda Fire Department announce the Line of Duty Death of Alameda City Fire Captain Scott Carnevale of occupational cancer. He was only 42 years old.
Last year was record-setting. The US Fire Administration reports the fewest on-duty deaths of firefighters since the agency started compiling statistics in 1977. There were 85 on-duty deaths in 2010, according to preliminary statistics.
The Pipes and Drums of California Professional Firefighters kicked off the new year in style, performing for the first time at the 122nd Rose Parade in Pasadena. The show was aired on over a half dozen TV networks in the US and broadcasted in more than 200 countries.
As Arnold Schwarzenegger leaves office seven years later, his record is that of a governor who made a difference for first responders ... on the front lines and in their professional lives. The outgoing governor capped his term by appointing two CPF members to the state's EMS Commission.
The U.S. Senate has overwhelmingly approved legislation that will provide compensation for first responders who answered the call on September 11, 2001. The measure, which allocates $4.6 billion to pay medical expenses for those who suffered illnesses related to their 9/11 response, was passed after a compromise removed the threat of a GOP...
The U.S. Senate has overwhelmingly approved legislation that will provide compensation for first responders who answered the call on September 11, 2001. The measure, which allocates $4.6 billion to pay medical expenses for those who suffered illnesses related to their 9/11 response, was passed after a compromise removed the threat of a GOP filibuster.
In December, CPF's EMS/Health and Safety Director Kevin White was honored for his leadership and contributions with a Distinguished Service Medal by the Emergency Medical Services Authority and the Commission on Emergency Medical Services.
The success of firefighter-backed candidates was a cause for celebration at the state and local levels. Further down the ballot, however, a less hospitable wind was blowing.
Contra Costa County firefighters have put together 350 new bicycles this year to be given out to low-income children in the annual Bikes for Tykes program. Every year for the past 20 years, firefighters have spent their pre-Christmas off-duty time assembling bicycles and tricycles at fire stations throughout the county for the program.
Understanding the 2010 Elections: The voters have spoken, but what were they saying? CPF posed this and other questions about Campaign 2010 to two independent experts who are veterans of the Capitol wars.
The city of Pasadena Tuesday ended a "brown out" in emergency fire services, reinstating a four-firefighter ladder truck that was temporarily taken out of action earlier this year to save money, officials announced.
Javier coached Little League baseball, played in a men's basketball league and played the trombone. He had a passion for traveling and often took roadtrips to Grants Pass, Ore., to visit his mother, brother and sister.
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Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today awarded the distinguished Governor's Medal of Valor to 17 CAL FIRE employees for acting above and beyond the call of duty. The firefighters received the Medal of Valor, the highest honor that California bestows upon its public servants, as part of a ceremony recognizing 38 state employees.
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Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today awarded the distinguished Governor's Medal of Valor to 17 CAL FIRE employees for acting above and beyond the call of duty. The firefighters received the Medal of Valor, the highest honor that California bestows upon its public servants, as part of a ceremony recognizing 38 state employees.
Every year, California Professional Firefighters invites photographers to share their unique view of the front lines with us through photos. This year, Craig Rose, Chris Nichols and Wes Schultz have been awarded first, second and third place respectively for their stunning entries to the CPF Photo Contest.
Elizabeth Harman, FEMA's assistant administrator of grant programs, discussed FEMA grant opportunities available to the fire service and related emergency medical organizations. She also revealed mistakes applicants make during the grant writing process.
Firefighters In Focus: A new training video, developed through the experiences of Sacramento firefighters, is changing the way first responders view organ donation.
It was a tough Thanksgiving Thursday for the family of a teenage boy who was shot to death last week, the victim of gang violence. But a group of Long Beach firefighters took it upon themselves to make the day a little brighter, by preparing and delivering a holiday feast for the family, all 80 of them.
For the past 17 years, Escondido Firefighters has baked pumpkin pies for St. Clare's Home in Escondido. This year, they will continue this tradition by baking 30 pies at the firehouse to bring holiday cheer to the homeless and battered women and children who are residents there.
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For the past 17 years, Escondido Firefighters has baked pumpkin pies for St. Clare's Home in Escondido. This year, they will continue this tradition by baking 30 pies at the firehouse to bring holiday cheer to the homeless and battered women and children who are residents there.
About 30 Local 891 members gathered at Mary's Mercy Center in San Bernardino on Wednesday morning to unload a truck full of donations for the nonprofit organization that serves the poor. It's the fifth year the local has made the annual donation and they have partnered again with Stater Bros. Supermarkets to increase the size of their donation.
Beverly Hospital officials say fire station closures may be delaying treatment for heart attack victims. Between April and June, the hospital dropped from No. 6 or No. 7 among the 32 hospitals participating in the "STEMI" rapid heart attack treatment program to No. 27.
Boy Scouts from throughout the Bay Area will be collecting Thanksgiving food donations for the area’s hungry and homeless. For the second year in a row, the California Fire Foundation is a sponsor of “Scouting for Food”, the annual food drive in the greater Bay Area.
CPF Firevision wraps up the November elections, and then takes a look at this year's CFFJAC Firefighter Career Expos, looking for the next generation of first responders.
Two firefighters who were killed trying to protect their fellow firefighters stuck in the path of last year's Station Fire will have Angeles Forest Highway named after them Monday.
We, the Firefighters of Marin County, have been fortunate that the economic climate has not slammed us like some of our brothers and sisters in the Bay Area. Our membership has, however, felt the impact of the recession. Each agency has been affected differently with salary, benefits, and working conditions continuing to be the subject for change. Many of us have found ourselves in a defensive position and have had to accept the reality that pay raises have been zero, deferred, or given back. While there have not been any layoffs or brownouts, minimum daily staffing levels have been dependent on agreements to fill open positions by overtime and by not backfilling for sick leave or vacation.
There were very few wildfires of note anywhere in California this year because of the unusual meteorological conditions. That's a good thing for homeowners and for air quality, but it's a drag on the pocketbooks of the thousands of seasonal firefighters who were laid off at the beginning of the month.
The 2010 Elections: Firefighter-friendly candidates did well in the 2010 November election.
CFFJAC Career Expos: The CPF co-sponsored Commission to Recruit Women for the Fire Service holds its 3rd annual Career Fairs, to attract the next generation of first responders.
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Based on survey data reported by fire departments, NFPA estimates that 78,150 firefighter injuries occurred in the line of duty in 2009. This is a decrease of 1.9 percent from the year before.
The 2010 Governor's Race: Why it Matters to You: For firefighters, 2010 is the "election of your career." CPF Firevision contrasts Jerry Brown's 40 year record of support for firefighters against Meg Whitman's vow to take away negotiating rights, secure pensions and job security.
Professional golfer Fred Couples was presented a helmet from the California Fire Foundation at a press conference Wednesday for his donation to the California Firefighters Endowment. In 2009, Couples donated $20,000 of his President's Cup winnings to the California Fire Foundation.
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Professional golfer Fred Couples was presented a helmet from the California Fire Foundation at a press conference Wednesday for his donation to the California Firefighters Endowment. In 2009, Couples donated $20,000 of his President's Cup winnings to the California Fire Foundation.
California’s first responders have some strong new support on both sides of the political aisle in the wake of Tuesday’s general election. CPF-endorsed Jerry Brown won the high-profile governor's race, and CPF-backed candidates declared victory in six of seven statewide races and over 95% of all legislative contests.
Scammers are posing as solicitors for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, asking consumers for donations to support firefighter training. The department says it is not conducting any type of fundraising campaign to solicit help from consumers.
The July closure of an east Ventura fire station as a cost-cutting move has shaved $163,000 in overtime costs, but department response times to emergencies in the surrounding neighborhood have fallen sharply, records show.
The 2010 Governor's Race: Why it Matters to You: For firefighters, 2010 is the "election of your career." CPF Firevision contrasts Jerry Brown's 40 year record of support for firefighters against Meg Whitman's vow to take away negotiating rights, secure pensions and job security.
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The 2010 Governor's Race: Why it Matters to You: For firefighters, 2010 is the "election of your career." CPF Firevision contrasts Jerry Brown's 40 year record of support for firefighters against Meg Whitman's vow to take away negotiating rights, secure pensions and job security.
The Santa Anas are back this week, with gusts between 35 mph and 55 mph blowing through the valley tonight and into Wednesday morning. But local fire officials agree it's unlikely a catastrophic fire will strike before the month's end.
What does it take to be a firefighter? Hundreds of potential firefighter recruits had a chance to see for themselves at this month's Firefighter Career Expos, sponsored by the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (CFFJAC) and its Commission to Recruit Women for the Fire Service.
2010 California Firefighters Memorial: More than 1,000 firefighters, family members and friends of the profession gathered in Sacramento October 16th to honor 31 fallen firefighters added to the California Firefighters Memorial.
Stockton Firefighters Local 456 members were threatened with discipline this week for participating in a "Go Pink" breast cancer awareness campaign. A directive from the Stockton city manager imposed a variety of restrictions on firefighters' participation in the campaign, and barred the sale of charity "Go Pink" t-shirts. Firefighters were advised they faced discipline if they participated.
In fire stations across the state, firefighters have traded in their standard blue on-duty shirts for petal pink ones. It's one way that CPF locals are thinking pink in October to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
California Firefighters Memorial: More than 1,000 firefighters, family members and friends of the profession gathered in Sacramento October 16th to honor 31 fallen firefighters added to the California Firefighters Memorial.
Thirty-one firefighters who died in the line of duty were forever memorialized when their names were added to the California Firefighters Memorial this weekend.
Firehouse Chefs: California is home to many of the country's best firehouse chefs, including CPF members Tara Daniels, Walter Scruggs and Eddie Sell, who have earned the title of celebrity chef.
California Professional Firefighters members across California rolled out the welcome mat when IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger and CPF President Lou Paulson embarked upon their four-day station tour across the state.
More than 2,000 firefighters, emergency personnel, friends and family gathered today at Sacramento State's Hornet Stadium for a memorial service honoring the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District firefighter James Saunders.
Hundreds of uniformed firefighters from throughout California will gather at the State Capitol in Sacramento to pay tribute to California firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our state safe. The California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony and Firefighter Procession on Saturday, October 16, 2010 will honor 31 individuals whose names will be added to the California Firefighters Memorial.
The 2010 Election is just weeks away and CPF has put together a special election issue of the CPF newspaper! The latest newspaper includes our CPF voter guide, our candidate comparison, statewide endorsements and more.
It is with deepest regret that Sacramento Area Fire Fighters Local 522 and Sacramento Metro Fire Department announce the death of firefighter Jim Saunders of Engine Company 101.
It is with deepest regret that San Miguel Fire Fighters Local 1434 and the San Miguel Fire District announce the passing of Fire Engineer Richard Pascall on October 1, 2010 of melanoma. He was 49 years old.
Families of fallen firefighters will be able to retain their loved one's California firefighter license plate and benefit from continuing attention to their needs, thanks to CPF-sponsored legislation signed by the governor. SB 88 protects the ability of firefighter survivors to keep their loved one's license and provides for a modest fee increase to families -- the first such fee increase in 15 years.
While uncertainty lingers over the fate of the long-overdue state budget, firefighters will benefit from new workplace safety, employee rights and retirement protection, thanks to CPF-sponsored legislation signed by the governor.
With the stroke of a pen, California’s firefighters have won new protection from the painful effects of job-related cancer. The CPF-sponsored William “Dallas” Jones Cancer Presumption Act — signed into law by the governor — doubles post-retirement coverage under the firefighters Workers’ Comp presumption from five years to 10 years.
In California, unprecedented cuts to fire station budgets are raising concerns about municipalities' ability to respond to emergencies, especially now that wildfire season has begun.
The LA Times, San Francisco Chronicle and more than a half dozen other key media across the state, have joined California Professional Firefighters in opposing Proposition 22, the League of California Cities' ballot initiative.
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The LA Times, San Francisco Chronicle and more than a half dozen other key media across the state, have joined California Professional Firefighters in opposing Proposition 22, the League of California Cities' ballot initiative.
Record temperatures in Southern California have put LA and Ventura County firefighters on high alert, as a fierce Indian Summer rolls through the state.
Firehouse Chefs: California is home to many of the country's best firehouse chefs, including CPF members Tara Daniels, Walter Scruggs and Eddie Sell, who have earned the title of celebrity chef.
Twelve children of fallen firefighters will be attending college, thanks to the Daniel A. Terry Scholarship. The program, which was launched in 2006, awards scholarships of $2,000 each year to qualified applicants.
Witness to Courage: Profile of Jeff Zimmerman, a retired firefighter turned full-time fire photographer who has created stunning, iconic images of firefighters in action.
Witness to Courage: CPF Firevision profiles Jeff Zimmerman, a retired firefighter turned full-time fire photographer who has created stunning, iconic images of firefighters in action.
Every year, California Professional Firefighters takes a moment to celebrate the heroic images that honor the profession of firefighting. Share your unique view of the front lines and you could be awarded $1,500! Photos must be submitted by November 22, 2010 to be eligible.
The 2010 Governor's Race: Jerry Brown's 40 years of support for firefighters and their families has earned him the CPF endorsement. CPF Firevision reviews Brown's record of support and the stakes for firefighters this November.
Under the guise of "reform," Proposition 22 locks a bulletproof shield around special pots of money for redevelopment agencies. Unelected and unaccountable, redevelopment agencies hand out lucrative taxpayer subsidies to developers for auto malls, hotels and stadiums.
Headlines: IAFF Convention comes to San Diego
Firefighters Giving Back: Founded by LA County firefighter Mike Dubron, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network offers hope and resources to firefighters deaing with cancer.
CPF Firevision is California Professional Firefighters' online news service. The 2010 Governor's Race: Jerry Brown's 40 years of support for firefighters and their families has earned him the CPF endorsement. CPF Firevision reviews Brown's record of support and the stakes for firefighters this November.
Tiburon Fire Protection District regretfully announces the death of retired Fire Chief Franklin J. Buscher.
A native of Tiburon, “Chief”, as he was commonly referred to even after his retirement, has affected the town and people of Tiburon in more ways than many of us will ever know. Among many things, Chief Buscher was a man of principal, kindness, dedication, and loyalty.
Budget cuts at the Chico Fire Department are making it harder for firefighters to do their jobs. The loss of three firefighters and closure of an engine engine at Fire Station 1 in July means it takes longer for emergency response.
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Budget cuts at the Chico Fire Department are making it harder for firefighters to do their jobs. In order to reduce operational costs, the department had to let go of three people and lost one fire engine at Fire Station 1 in July.
This video, taken from a firefighter's helmet in Oakland, shows firefighters pulling an unconscious dog from a house fire and reviving him to consciousness.
California Professional Firefighters came out on top at this year's 2010 IAFF Media Awards. CPF's quarterly member newspaper and the California Fire Foundation's "Firefighters On Your Side: Disaster Planning for the Elderly" campaign both took first place.
Firefighters may face a heightened risk for heart disease as a result of breathing in extremely fine particles that infiltrate the smallest air passages and lodge in their lungs, new research indicates.
Firefighters have been making a muscle and making a difference for children and adults fighting neuromuscular disease for over 55 years.
In 2010, milder temperatures and relatively normal rainfall have given rise to hopes that the state might be spared the worst this summer and autumn. But state officials, weather experts and fire behavior specialists have a sobering response: Don't bet on it.
Contra Costa firefighter and Local 1230 member Dave Manzeck was honored by the California Senate and Assembly today for his dramatic swift water rescue of a 74-year-old woman in April.
Headlines: IAFF Convention comes to San Diego
Firefighters Giving Back: Founded by LA County firefighter Mike Dubron, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network offers hope and resources to firefighters deaing with cancer.
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CPF Firevision is California Professional Firefighters' online news service. Headlines: IAFF Convention comes to San Diego Firefighters Giving Back: Founded by LA County firefighter Mike Dubron, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network offers hope and resources for firefighters dealing with cancer.
A study released by researchers at San Diego State University on Tuesday, shows increasing the number of firefighters per engine could save California millions. The researchers discovered that one extra firefighter per engine, could increase effectiveness of the state's firefighters by more than 50 percent, plus reduce the...
A study released by researchers at San Diego State University on Tuesday, shows increasing the number of firefighters per engine could save California millions. The researchers discovered that one extra firefighter per engine, could increase effectiveness of the state's firefighters by more than 50 percent, plus reduce the cost of fighting large wildfires.
Get a sneak peek of the latest issue of the CPF Newspaper before it hits your mailbox! This issue includes stories about the 2010 fire season, myths and facts about retirement security, the California Firefighters Endowment, district reports and more.
Woodland firefighter and Local 4029 member Tara Daniels scorched the competition on Friday, as her "Smokin' Pear Salad" scored an impressive 9.2 out of ten and jumped to the front of the pack in LIVE! with Regis and Kelly's "Coast to Coast Firehouse Cook Off."
FireStar Productions' contributions to the fire service were recognized this year by the Telly Awards. The video production company was honored with six Telly Awards including awards for San Jose Fire Fighters Local 230's "Every Second Counts" video, CDF Firefighters Local 2881 and CAL FIRE's "California's Fire Department"...
Fresno's Littlest Hero: A Fresno 7-year-old saves her sisters and grandmother from a fire, with some help from "Firefighters On Your Side"
Headlines: State budget deadlocked again, Corona FF bounces back from open heart surgery.
Fire Season 2010: A range of fire and weather experts agree -- California still faces a high fire risk this fall.
FireStar Productions' contributions to the fire service were recognized this year by the Telly Awards. The video production company was honored with six Telly Awards including awards for San Jose Fire Fighters Local 230's "Every Second Counts" video, CDF Firefighters Local 2881 and CAL FIRE's "California's Fire Department" video and CPF Firevision Episode 2.
Thanks to her pear salad recipe, Woodland firefighter Tara Daniels will be going to the Big Apple and meeting Regis and Kelly. The Local 4029 member got the good news this morning when show producers called to let her know she will be cooking on their "Coast-to-Coast Firehouse Cook-off" segment.
Black smoke billows over northern Los Angeles County as over 750 firefighters continue to battle the Crown wildfire this morning. Located in the Leona Valley, the wind-fueled fire has burned more than 8,000 acres, according to fire officials.
Members of the public chided a San Diego City Council committee Wednesday for emergency services cuts that they argued contributed to the death of a toddler who choked on a gumball.
Fresno's Littlest Hero: A Fresno 7-year-old saves her sisters and grandmother from a fire, with some help from "Firefighters On Your Side"
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CPF Firevision is California Professional Firefighters' online news service. Fresno's Littlest Hero: A Fresno 7-year-old saves her sisters and grandmother from a fire, with some help from "Firefighters On Your Side"
Seven-year-old Adriana Ignacio was honored for her heroism this week, after her quick thinking helped save her family from a raging fire in her Fresno home. Adriana helped guide her grandmother and two little sisters from the blaze using lessons from the California Fire Foundation's Firefighters On Your Side program.
Hemet firefighters say they've found their "lottery ticket" that will help keep a fire station open for at least two more years. The City Council will vote next week to approve a measure that would accept a $2.26 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security's SAFER grant program.