Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522 is remembering the legacy of one of its own, whose profound impact extended well beyond his profession and his community. Retired Local 522 member Cliff Haskell, who died at home in Sacramento Feb. 11, was the driving force behind the creation of the Firefighters Burn Institute.
San Bernardino's police and firefighters unions will ask a judge later this week to let them sue the bankrupt city over pay and benefit cuts, arguing that officials have abused bankruptcy laws to impose concessions on safety workers.
The California Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) provided San Diego firefighters and other public workers with a major victory this week. In an exhaustive and well-documented decision, the PERB's chief administrative law judge ruled that San Diego's pension-slashing Measure B violated state collective bargaining law.
Sponsored by the CFFJAC's Commission to Recruit Women for the Fire Service, the Career Expos provide a unique opportunity to spend a day with firefighters and find out if a career in the fire service is right for you.
The Brown Administration has released a new draft fire safety standard that could eventually lead to the removal of cancer-causing chemicals from flame retardants used in furniture.
Using teachers, police officers, firefighters, and garbage truck drivers as scapegoats for budget shortfalls, the so-called “reformers” who want to overhaul public employees’ pensions are playing a game in which "If you feel like you’re losing, you change the rules."
Capt. Darrin Witt, a member of Huntington Beach Firefighters Local 3354 receives a bravery medal for rescuing a victim from a fire while he was off-duty.
Orange City firefighters have reached agreement on a new contract that preserves minimum staffing requirements designed to protect citizen and firefighter safety.
On a divided vote, the San Bernardino City Council imposed contracts on unions representing firefighters and police officers. The city is pursuing bankruptcy protection, in part by forcing its employees to pay the freight for a history of mismanagement.
Robert Sapien, president of San Jose Firefighters Local 230 explains how politics in San Jose are driving up crime rates and firefighter emergency response times.
It is with great sadness that IAFF Local 2881 announces the passing of CAL FIRE Battalion Chief Karen Jones Shubin. Karen passed away peacefully at her Napa home on Jan. 23, 2013 after a two year battle with cancer.
After noticing an increase in boat traffic in recent years, members of Oxnard Firefighters Local 1684 have begun incorporating marine firefighting to the list of skills they are required to master to server their constituents.
Gabe Stirnus, an engineer and member of Sonoma Valley Firefighters Local 3593, was named firefighter of the year in Sonoma by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and took top prize in the 16th VFW district as well as earning recognition at the state level.
San Jose fire officials have conceded that their response time statistics are off the mark, and that they are missing their targets more than they've let on. The "data error" was used to justify staffing cuts that have compromised public safety in San Jose.
Detroit firefighter mounts video camera to helmet for a full year to expose the dangers faced by firefighters at a time when firefighters around the country are fighting more fires with fewer resources.
Yet another Texas billionaire has decided he's going to spend big to "reform" retirement security in California. Voters, however, are tired of the posturing.
Ten Years Honoring California's Fallen -- The California Firefighters Memorial marked a decade honoring California's fallen firefighters with a two-day commemoration in Sacramento. CPF Firevision provides a recap of the moving ceremonies.
Monrovia Firefighters Local 2415 are saddened to announce the passing of Fire Captain Marlowe Crawford.
CalPERS is fighting back against a hostile anti-pension "crusader" who leveled misleading attacks at the nation's largest retirement system.
A $1.24 million federal Homeland Security grant to the Pinole Fire Department could reignite a two-year debate over the closing of the Pinole Valley Fire Station.
It looks like the promise of pension "reform" comes with a price tag for San Diego taxpayers. In its new city budget, San Diego officials predict a $44 million hike in the pension obligation, most of it caused by last year's Proposition B.
For the first time since before the Great Recession, California's budget does not have a deficit. So says Gov. Jerry Brown, who released his proposed 2013-2014 spending plan.
For the first time since before the Great Recession, California's budget does not have a deficit. So says Gov. Jerry Brown, who released his proposed 2013-2014 spending plan.
Off-duty Santa Rosa firefighter Tony Camilleri is being credited for spotting a Petaluma house fire and alerting the occupants to the danger.
Santa Maria firefighters responded to a destructive house fire during the holidays, and managed to save the family and its Christmas presents.
A local firefighters union cheers Gov. Jerry Brown's decision to deny parole to a man convicted in an arson murder of a 34-year-old firefighter.
Seven-year-old Daniel Barden of Sandy Hook Elementary wanted to be a New York City firefighter like his father's cousins. On Wednesday, FDNY firefighters in full dress uniform paid tribute to young Daniel, who was killed in Friday's Newtown school massacre.
About 200 people gathered at a chapel in San Bernardino for a two-hour memorial ceremony for retired fire engineer Gerald Mohney who died of brain cancer on Dec. 13 after 36 years in the fire service.
CPF President Lou Paulson joined 54 other select Californians on Monday, December 17th to participate in the Electoral College.
An architect charged with involuntary manslaughter for the death of a firefighter last year will face trial. Prosecutors allege architect Gerhard Becker negligently installed outdoor fireplaces in his home, a decision they say led to the death of veteran firefighter Glenn Allen.
Off-duty firefighter Kevin Buccola walked out of his gym on Nov 13th to find a crowd of people gathered around an unconscious man. Without Buccola's leadership that Tuesday morning, longtime Merced resident Richard Kirkman could have easily died from the heart attack he suffered.
After one of the most expensive initiative campaigns in state history, California Professional Firefighters this week began airing a radio spot thanking voters for their trust and support in rejecting Proposition 32, the Special Exemptions Initiative.
It is with great sadness that IAFF Local 2881 announces the passing of CAL FIRE Firefighter Luis Alfonso Magallanes-Molina of the Butte Unit. Luis passed away on Sunday, November 11, 2012 following his courageous five year battle with cancer.
San Diego City Fire Fighters Local 145 won a huge victory in Tuesday's election, as a harshly anti-firefighter Councilman Carl DeMaio lost his bid to become mayor of San Diego. DeMaio spearheaded a June ballot measure that imposed a privatized pension system on firefighters and other city workers.
California’s firefighters earned a hard-fought but historic win in last night’s elections. Despite $60 million in spending – much of it from billionaire special interests – California voters rejected Proposition 32, a measure that would have silenced the voices of working people.
An Arizona-based "non-profit" that made a secret $11 million contribution to a Yes on Prop 32 committee has admitted to acting as an intermediary for a group connected to super rich oil magnates the Koch brothers. According to the Fair Political Practices Committee, it's the largest case of campaign money laundering in California history.
Less than a week before Election Day, voters throughout California are receiving a “California Public Safety Newsletter”. What they’re really getting is a political slate mailer, sent by a for-profit political consultant that misleads voters about public safety positions on ballot measures.
Less than a week before Election Day, voters throughout California are receiving a “California Public Safety Newsletter”. What they’re really getting is a political slate mailer, sent by a for-profit political consultant that misleads voters about public safety positions on ballot measures.
USAR teams from L.A. County and Riverside have been placed on alert and firefighters from Northern and Southern California are being dispatched to support response efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
Every year, California Professional Firefighters takes a moment to celebrate the heroic images that honor the noble profession of firefighting. Share your unique view of the front lines and you could be awarded $1,500!
IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger joins CPF Pres. Lou Paulson at LA County rally, wrapping up CPF's 14-stop statewide No on 32 tour.
In the fight against Proposition 32, the stakes are high and every vote counts. That was the message delivered this week by IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger during a four-day, 14-stop tour of California fire stations and union halls.
So Cal Firefighters NO on 32 -- IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger and CPF President Lou Paulson hopscotched around California this week to spread the word to firefighters about the deceptive Prop. 32. The tour included ten different stops in Southern California, with great response at every one.
WATCH AND SHARE -- Prop. 32 on the November ballot goes after firefighters and working families, but gives special exemptions to wealthy corporate and individual interests. Firefighters talk about how this will impact their lives and the lives of those whom they serve.
Uniformed firefighters, family members and dignitaries from throughout California gathered Saturday in Sacramento to pay tribute to those who gave their lives to protect the lives and property of Californians.
Supporters of Prop. 32 claim that it "cuts the money tie between special interests and politicians." It's a lie. And an $11 million donation from a shadowy Arizona nonprofit illustrates why.
Los Angeles County Firefighters Local 1014 is saddened to report the death of Firefighter/Paramedic John James Cobos.Brother Cobos suffered from job-related cancer and died October 12th.
This year, as we commemorate our 10 year anniversary of the California Firefighters Memorial, we hope you will help us memorialize the sacrifice and dedication of our fallen heroes over a very special two day event October 19- 20, 2012.
The Legislature has adjourned for 2011/2012 session and September 30, 2012 marked the bill signing deadline for the Governor to take action on measures that were passed by Legislature. Among the measures signed and vetoed by the Governor were many sponsored and supported by the CPF. Here is a wrap-up of a handful of bills of interest to CPF affiliates.
The Los Angeles Times says Proposition 32 "is a deceptive measure that would disproportionately weaken some special interests while leaving others essentially unaffected."
The battle to silence labor has moved from Wisconsin to California with Prop. 32 ID'ed as the "starkest threat" to labor in the nation.
Recent polls show that the public isn't necessarily clamoring for more attacks on pension. A trio of recent polls indicate that a majority of Californians believe recently passed changes either went too far or are about right.
Your profession in the palm of your hand. The CPF Mobile App helps CPF members keep up with the latest news and critical information affecting their lives, their families and their futures. Download today for iPhone, iPad and Android smartphones.
Once more, secretive organizations and super-rich individuals are trying to mislead voters by claiming to offer campaign finance reform. So says The Sacramento Bee in urging California voters to reject the deceptive Proposition 32 and its phony reforms.
In editorializing against Prop. 32, the San Francisco Chronicle says voters should "see through the facade" and vote NO.
Have you heard? Prop. 32 gives special breaks to the wealthiest special interests while silencing the voices of everyday Californians. Check out and share the first No on 32 spot.
A secretive out-of-state Super PAC with ties to billionaire oil tycoons the Koch Brothers has dropped $4 million in support of Proposition 32. The deceptive initiative would silence the voices of working families and let Koch-style Super PACs spend unlimited amounts on politics.
Legislation imposing sweeping rollbacks on retirement security for future public workers was signed today by Gov. Jerry Brown.
CDF Firefighters Local 2881 sadly announces the passing of Fire Captain Dennis Hanson. Dennis has lost his battle with job-related cancer and passed away on Sep 8, 2012.
Select Southern California Papa John's Pizza locations will dontate a portion of proceeds to the CA Fire Foundation Sept. 11 - Oct. 21.
Local I-79 and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory Fire Department is saddened to announce the untimely death of Firefighter Jeffrey Gonser.
A San Jose firefighter who suffered an on-scene heart attack is awake and alert after a week of unconsciousness. Frank Ryan collapsed Aug. 30 while on the scene of a fire at St. Patrick's Cathedral in downtown San Jose.
Reforms to protect the firefighter image and close loopholes that have cost families survivor benefits were among the successful legislative victories for firefighters as the 2012 Legislative Session closes.
Reforms to protect the firefighter image and close loopholes that have cost families survivor benefits were among the successful legislative victories for firefighters as the 2012 Legislative Session closes.
On the last day of the legislative session, the California Senate and Assembly approved legislation that imposes sweeping changes in California's public pension system.
Employee benefits will rise, medical restrictions will be modified, red tape will be cut and employer rates will go down under a CPF-backed Workers' Comp reform measure approved by the Legislature.
Employee benefits will rise, medical restrictions will be modified, red tape will be cut and employer rates will go down under a CPF-backed Workers' Comp reform measure approved by the Legislature.
As lawmakers prepared to vote Friday on an historic rollback of retirement security, critics say the proposed pension deal usurps collective bargaining and is unbecoming of politicians who claim to support the Middle Class.
The San Jose Mercury News joined a growing list of those who are saying NO to Prop. 32 -- the Special Exemptions Act. "A sham," says the Merc, "that would magnify the influence of wealthy interests while shutting out many middle class voters."
In a stinging rebuke, the Ventura County Star says Proposition 32 -- The Special Exemptions Act -- is a "sham" in "unequivocally recommending a no vote."
At a news conference today in Los Angeles, Gov. Jerry Brown announced an agreement that will take public employee retirement security back to the Reagan years.
Nine fires that have collectively burned more than 400,000 acres may get an assist from Mother Nature as winds have begun to die down. More than 8,000 firefighters have been on the lines battling the blazes, the largest of which is on BLM land straddling the California-Nevada border.
San Jose Firefighters Local 230 is saddened to announce the line-of-duty death of Captain Jose Martinez. Brother Martinez died August 12th from job-related cancer.
On Sunday, October 7, 2012, the Firefighter Cancer Support Network will celebrate its Fifth Annual Gala Dinner & Fundraiser, "Fight Cancer with Fire." The evening promises to be fun-filled, with surprise entertainment, at a wonderful venue, with a specially prepared meal!
In Part 2 of a series of profiles commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the California Firefighters Memorial in Sacramento, CPF President Emeritus Dan Terry recalls the founding of the Memorial.
California Professional Firefighters has published its 2011 Annual Report, reviewing the highlights and accomplishments of the year as well as the challenges ahead. CLICK HERE to read and download the report.
The East Bay Citizen: Prop. 32 on the November ballot virtually invites big money special interests to spend unlimited dollars on a "tsunami of initiatives" aimed at rolling back public and private sector workers.
Media reports about the bankruptcies in Stockton and San Bernardino have tried to link these disasters to pension costs. CalPERS President Rob Feckner says the facts tell a different story.
CPF is pleased to work with Kaplan University to offer a special opportunity for CPF members. CPF members can earn degrees in fire science and emergency management online while on the job, and may receive credit for JAC or SFM training.
Bakersfield Firefighter Jimmy Watkins finished sixth Sunday in the men's cycling sprint at London's Olympic Velodrome. It was the United States' best Olympic finish in track cycling's blue-ribbon in 12 years.
The decline in secure pensions has coincided with a disturbing increase in elder poverty and future "reforms" could push millions into poverty. So says a new report from the National Institute for Retirement Security.
The critics of public pensions have tried to inflate the supposed pension crisis by assuming incredibly low return rates for CalPERS investments. But a respected independent expert who co-authored a book on California government dysfunction says these assumptions have no grounding in history, and, if implemented, could cost the next generation.
The cities' anti-labor, anti-firefighter spin being peddled about municipal bankruptcies is coming unraveled. Turns out Stockton and San Bernardino were sub-prime central, and were done in by housing meltdown ... not labor contracts.
Another city seeks a free pass for mismanagement by rushing to bankruptcy. "Fraud, misuse of funds and financial waste" alleged.
San Francisco Chronicle analysis underscores Prop. 32's risks. The initiative's special exemptions let partisan mega donors continue spending freely on campaigns, but deals a "devastating blow" to labor.
A statewide pension analyst often quoted by anti-union forces has run the numbers in San Bernardino. Conclusion: Economic meltdown, mismanagement and toxic politics are at the heart of the San Bernardino bankruptcy bid.
Super PACs and business special interests already have a pervasive influence over California elections. Passage of Prop. 32 would, however, make it easier for Super PACs to gain even more control of our electoral system, while union members and working families are stripped of their political voice.
The new president of AFSCME says national attacks aimed at firefighters and other public workers is creating a "race to the bottom" that hurts the Middle Class.
Stop the Special Exemptions Act -- Prop. 32 on the November ballot would silence the voices of firefighters and working families, but give special exemptions that allow Super PACs and the super rich to spend unlimited money on campaigns.
Californians for Retirement Security's Barbara Maynard tells Fox 11 LA that public sector employees want to end pension abuses but that reform attempts must be thoughtful and must avoid one-size-fits-all solutions.
Some 4,000 local state and federal firefighters are battling a group of Northern California wildfires that collectively have burned nearly 40,000 acres.
IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger has penned an op-ed for the Huffington Post debunking skewed study from Pew Centers. Bottom line: Funding "crisis" is overstated.
Like those in Stockton, city residents in San Bernardino aren't faulting employees for the city's bankruptcy attempt. Instead, they are fingering years of fiscal mismanagement by local leaders.
Looks like Californians aren't as crazed to slash retirement security as some would have you believe. A new independent poll shows more than half believe pension levels are about right or too low. Voters also back public employee collective bargaining.
Proposition 32 on the November ballot -- the Special Exemptions Act -- would choke off the effective voice of you and your fellow firefighters, all the while protecting the rights of corporations and the super rich.
Critics are often at the forefront of pension reform, but can tangible solutions arise by cutting from the livelihoods of thousands of public employees? Before we hurt the ones who have dedicated their lives to help others, take the time to understand how the system works.
Uniformed firefighters from Stockton and San Gabriel joined medical researchers, furniture manufacturers and environmental groups at a legislative hearing to call for an end to the use of dangerous toxins in furniture.
Uniformed firefighters from Stockton and San Gabriel joined medical researchers, furniture manufacturers and environmental groups at a legislative hearing to call for an end to the use of dangerous toxins in furniture.
CPF- and IAFF-backed efforts to get cancer-causing toxins out of fire retardants got a boost when Gov. Jerry Brown issued a directive to revise California’s decades-old flammability standard.
CPF- and IAFF-backed efforts to get cancer-causing toxins out of fire retardants got a boost when Gov. Jerry Brown issued a directive to revise California’s decades-old flammability standard.