Even though his latest attack on pensions has failed to qualify for the ballot, former assemblyman and failed statewide candidate Keith Richman has promised to renew his bid to qualify an initiative that would dramatically roll back retirement security for firefighters, law enforcement and other hard-working Californians.
California Professional Firefighters is backing Governor Schwarzenegger's proposal to improve our state's fire response capability. The governor's budget includes a plan to add more than 100 new mutual aid fire engines, all pre-positioned with local governments and immediately available for response to major fires, as well as stable, permanent funding to fully staff CALFIRE engine companies.
The needs of California firefighters were a major focus of attention for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger at a community meeting in San Diego on Jan. 17th where he strongly defended his proposal to significantly improve the ability of firefighters to respond to devastating wildland fires like last fall's southern California firestorm.
Los Angeles City Firefighter Brent A. Lovrien. Lovrien died Wednesday from injuries sustained in an explosion that occurred during a response near LA Airport. Engineer Anthony J. Guzman was also injured in the explosion. Memorial services are scheduled for Friday, April 4, 2008, at 9:30am at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. A candlelight vigil will be held Thursday evening. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has ordered state flags lowered to half-mast. CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST DETAILS.
As part of the statewide Californians for Health Care and Retirement Security (CHCRS) coalition, CPF is planning to join the legal defense of Orange County employees retirement benefits. The Orange County Board of Supervisors is suing to take away existing pension benefits from retirees. Though it doesn't affect firefighters, CPF plans to join legal efforts to fight the take-away.