Marin Firefighter News

 More than 1,000 uniformed firefighters, family members and dignitaries from throughout California gathered this weekend to pay tribute to those who gave their lives to protect the lives and property of Californians. In a solemn ceremony featuring honor guards and the traditional pipe and drum salute, 82 firefighters who fell in the line of duty – some from as far back as 1899 – were added to the California Firefighters Memorial.

Despite a furious last-minute lobbying effort and a direct telephone pitch from firefighters across the state, the California Legislature adjourned early Saturday without approving desperately needed first responder legislation. But a unified California fire service is vowing to keep working to pass the Emergency Response Initiative, which would pump hundreds of millions into local and state fire protection services.

This year's California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony will commemorate 82 individuals who paid the ultimate price to keep our state safe. The annual Memorial Ceremony honors firefighters who died in the line of duty, either from traumatic injuries in the field or from job-related causes.

Please bookmark this page for updated information on the event as it becomes available.

On a sun-splashed morning at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, the fire service gathered to say goodbye to the two of its finest … men who were, by any measure of the word, heroes. At a somber but inspiring ceremony, some 8,000 people paid tribute Saturday to fallen Los Angeles County firefighters Captain Ted Hall and Specialist Arnie Quinones. 

At a time when the retirement security of California families is under attack, CalPERS firefighters can make their voices heard by participating in the CalPERS Board of Administration election. The California Public Employees' Retirement System has mailed out ballots for its 2009 election activities to fill two "Member at Large" seats on the CalPERS Board of Administration.