California’s new Emergency Management Agency (Cal-EMA) has joined with labor and management to reject efforts to impose an inadequate physical ability test on both incoming and incumbent firefighters. In a joint statement, Cal-EMA, CPF and CalChiefs conclude that the National Wildfire Coordinating Group’s “Pack Test” can’t and shouldn’t be used as a “fit for duty” test.
California is looking for a few good women (and men) to serve on public safety's front lines. That's the message offered today by lawmakers and fire professionals as they renew efforts to build the next generation of first responders.
Three Ventura County firefighters are recovering in a Sherman Oaks burn center after narrowly escaping a deadly burnover while protecting a structure in the Santa Barbara fire yesterday. Fire Captain Brian Bulger, 57, and Ron Topolinski, 51, are resting at the Grossman Burn Center at Sherman Oaks Hospital, as is 44-year-old Firefighter Robert Lopez. All three are proud members of Ventura County Professional Firefighters Local #1364.
California’s ability to respond to catastrophic wildland fires could be dealt an immeasurable blow if the state follows through with cuts reportedly under consideration by the Schwarzenegger administration. According to state budget documents, a new budget shortfall could leave California short nearly 2,000 CAL FIRE firefighters during the peak wildfire months this summer. CPF believes this poses a real threat to public safety.
Recognize the symptoms of a heart attack and call 9-1-1 as early as possible. This was the message that CFFJAC Women's Commissioner Lisa Beaty brought home to the crowd of over 400 women that gathered at the annual American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Luncheon in Sacramento. The California Fire Foundation was a top sponsor of this event.