CPF Fire Wire

On this episode of the Fire Wire, President Rice is joined by Jerry May, President of San Jose Fire Fighters, Local 230, to discuss the California Firefighter Cancer Research and Prevention Program, created by CPF-sponsored AB 700, and how this research will impact firefighters for generations to come. Together, they explore the value of early cancer screening and why building strong peer networks is essential for sharing ideas, resources, and opportunities that can help save lives.

On this episode of the Fire Wire, President Rice sits down with Firefighters First Credit Union Senior Vice President of Member Experience David Lillie and Vice President of Tax Services Mike Canny to discuss the credit union's rich history and the extensive benefits they provide our members.

CPF President Brian Rice speaks with Dr. Katherine Warburton, the Medical Director of the California Department of State Hospitals, about the CARE Act and the role firefighters can play in connecting individuals with behavioral health services.   Links mentioned in this episode:  https://care-act.org/training-material/first-responders-the-care-act/ https://www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act/ https://care-act.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CARE-Act-Brief-CARE-Process-Flow-08.30.2023-2.pdf https://care-act.org/training-material/petitioning-for-system-partners/ https://vimeo.com/1025105380

On this episode of CPF Fire Wire, CPF President Brian Rice sits with Monterey Firefighters Association, Local 3707 President, Ross Pounds and Chula Vista Firefighters, Local 2180 Political Action Committee Chair, Drew Smith alongside with CPF's very own Deputy Political Director Joe Armenta to discuss the importance of why we need to get involved in issue affecting the California fire service at a local level.

For decades, CAL FIRE firefighters have been forced to work 72-hour workweeks despite the standard 56 implemented at many departments around the state.  This has led to retention issues for the department and caused harm to CAL FIRE firefighters' families, physical health, and mental health.  Governor Gavin Newsom has included the 66-hour workweek in his proposed 2024 budget, which is currently under consideration by the California Legislature, bringing Local 2881 one step closer to parity.  On this edition of CPF Fire Wire, CPF President Brian Rice meets with CAL FIRE Local 2881 President Tim Edwards to discuss their ongoing fight to bring the hours in their workweek closer to the rest of the California fire service. The CPF membership has stood in solidarity with Local 2881 in this fight, and will need to continue to do so to help them get to 56.

CPF Pres. Brian Rice speaks with Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg on Proposition 1 and being part of the solution. For many Californians experiencing homelessness, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics are the first and only resource they have when they are in crisis. This is an unacceptable and unsafe reality, both for the Californians who are in need of shelter, services, or treatment and for the firefighters and EMTs who are charged with responding to these crises. More resources are needed for targeted solutions, and a higher priority must be placed on treatment and housing as permanent solutions instead of a temporary fix for those who struggle with homelessness. This is why Proposition 1 is needed in California. Prop 1 is a commonsense solution that will fund programs that get people the treatment they need - not in tents or in jail cells. Prop 1 doesn't raise taxes, and Prop 1 doesn't take funding from existing firefighter budget resources. CPF President Brian K. Rice sits down with Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg to discuss Proposition 1, which will be on our March primary ballot in California.

The 2023 legislative session in Sacramento wrapped up with solid wins for California's firefighters, the result of CPF's strong advocacy that works across the partisan aisle. On this edition of CPF Fire Wire, CPF President talks with Republican Assemblyman Heath Flora of Ripon about the legislative year, significant measures for firefighters, and the importance of working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.  

Funded by the Department of Justice, the Cal-LAST program is the result of a landmark partnership between the California Fire Foundation and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. This critical team provides comprehensive rapid-response support for local fire departments that lose one of their own. The primary mission of the team is to provide assistance and comfort to the family and department in the immediate aftermath of a line of duty death and help with filing DOJ-PSOB, state, and local benefits.  CPF President Brian Rice sits down with two members of the Cal-LAST team to find out what drives them to support the fallen and their families and peers. Thomas Jay is a retired Battalion Chief with the City of Riverside Fire Department. He has led the CPF Honor Guard for more than two decades and has been part of Cal-LAST since its inception. Tracey Hansen is a retired Chief of the Cosumnes Fire District who is a member of the CPF Pipes and Drums and has recently joined the Cal-LAST team. In this episode, they discuss how they became involved with Cal-LAST and what it means to them to support the fire service and the fallen brothers and sisters. Thomas and Tracey also break down the various components of the team and how they provide support to fire departments across California.

Firefighters are exposed to stresses on the job that few can contemplate. Sometimes, the job can take its toll. Nationally, firefighter suicides now consistently exceed the number killed in traumatic incidents. As part of the joint fire service Suicide Prevention and Awareness Stand Down in May, CPF President Brian Rice reconnects with Oxnard Fire Chief Alex Hamilton. A former Oxnard Firefighters board member, Chief Hamilton has developed groundbreaking peer-to-peer suicide awareness training for firefighters. He was first interviewed on Fire Wire in 2019. Among the subjects discussed are the impact the past four years, including the pandemic and increase in catastrophic wildland fires, have had in firefighters' mental wellness and what individuals can do to help themselves and others at risk of suicide.  

CPF President Brian Rice continues his conversation with retired Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522 President Richard Mayberry about the Sacramento firefighters strike of 1970. Mayberry and over 400 of his fellow firefighters walked off the job in October of 1970 in an action that had broad ramifications for the firefighter labor movement. Mayberry himself was arrested, tried and acquitted for his role in the action. Listen to Part 1 HERE: https://cpffirewire.podbean.com/e/cpf-fire-wire-sacramento-firefighters-on-strike/  

At a time when firefighters were underpaid, disrespected and subject to the whims of their employers, the firefighter union movement asserted itself in the early 1970s with an unprecedented wave of strikes. On this edition of CPF Fire Wire, we present Part One of a two-part episode that tells the story of one of those strikes, and how it was part of a pivotal moment for firefighters and the labor movement. Joining CPF President Brian Rice is Richard Mayberry, longtime president of Sacramento Area Firefighters 522. Mayberry was a relatively new firefighter in October of 1970 when more than 400 Sacramento City firefighters walked off the job. In Part One, Mayberry talks about the conditions firefighters faced at the time, and what drove them to an action that put every firefighter's job on the line.    

Civilian federal firefighters  have finally won a protection that state and local firefighters in California have had for 40 years -- a workers' compensation presumption for firefighter cancer. The victory, part of the federal defense authorization passed last year, caps a decades-long fight that was led by California's federal firefighters. On this CPF Fire Wire, CPF President Brian Rice discusses this important victory, and the work done by CPF and IAFF to help federal firefighters, with Charlie Martinez, CPF's 5th District Vice President and a 31-year federal firefighter.

The California Firefighters Memorial is a touchstone of remembrance for frontline firefighters and their families. The centerpiece of this tribute -- the Memorial Wall that carries the names of more than 1,500 fallen firefighters -- is running out of space. CPF President Brian Rice talks with California Fire Foundation Executive Director Rick Martinez about the meaning of the Memorial and plans to expand it to ensure that all fallen firefighters can have their sacrifice memorialized. cafirefoundation.org/memorialexpansion

On this edition of CPF Fire Wire, CPF President Brian Rice discusses CPF's legislative wins, the legislative process and the importance of building relationships at the local political level with CPF Director of Governmental Affairs, Doug Subers and CPF Governmental Advocate, Meagan Subers. CPF closed out a successful legislative session as Governor Newsom signed many priority bills, including SB 1127: Workers Compensation Presumption Reforms, and AB 450: Paramedic Disciplinary Review Board. As part of our legislative advocacy we also worked to stop AB 1993, a COVID-19 vaccine mandate that infringed on the rights of labor unions to meet and confer over such issues. Listen to the episode to learn what it takes to win for our members at the State Capitol.     

Cancer remains the leading cause of job-related illness and death among active firefighters. Now, a worldwide scientific panel -- the International Agency for Research on Cancer -- has said it more plainly than ever --  being a firefighter can cause cancer. On this edition of CPF Fire Wire, CPF President Brian Rice discusses the IARC finding and what it means for firefighters who've been denied presumptive Workers' Comp support.  Guests: Dr. Jeffrey Burgess, noted firefighter cancer researcher and invited contributor to the IARC working group. Bryan Frieders, President, Firefighter Cancer Support Network  

The cause of protecting the lives and livelihoods of firefighters must be defended every day.  Nothing is forever. On this edition of CPF Fire Wire, CPF President Brian Rice talks with Dave Coker, president of the Professional Firefighters of Greensboro (NC) Local 947. A longtime labor leader who cut his teeth as a lineman and CWA organizer,  Brother Coker talks about the importance and value of the union movement in a state where collective bargaining is illegal.  -- Professional Firefighters of Greensboro https://local.iaff.org/local0947 Organize the South Blog https://organizethesouth.substack.com West Virginia Mine Wars Museum https://wvminewars.org  

Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams are an indispensable part of major disaster response. California is the birthplace of USAR, and firefighters form the foundation of the state's eight USAR Task Forces. CPF President Brian Rice talks with one of the founders of USAR, Cal-OES Director Mark Ghilarducci. 

As the behavioral health challenges faced by firefighters come out out of the shadows, peer support has become an important way for firefighters to comfortably share their struggles. CPF's sponsored legislation signed in 2019 — AB 1116 — is designed to bring peer support into every fire department, with groundbreaking confidentiality provisions. On this edition of CPF Fire Wire, CPF President Brian Rice talks with the author of AB 1116 — Assemblymember Tim Grayson — about the new law and the importance of peer support.      

CPF President Brian Rice provides an update on CPF's work in Sacramento to protect its 32,000 front line firefighter members. Among the issues CPF is working on at the Capitol include: -- Workers' Comp Presumptions -- Firefighters are facing months, and sometimes years of needless battles fighting insurers over presumptive workers' comp claims. CPF's signature legislative effort would crack down on local governments and insurance companies aggressive and routine denials. -- Paramedic Wait Times -- Even before the COVID crisis, firefighter-paramedics have faced ER wait times of hours, as ambulances stack up waiting for patients to be transferred. CPF has been working on ways to moderate these epic "wall times", both now and in the future. -- Employer Vaccine Mandates -- CPF is forcefully opposing recently introduced legislation that would impose a vaccine mandate on public and private employers, including building a statewide labor coalition. -- Private Contract Firefighters -- President Rice discusses how CPF is pushing back against the encroachment of under-trained, poorly-paid private contract firefighters whose employers are trying to capitalize on California's wildfire crisis. President Rice speaks in conversation with CPF's Sr. Communications Advisor Carroll Wills.

Fighting side-by-side in the halls of power, CPF and the building trades have formed a united front that has won many battles for working people, from retirement security to stopping contracting out services to low-wage, undertrained workers. This month on CPF Fire Wire, CPF President Brian Rice has a conversation with one of the toughest and most influential labor leaders in the state: Robbie Hunter, outgoing president of the State Building and Construction Trades Council. The two men discuss the common values shared by firefighters and construction workers, the critical need to protect health and safety for workers in a dangerous job, and the importance of working people standing united together. cpf.org cabuildingtrades.org  

This past July marked the one-year anniversary of the dramatic and devastating fire aboard the U.S.S. Bonhomme Richard, an amphibious assault ship docked in San Diego. In this edition of CPF Fire Wire, CPF President Brian Rice talks with San Diego Federal Firefighters Local F-33 President Ian Piccolo. They discuss the incredibly difficult and dangerous firefight, and the critical efforts to ensure that the toxic exposures faced by members are recognized and appropriately treated by the Navy and DOD.  

Every day, firefighters are exposed to events and scenes few can imagine, and sometimes they can push men and women to the brink ... and beyond. In 2021, firefighters are more likely to die from suicide than from traumatic line of duty death. In this edition of CPF Fire Wire, we hear the story of one firefighter's struggle, in his own words. Anaheim Firefighter/Paramedic Matt Fiorenza's story of how he came close to ending it all, and how he came back, will resonate with many.  If you are struggling, you don't have to struggle alone. Help is available. HealingOurOwn.org. 

The challenges facing California remain as daunting as ever, from catastrophic wildfire to housing to COVID-19. The California Legislature is at the center of these challenges. In the latest edition of CPF Fire Wire, President Brian Rice talks with the top leader in the California State Senate -- Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins. Senator Atkins serves the 39th District, located in San Diego, and has been a staunch ally and advocate for firefighters during her time as a legislator and before, as a member of the San Diego City Council.  -- Background, information about Senator Atkins: sd39.senate.ca.gov

A January California Superior Court ruling will, if upheld, permanently strike down the most draconian pension-slashing initiative in California history: San Diego’s Proposition B. The 2012 pension grab in San Diego, which wiped out secure pensions for all city workers except police officers, has been the subject of an eight-year court fight. In the latest edition of CPF Fire Wire, President Brian Rice talks with San Diego City Firefighters Local 145 President Jesse Conner about the long legal fight, what the court decision means for retirement security, and the impact the San Diego fight will have on the ongoing effort to provide secure retirement for firefighters.  

In the past 12 months, California has experienced the teeth of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as record-shattering wildfires. The man charged with guiding the state through the crises of 2020 is Gov. Gavin Newsom.  As he did a year ago, Gov. Newsom again sits down for a conversation with CPF President Brian Rice to talk about issues affecting the state, including COVID-19 and the promise of the vaccines, forest management, the economy and what it’s like to navigate a year like no other.  

The first ray of hope in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic has come with the release of two vaccines for emergency use. The remarkable and highly effective vaccines are being distributed beginning this month, with frontline health care workers – including firefighter-paramedics and firefighter-EMTs – are on the priority list to receive it. On the premiere of the second season of CPF Fire Wire, CPF President Brian Rice and his guests discuss the promise of the vaccine, its safety and the impact firefighters can have in ensuring that critical health and safety measures -- like vaccination, PPE and ongoing safety protocols – are employed to help get us all back to normal.   

Anaheim Fire Captains David Baker and Joe Aldecoa experienced the real risks of COVID-19 the hard way. Both men -- healthy, experienced firefighters -- spent close to a month in the hospital fighting for their every breath after contracting the deadly virus. Baker spent 11 days on a ventilator in a medically-induced coma. On a special Fire Wire, CPF President Brian Rice and Health and Safety and EMS Director Mike Feyh talk with Brothers Baker and Aldecoa, and their partners -- Stacey Baker and Nikki Jackson -- who who are also COVID-19 survivors.  The families discuss their fight against the disease, the physical and mental toll it took, and the devastating impact it had on their lives and families. They also have a powerful message about the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The outbreak of SARS-Cov 2 (COVID-19) has once again placed firefighters on the front lines of a disaster. But unlike a wildfire or a normal EMS call, the pandemic has created unique stresses on firefighters and, more importantly, their families. On a special CPF Fire Wire, President Brian Rice discusses the behavioral health effects of the outbreak on our members and their families, the importance of managing the overwhelming stress associated with the outbreak, and the resources available to help. Joining Brian is Dr. Steve Froehlich, behavioral health director for United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, Local 112. Resources and information: healingourown.org/covid19

When the coronavirus COVID-19 hit the shores of the U.S, one of its first landing spots was San Jose. It's now clear that the members of San Jose Firefighters Local 230 were being exposed to COCID-19 on calls for weeks without knowing, and they were the first to feel its effects. On this episode of CPF Fire Wire, we tell the story of San Jose Firefighters and their position at the leading edge of the pandemic, CPF President Brian Rice is joined by San Jose Firefighters Local 230 President Sean Kaldor. The two leaders discuss the experience of San Jose firefighters in the early stages of the pandemic, how the department and the local responded, and what lessons their experiences offer for all California firefighters.

The outbreak of coronavirus COVID-19 has become a major public health issue worldwide. Fire and EMS personnel are on the front lines of the epidemic, and exposures of our personnel have already had an impact. On a special CPF Fire Wire, CPF President Brian Rice is joined by CPF's Health and Safety Director Mike Feyh to discuss the details of COVID-19 and the precautions firefighters can take in the field and in their homes, including Personal Exposure Reporting.  

On this edition of CPF Fire Wire, CPF President Brian Rice talks with two firefighters who have faced death from illnesses caused by their jobs.   Contra Costa Fire Captain Michael Lacy and Alameda Co. Firefighter Alex Mengell talk with President Rice about their life-and-death experiences dealing with job-related illness, their challenges getting treatment and recognition and how CPF's Personal Exposure Reporting can be as important in protecting firefighters and their families.  "If there's one episode of this program every firefighter should hear, it is this one." -- CPF President Brian Rice Sign up for CPF Personal Exposure Reporting: peronline.org. 

In this episode, CPF President, Brian K. Rice is joined by Stockton Firefighters Local 456 President, Mario Gardea and Tracy City Firefighters Local 3355 President, Paul O’Neal to discuss their EMS dispatch and ALS services battle in San Joaquin County. Emergency medical response is a central focus for first responders. When our ability to save lives is compromised – we fight back. Listen in as Brian, Mario and Paul discuss how locals united to stop an unprecedented power grab and what this means to other agencies around the state.

Brian and Governor Newsom discuss the Governor's first year in office and his commitment to firefighters across the state. As his first act in office, Governor Newsom invested over $400 million in wildfire response and preparedness. He created the California Rises benefit concert and raised millions in relief funds for the survivors of wildfires. Most signficantly, he recognized the need to address firefighter behavioral health and kept his campaign promise by signing AB 1116, confidential peer support, and SB 542, PTSI presumption.  Listen to this candid conversation with Governor Newsom and CPF President Brian Rice.

This episode features CPF President Brian K. Rice and California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee(Cal-JAC) Executive Director Yvonne de la Peña.  The careers of all California firefighters have been impacted by the Cal-JAC, from apprenticeship to journeylevel training and safety improvements. The Cal-JAC is a partnership between labor and management with a mission to bring diversity to the fire service, standardize firefighter training, innovate recruitment processes, provide resources to locals and departments, and much more. Brian and Yvonne talk about the positive impact of the Cal-JAC on the fire service and the work ahead. 

This was a historic legislative session for California firefighters. Listen in as CPF President Brian K. Rice shares testimony from members across the state that helped CPF-sponsored bills become law.  Governor Newsom signed the landmark behavioral health bill package, an important step towards breaking the stigma around mental health that will save firefighter lives. The governor also signed the EMS dispatch services bill, keeping dispatch in the hands of public agencies. The following new laws will go into effect in January 2020: AB1116 - Moves forward important confidentiality and peer support training to help ensure that firefighters are able to address their behavioral wellness. SB 542 - Creates a rebuttable post-traumatic stress injury presumption for firefighters in the state's workers' compensation system. SB 438 - Prohibits a public agency from outsourcing its local emergency dispatch services to a private, for profit industry.

This episode features CPF President Brian K. Rice and Ashley Iverson. Ashley's husband Cory was a CAL FIRE engineer and member of CAL Fire Local 2881. On December 14, 2017 Cory lost his life battling the Thomas Fire. Cory's sacrifice was honored at last year's California Firefighters Memorial. Brian and Ashley discuss the loss, the pathway to healing and the work Ashley is doing to honor Cory's memory.  Ashley Iverson will be speaking at the 17th Annual California Firefighters Memorial on September 28, 2019. You can watch the livestream of the memorial at cafirefoundation.org/memorial

This episode features CPF President Brian K. Rice and Assistant Chief, Oxnard Fire Department and Suicide Intervention Counselor Alex Hamilton. They discuss the impacts of the job on behavioral health, the need to break the stigma and the vital role peer support plays in getting firefighters the help they need. Tune into this podcast to learn the signs and resources that are available. If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1.800.273.8255

This episode features CPF President Brian K. Rice, Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522 Mike Feyh, LA County Firefighters Local 1014 Jason Cervantes and Kurt Kobler. All four come from very different points of view on the political spectrum and each are actively involved in their union. Brian, Mike, Jason and Kurt discuss how personal politics and union involvement can coexist no matter where you are on the political spectrum.

CPF President Brian K. Rice and Secretary – Treasurer Mike Lopez discuss the accomplishments of their first year in office and their vision for the future. From directly connecting to members in the field, to prioritizing Post-Traumatic Stress Injury legislation and providing trainings to locals.    Moderator: CPF Communications Director Carroll Wills.

President Brian K. Rice and CPF Director of Governmental Affairs Christy Bouma discuss legislative priorities. 

President Brian K. Rice is joined by CPF Communications Director, Carroll Wills, and Deputy Communications Director, Fera Dayani to discuss the future of labor and tips to activate your membership.

Episode one is hosted by CPF President Brian Rice with special guests Nick Gracia, President of Daly City Firefighters Local 1879, and Brian Ursettie, President of Arcadia Firefighters Local 3440. The three leaders will discuss why each CPF member made the choice to get active in our union and the power of standing together to make the firefighter voice heard.