On this episode of CPF Fire Wire, President Brian K. Rice sits down with Oxnard Fire Department Chief Alexander Hamilton for a candid and powerful conversation about mental health in the fire service. Together, they break down the challenges firefighters face both on and off the line, and share practical insights on recognizing the early signs of crisis in yourself and your crew, taking meaningful steps to protect and strengthen your own mental health, and offering real support when a fellow firefighter needs it most. This episode opens the door to an honest dialogue, reminding us that caring for mental health is just as vital as the job itself. Explore firefighter-focused mental health resources at HealingOurOwn.org

On this episode of CPF Firewire, President Brian K. Rice sits down with CPF Insurance Trust Chair Scott Austin and Director Jason Cervantes. They discuss their work as Board Members of the Insurance Trust, helping ensure CPF members, both active and retired, have access to the best available insurance coverage. Hear what inspired their involvement, how they're supporting firefighters and their families through every stage of their careers, and what plans might be best for you.   Contact the CPF Insurance Trust at 888-550-5000, info@ptwinsurance.com, or visit cpf-insurance.com

On this episode of CPF Firewire, we talk with Brian Abney of Orange County Professional Firefighters, Local 3631, a recently retired Fire Captain/Paramedic and trusted resource on workers’ comp, about what firefighters need to know and why understanding the system is critical to protecting yourself and your career. Tune in as he shares what led him to take on this role, the lessons he has learned along the way, and how he's helping his fellow firefighters navigate the complex compensation system.

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

CPF and member leaders discuss the importance of why we need to get involved in issues 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.  

CPF Pres. Brian Rice speaks with Cal-LAST members Thomas Jay and Tracey Hansen on honoring our fallen and being part of this invaluable team.

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. Jeff 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 Greensborohttps://local.iaff.org/local0947 Organize the South Bloghttps://organizethesouth.substack.com West Virginia Mine Wars Museumhttps://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.