PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE | BRIAN K. RICE

a momentous convention

We recently wrapped up a historic 49th Biennial Convention in Carlsbad where members from around the state came together to help us chart our course for the next two years. It was an enormous success, and I want to say congratulations to all our locals who participated and made their voices heard. I want to touch on a few of these successes.

First, there were many resolutions passed by the delegates on statewide policy directions as well as internal programs and resources provided by our organization. Resolutions submitted by local affiliates put forward a strong vision for political and advocacy work over the next two years. Additionally, robust discussion and resolution work not only charted a path for CPF’s growth, but affirmed the membership's shared beliefs in the potential of this organization. For example, the passage of a staffing increase resolution makes it clear that the membership has seen the vision over the past six years and supports our forward thinking over the next several years.

PEPRA reform is high on the list for many of our locals and I am happy to report that one of the resolutions passed by the body directed us to begin to secure modifications to this law. This will be a long and complex journey, but we are determined to begin making the necessary changes to move the needle away from the harmful impacts on our younger members.

We know all too well that cancer is one of our biggest threats and the leading cause of occupational deaths among firefighters. The CPF will be carrying a resolution to the IAFF Convention in Boston this summer encouraging them to pursue federal funding for firefighter cancer research. Additionally, we are sponsoring AB 2408 which will ban the manufacture and sale of turnouts containing PFAS in California. CPF is not afraid to tell manufacturers that enough is enough, and we will not tolerate any toxic substances in the gear that is supposed to keep us safe.

The presidential election is on the horizon, and you can expect firefighters to be involved in races at every level of government that impacts our jobs. The decision reached at convention to modernize our PAC will fortify our ability to bring positive results to our members at the state and local levels. And while we are precluded from spending money at the federal level, it is still important for us to educate our members on all issues that affect their livelihoods and impact their ability to provide for their families. We owe it to you to make our voice heard, and we will.

More than ever, it is important to stay actively involved in matters that impact our profession, our wages, benefits, and working conditions not only for our families but also for our communities that we are sworn to serve. We support those who support us and labor. When leaders stand with us on these core issues, regardless of their party, we stand with them.

As a true demonstration of this, one of our proudest moments of the convention was when we learned that the Governor stayed true to his commitment to CAL FIRE Local 2881 by including the 66-hour workweek in his 2024-25 budget. Following the excellent work of the L2881 bargaining team, CPF and L2881 worked hand-in-hand to advocate with the Governor and legislative leaders on the critical importance of the 66-hour workweek. We all came together for this, and it shows that when we band together there is strength through solidarity.

I am so proud to serve as the leader of this great organization and continue to push for improvements and protections for each of you and your families.