CAL-JAC

Innovation in Action: 2025 Cal-JAC Conference Recap

Cal-JAC’s 17th Biennial Conference, hosted in Rancho Mirage, brought together labor leaders, training officers, and department management across California, with a shared focus on innovation in the fire service. From cancer awareness to workforce development and emerging operational threats, the conference reflected the Cal-JAC mission: to prepare firefighters for both today’s realities and tomorrow’s challenges.

Celebrating 20 Years of the Women's Commission

This year, the conference marked the 20th anniversary of Cal-JAC’s Commission to Recruit Women for the Fire Service. Founding members, Emily Lo and d’Lisa Davies, were present to receive commemorative Women’s Commission badges, while current Commissioners were also celebrated for their achievements. Daniel A. Terry, Chair of Cal-JAC and President Emeritus of the California Professional Firefighters, who started the Commission in 2005, had the honor of presenting these women with their awards. “Today, through perseverance and tribulation, we celebrate our well-respected Women’s Commission. It is their efforts that bring us closer to a California Fire Service that represents the communities we protect and serve.”

Over 70 of Cal-JAC’s participating fire departments and CPF locals took part in workshops focused on strengthening health, safety, and operational readiness across the fire service. One of the most impactful sessions came from instructors from San Diego Fire-Rescue and the Office of the State Fire Marshal, who addressed the emerging operational threat of lithium-ion battery incidents. They walked attendees through real-world scenarios and evolving best practices for responding to these complex emergencies. Many who gave feedback on the workshop felt motivated to educate themselves further, and eager to share what they learned with their communities.

Other engaging workshops were led by the Women’s Commission, Institutes of Health, and the National Communication Resolution Center. They hosted packed rooms to discuss effective solutions to recruiting and retaining women in the fire service, an evidence-based biopsychosocial approach to restoring resilience in firefighters, and successful de-escalation strategies during tense situations. A common theme among the workshops promoted firefighters’ general health, safety, and well being, underscored by the keynote presentation from Ed Viesturs, high-altitude mountaineer, whose main message was that the ultimate goal for any heroic feat, should be to make it back home.

Partnership for Success Award

At each conference, Cal-JAC proudly presents the Partnership for Success Award to honor excellence in labor-management collaboration. This year’s recipients, Solano Napa Professional Firefighters, Local 1186, and Vallejo Fire Department, were recognized for their joint commitment to collaboration, training, and ensuring that firefighters are equipped to protect the public safely and effectively.

As Cal-JAC Executive Director Yvonne de la Peña reminded attendees during her opening remarks, the ongoing evolution and necessity of training and preparation in the fire service reflects the core strength of the program. “The training and skills that Cal-JAC provides represent a true commitment from our partnerships,” she said, “and really reflect the growth and strengthening of the essential training needed to meet the evolving needs of our communities.”