SECRETARY-TREASURER’S DESK | MIKE LOPEZ
Paving the Way Forward
As leaders of our union — whether local or state — we take an oath to make decisions for the good of you, our membership. We commit to reflect our strong union values and improve the lives and livelihoods of California’s frontline firefighters.
Just as we hold certain standards in training, on the front lines and day-to-day in the fire house, as a union family, we must hold each other accountable within our own locals and membership. This goes beyond openness and “transparency” about our actions. It also means holding to the values and principles that are part of our calling as firefighters even as we accept leadership in the union.
It’s in our nature to go above and beyond the call of duty, and it’s a privilege to represent the dignified strength that our union has fought so hard to protect.
As a union officer or elected leader, we must acknowledge that not one person has all the answers. We are obliged to welcome and incorporate the input of our collective wisdom as members. As dues-paying members, initiating a respectful conversation that others may shy away from is your right; it could impact positive change for your local or statewide union, making us even stronger. In the time I’ve been privileged to be a union leader, I have valued those who speak up to ask difficult, and sometimes uncomfortable, questions. It is something we should never stray from in elected positions.
CPF recently underwent our annual Trustee reporting process, bringing forth the opportunity to challenge my own role and processes for future reporting. In the aftermath of this report, I made the decision to do a deeper look into any areas we could find room for growth. This is not a negative reflection of previous or current processes. It simply means we must always continue to find areas where we can improve.
As leaders, it is our obligation to find opportunities for growth. We must never shy away from holding ourselves accountable — I couldn’t sleep well knowing there were areas where we could improve and chose not to do so.
As someone who also led a local union, I believe our local officers would benefit from this kind of reflection through regular audits of processes and procedures. This type of oversight and reporting allows you to address how things are being done, whether they’re best serving the membership and where these areas can be improved to further the goals of providing efficient, effective service to our members.
Again, putting your eyes toward future improvements doesn’t mean there is a problem in the present. It simply means that we are obliged to be proactive in order to hold our business to the highest standards possible. Pushing beyond that comfort zone of “the way things have always been” is where positive change happens, and the integrity of our union is upheld.
This year, we once again see our firefighters leading the fight against yet another year of devastating wildfires. Drier conditions and little to no rainfall have kept you on the front lines more often than not once the first major wildfire strikes. Last year, we experienced a new pattern of complex fires around the state taking their spots in the top five largest wildfires and acres burned in state history – entering the “megafire era.”
Your unwavering commitment and duty to service has not gone unnoticed. CPF was approached by Quotable Pictures, known for their documentary “Robin’s Wish,” to bring the realities of our profession to light. CPF has been working closely with the producers, with an eye toward helping them tell the real story of the California fire service, mutual aid and emergency response.
I want to thank each and every one of the men and women holding the line through it all. Whether it be the COVID-19 pandemic or the latest record-breaking wildfire, your resilience and dedication to ensuring the health and safety of your communities continues to set the gold standard for emergency response.
Just as you’re there for each other, CPF is here for you.
Finally, I would urge a no vote on the recall election, to help secure your critical workplace protections and family security, and get your vaccination to protect our families, our members and the citizens we protect.