SECRETARY-TREASURER’S DESK | MIKE LOPEZ

Year End: Looking Back on 2023

As Secretary-Treasurer, my main focus is accountability and transparency for CPF’s finances. Our members deserve the assurance that their dues are being spent responsibly.

With inflation rates being what they were this year, I am proud that the status of our finances remains secure. Because of this, we were able to prioritize meeting with members and leadership at station visits, district meetings, and the CPF Legislative Conference. At each district meeting, I report the status and health of CPF and the California Fire Foundation’s finances to local leadership.

These opportunities to connect with leadership ensure that information is accessible to our members and that we can answer questions that you have about your union, fulfilling our commitment as officers.

None of this could be accomplished without our dedicated staff – I want to thank Irene Chu, CPF’s Finance Director, and the whole finance team for their diligent and impeccable work this year. CPF consistently receives a clean report card from the CPF Trustees and our outside accounting firm.

Our financial health is vital to maintaining a strong union. Looking back on this year, I can say with confidence that CPF’s finances have become more accountable, and our members' dollars are well protected.

Beyond finances, the CPF had a successful legislative session. I want to congratulate the CPF team and thank them for their tireless work on bills to protect our members. Navigating the complex political environment of today is a feat for any team, but the CPF legislative team stands out as one of the best in the Capitol.

I’d like to acknowledge all of our staff and their immediate response to the Lahaina Fire in Maui and say thank you to every member who gave or helped us raise money for our brothers and sisters impacted by the disaster. We sent over $800,000 to the Maui Fire Fighters Association Local 1463.

The fire in Lahaina brought back memories of watching my community be hit by a similar tragedy during the Camp Fire in 2018. Five years ago, members’ families handed out the California Fire Foundation’s SAVE Cards to those affected. Over 40 firefighters – both active and retired – lost their homes.

The Foundation’s efforts during the Camp Fire created a framework that we could rely upon to help our brothers and sisters impacted by the fire in Maui.

As we wrap up this year, I look back at the difficulties our membership faces as we navigate through our political environment. 2024 will be a heavy election year, so please use all your CPF and IAFF resources to better your local. I wish the best for all your families. Have a safe and happy holiday season.