SECRETARY-TREASURER’S DESK | MIKE LOPEZ

An Autumn of Risk and Remembrance

First, I would like to say thank you for all the hard work you have been doing protecting the citizens of California this year. This “new normal” has become anything but normal: Every year, fires are more devastating to the communities we protect. The unprecedented call-to-duty has forced our members to be away from their families longer than ever. Your health and safety is the utmost priority of this union. 

On August 23, our Membership Activism Committee met in Sacramento to act on Resolution 18 from the convention in May. The meeting was a first step in a continued mission to carry out the will of the members. The committee talked about numerous media outlets for communication to the membership including but not limited to mailers, website, social media, leadership alerts plus working hand in hand with our communication department. 

You should have already received from this office information about our endorsements for the State level offices and PERS board. It is vital that you pass this information on to the membership and enforce to your members that the CPF has its political information available through social media and on our website. Remember that the deadline to register to vote is October 22. 

In my first couple of months in office, I have been working with our accounting staff on all aspects of our financial processes. Our staff is fully engaged with budgeting, state and federal reporting, foundation reporting, PAC reporting plus many more responsibilities. If your local has any questions regarding its filings, reporting deadlines or any financial questions for your local, please contact me or our office and we will be more than ready to assist you. 

As we move towards the end of the year, let me remind the locals of the extended tax filing deadline for Form 990: November 15, 2018. On the IAFF website under the “Secretary-Treasurer Resources”, you will find very good information regarding your roles and responsibilities for filing your Form 990

Many of you now have been working towards retirement and this year could be your final year on the job. For those who are in CALPERS, the staff is very helpful and informative towards making your transition into retirement life seamless. If you are even contemplating whether this is your year or not, please make an appointment with CALPERS to see the benefits to which you’ll be entitled. As a reminder, for CALPERS members, you must have your beneficiary on file with CALPERS for benefits – a Will or Trust listing beneficiaries is not the same, it must be on file with CALPERS. 

Finally, as we are approaching the end of the calendar year, the California Firefighters Memorial is a ceremonial event that brings our families together. The memorial is a very special place for our families, friends and co-workers. This year we honor 37 firefighters who sacrificed all, during this time of remembrance, please take the time to reflect on why we are here and the job we do.

I personally want to thank the CPF Pipes and Drums, the CAL LAST team and every participating union band and honor guard who attend this year’s memorial. The dedication from this group of men and women is beyond words. Thank you.