PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE | BRIAN K. RICE

Solidarity in Action: Protecting Firefighters
Through Unity and Advocacy

One of the things I am most proud of as the President of California Professional Firefighters is the solidarity of our brothers and sisters. Over 300 members stood shoulder to shoulder at the Capitol to voice their support of AB 1383 in April. This was more than a demonstration - it was a testament to the unwavering bond among firefighters. Whether on the front lines of an emergency or in the halls of government, we show up for one another. The bill passed unanimously and had the addition of two co-authors. I am proud of every member who made their voice heard, and I am inspired by the unity that continues to define our profession. We will continue to advocate with determination and integrity until our voices translate into meaningful change.

Retirement security is not just about numbers; its about honoring the service and sacrifice of the men and women who put their lives on the line every day. Lives that are being impacted all too often by harmful exposures on the job - exposures that cause cancer or career-ending injuries. CPF is committed to the fight against cancer and our recent episode of the Fire Wire podcast highlights the importance of efforts underway including the California Firefighter Cancer Research and Prevention Program. This is an innovative research program pairing researchers with firefighters to focus on cancer in the fire service and CPF is hard at work to support their efforts now and into the future.

These efforts are only a piece of the puzzle. Talking to other affiliates and sharing resources is paramount for firefighter health and safety. Just this past April during our 3rd District Field Ops, Secretary-Treasurer Mike Lopez and I were speaking with members from Stockton Professional Firefighters, Local 456 on the increase of lithium-ion battery fires and the risk they cause to firefighters. That next week, President Devon Robson and his crew were called to a commercial fire, and they were preparing for an aggressive attack. It was determined early on that this was an undisclosed Tesla product recycling facility. Because of the conversation during our visit the prior week, President Robson was able to make a decision about how to handle this particular call which no doubt protected firefighters from unnecessary exposures. This is a reminder that staying active and engaged in union meetings gives you direct access to critical insights and real-world experiences that potentially could save lives.

With the recent launch of its new website, the CPF Membership Activism Committee is expanding its reach and making it easier than ever for members to get involved. The fight for AB 1383 and the continued push for firefighter safety are driven by more than policy - they are powered by people. The committee is leading this charge, organizing members statewide to turn passion into progress. Whether it’s protecting retirement, preventing cancer, or responding to new threats like lithium-ion battery fires, the committee is working to ensure members are informed, engaged, and ready to act. When we stand together, we don’t just react to change – we create it.