SECRETARY-TREASURER’S DESK | MIKE LOPEZ
Working Together,
Working for You
This past year turned our entire world upside down. Not only did it change what your duty as a firefighter means, it changed the way we interact with family and loved ones. For over a year, you have been on the frontlines in this fight and I can’t thank you enough for the work you’ve done to get to where we are. As you’ve led this fight, CPF remains committed to serving you.
Last April we were forced to postpone our biennial state convention, but staff stepped up to ensure we could still conduct the critical union business that charts our agenda for the coming years. To adapt with the times, Convention was held virtually for the first time in CPF history and at no cost to members. The biennial state convention is a fundamental process for our union. It gives elected delegates from local unions across the state the chance to come together to make your voice heard and unite our vision for the years ahead.
At December’s virtual CPF Convention, delegates put forth the top priorities to preserve, protect and enhance the quality of our profession. When determining our union’s direction for the coming years, there can often be a cost associated with certain priorities, but I am pleased to report that we closed out convention with no increase adjustments to your local union dues.
Being involved in this process is how you can affect change at the statewide level. Stepping up and getting involved in your local union is how you put your major issues at the forefront so we can fight for you. Though it was held virtually this year, our solidarity proved to be stronger than ever. View the full packet of adopted resolutions at cpf2020convention.org.
Additionally, wrapping up 2020 comes with annual auditing of all CPF expenses. As your secretary-treasurer it is my duty to work with CPF accounting staff on budgeting and reporting to ensure your dues are being used in the best way possible. After year-end expense reporting, it was estimated that we saved money from prior years, which allowed us to host the virtual convention at no cost to affiliates. Our external auditing firm gave us yet another positive report with no recommended changes, showing that we’re moving in the right direction. Another piece in this process is an internal audit to make certain that nothing goes unchecked. We begin this process in April and will keep you updated as we move forward.
As we brace for another year of wildfires, we are working to expand resources within the California Fire Foundation’s Benevolent Fund Program to provide additional aid to frontline firefighters. In 2018, the program was established in response to the losses experienced by the firefighters battling the Camp Fire and Woolsey Fire. The fund originally helped provide assistance to firefighters displaced or impacted by fire and natural disaster.
With continued support from Foundation's donors and increased funding, we’re working to further the mission of the Benevolent Fund to aid firefighters injured on the job. This program is yet another way for us to help support our brothers and sisters as you work tirelessly to protect and defend our state.
Finally, as we look forward at the road ahead, I want to express my sincere gratitude by honoring all CPF officers, past and present, who have paved the way for us today. Our union’s strength comes from the historic battles of our predecessors who fought to establish our position as the largest statewide organization to serve career firefighters.
We couldn’t have done it without them and we certainly can’t do it alone. Please stay safe, look out for one another and stay connected. I hope to connect with you all in person soon.