This Saturday is July 4th, and we will celebrate the independence of our country – the land of the free because of the brave. 

With drought conditions, the increased number of fires and pandemic emergencies, our members are consistently on the front lines in order to protect the lives and property of those in our communities. At the same time they are missing time with their families.

Remember to stay smart, stay safe, take care of each other and make it home after every shift.

Stay The Course,

President Tim Edwards

The memorial service for FC Lutz will begin at 1100. To view live stream please click the link below.

https://vimeo.com/432350402/d4412931df

Our latest episode features Rick Swan, a 33 year veteran of CAL FIRE who now serves as the IAFF Director of Health and Safety Services. In his duties, Rick oversees the implementation of the IAFF's new Wildland fire training program and advocates for better safety initiatives for fire fighters working in the wildland urban interface.

Rick talks about his time at CAL FIRE, the size and complexity of wildfires, and the 2020 wildfire season. 

Listen here

RedZone has highlighted five lesser-known areas where homeowners have increased wildfire risk

Read about each zone here.

By Katelyn Gilliam, Wellness Unit Analyst

As stated in CAL FIRE’s 2019 Strategic Plan: “The health and effectiveness of the Department is dependent on the overall health and well-being of our employees.” With support from the Department and Local 2881, the CAL FIRE Wellness Unit is pleased to announce the official launch of the voluntary and confidential BeWELL Screening Program on July 1 ^st , 2020. Third-party vendor, Wellness Solutions, will be conducting the HIPAA compliant voluntary screenings to all Bargaining Unit 8 (BU-8) eligible personnel. In 2018 the Voluntary Wellness Screening Beta was initiated within seven CAL FIRE Units, and with much success, the program has expanded state-wide with the inclusion of Firefighter I employees. We are excited about the partnership with Wellness Solutions to promote firefighter health and early detection through the BeWELL Screening Program.

The BeWELL Screening Program will be offered to all CAL FIRE Units on a rotational cycle from July 2020 – June 2022. All BU-8 employees are eligible for one screening with Wellness Solutions throughout the contract duration. The screenings will assess risk factors specific to firefighter occupational exposure and demands. This will include a movement analysis and risk assessment of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. Wellness Solutions provides the flexibility and adaptability to successfully deliver the BeWELL screenings to all CAL FIRE Units. With the unique challenges of fire season and the recent COVID-19 pandemic, a plan has been developed to offer a phasic model to complete the blood work screening component at a local and convenient LabCorp with a follow-up Wellness Solutions’ risk analysis and phone coaching consultation. In accordance with COVID-19 guidelines and regulations, phase two will include the on-site screening to complete the Functional Movement Screen (movement analysis), body composition, blood pressure, blood work follow-up, and wellness coaching. A list and a brief description of all services provided can be viewed in the “Confidential Services” box. The Wellness Unit serves as the liaison between Wellness Solutions and the CAL FIRE Units. All individual results are 100% confidential and can be accessed through the Wellness Solution’s HIPAA compliant platform.

Meet Wellness Solutions

“Wellness Solutions is a health-promotion company with over 20 years of experience in the health and wellness field. We take a holistic approach to health, combining all of the dimensions of wellness to provide our clients with the best services possible. Our passion lies with first responders and the unique challenges they face as they serve the public day in and day out. Our staff are knowledgeable, compassionate and well adapt to service the needs of first responders and we rise to the occasion to keep our clients healthy and protected. Our services span the spectrum of wellness from functional movement assessments and biometric screenings to mental health resources. We equip our clients with the information and education to improve their lifestyles daily and create longevity both in their careers and lives!”

Keep an eye out for the BeWELL Program announcements for your Unit! Additional information about the program can be located on the Wellness Unit Intranet Page and CAL FIRE Wellness Unit Instagram and Twitter: @calfirewellness .

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected almost everyone and everything. However, cancer continues to change and claim the lives of IAFF members. See how you can protect yourself from the scourge of cancer in the fire service at www.iaff.org/cancer/

REDUCE YOUR EXPOSURE RISK TO CARCINOGENS

AT THE FIRE STATION:

• Proper use of diesel exhaust containment systems.

• Proper sealing of doors leading to living/office areas.

• Keep turnout gear (PPE) outside of living/office areas.

• Do not walk in living/office areas with dirty boots and gear after a ire.

• Report any damage to asbestos wrapped pipe encapsulation in fire stations.

• Use nitrile gloves when cleaning/maintaining dirty tools and equipment.

• Wash hands thoroughly after handling tools/equipment, dirty station wear, and PPE.

AT THE FIRE SCENE:

• Wear PPE properly.

• Use SCBA from the initial attack through the completion of overhaul.

• Do not rely on multiple gas detectors to determine PPE/SCBA donning and doffing.

• Gently rinse or brush off fire debris and soot, and place PPE in a large contractor’s garbage bag before entering apparatus to return to station.

• Use wet naps to clean hands, neck, throat, jaw, and face after fire operations are complete.

Read More

Q: What is your current role in CAL FIRE Local 2881?

A: I am the 7th District Vice President representing the members of TGU, BTU, and NEU.

Q: How long have you been involved in CAL FIRE Local 2881 and what positions have you held?

A:  We were very fortunate to have dedicated union officers representing the members in the Butte chapter for several years (Mike Lopez, Jeff Burrow, and Jason Finney are a few names that come to mind). It was, once again, when we were facing budget cuts with the county contract that I felt compelled to step up and do (what I felt) was my part. I have held the positions of Alternate Chapter Director, Chapter Director, and the 7th District Vice President

Q: What are some major events that transpired during your time as an officer?

A: As the BTU Chapter Director, I believe two events really stand out, the first one being the Oroville Dam Incident, and the second was the closure of the county fire Station 42 (which was my station and, more importantly, the flagship of the Butte County Fire Department). Then we had the Camp Fire. As the 7th District Vice President, this posed quite a few challenges as the community that burned is the one I live in and serve.

Q: Why is it important to be involved in Local 2881?

A: I must first start by saying how proud I am to have been elected and trusted to represent the 7th District's members. Before working for the department, I was an ASE certified auto mechanic working 8-5 Monday through Friday without paid vacations or retirement plan. I paid 100% for my medical insurance. I also had no union protections provided to me either. So, if a new manager wanted to hire friends from the last dealership he came from, I would have to find a new job. I mention this because we are very fortunate to have these benefits offered to us, and the union has fought hard for them. The only way we can continue to protect and enhance the benefits provided is through hard work and dedication. There are several things that I have heard over the years regarding the union not doing enough. Most often, it has to do with a lack of understanding of what is taking place. If this is you, I challenge you to get involved. Explore your MOU, show up to union meetings, and ask the questions that are eating at you. At the end of the day, everyone that represents this union is elected, and you really have two choices - support them or run against them. Further, f you have never been to a union convention, I would encourage you to attend. It is a great educational experience of how our union is working for you.

Q: What union accomplishments are you most proud of?

A: I can't say there is one thing, in particular, that stands out. There are so many things that have transpired in the union, so this a difficult question. One accomplishment was the change for Firefighter Is from a 4-day workweek to a 3-day workweek. The only way we can realize how far we've come is to talk to retired firefighters and listen to their stories, struggles, and triumphs. I would be foolish not to credit my successes to the District and Chapter Officers I represent. Every day, they are contributing some of their time for the betterment of our working conditions. They are the real workhorses that make up the success of the 7th District.

Q: What do you see looking ahead for Local 2881?

A: I believe that with some of the events taking place in society today, it is now more important than ever to continue to protect the value of our service and our working conditions.

How can you be a part of the CAL FIRE Cookbook?

·        Submit your favorite healthy recipe or firehouse recipe to the Wellness Unit. We welcome all recipes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizers, Desserts!

·        Alternative: submit your favorite recipe for a makeover done by the Wellness Unit. Simple ingredient swaps can add more nutrients to your meal for health maintenance and improvement.

·        Email your recipe to: [email protected] and inform the Wellness Unit if you would like your recipe to be anonymous or credited with your first and last name.

If you have any questions or comments relating to CAL FIRE’s Wellness Unit and Programs, please contact Ryan Burns, Wellness Unit Manager, at [email protected] or the Wellness Unit at [email protected] . 

Do you have an amazing fire service photo from 2019 showing you or other CAL FIRE firefighters in action that has been published to social media? Do you have one that has not been published to social media?

Think it will beat out other fire service photos from across the US and Canada?

Let your Communications Officer, DeeDee Garcia, know and she can help you submit it: [email protected] or (916) 202-0553

Remote Learning Program: Live Training

Join ICISF Faculty as they present live training. Each course includes content of traditional in-person classroom training via Zoom technology.

Courses currently scheduled:

​​​​​

Resilience in Healthcare: Performance, Meaning and Connection Special COVID-19 version ( Click here for course description )

June 25 & 26, 2020, 1:00 pm-4:30 pm EST both days

Click here for details and registration

Understanding the First Responder Cultures: For Mental Health Staff ( Click here for course description )

July 2, 2020, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm EST

Click here for details and registration

Workplace Violence ( Click here for course description )

July 10, 2020, 8:30 am-4:30 pm EST

Click here for details and registration

Treatment of Complex PTSD ( Click here for course description )

August 7, 2020

Click here for details and registration

Resilience Training: Psychological Survival Skills for Before, During & After Crises ( Click here for course description )

July 23 – 24, 2020

Click here for details and registration

AAA is now offering free roadside assistance* to those heroes on the frontlines of helping fight the COVID-19 pandemic, whether they’re a AAA Member or not. 

All first responders and healthcare workers—including those that may not be AAA Members—can call   1-800-AAA-HELP   (1-800-222-4357) if and when they need roadside service. Simply identify yourself as such, and answer the brief health pre-screener questions, so that our service can roll out to help.

AAA Roadside Assistance operates as an essential service during shelter-in-place orders, and is available 24/7.

With  Personal Exposure Reporting from California Professional Firefighters, firefighters can document exposures to toxins that can produce job-related illness.

UNION PLUS

Having pet insurance allows you to focus on getting the best care for your furry family members without worrying about the financial burden -- saving you up to 90% on your pet’s vet bills.

Click here for a free quote!

PHI Air Medical works with the local first responders. When there is an emergency, you are always there for us. Because of this, PHI Air Medical offers first responders a special rate to join the National Air Ambulance program to take care of Firefighters and their families for just $35 a year per household.

Questions? Reach out to Jillian Manley by email [email protected] or phone (209) 768-4160.