Monthly News & Updates

October 2024 | Issue 152



Our hearts and continued prayers are with the family of our fallen brother.


Fire Apparatus Engineer Jake Hainey

A new Going Direct episode is out now! We sat down with District 6 Chapter Director Matt Colvin and Distict 10 Chapter Director Chris Carrera to talk about preparing for retirement, retirement life and how to stay involved in the union as a retiree. Listen now on Podbean, Apple podcasts or Spotify podcasts.

Listen Here

Upcoming Going Direct episode: Local 2881 History, Part 1 - coming 10/29


We are recording an episode on workers' comp. If you have any questions regarding workers' comp, please email kboyles@l2881.org by Wednesday, October 11.

California firefighters union considers change to 66-hour work week


By William Melhado, The Sacramento Bee


SACRAMENTO, Calif. — When Tim Edwards started working as a full-time firefighter for the state in 1994, his schedule was grueling.

For 96 hours straight, California firefighters would respond to calls at all hours of the night — and that was when they weren’t working weeks at a time to respond to a wildfire. Seasonal firefighters were only compensated 19 hours a day, despite being on call 24/7.


Now, three decades later, state firefighters could be on the clock 30 fewer hours if unionized workers agree to a contract securing a 66-hour workweek next month.



The reduction in hours marks an improvement in work-life balance for employees of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, who currently have schedules that average 72 hours a week when they’re not fighting intense fires that demand around-the-clock attention.



Read more HERE

On September 21, 2024, we honored 7 of our Local 2881 fallen sisters & brothers at the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Colorado Springs. Over 300 names were recognized from locals across the US & Canada.


Join us on October 12, 2024 as we recognize the names of our fallen at the California Firefighter Memorial in Sacramento.

Did you miss our recap of the 57th IAFF Convention? Last month representatives from Local 2881 joined other locals across the US & Canada in Boston to chart the course for the next two years for the IAFF. Wherever the fight is, we are stronger together! Check out our recap video below!

IAFF Convention Recap 2024

From your Retiree Director, Brian Burger

The table below describes all the vaccines that are covered under Medicare Part B and Part D.

If your provider recommends that you get a vaccine, in most cases it will be covered by your Part D plan. Part D plans must include most commercially available vaccines on their formularies. The only exceptions are flu, pneumonia, hepatitis B, and COVID-19 vaccinations, which are covered by Part B. As of January 2023, all Medicare-covered vaccines should be no cost to the member.


All vaccines listed below are covered for Basic members.

If you have any questions about the CalPERS PPO plans, you can watch this video called Introducing CalPERS New PPO Administrators: Blue Shield and Included Health.

Upload Media Here

Upcoming Events


CA Firefighter Memorial

October 12


L2881 Board Meeting

December 10-12


L2881 Convention

January 9-12, 2025

Benevolent Events Here

The CDF Wagon Train was formed in 1983 to foster friendships and enjoy good fellowship among CDF'ers (Cal Fire) by providing organized campouts for its members. Membership in the Wagon Train is a screaming deal at only $5.00 per year! Our campouts are typically filled with optional activities with many group (potluck) style meals and campfire gatherings at night. For those interested in joining the Wagon Train just click on the registration button below:

Wagon Train Membership

For those interested in attending the Pismo Beach campout please see the campout rally flyer below.

Have you created an account for the member side of the website? Create your account today to stay up to date on ratification meetings, events and more. Please note, you must use a personal email address to sign up. Your .gov email will not be accepted.

Change of Address

Update your contact information below.

Address Change

You Local 2881 membership includes Personal Exposure Reporting from CPF. Here you can document exposures to toxins that can produce job-related illness. Learn more below.

PER Website

There's been an extension of the Free Trust offer through February 1, 2025. So Members enrolled in the PYI+ LTD plan are eligible for a FREE WILL OR TRUST!

Interested in volunteering for the CAL FIRE Museum? You can email admin@calfirehistory.com for more information!

CAL FIRE Benevolent

CalPERS Member Education


Take advantage of member events and classes to learn about your benefits and plan for retirement. Subscribe to the Member Education Bulletin to be notified of upcoming educational opportunities including upcoming educational videos.

CalPERS Webinars

CAL FIRE Careers



Stay up to date on current job postings here!


CAL FIRE Careers

Thank you to our sponsors!

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram