ONE HUNDRED TWENTIETH EDITION |
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Welcome, Peter Boctor as your new L2881 State Rank & File Director and Brian Burger as your new State Retiree Director!
55th Convention Priorities:
- 3% AT 50 FOR ALL
- 56-HOUR WORKWEEK WITH NO LOSS OF COMPENSATION/BENEFITS
- 4850 TIME (Tied for 3rd)
- FIX COMPACTION (Tied for 3rd)
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GUNS AND HOSES
Charity Football Game
48th Anniversary of the very first PIG BOWL FOOTBALL GAME
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"A small group of officers back in 1974 converted their good-natured badgering football scrimmage into a fundraising football game to help local charities. It all began as a friendly football game on a cold day in January 1974 that grew into an event attended by over 32,000 fans. This original football game has now survived forty-eight years. We are proud to say we have played every year for the past 46 years and have donated over $1.5 million to local charities."
The Annual PIG BOWL was held over the past weekend and CAL FIRE had 15 of our own on the team. It was a great game with both sides playing well. In the end, Fire (Hoses) were victorious with a 7-3 win over Law (Guns).
Strong work Fire!
Michael Gomez • Larry Myatt • Justin Summerville • Michael Chavarria Jr. • Chris Peterson • Matt Watson • Cameron Wiggans • Cameron Perez • Juan Avalos • Demetrious McGruder • Israel Perez • Eli Jackson
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What does your CAL FIRE look like? |
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Upload your photos and videos so we can show California and beyond how CAL FIRE is California's All Risk Fire Department! |
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New Orleans Fire at 130: Pompiers and Circumstances
A look back at 130 years of the New Orleans Fire Department's history, and its “pompiers” (firefighters).
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By Steven Shaw
On Dec. 15, 2021, the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) celebrated its 130th anniversary. The NOFD provides fire protection and first responder emergency medical services to the approximately 390,000 people who live in the 350-square-mile city and has a Class 1 rating from the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana. The annual budget for fiscal year 2020 was $122.4 million. The NOFD, which is led by Superintendent Roman Nelson, has 6 districts, 29 engines and 6 ladder trucks and is staffed by 567 members. In 2020, the NOFD responded to 45,549 calls. Additionally, the NOFD provides airport rescue firefighting services to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
The mission statement of the department reads: To respond to all emergency situations in the city of New Orleans to protect and save life and property. Further, to strive to reduce the incidence of fire and the loss of life and injuries to civilians and fire personnel.
The vision statement reads: NOFD will explore every opportunity to promote safety awareness and will provide our community with all-hazard emergency services, including preparedness, planning, response and mitigation.
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CAL FIRE STATE FIRE TRAINING NEWS |
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Retirement Reminders from SFT
- Fire Fighter 1, 2, & Tenured Path
- Fire Mechanic 1, 2, and 3
- Rope Rescue Technician
- Fire Control 3A & 3B
A quarterly summary of the ongoing news, updates, and events at SFT
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Oh, my aching knees: Exercises to prevent firefighter knee pain
Watch as fitness expert Aaron Zamzow details three stretches and three exercises designed specifically to keep firefighters' knees healthy
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Knee pain and strain is a common ailment that affects a large (and growing) number of firefighters. As first responders, we constantly subject our knees to dynamic and static forces, resulting in increased knee complaints and a higher relative risk of osteoarthrosis and tears. You do not need to look at research and data to confirm this statistic—just walk into any firehouse and survey the crew.
In the following video, I provide three stretches and three exercises that will strengthen the knees and help manage firefighter knee pain.
CAUSES OF FIREFIGHTER KNEE PAIN
Firefighters are at a higher risk of osteoarthritis and knee problems because we perform a job that requires a lot of squatting and kneeling. We are constantly stepping on and off large vehicles, climbing stairs, assessing patients, and carrying heavy gear. All these movements can create trauma and inflammation within the knee and can lead to more serious injuries like ACL/MCL and meniscus tears.
There are, however, other causes than just the job itself. Excess weight or being overweight increases stress on your knee joints, even during ordinary activities such as walking or going up and down stairs. It also puts you at increased risk of osteoarthritis by accelerating the breakdown of joint cartilage. And a lack of strength and flexibility can increase the risk of knee injuries. Strong muscles help to stabilize and protect your joints and muscle flexibility can help you achieve full range of motion.
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Skip the chocolates and flowers — these 13 Valentine's Day gifts are just as sweet |
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We all know that Valentine's Day isn't just a holiday reserved for those in relationships. It's the perfect opportunity to spread a little extra love and let the special people in your life — whether it's your mom, father figure, best friend, or anyone else in between — know that you appreciate them.
While gifts aren't everyone's love language, they're one way to spoil those close to you on Valentine's Day. You can tap into their interests to show how much you care, from experience gifts to self-care essentials. So, if you're looking to skip the bouquet and box of chocolates, you're in luck.
Shop TODAY editorial director Adrianna Brach stopped by TODAY to share seven sweet Valentine's Day gift ideas for nearly everyone on your list. From a fiery hot sauce curation to a personalized book they can read over and over again, keep reading to see all of the picks that are sure to warm some hearts. Plus, you can find all of these Valentine's Day gift ideas on Amazon, so if you happen to wait until the last minute, you won't be out of luck.
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From the Tuolumne County Fire Department Instagram
On the evening of January 2nd, at about 5:30pm, TCFD Station 55 Pinecrest responded to four people stranded in the snow on the far side of Pinecrest Lake. Tuolumne County Sheriff, Tuolumne County Sheriff's Search and Rescue, and Tuolumne County Ambulance were requested. Four Volunteer Firefighters from Station 55 hiked in on snowshoes 45 minutes to the back of the lake. FFs found four patients unprepared for conditions, including one four year old with mild hypothermia. FFs warmed them, fed and watered them, gave them warm dry socks, heat pads, and hiked them back out. Several times during the walk back FFs helped carry the child. The hike out took nearly 90 minutes. Search and Rescue met the group near the marina and TCSO and TCA staged there and met the group when they came in.
Strong work!
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Speakers: Chaplain Rich Robinson & Molly Jones, LSW
12 PM EST
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Speakers: Molly Jones, LSW
NBCC & NASW Credit Available
12 PM EST
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Speakers: Molly Jones, LSW, Lauren Kosc, CCTP, LCPC & Scott Robinson, IAFF Behavioral Health Specialist
NBCC Credit Available
12 PM EST
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If you or your family uses Amazon for shopping, shop Amazon Smile and support your Local 2881 sisters & brothers! |
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Head to Smile.Amazon.com and select the CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation as your charity and start shopping!
*The Foundation may also be found listed under its previous name,
CDF Firefighters Benevolent Foundation
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Connecting with CALFIRE Wellness Resources Through Social Media
By: Madison McCann, CAL FIRE Wellness Unit
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Hey CAL FIRE family it’s the Wellness Unit here! We wanted to make sure you knew all about our social media platforms and the excellent resources we have available for you to take advantage of. Our wellness content is geared toward you, both uniform and administrative personnel, and your family support network.
Instagram @calfirewellness: Our Instagram page is full of great information—including webinars from Employee Support Services (ESS). You’ll also find up-to-date health and wellness resources for first responders and their families, physical fitness information, monthly challenges, nutrition tips, screening and prevention assistance, highlights from our CALFIRE Training Center trainings, and more! For 2022 we will be highlighting ESS and Dept of California Department of Human Resources sponsored webinars each month, encouraging you to get moving through monthly challenges, and helping you stay on track with your physical fitness and nutrition goals.
YouTube Channel @calfirewellness: For 2022 we are revamping our YouTube channel! We currently have over 120 videos that showcase Firefighter specific exercise movements with coaching cues for how to correctly execute the movement. We plan to expand on this platform with videos from all 5 of our Dimensions of Wellness (physical fitness, nutrition, mindset, screening and prevention, mobility, and recovery) while also implementing a Unit Physical Fitness Coordinator (UPFC) channel where UPFC’s in different Units can share the wellness knowledge they have gained throughout their career with hopes of helping others.
Twitter @calfirewellness: For quick updates, general highlights, and additional photos of what we are up to follow us on Twitter!
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Mark Your Calendars!
Click the image below for more info
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Former firefighter uses food truck to feed crews grieving Baltimore LODDs
"I just thought I could do something to help them," said Randy Reinecke, who now owns a food truck
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BALTIMORE — Randy Reinecke's food truck is named Cowboy Eats, but on Thursday his focus was feeding grieving firefighters.
Reinecke, formerly with the Fallston Volunteer Fire Company, drove his food truck to Station 8 in West Baltimore to feed colleagues of the three Baltimore firefighters who died fighting a rowhouse blaze on Monday. His family volunteered to help him serve 100 meals to the men and women of the Baltimore City Fire Department's 3rd Battalion.
"I just thought I could do something to help them, even for 15 minutes, keep their mind off of what happened," said Reinecke, who served 30 years as a Fallston volunteer. "You're not gonna take their pain away or the memories. It's just to give them a break."
Cowboy Eats served up grab-n-go food to the firefighters, such as cheeseburgers, hot dogs, pit ham, fries, and sandwiches.
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Did you know the
CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation is on Instagram?
Give them a follow today!
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- From the IAFF -
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released for a review a preliminary draft of NFPA 1585, Standard for Exposure and Contamination Control
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The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has released for a review a preliminary draft of NFPA 1585, Standard for Exposure and Contamination Control.
The IAFF has been deeply involved in the development of the NFPA 1585 draft standard intended to provide guidance to all fire fighters and fire departments on proper techniques for handling exposures and decontamination following emergency calls.
Science shows that fire fighters are regularly exposed to toxins at the fire scene — potential hazardous materials that collect on their bunker gear, equipment and skin — can be carried back to fire stations for further contamination if not handled properly.
The NFPA, working in conjunction with numerous fire service organizations, including the IAFF, began draft work on NFPA 1585 with the goal of gathering all data and best practices on exposure and decontamination contained in several other NFPA standards documents.
Once completed, NFPA 1585 will apply to all fire suppression and rescue activities, though not infectious disease or hazmat incident exposures.
The draft version of NFPA 1585 is now open for public review; the IAFF encourages all members to examine the document and offer input.
Click here for more details.
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Free Treatment for First Responders |
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From Your State Retiree Director |
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Protections Against Surprise Medical Billing Take Effect January 1, 2022 |
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Last year we shared information about how to avoid surprise medical bills, and this year we are delighted to provide an update. The No Surprises Act will take effect January 1, 2022, and CalPERS worked hard to support this federal action, including briefing members of Congress and their staff on our members’ experiences with surprise billing and providing educational sessions on California law.
The No Surprises Act: What You Need to Know
This new law will prohibit patients from getting bills for services when they unknowingly receive care from most out-of-network providers. The law will help protect CalPERS members and your family and friends who may have been at risk for large surprise bills.
Each year a small percentage of CalPERS members receive unwelcome surprise bills when they receive care from providers who are not in their health plan network. This can happen when:
- You go to a health care facility, like a hospital or a lab in your plan’s network, and end up with a doctor who isn’t in-network. You’re then charged more than you would have to pay for an in-network doctor.
- You’re taken to a non-contracted emergency room and billed for the remaining balance for the services you got that weren’t covered.
Protections for HMO Members
Existing law already protects members in CalPERS health maintenance organization (HMO) plans from the practice of surprise billing, and Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans have their own limits and protections. The Knox-Keene Act, which governs HMOs in California, prohibits emergency department physicians from billing HMO patients for out-of-network emergency services and Assembly Bill 72 (2016) provides that if an HMO patient receives services at an in-network facility by an out-of-network physician, the patient is only required to pay the in-network price for those services.
Protections for PPO Members
The No Surprises Act will now offer similar protections for our preferred provider organization (PPO) plan members in the PERS Gold and PERS Platinum Basic plans for most, but not all, services. For example, the Act does not cover possible surprise bills for ground ambulance or some urgent care services or bills for services the member consented to receive from out-of-network providers as outlined in the Act.
The intent of the new law is to take patients out of the billing mix by prohibiting providers from billing members directly. Instead, providers and insurers will be required to work together to determine appropriate payment amounts. The law will ensure patients have access to up-to-date information about which providers are in their health care network and the law also provides complaint, appeal, and dispute resolution processes.
Additionally, these federal protections should help protect patients who are exposed to out-of-network charges resulting from provider/insurer contract disputes, which have been on the rise in recent years.
Some regulatory changes may arise as the new processes are implemented, but the law and regulations released so far seem to provide long-needed protections. In the coming years, we will be watching how federal and state laws interact to protect our members and will monitor the circumstances that surprise bills continue to occur.
Learn More About the No Surprises Act
Submitted by State Retiree Director Brian Burger. Email him here.
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Have you checked out the historical footage dating back to the 1940s?
The digitization of the California Revealed project is online and available to view.
More films will be added soon!
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IF YOU ARE AN CAL FIRE LOCAL 2881
ACTIVE MEMBER
YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR BENEFITS
PROVIDED FROM OUR AFFILIATION WITH PORAC
IN ORDER TO VIEW AND ENROLL IN THESE BENEFITS
(INCLUDING HEALTHCARE AND AFLAC PROGRAMS)
WE NEED YOUR DATE OF BIRTH.
PLEASE GO TO THE FOLLOWING LINK TO UPLOAD YOUR INFORMATION:
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Have you recently moved? Make sure your physical/mailing address is updated with us so you always receive the Fire Front magazine and other important docs.
Update your address here:
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CAL FIRE ESS 24hr Helpline: (916) 445-4337
EAP 24hr Helpline: (866) 327-4762
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Wildfire Conservancy Study Needs Participants |
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Retiring at the end of the year?
Make sure to sign up to be a CAL FIRE Local 2881 Retired Member and stay in the know!
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With Personal Exposure Reporting from California Professional Firefighters, firefighters can document exposures to toxins that can produce job-related illness.
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Check out the Exposure Reporting section on the L2881 Member Benefits page. It has tons of links and information on the importance of reporting, how to report, and historical air quality data for to use in your reporting.
Check it out now and document your exposures!
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Is your physical/mailing address updated with us?
Did you get the Winter 2021 Fire Front magazine mailed to your home recently? If not, then we don't have your current address.
It's important for us to have it in case you are impacted or may be impacted by a wildfire or other emergency. Use the link below, call or email us to update it today!
(916) 609-8711 / dkelsch@L2881.org
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Get festive for Valentine's Day |
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Cinnamon spiced pink party donuts are a fun and festive anytime treat baked in a heart donut pan. Topped with pink glaze and rainbow sprinkles, it’s love at first bite!
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Has your marital status changed? Update your L2881 beneficiary information with us today and keep your loved ones secure. Fill out this form and send it to Danielle @ dkelsch@L2881.org
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Share your photos & videos with us.
What does your CAL FIRE look like? Help show the #AllRisk CAL FIRE. Send us a DM on social media or reach out to DeeDee, your Communications Officer at (916) 202-0553
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UPCOMING EVENTS
PAC TRAINING
POSTPONED
NEW OFFICER TRAINING
FEBRUARY 8-10, 2022
FINANCE TRAINING
FEBRUARY 16-17
REP #1/ADV. LEADERSHIP
FEBRUARY 21-25, 2022
REP #2/ADV. LEADERSHIP
MARCH 21-25, 2022
ADVANCED LEADERSHIP
APRIL 18-22, 2022
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CAL FIRE BENEVOLENT
FOUNDATION
Provides funds for immediate life sustaining assistance to firefighters and their families who have suffered debilitating injury or loss of life.
Follow on Instagram!
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CAL FIRE MUSEUM
Look in the winter edition of the Fire Front magazine for an update from the museum.
Don't forget to sign up for their newsletter too!
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For more updates, events, and news visit our website:
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