ONE HUNDRED FOURTH EDITION
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On Sunday, October 4, at 10:00 am EDT, the lives of 82 firefighters who died in the line of duty in 2019 and 21 firefighters who died in previous years will be remembered in the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s production of America’s Tribute to Fallen Firefighters. This 45-minute special will be available to watch on www.firehero.org and through the NFFF’s social media platforms.
This year, Firefighter Yaroslav Katkov will be honored. Please join us in watching this tribute to our fallen brothers and sisters.
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FROM THE CAL FIRE POSTMASTER:
IMPORTANT EXAMINATION INFORMATION - FIRE FIGHTER II
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Due to ongoing statewide fire activity, additional time is being provided to allow eligible candidates to compete in the Fire Fighter II online examination process. The new deadline to take this exam is now Sunday, October 11, 2020, 5:00 p.m.
For your reference, below is the timeline of this exam:
RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 @ 8:00 A.M.
ORIGINAL DEADLINE: OCTOBER 4, 2020 @ 5:00 P.M.
NEW DEADLINE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2020 @ 5:00 P.M.
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DID YOU KNOW: CAL FIRE recycles and helps local zoos!?
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AB 75 requires all state agencies and large state facilities to divert at least 50 percent of their solid waste from disposal facilities as of January 1, 2004. The law also requires each state agency to submit an annual report to the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), summarizing its yearly progress in implementing waste diversion programs. There are three ways to divert waste: reduce, reuse, and recycle. To fulfill the mandated goal of diverting at least 50% of waste from the landfill, CAL FIRE has tasked the recycling technical specialist with facilitating and simplifying recycling efforts at an incident.
Tommy Lemus, a Fire Apparatus Engineer from Riverside, is a recycling manager for large incidents. His job is to find a way to recycle and reduce waste while on large incidents. From wood used for stages and sandwich boards, to batteries from communications and oil and tires from ground support, waste must be reduced. Tommy finds innovative ways to make sure CAL FIRE meets the goal. One example of recycling done at the CZU Lightning Complex was taking damaged firehose that could no longer be utilized by the department and donating it to the Mickie Grove Zoo in Lodi.
The staff at Mickie Grove Zoo created a multitude of enrichment for the animals, as seen in the photos. Some of the items include created with the firehose include hammocks, beds, toy balls, suspended pathways, and used to hang items for the animals such as a block of ice. Hammocks are a favorite amongst the animals. Enrichments are a huge part of animal welfare in zoos. Giving animals a choice about how to utilize their time to encourage natural behaviors is a critical part of animal welfare. “The firehose is one of our most utilized tools for enrichment, and we are so grateful for the donations. The keepers are always coming up with new ways to utilize the firehose,” says Zoo Manager, Trish Jackman. “It made us feel so good knowing that the firehose was used for something good to help people, and now we can give it a second life with our animals here at the zoo.” From the squirrels to the snow leopards, every animal can have enrichment from the recycled firehose. It’s even used for structural purposes to help build out or secure the animal exhibits. The Fossa loves its hammock, as seen pictured above.
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Below: Tommy Lemus dropping off the firehose to the Mickie Grove Zoo.
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Above: Hammocks, frozen ice treats, and more, all from recycled firehose.
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Thanks to Tommy and Trish for sharing your story and photos!
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CAL FIRE Cares Enough to Wear Pink
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Available for purchase from approved vendors through December.
Send photos of you wearing the shirt to dgarcia@L2881.org
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8 ways to optimize your immunity and protect your health.
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Let’s start with the hard truth.
You can’t fully control whether you catch a cold, the flu, or COVID-19.
You also can’t control how your body will react once it’s exposed to a pathogen.
There are many different factors that determine your body’s response. Some you can impact, like nutrient deficiencies. Others you can’t do anything about, like your age.
But even among the factors you can influence, no single tweak or “hack” can control such a complex system. (Short of a proven vaccine or drug therapy.)
No magical supplement, superfood, diet plan, or exercise routine can ensure you’ll stay healthy.
There is good news, though: When it comes to your immune system, your daily actions can make a meaningful difference.
By consistently practicing healthy behaviors, you can:
- reduce your exposure and susceptibility
- help optimize your immune function over time
- better prepare your body to fight off foreign invaders
Plus, focusing on constructive behaviors might help you feel just a little bit more in control. And that could help ease the anxiety and stress that come with all the uncertainty.
Our suggestion: Prioritize the “big rocks,” or pillars, of a healthy lifestyle.
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The IAFF Podcast: The Situation in Atlanta
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Tensions in Atlanta have been running high since the George Floyd incident gripped our nation several months ago. During this time, Atlanta Fire Fighters have faced many challenges. From rocks thrown at fire engines to ballistic gear being issued to members, the fire fighters that protect this great city did a tremendous job of responding to the situation at hand.
Atlanta fire fighters Paul Gerdis and Andrew Anderson join the IAFF Podcast to discuss the situation in their city, how its fire fighters continued to respond amid the challenges they faced and how despite their differences, they all came together to keep their city safe.
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OPEN ENROLLMENT ENDS OCTOBER 16!
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CAL FIRE ESS 24hr Helpline: (916) 445-4337
EAP 24hr Helpline: (866) 327-4762
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Unfortunately, encountering loss is part of the job for a fire fighter. Whether it’s the loss of a child, a stranger or a crew member, fire fighters can experience multiple tragedies in a relatively short period. Repeated exposure to aversive details of traumatic events can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Because fire fighters often have duties to carry out immediately following a death, you may grieve differently than others. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of PTSD while having access to support and an outlet to cope after a potentially traumatic event (PTE).
Shared Experiences and Shared Support
One of the most effective ways to process the aftermath of a traumatic call is to have a strong support system on the job. Your brothers and sisters understand PTEs and how these events can affect you mentally and emotionally. As fire fighters, you work as a team every day, and you can also work as a team to keep an eye on each other’s mental health.
Some locals and their departments have established peer support teams for this purpose. Peer support is one more tool in the toolbox to help grieving or distressed members get the support they need.
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For the next 60 days, MADE SF will be donating 100% of the profits from the sale of our CAL-FIRE tees to CAL FIRE Benevolent Foundation.
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Hats produced by West Broad Apparel, a company honoring firefighters and the tradition within the firehouses.
Proceeds from each sale will be donated to the following:
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Can technology predict wildfires? New systems attempt to better forecast their spread
CAL FIRE has recently begun using new technology to predict where flames are expected spread over a certain time period
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By Joseph Serna
LOS ANGELES — When freak lightning storms passed over Northern California’s wine country last month and sparked hundreds of wildfires, a newly established network of remote weather stations, orbiting satellites and supercomputers spun into action and attempted to predict the spread of what is now known as the LNU Lightning Complex fire.
Firefighters and technologists have long dreamed of a formula or device that would accurately predict the spread of fire, much the way meteorologists predict the possible impact of extreme weather, but it’s only recently that big data and supercomputers have begun to show promise as a means of fire forecasting.
“I think a firefighter starting out today in his or her career, they’re going to see something to the point where they leave the (station) on the fire, they’ll have a simulation on their screen of where the fire is going to go, where they need to do evacuations,” said Tim Chavez, a fire behavior analyst with Cal Fire since 2000.
Past forecasts relied on huge assumptions about the landscape and upcoming weather, but today’s forecasts are based on a web of remote weather stations, cameras and satellites merged with ground-level details on vegetation and moisture. Now California firefighters and the state’s largest power utilities are hoping these networks will help them to better plan evacuations and more precisely target power shutoffs in times of emergency.
The technology Cal Fire uses, created by La Jolla-based Technosylva, was brought into the department in July under a three-year, $8.8-million contract and has yet to be fully rolled out across the agency, department spokeswoman Christine McMorrow said. But the program has already been used by a handful of Cal Fire analysts who ran simulations of where the flames were expected to be eight hours later.
“We did one for the LNU Complex and it did show a rapid rate of spread,” McMorrow said, referring to what is now, at well over 360,000 acres burned, the fourth largest fire in state record books. “They are pleased with what they’re getting from it.”
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REPORTS OF ILLEGAL CANNABIS GROWERS STEALING EQUIPMENT AND POINTING LASERS AT FIREFIGHTERS BATTLING THE AUGUST COMPLEX
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Mendocino County Sheriff Matt Kendall has confirmed Cal Fire personnel staffing the August Complex Fire have reported multiple encounters with illegal cannabis growers, on one occasion being robbed of a water pump essential for firefighting efforts. Sheriff Kendall said the water pump theft occurred on Monday, September 28, along Mina Road outside of Round Valley.
A Cal Fire public information officer told us they could not speak to these issues specifically and referred us to the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.
According to Cal Fire personnel who spoke to Sheriff Kendall, firefighters were approached by illegal cannabis growers who demanded Cal Fire’s water tenders be used to water illegal cannabis gardens. Kendall was told that Cal Fire personnel refused and carried on with their firefighting duties. The Cal Fire personnel explained to Kendall upon returning to the site Monday morning where they had encountered the cannabis growers, they found their gas-powered water pump gone.
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Halloween & COVID-19: Have Fun While Staying Safe
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Choosing costumes, decorating pumpkins, and getting special treats brings joy to many children at Halloween. Some Halloween traditions may look different this year to keep everyone safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are still plenty of ways families can have fun while avoiding the scare of being exposed to or spreading the virus.
Most importantly, keep doing what you have been doing: avoiding large gatherings, keeping a distance of six feet from others, wearing cloth face coverings (think superhero!), and washing hands often. Some ideas for ways to keep safety steps in place while celebrating:
- Spooky movie night
- Decorating pumpkins
- Halloween-themed treats
- Outdoor community events
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Have you read the latest IAFF Fire Fighter Quarterly?
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Teen Helicopter Pilot Fights California Wildfire: Meet 19-year-old Ashli Blain
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What do you think about the single-layer pant? Share your thoughts with us via the survey link below.
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Don't forget! Open enrollment ends October 16
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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:
Have questions about PORAC benefits? Check out the info below for more information.
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Wondering why we are asking for your Date of Birth? At the 2019 CAL FIRE Local 2881 Convention, it was approved to add the membership of our Union into PORAC (Peace Officers Research Association of California) which cost an increase of $2.00 to your dues. There are several things that came with this but there still seems to be a lot of misinformation and confusion. This is information below is meant to help those still unsure about what PORAC is:
1.) Every L2881 active member is an associate or “Limited Member” of PORAC, except CAL FIRE Peace Officers.
2.) All CAL FIRE Peace Officers are “Full/Active” PORAC members and have access to the full benefits of PORAC, ensures they have adequate protection and benefits, and access to the PORAC Legal Defense Fund.
3.) As either an Associate or Full member, you have the OPTION to enroll into the PORAC Public Safety Healthcare/ Medical Insurance Plan
4.) As an “Associate” member, L2881 members who live in areas of the State who don’t have any or minimal options of getting a health insurance plans now can sign up for PORAC’s health insurance for them and their families.
5.) One of the PORAC requirements for membership is that every active member is officially signed up using their Date of Birth (DOB). Since L2881 does not collect DOB, members have seen a push to gather this information from the members.
6.) Active members who wish to sign up for the PORAC medical plan, have that option during the September Open Enrollment period. You must have signed up as a PORAC member for them to have your DOB.
- Signing up for the PORAC Medical Insurance during open enrollment, or a life changing event, enables a member to take advantage of some added benefits:
- Taking the plan into retirement in another state
- FREE body scan from head to toe, every 3 years, screening for heart/cardio disease, over 20 types of cancer, lower and upper back pathologies, lung disease and others.
- Lower premiums, depending on your location
- A healthcare plan for those members living in rural communities
7.) Members who DO NOT wish to sign up for the PORAC Medical Insurance, still need to sign up for their PORAC membership with your DOB. *This does not mean you are signing up for their Medical Plan.*
Click here to read answers to some commonly asked questions. Still have questions? Reach out to your Chapter Director.
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Did you just recently retire? Make sure to sign up to be a CAL FIRE Local 2881 Retired Member and stay in the know!
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CalPERS Announces Health Plan Premiums for 2021
CalPERS Open Enrollment
CalPERS has announced the health plan open enrollment period for 2020. Changes made during the open enrollment period will be effective January 1, 2021. The open enrollment period is September 21 through October 16, 2020.
Open Enrollment Webinar
Do you know what to do or how to prepare for Open Enrollment? If you're eligible for CalPERS Health Benefits, join us for this informative webinar on August 12. Register here
1959 Survivor Benefit Program
The CalPERS Board has determined the rates for the State 5th Level will be as follows:
The required employee premium for the State 5th level pool will change from $5.40 to $5.95 per member, per month for fiscal year 2020-21. This is in accordance with Statute 21581(c), which specifies that when the total required premium (after amortization of surplus/unfunded liability) exceeds $4.00, the employer and the member shall evenly share the required monthly premium.
Long Term Care Program
The program administered by CalPERS is experiencing severe funding issues. As you may know, CalPERS was sued over the previous rate increases. The suit has not yet settled but it does appear any settlement will not be in favor of CalPERS. The long-term care staff is looking at all aspects of the severely underfunded program to recommend adjustments that will bring meet the future needs of all enrollees. It appears there will be a cessation of new enrollees until the staff comes up with reasonable alternatives. This option will be considered in the coming weeks along with appropriate solutions. The updated status of the entire program will be presented at the September, 2020 CalPERS meeting.
Like many other organizations, the CalPERS meetings are held online with participation from the audience via telephone contact. It is unknown when the in-person meetings will resume.
As a reminder, all members can access his/her health information year-round, including Open Enrollment updates, by logging in to myCalPERS, or learn more by visiting the CalPERS “Using myCalPERS” page.
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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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Discovery Channel Partners With Cal Fire In New Series
Discovery premiered a first look at its "Cal Fire" series Tuesday, taking viewers to the front lines of California's largest fire season.
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CALIFORNIA — For the past three months, camera crews have been following Cal Fire's frontline firefighters to document the largest ever fire season in California. Later this year, that footage will immerse viewers into the massive blazes that have consumed the state this year, with Discovery Channel's newest series "Cal Fire."
The series premiered Tuesday night on Discovery Channel, delivering a look at some of the current fires still burning throughout the Golden State. Camera crews wore protective gear and fire resistant helmet cameras while chasing down fires alongside first responders, according to discovery. Discovery's crews were also required to undergo "Red Flag" training before being embedded with Cal Fire crews as they followed them up and down the state from Shasta to San Diego.
"The men and women of Cal Fire are working round the clock to keep the people of California safe. We are gratified that Discovery has recognized our sacrifice and contribution by making this series," said Tim Edwards, President, Cal Fire Local 288.
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Is your physical/mailing address updated with us?
Did you get the Summer 2020 Fire Front mailed to your home last month? 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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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 up 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
NATIONAL FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS MEMORIAL
OCTOBER 3-4
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING
DECEMBER 1-3
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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.
Like, Share & Follow us!
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CAL FIRE MUSEUM
Look in the summer 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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