Q. What is your current role in CAL FIRE Local 2881 and how long have you been involved?
A: I am currently the District 7 Vice President overseeing the Butte, Nevada/Yuba/Placer, and Tehama/Glen Chapters. 

I became an officer with Local 2881 in 2009 and have not looked back.

Q: What union officer positions have you held?
A: Butte Chapter Director: 2009-2012
Butte Chapter Deputy Director: 2014-2016
District 7 Rank and File Director: 2017-2019
District 7 Vice President: 2020-Present

Q: Why is it important to be involved in Local 2881?
A: This question has a two-part answer. First and foremost, to enact change for our organization, there is strength as a collective group.  

The second part is, the union is an extension of the brotherhood of the fire department. I enjoy working with members, fellow officers, and our organizations' experts to achieve the betterment of our organization. The labor component of CAL FIRE is here to make working conditions, benefits, and the well-being of our firefighters to be the best possible. 

I began my involvement with the union at my first firefighting job, City of Oroville Local 2404. I held the office of President for the local for over six years. I was heavily involved in working with elected officials and city leaders to make the department better. My time with Local 2404 kickstarted my passion for the role the union has in our firefighting careers.

Every member may not see the most tangible day-to-day results of the work the union does, but it is there. I have witnessed the undaunted sacrifice that it takes to be available for our members in their worst times or to stand together with our members to achieve an important issue. 

We need to keep our organization strong, and I urge every member to be involved, even if it means just going to a union meeting or picking up those publications that are sent to your home. Immerse yourself in every component and what it does; from the IAFF to CPF down to Local 2881, important things are being accomplished.

Q: What union accomplishments are you most proud of?
A: Being a consistent union member since I began my fire service career. I have always seen the value. 

Representing and supporting members during the CHP/Department investigation of the academy issue. 

I helped in the transition of the Paradise Fire Department to CAL FIRE. I learned a lot of what worked and did not work. With a possible upcoming local department becoming CAL FIRE, I can apply what I have learned to welcome those employees.

Additionally, I really enjoyed being the Local 2881 representative on the CPF California Fire Candidate Testing Center firefighter test development committee.  

But most of all, the relationship I have with the executive management at our Unit level. Since working in Butte, we have always had a positive labor/management relationship, and its respect goes both ways. I have carried that mantra onward in dealing with Northern Region CAL FIRE or in Sacramento.

Q: Looking ahead, what goals do you see for yourself and the future of Local 2881?
A: I see Local 2881 being at the forefront of increasing permanent staffing for CAL FIRE. Increasing permanent staffing will bring CAL FIRE to the levels needed to alleviate the strain on our current firefighters.  

I want to be involved in continuing the strong message to the policymakers, the public, and others about the true mission of the men and women of CAL FIRE, that we are an all-risk fire department. On duty, every day, responding to every emergency imaginable and providing excellent customer service to every citizen of California.

I want to instill the passion of being part of an organization that can steer the department into the next phase.

Your dues are a small part of helping Local 2881 achieve those important issues and fighting for the benefits we have. As a member, look at where CAL FIRE Local 2881 has been with regards to salary, benefits, and working conditions over the past years and decades. We have come a long way and have accomplished many victories. But there are many goals we want to achieve going forward; get involved, stay involved and make CAL FIRE Local 2881 the largest and strongest union in the country. 

if you have any questions for John, email him at jgaddie@L2881.org.