CSFA President's Message

CSFA remains flexible and engaged in these challenging times

As some of you may know, I have been off on a knee injury. When I went to light duty I was assigned to the Covid-19 Incident Management Team for the city of Long Beach as a Logistics Section Chief. As such, I have a front-row seat to how this pandemic is affecting all aspects of our jobs.

In the midst of all this, your CSFA Board managed to pull off CSFA’s first-ever board of directors meeting via Zoom video conference. It’s a testament to the creativity and flexibility of the Board members and all the CSFA Committee members who attended that made it possible. Holding a virtual meeting created an opportunity for more people who normally can’t travel to attend a CSFA Board meeting to attend and to observe the process.

A different CSFA Conference this year

We plan to have more Board meetings via Zoom, so we can stay on top of preparations for our annual conference. At this point we do know that this year’s CSFA Conference will look very different than past conferences. Currently, our Conference Committee is planning a CSFA conference that will be productive, meet our bylaws requirements, and keep attendees safe and healthy. Watch for details at www.csfa.net and in the weekly CSFA Connection as plans are finalized.

Benefits highlighted

I would like to call your attention to several member benefits that are highlighted in this issue. First, we have entered into a strategic partnership with Capital Edge Financial. Your Board and CSFA management received a presentation from this firm at our last in-person Board meeting, and we were quite impressed. Their team stands ready to help you with financial and retirement planning. Read about them beginning on page 6 of the California Fire Service magazine, and give them a call for a free consultation.

Along those same lines, learn about our CSFA-endorsed friends at Southern California Firefighters Benefit Trust and the importance of a Retiree Medical Trust. Be sure to share this information with your local negotiating committee.

As always, stay safe during this challenging time, and do remember to record your exposures regularly through the CSFA app. 

Mike Shrout
CSFA President