CSFA President's Message

Come to Sacramento April 29; lend your voice to CSFA

As we are all aware these are challenging times for California’s fire service. We have just come through one of the most devastating fire seasons in memory. Huge wildfires in all parts of the state have caused extreme loss of life and property. There is an old rancher’s saying, “you need to press when the iron is hot,” and our issues as firefighters are some of the hottest in the state. For example, as I sit to write this message, Governor Gavin Newsom has declared an emergency to direct National Guard troops to assist with fire prevention efforts in the wildland interface. This is a forward thinking first step, and we hope that it will help reduce the major fires we have seen the last two years.

How can you help to keep the pressure on our policymakers? I would like each of you reading this to mark your calendar. On April 29 CSFA is hosting our annual Day at the Capitol followed by our evening Legislative Reception. This is an opportunity for you, as a member, to be involved in spreading the message of our profession to policy makers in Sacramento.

Following a short briefing from our political experts you will actually have an opportunity to go visit with legislators and their staff in the state  capitol building to let them know first-hand about the issues we face each day as first responders in California.

Trust me, you will come away from this day fulfilled, knowing that you have done something worthwhile for California’s fire service. Please check your calendar, clear the date and then call the CSFA office to RSVP at 800-451-2732. Together let’s work for a stronger fire service by making our collective voices heard in the halls of the state capitol on April 29.

Until next time, stay safe, and I hope to see many of you in Sacramento.

Mike Shrout
CSFA President