CSFA President’s Message

The importance of building relationships and partnerships.

In life we value relationships and partnerships that come into our journey and help us in various ways. Organizations need strong relationships and partnerships to help them grow and provide additional value and opportunities to their members. CSFA is committed to enhancing our longstanding relationships, and constantly adding quality partnerships to our trade association. In our 101st year representing the entire California fire service, I’m proud to report that we’re adding incredible partner organizations that will ensure we add new value for our members.

I’d like to share some recent examples of these strong partnerships that I’m confident will enhance our commitment to serving the entire California fire service. We have partnered with Prevent Training Solutions based out of Riverside. Partner Training Solutions (PTS), is a firefighter-owned business that’s laser focused on providing top notch fire and EMS training in a carefully designed classroom environment. Many of us from the CSFA leadership team were able to attend the Grand Opening Event on July 7, in Riverside (See photos and more information beginning on page 6). This partnership will enable CSFA members to get a 25 percent discount on all of the classes that are offered by PTS. Our first collaboration on a Fire Control 3 class was a tremendous success.

Another new partnership is one that we’re developing with the El Dorado Hills Fire Protection District in Northern California. Our CSFA team has had many good conversations with Fire Chief Moe Johnson and his dedicated team. Our plans include future cosponsored Fire Control 3 classes, and other hands-on training courses at their new state of the art fire training center. Many other needed classes will also be offered, again with 25 percent discounts for CSFA members. Our vision is to also host an annual Fire Explorer Academy which will ensure we continue to invest into our future firefighters.

Your CSFA team attended an 811, Call Before you Dig Event on 8/11/23 at the new El Dorado Hills Fire Protection District Training Center. This was a perfect example of many organizations coming together to provide an important public safety message to the community. PG&E sponsored the event and partnered with the El Dorado Hills FPD, Folsom FD, Cameron Park FD/CAL FIRE, Folsom CERT Team, OES, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department, and elected officials. CSFA was proud to have served as a partner organization, and we had RV-1 there for great photo opportunities!

There are several areas that we’re focusing on when it comes to our partnerships and relationships. A major goal as your president is to create and lead statewide youth pathway programs. We’re all aware that our recruitment and retention challenges are not going away, and that early investment in preparing our youth will ensure the California fire service has future firefighters and paramedics.

We will continue to seek new partners and grow relationships in a never ending effort to provide our members with impactful training and educational opportunities, support the fire service with our SAFER Grant, support behavioral health and wellness programs, and add additional benefits. We encourage our members to bring potential partner organizations forward and also appreciate new members serving on our engaged committees. Fire season/fire year is well underway, and I’d like to thank you for your dedicated service to the millions of people in California. Stay well and safe.

Hemet Fire Department, CSFA President