2025 March President’s Message

All Members,

It has been four months since I was sworn in to represent the California Fire Chiefs Association (CalChiefs) membership. With significant activity both within our organization and across the broader fire service landscape, this is an opportunity to provide an important update.

When I addressed our membership at the October 2024 conference, I outlined three key objectives for my tenure as president:

1. Continue the momentum and progress established by my predecessors and the Board leadership.
2. Expand engagement with areas of the California Fire Service that have historically been underrepresented within CalChiefs.
3. Ensure fiscal responsibility by prioritizing resources in a way that benefits all members rather than a select few.

During our annual strategic planning meeting, we conducted a comprehensive review of how membership dues are allocated. Recognizing the evolving needs of our association, we identified several critical areas where financial adjustments were necessary to maximize impact.

One such area is the expansion of our contract services with SMA, which will enhance the efficiency of our association’s management. Key improvements include:

• Upgrading our website for better accessibility and functionality.
• Assigning an SMA staff member to each Section for better member support.
• Transitioning the Consulting and Training Business to SMA oversight, ensuring that vetted vendors contribute a portion of their revenues to CalChiefs, directly benefiting our members.
• Expanding management support for the CalChiefs Foundation, which funds critical initiatives such as:
• First Responder Behavioral Health and Wellness
• Scholarship funds for conference and education opportunities
• Fire Chief Benevolent Fund
• Research and Development initiatives
• California Fire Chiefs Hall of Fame
• California Fire Chief Assistance Program

These strategic enhancements would not be possible without prudent budgetary adjustments.

As part of our financial realignment, we carefully evaluated our contract with AP Triton, which is set to expire at the end of 2024. After thorough review, we determined that the CalChiefs EMS Section is fully capable of handling the responsibilities outlined in AP Triton’s contract scope.

This decision results in cost savings of $51,600 per year, plus additional expenses previously incurred for project-based work outside the contract’s scope. These funds can now be redirected to other strategic priorities that benefit a broader segment of our membership.

Recently, AP Triton approached us with a proposal to renew services under a new $36,000 annual retainer (excluding additional specialist fees) to support their work with the Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT) program. While this is an important federal initiative, only a small percentage of CalChiefs member agencies benefit from it. Given our commitment to equitable resource allocation, we concluded that renewing this contract by way of an annual retainer would not be in the best interest of the majority of our members.

Instead, CFCA intends to establish an hourly consulting relationship with AP Triton, with all work subject to prior approval and accompanied by an hourly estimate. The primary focus areas for this engagement include:

1. Regulatory Agency Engagement

• Liaising with the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and other relevant regulatory bodies.
• Ensuring compliance with existing GEMT regulations and advocating for streamlined implementation processes.

2. Legislative & Policy Advocacy

• Monitoring legislative and regulatory developments affecting GEMT.
• Providing detailed analysis of policy changes and their impact on CFCA members.
• Advising CFCA leadership on proactive measures and recommended advocacy strategies.

In addition, we have recommended that AP Triton collaborate directly with the agencies that participate in and benefit from the GEMT program. For example, my agency, Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), is preparing to bid on a patient transportation services contract. If successful, OCFA will independently fund any necessary GEMT-related consulting services from AP Triton. If any CalChiefs members require more than what the CalChiefs hourly as-needed rate covers, we would then encourage GEMT-participating agencies to contact AP Triton directly.

There is no question that AP Triton has played a significant role in advancing EMS policy and funding mechanisms in California over the past decade. The progress made in EMS would not have been possible without their expertise and advocacy. We are grateful for their contributions and their ongoing efforts to support the fire service community.

The CalChiefs Board of Directors has identified clear, measurable goals and objectives that will guide our association forward. If you are interested in reviewing these objectives, you can find them HERE. 

Additionally, CalChiefs remains actively engaged in critical legislative issues impacting our profession. In 2024 alone, we invested over $44,000 in legal fees for Chapter 1 (formerly Chapter 13) legal analysis and review, reinforcing our commitment to strong legislative advocacy.

I want to extend my sincere appreciation to our Executive Board Members, Area Directors, Branch Directors, Section Presidents, and Administrative Team for their dedication and leadership. On behalf of the Board, I also want to recognize and thank the members of our Professional Sections and Branches, which include:

• Emergency Management
• Administrative Fire Services
• Communications, Technology & Connectivity
• Emergency Medical Services
• Fire Mechanics
• Fire Marshals
• Operations
• Training Officers
• Metro Chiefs
• Tribal Chiefs
• Volunteer and Combination Chiefs

Founded in 1897, CalChiefs has evolved from a small social club into one of the largest and most influential state fire chiefs’ associations in the nation. Our mission remains steadfast: to strengthen and advocate for the California Fire Service through leadership, unity, and collaboration.

As we move forward, we remain committed to our core values of integrity, professionalism, credibility, innovation, and competency—ensuring that CalChiefs continues to be the voice of the California Fire Service.

Sincerely,

Brian Fennessy

President
California Fire Chiefs Association