EMS Updates:

• Chapter 1 updates. We are actively engaged with the EMS Policy Advisory Committee (EPAC) to replace the legally deficient Chapter 13 regulations with a modernized “Chapter 1”. This rewrite defines the future of fire-based EMS, encompassing operational control, legal rights, and more. We expect the draft regulations to be released within a few months and to proceed to the Office of Administrative Law process, during which all your public comments will be vital. Where we stand so far is:
  • Protecting §1797.201 Rights: We are working to codify the “.201 Recognition Form” so agencies can formally assert their rights to their LEMSA and secure local control.
  • Defending Medical Control: We have largely accomplished our goal of defining “Medical Control” as strictly clinical (patient care protocols) rather than operational, preventing LEMSAs from dictating staffing or deployment.
  • Standardizing Appeals: We have successfully advocated for a clear, standardized appeals process for .201 disputes that moves from the LEMSA to the State EMSA for final resolution.
  • Continuous Service Documentation: We urge all agencies to proactively gather documentation proving continuous service since June 1, 1980, to secure these statutory rights.

Legal Advocacy & Case Law Victories:

We are pleased to announce major legal milestones that strengthen the “Voice of the California Fire Service” by establishing binding precedents for fire-based EMS.

• San Bernardino County Victory (AMR v. County of San Bernardino et al.): At the request of CalChiefs and FDAC, the 4th District Court of Appeal has formally published its decision in favor of San Bernardino County and ConFire.
  • The Impact: By publishing this case, it becomes part of the official body of California case law. It can now be cited as a binding authority in future litigations to defend the rights of counties and fire agencies to manage their own EMS systems and provider contracts.
  • The Win: The court upheld the county’s right to award exclusive contracts through a competitive process, rejecting claims of “illegal monopolies” by private providers.
• Riverside City Victory (Symons Emergency Specialties v. City of Riverside): Finalized in mid-2024, the California Supreme Court denied a petition to review this case, cementing a landmark win for §1797.201 “grandfathered” rights.
  • The Impact: The court ruled that the City of Riverside has the authority to regulate both emergency and non-emergency ambulance services because it was doing so prior to June 1, 1980.
  • The Win: This case is a critical shield for any agency asserting §1797.201 rights. It confirms that local agencies do not lose their administrative control over EMS unless they explicitly relinquish those rights to a LEMSA.

Note to Members: These victories were made possible through the coordinated efforts of CalChiefs, the Fire Districts Association of California (FDAC), and our legal teams (Andrew Schouten and Bill Adams) and the cities and counties involved. We are effectively building a “legal fortress” to protect local control of the fire service.

Industry Financial Sustainability Updates: OES / Reimbursements / Infrastructure

We recognize that our departments cannot innovate if they are not fiscally healthy. We are addressing this issue through direct advocacy at both the state and federal levels.

• OES Transition:
  • We are closely monitoring the leadership transition within our partner agency, Cal OES, to ensure continued coordination on state-level emergencies.
  • Director Nancy Ward has announced her retirement effective December 31, 2025. Governor Newsom has designated Christina (Tina) Curry to serve as Acting Director of Cal OES.
  • We are scheduling a leadership alliance meeting in the new year with the new interim director of OES to continue the work we have had in place with Nancy Ward.
• FEMA/OES Reimbursement: We are in active negotiations regarding CFAA equipment rates.
  • The CFAA Committee (which included Chief Gilbert of Cal Chiefs) successfully advocated for an extension of the previous rate letter to prevent departments from being forced into lower, non-California-specific FEMA rates that do not reflect our true operational costs; for example, a Type III engine has been reduced by 42%.

  Engine Type	Hourly Rate (2025)	Hourly Rate (2024)	Net Reduction
  Type I	$162.44	$173.47	- $11.03
  Type III	$90.66	$156.74	- $66.08

• Federal Infrastructure Funding: We are in direct communication with Senator Adam Schiff’s office regarding a draft bill to provide dedicated funding for fire station construction and repair.

Section Updates:

We have completed the five-year goal of unifying all sections under a single set of bylaws and a streamlined dues structure.

• Monthly Section Meetings: Starting this month, we are institutionalizing monthly meetings between Cal Chiefs leadership and all Section heads to ensure your specialized expertise drives our statewide legislative priorities.
• Logistics Section Launch: We have officially launched our ninth section - the Logistics Section - to help our agencies tackle complex logistical issues such as fleet purchasing, facility design, facility construction, and rehabilitation of facilities and apparatus.
• Section Planning: We have challenged every Section to update their mission statements and goals this month to include a clear, guiding principle for the next five years. This information is being used to help direct the entire organization into the future.
• Section Involvement: We are continually seeking new members to expand our sections; please encourage your command staff to find their place and help guide the fire service into the future.

Upcoming Events:

January 2026

• January 13: Operations Section Meeting – Lt. Garret Ramos LODD Presentation
  • Time: 1:30 PM
  • Registration: Add to Calendar / Registration Details
• January 14–15: FIRESCOPE Board of Directors Meeting | Cal OES Headquarters, Mather
• January 22–23: 2026 CTC Planning Retreat | Palm Springs
  • Attendee Registration: Register Here
  • Sponsor Registration: Sponsor Sign-up
• January 26 – February 12: Ambulance Business Academy (Two-Part Session) | Thousand Oaks
  • Registration: Enrollment Link
  • Note: The deadline for cancellations with a partial refund is January 16, 2026.
• January 29–30: “Getting into the Ambulance Business” From A Fire Chief’s Perspective | Thousand Oaks
  • Registration: Sign up here

February 2026

• February 3–5: 2026 Fire Operations Technology Summit | Esri Headquarters, Redlands
  • Registration: Request to Attend
  • Important: There is no cost for fire agency participation, but space is limited and requests must be submitted by January 27, 2026.
• February 9–12: Ambulance Business Academy (Part 2) | Thousand Oaks
  • Registration: Part of the two-session enrollment

Bernie Molloy
President, California Fire Chiefs Association