2026 March President's Report

Chief Officer Opportunity: California Fire Chiefs Academy is Almost Here

• As one of the goals of Cal Chiefs is to provide chief officers with training that is not available anywhere else, Cal Chiefs is excited to announce that the California Fire Chiefs Academy will be live this year at the Fresno Training Symposium. This immersive, week-long academy is designed for newly appointed fire chiefs and senior chief officers preparing to step into the political, interpersonal, and organizational realities that no traditional class truly covers.
  
  Replacing and modernizing the highly successful legacy Chief Officer Leadership Symposium (COLS), this program blends strategic leadership, political acumen, personal management, labor relations, organizational culture, and what many affectionately call “fire chief charm school.” Participants will learn the diplomacy, tone, and executive presence needed to thrive under pressure. Program instructors and guest speakers are tenured executive fire service leaders.
• Register Here
• Download the Course Catalog: 2026 CATO Symposium Catalog v12.31.2026

EMS Updates

• EMSA Chapter 1 Rewrite: Cal Chiefs EPAC representatives have submitted what are expected to be final comments. We anticipate the public comment period to open within the next few months. This rewrite replaces Chapter 13 with a modernized “Chapter 1,” defining the future of fire-based EMS, including operational control and legal rights.
  
  For a full review, see the January 2026 President’s Report and watch for upcoming information sessions at FDAC, CFED, and other conferences.
• EMSA Chapter 6 (Specialty Care): The update was briefly held by OAL for procedural corrections; public comment is expected to open shortly.
• Centralized Registry System Launch: EMSA is launching a modernized Centralized Registry System on April 1, 2026. The legacy system will be decommissioned on March 30 at 5:00 P.M. Please finalize all pending transactions before this deadline.
• Training Opportunity: EMSA is hosting registry training webinars on March 24 and March 26 from 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Register by emailing EMSA.ExternalAffairs@emsa.ca.gov.

Legislative Work

• Weekly Cal Chiefs Legislative updates are available on the website or at:
  https://www.votervoice.net/JointTaskForce/News#/Blog/7393
• The Joint Legislative Task Force tracked approximately 170 measures last session and engaged directly on over 40 bills. Despite a $12 billion deficit, major wins were secured in system modernization, workforce readiness (including 3,000 year-round CAL FIRE positions), and fiscal sustainability.

Legal Advocacy & Case Law Victories

We are pleased to announce major legal milestones that strengthen the “Voice of the California Fire Service.” For full details, see the January 2026 President’s Report.

• San Bernardino County Victory (AMR v. County of San Bernardino et al.): The 4th District Court of Appeal published its decision in favor of San Bernardino County and ConFire.
• Riverside City Victory (Symons Emergency Specialties v. City of Riverside): The California Supreme Court denied review, cementing a landmark win for §1797.201 “grandfathered” rights.

Industry Financial Sustainability Updates: OES / Reimbursements / Infrastructure

• CFAA Rate Workgroup: Cal OES Fire and Rescue has established an expedited workgroup to evaluate FEMA reimbursement rates relative to California operational costs.
  • Call for Data (Immediate Action): Submit recent procurement documentation for Type 6 Engines and Tactical Water Tenders (Type 1 and 2) to Lori.Lopez@caloes.ca.gov by March 10, 2026.
• IQS Integration: The Cal Chiefs webinar regarding the IROC to IQS transition drew more than 200 participants.
  • Resources Available: Webinar recordings and technical resources are available on the Cal Chiefs website.

Section Updates

• Fire Marshals Section:
  • Insurable State Initiative: Advancing partnership with IBHS through live-burn demonstrations promoting “Zone Zero” and structural hardening standards.
• CTC Section:
  • Strategic planning retreat completed in Palm Springs and establishment of CALGRU project.
  • CALGRU & Public-Safety Drones: California UAS Coordination Group (CALGRU) is now active, providing coordinated voice on FAA policy.
• Logistics Section: After a kick-off meeting, the Logistics Section is underway. For more information, contact dperez@murrietaca.gov.
• Legislative Engagement: Cal Chiefs is partnering on Special Districts Legislative Days (April 7–8) to advocate for public safety infrastructure and funding.
• Section Involvement: We continue to seek new members to expand our sections.

President’s Commentary: Your Voice Matters

As we continue to modernize our Association, I want to ensure Cal Chiefs is moving in the direction you need. What do you want from Cal Chiefs? Whether it is legislative advocacy, new technical resources, or leadership training, please reach out to your Area Directors or me. Our strength is our unified voice.

Upcoming Events & Registration

Bernie Molloy
President, California Fire Chiefs Association