In this latest Fire Marshals Section Presentation, Lisa VanBuskirk, SFPE Foundation, outlined SFPE's ongoing initiatives to address the wildland-urban interface (WUI) problem within the built environment. The presentation underscored that WUI fires are highly complex phenomena. Properly preparing communities to prevent, respond to, and recover from these incidents requires an innovative, wide-ranging set of engineering solutions drawn from across all disciplines.

When equipment fits the job — and the people doing it — crews move faster, work safer, and serve better. Save time purchasing with competitively solicited contracts from awarded suppliers and get the gear you need, when you need it. 

See how Hernando County Fire Rescue used Sourcewell to find the right fit for the job. 

Click here to view full video. 

For decades, incident commanders have relied on whiteboards, paper tactical worksheets, and radio traffic to maintain situational awareness during emergency incidents. Today, more agencies are adopting digital incident command platforms to improve accountability, resource tracking, and operational awareness on the fireground.

Tablet Command is currently used by more than 1,600+ public safety agencies and 71,000+ first responders across North America, helping command staff manage personnel, apparatus, assignments, and incident information in real time. By integrating with CAD systems and providing a common operating picture for command, dispatch, and field personnel, digital incident command tools can help departments improve coordination during both routine and large-scale incidents.

As fire departments continue evaluating technologies that support responder safety and operational effectiveness, digital incident command systems are becoming an increasingly important part of modern emergency response.

Learn more about digital incident command and how agencies are using these tools to support emergency operations.

View Coalition Letter - Click Here

Please submit letters of interest or nominations no later than June 30, 2026, to Executive Director Mark Heine at mark.heine@calchiefs.org.

All candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements to be considered for office, as specified in the Constitution and By-Laws.

Article 3 – Officers

Section 1 – Eligibility. Any member of the Association seeking election to the elective offices specified in this Article shall, on the day of the election, be an Active Member or Active Member – Group in good standing and have been such for at least two (2) consecutive years prior to that date.

Section 2 – Elected Officers. The elected officers of the Association shall consist of the President, President Elect, Northern Division Director, and Southern Division Director. The term of office for the President and the President Elect shall be one (1) year while the term of office for the Division Directors shall be four (4) years, or until the next regular election is called by the Executive Board. Active Members, Active Members – Group, Active Members – Volunteer, and Active Retired Members shall be eligible to vote for all elected officers of the Association. The Executive Director shall be responsible for ensuring elections occur on time and according to these by-laws or Executive Board policy as adopted from time-to-time.

Section 4 – Executive Board. There shall be an Executive Board which shall consist of the President, President Elect, Immediate Past President, Northern Division Director, Southern Division Director, Secretary/Treasurer, Member-at-Large representative, Legislative Director and California Director to the Western Fire Chiefs Association Board of Directors. The Executive Director shall be a non-voting ex-officio member of the Executive Board. The Executive Board shall also serve as the Finance Committee for the Association.

The progression of officers, and their duties and responsibilities, is as follows:

Article 3 – Officers

Section 9 – Officer Progression. The President shall advance to the office of Immediate Past President at the conclusion of their term. The President Elect shall advance to the office of President upon the President advancing to Immediate Past President or vacating the position. Officers must be in good standing for progression to occur.

Article 4 - Duties of Board Members

Section 1 – Executive Board Members

The President shall:

• Be the official representative for the Association;
• Serve as the chairperson of the Executive Board;
• Preside at meetings of the Association and at meetings of the Board of Directors;
• Appoint all committees, including those not provided for in the constitution and by-laws;
• Along with the Executive Board, approve the date and place of the annual meeting of the Full Board;
• Perform such other duties as may be required of the office by action of the members at the annual conference or by policy direction of the Full Board.

The President Elect shall:

• In the absence or inability of the President to perform all the duties of the office be directed to assume the duties of the President;
• Assist the President in conducting the business and policies of the Association including coordination of committee activities;
• Perform such other duties as may be required of the office by action of the members at the annual conference or by policy direction of the Full Board.

To be considered for office, letters of interest and supporting materials must be submitted by email to mark.heine@calchiefs.org no later than June 30, 2026.

Election Schedule

• June 30, 2026 – Deadline for submission of nominations and/or letters of interest for eligibility review.
• July 8, 2026 – Electronic voting opens, and notice will be provided to all eligible voting members by email.
• July 22, 2026 – Deadline for submission of electronic ballots.
• July 23–28, 2026 – Ballots will be tallied, results will be certified by the Executive Director, candidates will be notified, and election results will be posted on the CalChiefs website.
• October 27, 2026 – Swearing-in will take place at the CalChiefs Annual Conference in Anaheim.

Kristin Thompson, EMS Division Chief and co-chair of the Behavioral Health Taskforce, attended the California State Senate Floor on May 14, 2026, for the presentation of Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 170 by Senator Greyson on behalf of CalChiefs and the California fire service.

SCR 170 proclaims May 25–29, 2026, as Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Week in California. The resolution recognizes the unique mental health challenges firefighters face and underscores the importance of raising awareness, reducing stigma, and expanding access to behavioral health resources and support services.

Chief Thompson's leadership through the Behavioral Health Taskforce has helped advance firefighter wellness initiatives across the state. Her attendance at the Senate presentation reflects the ongoing commitment of California's fire service leaders and behavioral health advocates to supporting the mental health and well-being of firefighters and first responders.

You can find the full resolution here: SCR 170.

• aged 18-80 years old
• have had at least one firefighter parent (career or volunteer) who worked for more than 3 years as a firefighter before they turned 18
• have lived with their firefighter parent during the time the parent worked as a firefighter for at least 3 years before they turned 18  

Please encourage any adult raised by a firefighter to take the survey. Every perspective counts. Simply scan the QR code or enter the survey link into a browser on a phone, tablet or PC. Contact Christina at craes@wi.edu for any questions.

https://tinyurl.com/Wright-FIRE-Study

https://vimeo.com/1194518726?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

COMPLETE SURVEY

On May 7, Governor Gavin Newsom announced $70 million in funding opportunities for local wildfire prevention and resilience projects across California. Public agencies, nonprofits, tribes, and community organizations working to reduce wildfire risk are encouraged to apply. Funding will support projects focused on protecting communities and strengthening wildfire preparedness, including vegetation management, evacuation route maintenance, fuel reduction, firebreak creation, and other fire prevention efforts in high-risk areas.

Applications are open through July 8, 2026. Additional information, eligibility details, and application materials are available through the link below.

LEARN MORE AND APPLY

What you need to know: Governor Newsom proclaimed May 3–9 as Wildfire Preparedness Week — calling on all Californians to stay vigilant and prepared year-round as the state continues to deploy the most prepared, best-equipped firefighting force in the world to meet that threat. Meanwhile, new NPR reporting shows the Trump administration treated nearly 1.5 million fewer acres for wildfire prevention in 2025 than the last year of the Biden administration, including a near-50% drop in prescribed burns.

Governor Gavin Newsom today proclaimed May 3–9, 2026, as Wildfire Preparedness Week, highlighting the state’s record investments in wildfire prevention while also calling on Californians to get ready, stay informed, and help protect their homes, loved ones, and communities. Since taking office in 2019, Governor Newsom has transformed the state’s wildfire response: fast-tracking critical wildfire safety projects nationwide, investing in critical emergency preparedness programs, and building the world’s premier firefighting force and mutual aid system.

Read the Full Article Here

VIEW MEMORANDUM

Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 12PM PDT 

Monday, May 18, 2026, 12PM PDT 

Learn more in their MS-ISAC Member Resources, or contact MS-ISAC at info@cisecurity.org with enrollment questions.

Thank you for helping strengthen California's cybersecurity!

This training equips fire service leaders with a clear, data-driven approach to prioritizing the right actions. Learn how to shift from reactive response to proactive planning, maximize limited resources, and focus on the work that delivers the greatest impact for community protection and resilience.

Unlike traditional training programs that focus primarily on operations and tactics, this immersive, week-long academy challenges participants to expand their leadership lens. Today’s fire chiefs are expected to operate in complex environments—navigating local, State, and Federal politics, managing diverse personalities, building and sustaining strategic relationships, and leading organizations through constant change and scrutiny. The Fresno cohort engaged deeply in these topics, gaining practical insight into the multifaceted demands of the role.

Throughout the week, participants benefited from candid discussions, case-based learning, peer collaboration, and executive-level presentations. The Academy emphasized real-world problem solving, with students working through scenarios that mirror the challenges they will face in their own organizations. A highlight of the program was the opportunity to learn directly from tenured, current and former California fire chiefs, who shared unfiltered perspectives on leadership—what works, what doesn’t, and the common pitfalls that can derail even the most capable chief officers.

This modernized Academy builds upon the strong foundation of the former Chief Officer Leadership Symposium (COLS), while expanding its focus to meet the evolving demands of the profession. The curriculum integrates strategic leadership, political acumen, labor relations, organizational culture, and the often-overlooked elements of executive presence—what many refer to as “fire chief charm school.” These critical skills—diplomacy, tone, and the ability to lead with intention—are essential for success in today’s environment.
The energy, engagement, and professionalism demonstrated by this year’s Fresno cohort reflect the strength of the California fire service and its commitment to developing the next generation of leaders. As these 20 chiefs return to their organizations, they do so better prepared to lead with confidence, credibility, and purpose.

The California Fire Chiefs Association extends its appreciation to the instructors (Chief Heine, Chief Meston, Chief Bisbee, Chief Alcorn) who generously shared their experience and insights, and to the participants whose commitment to growth made the week such a success.

IQS is a software package that is owned by the National Association of State Foresters and is free of charge for local government agencies to use for rostering overhead-qualified personnel so they are visible in IROC for incident deployment. IQS is also useful as a qualification management system by maintaining qualification dates, trainee and qualified status, currency of refresher training, and dates of assignments. IROC automatically communicates back to IQS when personnel complete assignments to maintain the record of assignments for currency requirements.

Several fire agencies within California have been using IQS for many years with great success. IQS is in use by over 100 fire agencies with over 18,000 people rostered. The California Office of Emergency Services, Fire and Rescue Division (Cal OES), began an outreach program to the fire service in late 2025, and these efforts are ongoing. Currently, there are 324 fire agencies, with 7,612 records, that need to be established in IQS. Of these, there are 78 agencies that have begun the process to set up their system.

The preferred system set-up is that of a group of agencies, either by dispatch center or mutual aid operational area, collaborating together to place personnel from several agencies into one IQS server system to simplify the server connections.

For more information, visit the IQS website at https://vdatasys.com/, where you can download the software installation manual. It is important to reach out to your Cal OES Regional Assistant Chief or the contacts below before you begin entering data into the system. California’s IQS representative will guide agencies through the installation process to ensure proper connection to IROC with the agency identifier codes, to maintain the integrity of the mutual aid system.

For Additional Information Contact

Cal OES Assistant Chief Eric Petterson (North Regions 2, 3, and 4)
Eric.Petterson@caloes.ca.gov
(916) 634-8498

Cal OES Assistant Chief Chris Cox (South Regions 1, 5, and 6)
Christopher.Cox@caloes.ca.gov
(916) 296-6927

California IQS Representative
Fire Captain Alex Entenman, Kern County Fire Department
aentenman@kerncountyfire.org
(661) 330-0177

The transition to the Incident Qualification System (IQS) represents a major operational and administrative shift for departments that rely on robust qualification tracking for incident management personnel. Recognizing both the urgency and the complexity of this change, CalChiefs convened subject-matter experts to provide practical guidance, implementation strategies, and an open forum for questions. Participants received timely information to help their organizations prepare for and navigate the transition with confidence.

Attendance exceeded expectations, demonstrating both the demand for credible, up-to-date information and the value of a statewide platform where leaders can learn together. The webinar format allowed chiefs, command staff, training officers, and administrative personnel—many of whom may not be able to attend in-person events—to participate without travel, minimizing cost and time away from their agencies.

Beyond the immediate success of this session, the event marks the launch of a powerful new capability for CalChiefs. The Zoom Webinar platform will enable the Association to deliver timely, high-quality content on contemporary issues affecting the California fire service. From emerging operational challenges and legislative developments to leadership, technology, and EMS topics, CalChiefs can now connect experts directly with members in real time.

This initiative directly supports CalChiefs’ mission to inform, educate, and advocate on behalf of California’s fire service leadership. By leveraging virtual engagement tools, the Association can broaden its reach, respond quickly to evolving issues, and ensure that members have access to the information they need to lead effectively.

CalChiefs extends its sincere appreciation to the presenters, organizers, and participants who made this inaugural webinar a success. Based on the strong response, additional webinars are already being planned to address other high-priority topics.

As the fire service continues to evolve, CalChiefs remains committed to providing innovative, accessible, and relevant professional development opportunities. The success of the IROC-to-IQS webinar is a clear indication that this new platform will play an important role in strengthening communication, collaboration, and leadership across California’s fire service community.

Stay tuned for announcements of upcoming webinars and other learning opportunities from CalChiefs.

FIRESCOPE’S FOUNDATIONS
The FIRESCOPE program has its roots in Southern California, where it was originally formed in 1972 as Firefighting Resources of Southern California Organized for Potential Emergencies. Its creation followed major wildfires that highlighted the urgent need for improved coordination among fire agencies responding to large, complex incidents.

In 1986, FIRESCOPE took a major step forward when the FIRESCOPE Board of Directors and the Office of Emergency Services (OES) Fire and Rescue Services Advisory Committee were formally consolidated into a single working partnership. This structure brought together representatives from local, rural, and metropolitan fire departments, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), and federal fire agencies—ensuring broad, statewide representation.

As FIRESCOPE evolved into a truly statewide program, its acronym was redefined as Firefighting Resources of California Organized for Potential Emergencies. To further strengthen statewide coordination, CALFIRMS (California Fire Information Resource Management Systems) joined FIRESCOPE as the Northern Operations Team, extending the program’s reach throughout Northern California.

Under the authority of Senate Bill 27 (1989) and Health and Safety Code Section 13070, the FIRESCOPE Program is jointly established and administered by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), CAL FIRE, and the State Fire Marshal. This legislative framework formalized FIRESCOPE’s role as a unifying body for California’s fire service.

A Collaborative, Practitioner-Driven Program
FIRESCOPE was designed to bring diverse fire agencies together under a shared voice and direction. Its strength lies in the diversity of its membership and the collaborative process established by its founding legislation. This partnership provides critical input to the Director of Cal OES and ensures the continued development of FIRESCOPE products that reflect real-world operational needs.

The FIRESCOPE organization works in close alignment with the Cal OES Fire and Rescue Services Advisory Committee to address issues related to mutual aid, cooperative agreements, and regional and statewide fire-rescue policy. Through this structure, FIRESCOPE plays a key role in advising the Director of Cal OES on matters of statewide importance.

Decision-making within FIRESCOPE follows a majority-rule process, while also ensuring that minority viewpoints are documented and forwarded to the Cal OES Director for consideration—reinforcing transparency, inclusion, and professional respect.

Mission
The mission of FIRESCOPE is to provide recommendations and technical assistance to Cal OES; maintain the FIRESCOPE decision-making process; and support the ongoing operation, development, and maintenance of the Incident Command System (ICS) and the Multi-Agency Coordination System (MACS).

Vision
The FIRESCOPE Board of Directors and the Cal OES Fire and Rescue Services Advisory Committee envision continued national leadership in all-hazard incident management and multi-agency coordination; expanded participation in California’s Fire and Rescue Mutual Aid System; and a strong, unified voice for the California fire service on issues of statewide significance.

Why FIRESCOPE Is Essential
FIRESCOPE ensures that when agencies come together, they already share a common playbook. Its value includes:

• Standardized command and control (ICS)
  
• Mutual aid system enhancements
  
• Common terminology and operational practices
  
• Position task books and qualification guidance
  
• Operational lessons learned from real incidents

These shared systems reduce confusion, improve firefighter safety, and increase operational efficiency during high-risk, high-consequence incidents.

More Than Wildfire
Although FIRESCOPE grew out of wildfire response, it is now firmly all-hazards. The same principles support:

• Urban and interface fires
  
• Floods and severe weather
  
• Earthquakes and major disasters
  
• Multi-agency law enforcement and EMS incidents
  
• Planned events requiring unified command

When agencies train and operate under FIRESCOPE doctrine, they arrive ready to integrate—no matter the incident type.

Local Control, Statewide Interoperability
FIRESCOPE does not replace local authority or day-to-day operations. Instead, it provides a common framework that allows diverse agencies—urban and rural, career and volunteer—to function as one system when incidents cross jurisdictional boundaries.

In California, that interoperability is not optional—it is essential.

Fore more information on FIRESCOPE, please visit: Firescope Home

The California UAS Coordination Group (CALGRU) has officially launched as the newest State Group within the DroneResponders Network, marking a significant milestone for public-safety unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations across California.

Who Are DroneResponders?
DroneResponders is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the safe, effective, and legal use of unmanned aircraft systems by public-safety agencies. Its mission is to provide education, coordination, advocacy, and shared best practices to first responders using UAS for emergency response, disaster management, search and rescue, situational awareness, and critical infrastructure protection.

Through a growing network of state and regional coordination groups, DroneResponders connects agencies, pilots, program managers, regulators, and innovators to address rapidly evolving operational, regulatory, and technological challenges.

Why CALGRU Matters
CALGRU brings that national framework directly to California—one of the most complex and operationally demanding UAS environments in the country. From wildland fire and earthquakes to floods, law enforcement operations, and large-scale planned events, California agencies rely heavily on UAS to enhance safety and effectiveness.

CALGRU’s goal is to leverage the collective experience of its members to:

• Share timely regulatory and policy updates
  
• Provide practical tools that help shape their agencies operational guidance
  
• Foster collaboration across disciplines and jurisdictions
  
• Strengthen California’s unified voice on public-safety UAS issues

By participating in CALGRU, agencies and individual members gain access to a trusted peer network that helps them stay ahead of federal policy changes, operational trends, and emerging technologies—while ensuring programs remain compliant, resilient, and mission-focused.

CALGRU Website is Now Live
The CALGRU website is officially live and ready for members to create accounts. This platform will serve as the central hub for sharing updates and information impacting the public-safety UAS community statewide.

The first community post is already available, covering recent NDAA and FCC actions, and includes both a video briefing and a reference PDF—setting the tone for the type of actionable, practitioner-focused content CALGRU intends to provide.

Create your CALGRU profile here: https://www.droneresponders.org/calgru

Why Join DroneResponders and CALGRU?
Participation matters—now more than ever. Federal policy shifts (NDAA compliance, FCC covered entity, counter-UAS authorities, and FAA rulemaking) directly affect the ability of California agencies to acquire equipment, deploy aircraft, and operate effectively.

Joining DroneResponders and CALGRU helps ensure:

• Your agency’s voice is represented at the state and national level
  
• You receive early awareness of regulatory and legislative changes
  
• You can share lessons learned and proven practices
  
• California agencies move forward together with consistency and credibility

First CALGRU Membership Meeting – January 16
CALGRU will hold its first membership meeting on January 16, 2026, at 10:30 AM Pacific Time. Topics will include:

• Updates on NDAA requirements
  
• Counter-UAS developments
  
• Discussion of the FAA Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for drone package delivery operations, which is laying important groundwork for Part 108

Meeting Details

• Date: January 16, 2026
  
• Time: 10:30 AM Pacific
  
• Zoom Meeting ID: 822 7040 1269
  
• Passcode: 383899
  
• Join Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82270401269?pwd=7f95akogGgcDcvMRmPSBvlGWIa2NzP.1
  
  

Stay Connected
CALGRU will actively share resources, updates, and real-world examples of UAS use across California. Members are encouraged to follow and contribute:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calgru1850
  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/calgru

CALGRU is always looking for additional material and stories to feature. If your agency has lessons learned, innovative uses, or operational insights to share, the CALGRU team wants to hear from you.
________________________________________

We look forward to seeing you at the January meeting and to building a strong, coordinated future for public-safety UAS operations across California.

Sacramento, California — The California Fire Chiefs Association (CalChiefs) proudly announces and extends its congratulations to Chief Brian Fennessy of the Orange County Fire Authority on his appointment as the first Director of the newly established United States Wildland Fire Service (USWFS). His appointment becomes effective January 12, 2026.

Chief Fennessy is recognized nationally for his exceptional leadership, innovative approach to fire service operations, and steadfast commitment to firefighter and community safety. His distinguished career includes service as Fire Chief of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and later the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), where he continues to serve. He has been honored as the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) Fire Chief of the Year (2023) and the California Fire Chief of the Year (2022), and recently served as President of CalChiefs (2024–2025).

In addition to his executive leadership roles, Chief Fennessy serves as Chair of FIRESCOPE, the multi-agency body responsible for the development and stewardship of California’s Mutual Aid System and the Incident Command System (ICS). Under his tenure, FIRESCOPE has advanced modernization efforts, strengthened operational coordination, and expanded the use of intelligence-driven decision-making.

Chief Fennessy also played a pivotal role in the development and statewide expansion of the Fire Integrated Real-Time Intelligence System (FIRIS), which provides real-time aerial intelligence, fire perimeter mapping, and predictive modeling to support incident commanders. Originally launched in Orange County, FIRIS has evolved into a Cal OES–supported statewide program, enhancing situational awareness during California’s most challenging fire seasons.

This appointment marks a return to Chief Fennessy’s federal roots. His fire service career began in 1978 as a Hotshot with the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, giving him invaluable on-the-ground wildland experience that has shaped his leadership philosophy for more than four decades.

About the United States Wildland Fire Service
The creation of the United States Wildland Fire Service represents a historic reorganization of federal wildland fire management. For the first time, wildland firefighting personnel, aviation resources, training standards, and prevention programs from multiple federal agencies will be unified under a single operational structure. The USWFS is designed to:

• Establish a uniform national operational doctrine
  
• Enhance coordination with state, local, and tribal partners
  
• Streamline aviation strategy and federal resource deployment
  
• Standardize training, safety, and workforce development
  
• Strengthen national preparedness and response capability in the face of increasingly severe wildfire conditions

The USWFS model aligns with the principles of coordination and standardization that have long defined California’s fire service operations.

CalChiefs Statement
“Chief Brian Fennessy has been a transformational leader in California and across the nation,” said CalChiefs President Bernard Molloy. “His experience, integrity, and commitment to innovation make him uniquely suited to lead the United States Wildland Fire Service at this pivotal moment in our nation’s wildfire history. CalChiefs congratulates Chief Fennessy and looks forward to continued partnership with our federal counterparts under his leadership.”

For more information about the California Fire Chiefs Association, please visit www.calchiefs.org.

Jeff Meston’s affiliation with the California Fire Chiefs Association began in the early 1980s, when he was a young engineer with the Madera City Fire Department. Captain Mike Litvinchuk of the San Leandro Fire Department introduced him to the CalChiefs Northern Training Officers Section, initiating what would become a decades-long commitment to the Association.

After being hired by the Novato Fire District as the Training and EMS Chief, Meston became an active member of both the EMS Section and the Northern California Training Officers Section. He advanced through the chairs after first being elected Secretary, ultimately serving as Northern Section President while Don Heiser served as Southern Section President. During this time, he also served as Deputy Incident Commander for the Training Officers Workshop following its transition to San Jose.

Meston continued his service with CFCA by joining the Board of Directors as the Northern Area 6 Director, where he was appointed liaison to the Training Officers Section. He retired from the Novato Fire District in 2006. After becoming Fire Chief in Novato, he began working with Chiefs Martin and Kohlmann to deliver the Chief Officer Leadership Academy in Fresno each year, a program he has supported for more than 25 years.

Following his appointment as Fire Chief for the City of South Lake Tahoe, Meston returned to CFCA leadership by running for President-Elect in 2017 and serving as President from 2018 to 2019.

In 2021, Meston was appointed Executive Director of the California Fire Chiefs Association. During his tenure, he worked alongside Presidents Stefano, Gayk, Tubbs, Heine, Fennessy, and Molloy. Under the direction of the Board of Directors, CFCA achieved several significant milestones, including the creation of the Consulting and Training for-profit division, the establishment of the Cal Chiefs Foundation, the creation of the Cal Chiefs Hall of Fame, and the modernization of the Ronny J. Coleman Fire Chief of the Year Award—completed with Chief Coleman’s direct guidance before his passing.

CFCA partnered with Smith Moore & Associates to expand its organizational capacity, leading to the development or refinement of the Metro Chiefs Branch, Tribal Chiefs Branch, and the Combination and Volunteer Chiefs Branch. The Association also established the Presidents Council, ensuring weekly coordination among the President, President-Elect, Past President, and Executive Director to guide the organization and strengthen service to its members.

Additionally, CFCA played a central role in forming the California Fire Service Leadership Alliance—uniting CFCA, the Fire Districts Association, the League of California Cities Fire Chiefs, Metro Chiefs, Tribal Chiefs, Combination and Volunteer Chiefs, and Contract County Chiefs. The Executive Director serves as the Executive Officer of this unified body, which now stands as a key leadership forum for the state’s fire service.

Chief Meston holds a firm belief that every leader has a responsibility to leave both their office and their organization stronger than they found them.

Mark Heine brings more than four decades of exceptional fire service leadership, operational expertise, and statewide influence to the role of Executive Director of the California Fire Chiefs Association (CalChiefs), beginning in January 2026. A lifelong public safety professional, Heine has served in nearly every rank of the fire service, culminating in his tenure as Fire Chief of the Sonoma County Fire District—one of California’s fastest-growing fire agencies. His leadership has helped shape the modern California fire service through innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to organizational excellence.

Heine is widely known across the state for his work in regionalization, governance, EMS system design, and public-sector strategic planning. As a past President of CalChiefs, he played a central role in strengthening advocacy efforts in Sacramento, modernizing association operations through reorganization, and building strong partnerships with state agencies, elected officials, labor organizations, and fire service stakeholders.

Throughout his career, Heine has been recognized for his balanced leadership style, commitment to financial responsibility, and ability to bring diverse groups together to solve complex challenges. He has championed the professional development of future leaders, mentored new chiefs, and consistently advocated for system improvements that strengthen service delivery and benefit local communities.

As a result of his experience and mentorship for the position under Executive Director Jeff Meston, Heine brings an exceptional blend of operational expertise, policy insight, statewide relationships, and a clear vision for advancing CalChiefs’ mission. He remains deeply committed to supporting California’s fire service, strengthening collaboration across all sections and regions, and ensuring the Association continues its leadership on the most important issues facing departments today.

Membership in the Logistics Section connects you with leaders shaping the future of facility and apparatus standards, PPE lifecycle management, fleet support, and the full spectrum of tools and equipment that keep fire departments running. You’ll gain access to collective expertise, real-world solutions, and a platform to influence statewide guidance on logistics, purchasing, and resource management.

Join us and be part of elevating logistics to the professional discipline it must be, ensuring every California firefighter has the right equipment, in the right condition, at the right time. Please respond to Division Chief Dave Perez of Murrieta Fire and Rescue at dperez@murrietaca.gov to help kick off this exciting section and become a founding member of this new CalChiefs team.

In Partnership with University of California, Santa Barbara & Zschool

California’s fire and emergency medical service professionals are confronting a rapidly escalating public health crisis. With the sharp rise in opioid-related emergencies, fentanyl exposures, and behavioral health calls, there is an urgent need for consistent, statewide training to strengthen readiness, resilience, and responder safety.

To meet this need, the California First Responder Fire Association, in collaboration with the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) and Zschool, is offering the Opioid Awareness & Readiness Training Program—a university-backed, grant-funded professional development course for firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical responders across California at NO OUTLAY COSTS to the department.

The time is NOW, and we are seeking for our First Responders to lead the charge in California.

Together, we can combat the opioid crisis with prompt authority, coordinated action, and unwavering commitment—protecting our communities and those who serve them.

REQUEST TRAINING FOR YOUR DEPARTMENT

OPIOID READINESS & AWARENESS BROCHURE

Program Components

• Naloxone Administration & Harm Reduction Protocols — safe and effective overdose response
• Officer Safety & Wellness — exposure mitigation, PPE, and high-risk call protocols
• De-Escalation & Crisis Communication — managing volatile incidents and mental-health crises
• Burnout, Fatigue & Mental Health Resilience — recognizing stress and building coping strategies
• Behavioral Health & Community Response — coordinated referrals and post-incident care
  

Aligned with Exhibits B & E of California’s Opioid Settlement Agreement for abatement funding eligibility.

Program Benefits

• Complimentary Enrollment under California’s opioid settlement funds
• 4 Hours Paid Overtime per participant to complete the training
• University-Backed Certificate of Completion issued by University of California, Santa Barbara
• CEUs / Professional Development Credit for career advancement
• Strengthens eligibility for county/state opioid abatement reimbursements
• Establishes consistent statewide standards and improves community outcomes

How to Enroll at No Cost
Departments may register personnel for upcoming statewide cohorts:

• Register Here: Request Training for Your Department Here!
• Referral Contact: Please list Dr. Sarit J. Levy, Chief Learning Officer as your referral contact on the registration form.
• Questions/Support: Sarit.Levy@Zschool.com
  

Partners

• California First Responder Fire Association
• University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
• Zschool
  

Take Action Now
Ensure your department is trained, compliant, and prepared to save lives under California’s opioid abatement strategy.

Protect your team. Strengthen your readiness. Lead the response.