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.

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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.

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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.

Given the scale of the risk facing California’s communities, landscapes, and water resources, however, the Coalition urges the Governor and Legislature to prioritize opportunities to scale investment in wildfire resilience and other nature-based climate solutions. While the proposed $314 million for wildfire programs—including local fire prevention grants, defensible space, and regional capacity building—is an important down payment, additional funding is needed to respond to the urgency voters expressed when they passed Prop 4 and to reach the estimated $2.5-3 billion needed to fully fund California’s wildfire resilience action plan. The majority of Californians strongly support increased state spending on wildfire resilience.

To close California’s wildfire funding gap, the Coalition calls for increased investment of both Cap-and-Invest and Prop 4 revenues to deliver landscape health, watershed protection, and community safety. Specifically, we respectfully request the following commitments: 

• Restore and maintain the $200 million from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) that has been traditionally invested in wildfire resilience. GGRF should be prioritized for critical climate resilience investments, while the General Fund is a more appropriate source for funding CAL FIRE operations. 
  
• Allocate $500 million for Prop 4 wildfire funding to meet the urgent need for more wildfire resilience investment.
  
• Pass AB 35 as soon as possible to avoid delay in getting Prop 4 investments on the ground.

The scale of the wildfire crisis demands sustained and expanded investment. Wildfire is fueling California’s affordability crisis, driving up home insurance and electricity rates. Proactive investment not only prevents disasters but also saves money: every $1 invested to reduce the risk of catastrophic events like wildfire saves more than $6 in damage and cleanup costs. 

As the Legislature takes up the budget, the Wildfire Solutions Coalition will continue advocating for a responsible, durable funding framework for wildfire resilience programs, while also ensuring these funds get on the ground quickly and effectively. 

Warm regards,

Brooke Rose | Coalition Coordinator

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.

Programs and Initiatives

Scholarship Fund
CFCF provides financial assistance to combination and volunteer chiefs to support dues and conference attendance. These scholarships help ensure that leaders from smaller or resource-limited agencies have equal access to education and professional networking opportunities.

Fire Chief Benevolent Fund
When tragedy strikes a chief officer or their family, the Benevolent Fund provides direct financial support. A rapid response mechanism ensures that help is available quickly in times of greatest need, backed by annual fundraising efforts to sustain this critical program.

California Fire Chief Assistance Program
Leadership often comes with unique challenges. The Assistance Program connects chief officers with a network of experienced peers, workshops, and crisis management resources to support them through organizational difficulties.

Research and Development
The Foundation is committed to advancing an all-risk approach to fire and EMS. By funding studies, pilot projects, and research partnerships with institutions such as UC Davis, the Foundation helps bring innovative practices to the field—ranging from cancer prevention research to data-driven wildland fire modeling.

Hall of Fame
Each year, the Foundation proudly manages the California Fire Chiefs Association Hall of Fame, honoring outstanding fire chief officers whose service has left a lasting impact on the profession.

Current Projects and Accomplishments
The Foundation recently completed the Wildland Urban Interface Data grant, funded by the Moor Foundation, in collaboration with Milliman. Current efforts include the Wildland Resilience Initiative, which focuses on fire spread modeling, data integration, and standardization in partnership with Marin Wildfire Prevention and Napa agencies.

Additionally, the Foundation is deeply engaged in the California Fire Service Cancer Program and Tumor Mutational Landscape Study with UC Davis researcher Dr. John Douglas McPherson and the California Fire Chiefs Association. This groundbreaking effort seeks to better understand occupational cancer risks faced by firefighters.

Governance and Leadership
The California Fire Chiefs Foundation is guided by a dedicated board of directors, representing both CFCA leadership and independent voices from across the fire service.

• President – Chief Brian Fennessy (CFCA Board Member)
  
• Treasurer – Chief Ted Peterson (CFCA Board Member)
  
• Member – Chief Chris Tubbs (Non-CFCA Board Member, new)
  
• Member – Chief Dave Winnacker (Non-CFCA Board Member, new)
  
• Member – Chief Mark Heine (CFCA Board Member)
  
• Member – Chief Alex Hamilton (Section President, EMS Section – representing EMS funds)
  
• Ex-Officio, Non-Voting Member – Jeff Meston, CFCA Executive Director
  

The Foundation board currently has two vacant non-CFCA board member positions and one vacant CFCA board/section president position. These open seats present an opportunity to broaden engagement and ensure all sections of the California fire service have a voice in the Foundation’s mission.

Looking Ahead
The California Fire Chiefs Foundation remains steadfast in its mission: supporting today’s leaders, preparing tomorrow’s, and driving forward research that protects both firefighters and the communities they serve. Through scholarships, assistance programs, benevolent support, research initiatives, and recognition programs, the Foundation is investing directly in the strength and resilience of California’s fire service leadership.

Santa Barbara County

• Regional dispatch began in May; ambulance program fell apart, 4yr. contract extension went to AMR; Lompoc FD evaluating an in-house ambulance program to augment system in a non-EOA.

San Luis Obispo County

• Alliance model passed to include 7 cities; WUI Code adoption with new Very High Severity Zone designations in the county are posing to be very challenging; finalizing Tablet Command implementation

Ventura County

• No report

Southern Area 2: Chris Nigg, Fire Chief for La Verne Fire Department

Los Angeles County

• Palisades and Eaton Fires started off the year
  
• UASI funding issue ($20mil hit)

Orange County 

• Tablet Command is the primary dispatch software throughout County; major operational change in fireground emergency radio communications
  
  

Southern Area 3: Nathan Cooke, Deputy Chief for Chino Valley Fire District

San Bernadino County 

• Confire is still awaiting final path forward on amb.ruling & remains optimistic.
  
• Corona FD are engaged w/doctor-based TeleHealth-deployed via FD squad.
  

Inyo County

• No report.

Southern Area 4: Jayson Summers, Fire Chief for Coronado Fire Department

San Diego County

• Implementation of Genysis evacuation program 
  

Imperial County

• Auto-aid pilot program between El Centro FD and Imperial County initiated 
  

Riverside County

• Working through Genysis evacuation program and AMR contract was renewed

Southern Area 5: Kevin Albertson, Fire Chief for Bakersfield Fire Department 

Kern County

• Bakersfield having difficulty recruiting/retaining dispatchers and contending with LRA maps which were new to the City
• Kern County planning implementation of 4-0 staffing of engines; will begin with outer part of county and work inwards.

King/Tulare County

• No report.

Respectfully,

Chief Adam Loeser
Southern Division Director, California Fire Chiefs Association

The seven Northern Area Directors have demonstrated strong engagement with County Fire Chiefs Associations and CalChiefs leadership—advocating for local needs, advancing key initiatives, and ensuring regional voices are represented effectively at the state level.

Division-Wide Priorities

Funding and Financial Stability
Sustaining local funding remains the foremost challenge across rural and suburban areas. Many small agencies lack the administrative capacity to defend limited budgets. Counties are exploring Joint Powers Agreements (JPAs), mergers, and local sales tax measures to create efficiencies and secure sustainable revenue. Several agencies continue to rely on CFAA and ABH assignments to supplement operating costs.

Key Successes:

• Calaveras County: Passed a 1% local sales tax measure to fund fire protection.
  
• Sonoma County: Countywide sales tax (~$60M annually) enabled approximately 200 firefighter hires and multiple capital projects.
  
• San Joaquin County: Secured 1% synthetic Prop 172 funding.
  
• Central Valley: PP-GEMT program reforms provided financial relief to EMS providers.
  

Recruitment and Retention
Attracting and retaining firefighters, paramedics, and EMTs remains a critical challenge—especially for smaller, volunteer-based departments. The Northern Division strongly supports the Fighting Fire with Funding initiative and statewide efforts to remove financial barriers to firefighter certification and training, including the passage of Senate Bill 345 (Hurtado).

EMS System Challenges
Many rural counties face ongoing pressures maintaining emergency medical transport services. Key actions include:

• Exploring collaborative public-private partnership models for ambulance transport.
  
• Mendocino County & Covelo Fire Department: Developing new EMS models to stabilize operations.
  San Joaquin County: CENCAL JPA launching in 2026 for coordinated countywide EMS service.
• Shortages of paramedics, and a higher dependence on BLS units.
  

Operational and Regional Highlights

Communications and Dispatch

• New repeaters and CAD-to-CAD systems improving interoperability across counties.
  
• Placer County evaluating Central Square CAD-to-CAD system among five dispatch centers.
  
• REDCOM JPA (Sonoma County) transitioned to independent employer, enhancing dispatch capability.
  

Training and Preparedness

• Shield Regional Training Center expanded cross-discipline courses for fire, law enforcement, and EMS.
  
• OES Region III HazMat Unit fully operational in Redding.
  

Regional Collaboration

• Quarterly Chiefs meetings foster alignment and shared problem-solving.
  
• Engagement with CFAA, FIRESCOPE, and Governor’s Task Force to improve mutual aid and resource management policy.

Infrastructure and Equipment

• Rocklin FD: SAFER funding hired 9 firefighters and opened 4th station.
  
• South Placer Fire: Increased staffing through federal grants.
  
• Mendocino County agencies exploring funding partnerships to avoid operational reductions.

Firefighter Wellness and Behavioral Health
Firefighter wellness remains a top priority. Agencies have expanded behavioral health programs, cancer prevention initiatives, and early screening efforts through regional cooperation and shared grants, improving long-term personnel health and resilience.

Cross-Area Themes

• Funding Sustainability: Securing stable, diversified revenue streams.
  
• Staffing and Succession: Recruitment, retention, and leadership planning.
  
• Interoperability: Dispatch and technology integration.
  
• Zone Zero initiative: enforcement and funding responsibilities?
  
• Responder Safety: Active Shooter and Rescue Task Force programs.
  
• Governance and Oversight: LAFCO and local governance reforms.
  
• Infrastructure Modernization: Investment in stations, apparatus, and equipment.

Looking Ahead: 2026 Objectives

1. Advocate for long-term sustainable funding.
   
2. Expand leadership development and recruitment programs.
   
3. Continue to support and expand firefighter health and wellness programs.
   
4. Advance dispatch and communications interoperability.
   
5. Finalize and implement multi-hazard response guidelines.
   
6. Support station and apparatus modernization through partnerships.
7. Engage in governance and LAFCO discussions to protect district autonomy and service levels.

Acknowledgments
The Division extends sincere gratitude to Cal Chiefs leadership, the Executive Board, and all Sections, Committees, and Members for their continued collaboration and support. Together, we are strengthening the fire service and protecting the communities we serve across Northern California and our entire state.

Respectfully,

Chief Steve Akre
Northern Division Director, California Fire Chiefs Association

During this time, I have had the unique opportunity to represent our members across the State of California and through the Western Fire Chiefs Association. These roles have provided me with experiences I will carry for a lifetime—whether it was engaging with policymakers, collaborating with our allied partners and sections, or simply sharing conversations with fellow chiefs and our members about the challenges and opportunities we all face.

None of this would have been possible without our amazing Board of Directors. Their unwavering support, commitment, and leadership have been the foundation of every success we have achieved together. I am profoundly grateful to them for their dedication to our mission and for the camaraderie that has made this work so meaningful. The people I have met and worked alongside—leaders from every corner of California, colleagues across the Western states, and our national partners—have truly enriched my journey and reminded me of the strength and resilience of our profession.

This past year, I have also had the privilege of supporting President Brian Fennessey and President-Elect Bernie Malloy as they lead CalChiefs forward with vision, energy, and a steadfast commitment to our members and the best practices of the California fire service. Their leadership, combined with the strong foundation we continue to build, ensures that our association is well positioned for the future.

Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Jeff Meston, our exceptional Executive Director. Jeff’s passion, wisdom, and tireless efforts behind the scenes have been a driving force for CalChiefs. His ability to bring people together, to manage complexity with grace, and to keep our association moving forward is nothing short of remarkable.

It has been an incredible journey and a tremendous honor to serve you. I will always cherish the trust you placed in me and the opportunity to stand alongside such dedicated and inspiring leaders. Together, we have advanced the mission of CalChiefs, strengthened our voice, and supported the fire service across California and beyond.

With deep gratitude,

Chief Mark Heine
Past-President, California Fire Chiefs Association

The fire service nationwide is entering a historic modernization effort, the transition from the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) to the National Emergency Response Information System (NERIS). This marks the first major overhaul of our nation’s fire incident data system in more than 40 years.

For decades, NFIRS has served as the backbone of fire incident reporting, providing invaluable insight into response trends, prevention, and safety. However, with the evolution of technology, EMS integration, and new national data standards, NERIS will finally deliver the near-real-time, analytics-driven platform needed to support today’s fire service.

As of October 8, 2025, national NERIS onboarding continues to accelerate:

• 1,401 departments are now actively reporting to NERIS
  
• Over 205,000 incidents and 358,000 unit responses have been logged nationwide
  
• FEMA Region 9 (California, Nevada, Arizona) begins onboarding in November 2025

Here in California, the CalStats Program within CAL FIRE - Office of the State Fire Marshal continues to work closely with the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and FSRI/UL to guide departments through this transition.

• 31 departments statewide have been nominated as early adopters
• 6 departments are now actively reporting to NERIS in California 
  

In the last 30 days, we have added:

• Ventura County Fire Department
  
• City of Newman Fire Department
  
• San Diego Fire-Rescue Department
  
• Stanislaus County Fire Warden

As part of this national transition:

• NFIRS will officially retire on December 31, 2025
• Last day to report 2025 NFIRS data: January 15, 2026
• Last day to modify or edit 2025 NFIRS data: January 31, 2026

Once your department transitions to NERIS, you will no longer report to NFIRS.

While California’s transition window opens in November 2025, departments are encouraged to move thoughtfully. There is no immediate rush to switch, but all agencies must complete their transition by January 1, 2026.

The move to NERIS represents a transformational shift from static, legacy reporting to a dynamic, cloud-based system designed to integrate fire, EMS, and community risk data nationwide. It will strengthen the accuracy, timeliness, and interoperability of fire data across California and the nation.

Here are some resources and opportunities to stay connected -

NERIS Onboarding Portal: https://neris.fsri.org/onboarding

View national onboarding progress, readiness maps, and reporting dashboards.

CalStats Program Page: https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/resources/california-incident-data-and-statistics-program

Access California-specific onboarding resources, FAQs, and updates.

Final California NERIS Webinar – October 20 at 1:00 PM: Register Here

This webinar will bring together CAL FIRE, the NERIS development team, and RMS vendors supporting NERIS integration. Departments already reporting to NERIS will share early lessons learned, and the NERIS team will be available for Q&A as California prepares to onboard.

California continues to lead the nation in data modernization and innovation. Your participation and leadership will ensure a smooth and unified transition as we move from NFIRS to NERIS. While we have been working over the past year to educate NFIRS coordinators for the past couple years, we want to ensure this information has wide reach. Please share with your department’s leadership, data coordinators, and reporting staff.

Thanks,
 
Daniel Berlant
State Fire Marshal

Over the last several years, Chief Gayk has been very involved in the California Fire Chiefs Association ultimately serving as the President of Cal Chiefs in 2021 to 2022.  Locally, Chief Gayk played a role in developing the successful CONFIRE EMS/Mobile Health proposal for ambulance service in San Bernardino County.

Chief Gayk has enjoyed teaching and writing throughout his career having multiple opportunities to speak at State and National conferences throughout the United States and has been nationally published in Fire Rescue Magazine over 40 times as the editor for the monthly article “Company Officer Development”.  

After he retired from the Ontario Fire Department, he became a Senior Advisor for Cal Fire Chiefs Consulting & Training, started his own company Cardo Consulting Inc. and is currently employed by Priority on Demand as the Director of Public Safety Relations, working with Fire Departments who are interested in developing Public/Private partnerships and creating Health Care solutions for their communities.   

Learn More & Submit Nominations

The board of directors were notified on August 18, 2025, and will vote via electronic vote on Friday, October 17, 2025, following the 60-day notice. You can find a redline version of the bylaws here: Redline CFCA Bylaws - 8.13.2025

TO: The Full Board of Directors
FROM: Presidents Council
DATE: August 18, 2025
SUBJECT: Proposed Bylaw Change – Open Annual President-Elect Elections to All CFCA Members
 
Background

The CFCA has undergone substantial structural and organizational improvements in recent years, including:

• The transition to professional association management under SMA
  
• The launch of a CFCA Consulting and Training Division
  
• The formation of the non-profit Cal Fire Chiefs Foundation
  
• The reorganization of CFCA into three functional branches
  
• The restructuring of CFCA Sections to enhance engagement and alignment

In conjunction with these developments, the Presidents Council—comprising the President, President-Elect, Past President, and Executive Director—now meets weekly to ensure leadership continuity, operational transparency, and accountability.

Current Bylaw Provision in Question

Under current CFCA Bylaws, Section 1(e) of the Division Elections provision states:
“Alternating every two (2) years between the Northern Division and the Southern Division, each division shall elect a President-Elect and a Division Director every four (4) years.”
This provision restricts eligibility for the President-Elect position to one division every two years, regardless of candidate qualifications or interest levels across the membership.

Issue

This alternating election schedule:

• Limits member engagement and leadership opportunities
  
• Reduces the candidate pool and potentially overlooks qualified members
  
• No longer aligns with CFCA’s current leadership model, which now includes broader representation and consistent oversight through the Presidents Council

In the current cycle, we are electing a Southern Division Director and seeking a Northern Division President-Elect—an arrangement driven by legacy alternating rules rather than the needs of the Association.

Recommendation

The Presidents Council recommends removing Section 1(e) under Article IX (Nominations and Elections) to eliminate the alternating divisional restriction for President-Elect. This change will:

• Open annual elections for President-Elect to all qualified CFCA members, regardless of division
  
• Promote broader leadership development and inclusion
  
• Align CFCA governance with its modern operational structure and strategic direction
  

Dear CalChiefs Members,

I want to give you all an update on the current PP GEMT IGT program, as well as touch on some of the issues with the audits currently going on with the now “dormant” old GEMT program.

Regarding the current PP GEMT IGT program, I am receiving inquiries almost daily, or being asked about the continued viability of the program, and as recently as this week was told by a chief officer—emphatically and with conviction—that the program was going away in 2026. When I challenged this chief on his source for the information, he stammered and made a reference to a presentation done recently. I am, of course, familiar with the consultant/legal team that had put the information out and had already reviewed it. It was full of speculation, maybes, and “what ifs.” It was conducted by one of the largest law firms, which is a favorite of the private ambulance industry. Don’t get me wrong—they put out some of the best educational material, have great conferences, and I have and do recommend them to our members. However, I ask you to consider the source before reacting to the “sky is falling” as gospel.

That said, there is no crystal ball, and it is not 100% clear yet what changes in the Medicaid program may be coming. I am keeping myself—and therefore our organization—apprised of facts, and I try not to get distracted by the so-called experts who may or may not have an agenda different from the California Fire Service.

I will remind our group that the PP GEMT IGT program is an “entitlement” program and not a “provider tax” program. As of this writing, the issues being discussed by Congress are related to “provider tax” programs, as I pointed out in a previous memo to our group and spoke about at the CFED conference.

To this point, I wanted to share with you the recent correspondence I received from DHCS (please see below). The quotes are purposeful, as this is not edited. My goal is to give you and your CMs, Finance Managers, or elected officials actual real-time information about the program.

As to the eligible but non-participants list referenced, CalChiefs is working through the area directors to reach out to those agencies and ascertain if they need help in understanding or following the process, as well as explaining that if they don’t participate, those of us who do must pay their NFS (nonfederal share).

"Hello CalChiefs,

The PP-GEMT team would like to share a few updates following the completion of CY 2025 Invoice #3. We are happy to report that the program has successfully collected 99.9% of the invoiced IGT amounts. One provider, Long Valley Fire Protection District, withdrew from the program during Invoice #3 due to financial setbacks. In addition, South San Joaquin County Fire will be joining as a new funding entity (FE) for Invoice #4 and City of South Pasadena expressed interest as a FE for CY 2025, and we are following up with them to potentially onboard for Invoice #4 as well.

Attached is the Invoice #3 non-participant list, which identifies known in-state public providers who did not participate as FEs during CY 2025 Invoice #3 but are eligible to do so. Consistent with previous communications, we have highlighted providers with 100 or more managed care GEMT trips and have included relevant notes outlining our ongoing efforts to onboard new FEs for CY 2025.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Bianca Burgess | Associate Governmental Program Analyst"

SPA 25-0002 PUBLIC NOTICE

For the second update, I wanted to highlight the audits of the final years of the “dormant” old GEMT program.

As a review, that program was a CPE (certified public expenditure) program. In order to support your claim of true cost, we all had to fill out cost reports. These cost reports must be audited as part of the approval process from CMS. So, if we are all being audited—but you did nothing wrong—it is simply part of the process of that program. These next audits will be the last, as the program no longer exists. The current PP GEMT IGT (intergovernmental transfer) programs are not subject to audits. So, the point is: you are not being audited on the current program.

I know this can be confusing if you are new to your position and have not experienced this in the past. The A&I (Audits and Investigations) team is “catching up” on the final years of that program.

That being said, we are consistently hearing that costs which had been allowable in the past are now being rejected, and A&I/DHCS is demanding that you repay the overpayment—sometimes called a “clawback.”

I have been working with the EMS Section to find consistency in what these issues are, which auditor is making the change, and why. This is active work in progress. The goal is to find commonality and be able to go back to DHCS and A&I to re-educate the group as to our costs. It appears there are at least some new auditors who were not part of the program before and may not have the understanding or history of the program.

My recommendation to you is to get a “why” from A&I/DHCS in writing and feed that through the EMS Section so we are armed with that information and can push back with the department on your behalf.

In closing, I know that this is a lot of information, and these programs of alphabet soup are confusing. I highly recommend you take the time to listen to the CalChiefs podcast I did with then-President Chief Tubbs, where we walk through the programs at a more reasonable pace.

CALCHIEFS PODCAST

Respectfully,

Ted Peterson
CalChiefs Treasurer
Deputy Fire Chief, Southern Marin Fire District

Chief Akre brings over 37 years of fire service experience, including the past eight years as an active member of Cal Chiefs. He currently serves as Fire Chief of the Sonoma Valley Fire District and has been a dedicated leader on the Executive Board and Legislative Task Force. His career has been marked by a commitment to collaboration, progressive service delivery, and strengthening the California fire service.

Please join us in congratulating Chief Akre on his election and welcoming his leadership.

This report identifies key criteria for success and provides a roadmap for the upcoming Phase 3 pilot. The WUI Data Commons aims to systematically collect wildfire mitigation and suppression data to support insurers, fire agencies, and communities in reducing wildfire risk and improving insurance availability.

VIEW REPORT