On Sunday, September 30th we said goodbye to Crew 3 Ca-det Ryan Kirby. An outpouring of support was provided to Ryan’s family by the Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Ventura County Fire Department and the Moun-tains Recreation Conservancy Authority. In attendance were in excess of 130 Fire Service personnel from these 4 different agencies, all showing their sup-port for Ryan. The Kirbys were blown away in the support for their son and are extremely grate-ful for the assistance we have pro-vided.By Greg Holly,Apparatus Operator

LAFD Crew 3 is a Volunteer Type II Handcrew managed by the Los Angeles Fire Department. Crew 3 is currently organized as a Wildland Cadet Post. Crew 3 Members receive wildland class-es and hands-on training as well as career guidance to help with successful careers in the Fire Ser-vice. Crew 3 is managed and run by LAFD Members with extensive wild land training and handcrew experience.

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Official Publication of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City — Local 112, IAFF, AFL-CIO-CLCwww.uflac.org

VOL. 50, No. 6 November / December 2012

LAFD Mourns the Passing of LAFDCrew #3 Cadet Ryan S. Kirby

In our last issue of The Los Angeles Firefighter we had sev-eral articles urging you to vote No On Proposition 32. By the time this paper arrives at your door you will be eligible to send in your absentee ballot and Vote No on 32.

It does not matter what party affiliation you are. All firefight-ers can agree that Prop 32 is bad for workers. Voting No on 32 is quite possibly one of the most important votes of your career. If this Proposition passes it will be devastating to firefighters and workers across the state.

Across the Country legislators are watching the California elec-tion to see if the workers voice will be silenced. Collective bar-gaining was attacked in Wiscon-sin and Ohio and now workers are once again under attack in California.

We urge you to spread to word to friends and family to vote No on Proposition 32.

Prop 32 is not what it seems. It was intentionally written to create special exemptions for billionaire businessmen, giving them even more political power to write their own set of rules.

Prop 32 exempts secretive Su-per PACs, which can raise un-limited amounts of money from corporate special interests and billionaire businessmen to sup-port their favored candidates and defeat their enemies.

Corporations already outspend labor 15 to 1 on political expen-ditures; public safety and law en-forcement officials cannot afford to lose their voice in local com-

munities and state government.Prop 32 will effectively si-

lence the collective voice of police, firefighters, and all the organizations that advocate on behalf of our public safety pro-fessionals -- those who stand on the front lines to fight for our public safety system every day.

If corporate special interests were allowed free rein over the state of California to do as they please, we’d see the public safe-ty issues we care about the most pushed to the side. Issues like:

• Fighting to keep firefighters and police on the job

• Reducing the risks of dan-gerous work with worker safety laws

• Providing the best possible safety equipment

• Halting the increase in emer-gency response times

• Protecting our benefits to en-sure our families are taken care of

Prop 32 is a one-two punch -- the special interests funding Prop 32 are targeting the voices of public safety professionals today, and next they’ll target the issues we care about most.

Well respected organizations like the California Professional Firefighters, Los Angeles Po-lice Protective League, Peace Officers Research Association of California, Safety Employee Benefit Association and dozens of other public safety associa-tions have joined together to op-pose Prop 32. It’s bad for public safety and bad for California.

For more information go to:www.VoteNoOn32.com

STOP THE SPECIAL EXEMPTIONS ACT

No On 32 - Now is the Time

FD

LAFD Crew #3 Ryan Scott Kirby

Page 2 Los Angeles Firefighter November / December 2012

Secretary’s It has been a few newspaper is-

sues since I published an article, but with my term as your Secre-tary coming to an end I want to say a few things. First and fore-most, I want to say thank you to all the members that had enough faith in me to elect me this last term. I hope I have not let you down, yet served you by meeting your expectations.

These have been a rough two years for all of us. We have suf-fered through “brownouts”, loss of overtime, position elimina-tions, company closures, lack of leadership in certain areas, fight-ing between offices, and in-fight-ing amongst ranks. No doubt about it, the last few years have left many scars. The one thing that has prevailed are the boots on the ground, going out each day as that alarm rings and getting the job done although, even that has taken a hit.

When have you heard of so many members leaving this job, and so happy to be going? Mem-bers that have put their blood, sweat and tears into this job, sac-rificed so much, and yet don’t even want to look back. It is truly sad!! This is not what I remember seeing as a kid growing up around the fire house. What has caused this? Well, I know we all have our own opinions as to whom or what is to blame, but my hope is that these members stay and help restore this great Department!

A well respected and admired engineer just transferred into my station and asked me a simple question. He knows I am study-ing for Captain and he asked me, “Adam, why are you studying for Captain. Why would you want that position?” I thought about it long and hard. I thought about my “oral interview” answer, and then I just spoke what I believe in my heart. Seeing this Depart-ment going through all these cat-astrophic changes and heading in who knows what direction, I real-ize that from my current seat I am not in a position to change any-thing. Yes, I go out on my truck

company, or rescue, daily and try to have the best impact on civil-ian lives as I can, but as far as the “fellas” go, I don’t have much of an impact. As an Officer, I hope to provide just that. I might not have control over the Depart-ment and its actions, but within my four walls, I can make up for what the Department is lacking. I can provide direction, leadership and compassion for the members serving under me. I can do my best to improve their morale on a daily basis. There is something to be said for the old adage of a Captain’s responsibility. His job is to make sure his crew is fed, paid, and goes home safe.

Sitting from my seat as your Secretary and representing some of you in the discipline process, I see how important many of our positions are on the Fire Depart-ment. Many people think they can’t make an impact, or just because the Department is mak-ing things a certain way, that everything is out of their hands. Wrong! Each and every one of us can bring something to the ta-ble to build morale and/or better our “team” by filling in the void spaces where our Department is lacking.

These past two years many of you have shown me we still have a “family” on this job. I have seen our members pull together to help a brother struggling with a sick child. I have seen a station take money out of their own pockets and rebuild a car for a guy who was traveling to and from a hos-pital to take a child for life saving treatment. I have seen members take countless hours and money out of their pockets to send a WWII Veteran (non-LAFD mem-ber) on a plane ride aboard an old B-17 and escort him there on an old fire truck, just to say thank you to a Veteran who has helped give us our freedom. I have seen Captains go above and beyond to help members through a disci-pline process that so badly needs to be corrected; a process that is so out of control, it is taking our

finest members and making them disgruntled. My hope is that our newest PSD Commander will do as good of a job as I think he will, and bring the changes needed to restore faith in the system. The list of great gestures goes on and on, and it is nice to be able to say there are still “old school” guys out there.

Many people have called me or run into me and ask why I am not running for re-election. Well, first off that is a very humbling compliment and I thank you again for your support, but there are many reasons I am not run-ning, and I will gladly chat with anyone who is wondering why. This is a position that takes an extraordinary amount of time and effort to do a good job at it. Time that takes away from other areas such as: family. Although I have had an incredibly supportive wife (and children) these past years, it is time I refocus my priorities.

My “slate” ran on several vi-sions for what we wanted to ac-complish, some of which we were successful at, but many we were not. Why? I can only speculate. Was it because the “Republicans and Democrats” were trying to get things accomplished at the same Board table? Or was it lack of relationships between offices? I don’t know that we will ever know the exact reasons. Regard-less, I hope that I was able to bet-ter the situation of any member I had personal interaction with.

I want nothing but the best for this membership and UFLAC as an organization. I hope that the 2013-2014 UFLAC Board will remain focused on the tasks at hand and keep in mind their mis-sions true propose, “To serve the Members”. I hope they work on relationships between our office and the Administration, COA and Cityhall. Without these re-lationships, it is like navigating a submarine blindfolded, without a crew, and thinking I can do it all myself. This concept of re-lationships extends well beyond the four walls of UFLAC. This

is a concept or strategy that could assist each one of us on a daily basis in the fire house. Whether it is a working relationship with the members of your station, be-tween the crews, neighboring sta-tions, or battalions, relationships are key to success. Each citizen you encounter when you go out those doors or answer each phone call is a possible vote for your fu-ture well being. Treat each per-son you meet as if they were your family member. Assist that old lady (can I say “old” or is that of-fending her protected class? sorry just kidding) off the ground as if she was your Grandmother.

Our job is pretty easy when you think about it. Go out and do the right thing! It works every time. I had a discussion with one of our members recently when he came into our office. It was so encouraging to hear that I want to give him the credit. FFPM Ste-ven Smith (FS94), son of our own Chief Pilot Glenn Smith, talked to me about his experiences and mentality as a firefighter/para-medic. He talked about the op-portunity he has (yes the term is opportunity) to positively affect someone’s life on a daily basis each time he goes out those doors. It was refreshing to hear a young member of the Department, at an incredibly busy assignment, still have the compassion to help oth-ers no matter what time of day or what number call he is on, and to serve with respect. This was so encouraging because I know he is not the only one with these values. This Department is full

of boots on the ground serving with morals, values and respect and I hope it continues to be con-tagious.

I could not write this final ar-ticle without mentioning two individuals that truly keep the operations at the UFLAC office going. These ladies are in that office on a daily basis, from open to close. Whenever I was down there I know they would be there elbows deep in work. If you have ever called or gone into the office I know you have benefited from their hard work. Those ladies are Maria Riggs and Gail Winkles. Next time you see or talk to them, a “thank you” is definitely war-ranted. They were instrumental to my operation there on a daily basis.

So in closing, this experience as your Secretary has taught me a lot, I hope you got out of my service half of what I learned serving you. A special thank you to the members on the Board that taught me and assisted me these last two years, whether it was getting me up to speed through a steep learning curve or listening to me vent about the politics I en-countered, I couldn’t have done it without you. You know who you are.

To the members of UFLAC, keep doing a great job. Keep your people safe, keep their mo-rale high and don’t forget no mat-ter what comes down the pipe, it’s because of the fellas in the fire house that this is still the best darn job in the world!

Thank You for the Last Two Years

LAFD S&M Goes Above & Beyond for Breast Cancer AwarenessLAFD Supply & Maintenance

Division with the assistance of Rosie Tavera, Sr Clerk Typist went above and beyond during the LAFD / Local 112 - Think Pink Campaign.

Not only did they have great participation at S&M but they also raised a great deal of fund-raising money.

A cake was made for the fund-draising and awareness event. They also made up special flyers at the shops to encourage others to participate and make dona-tions.

The response of all the LAFD work locations was inspiring. Thank you to all those who par-ticipated and made this campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness month a success.

Photo By Mike Meadows, EPN

By Adam Knabe

November / December 2012 Los Angeles Firefighter Page 3

Inasmuch as I am not running for re-election for president of our union, this article will be the last of many that I have written for this page of the Los Angeles Firefighter. The one thing I want to convey right here and now, is that it has been my great pleasure and honor to have served LAFD firefighters in this capacity for eight rewarding years.

I will also say that the job and its responsibilities have not been easy...but I never expected that they would be. The last four years were especially tough. As we all know, the worldwide eco-nomic crisis which began in 2008 hit the City of Los Angeles and LAFD firefighters very hard. We UFLAC leaders took it very per-sonally, and we’ve done every-thing in our power to soften the blows.

We fought hard to negotiate the best contracts with the least pain-ful concessions that could pos-sibly be wrangled from a cyni-cal boss who seemed at times to enjoy taking advantage of a bad situation. We worked hand-in-hand with the Police Protective League to ensure that the inevi-table “pension reform” for L.A.’s cops and firefighters would leave current and future members with the retirement security that they so richly deserve.

And back when the Mayor and his Fire Chief first cut staffing and closed companies, we went public with our concerns for your safety and that of the people you serve. It was especially gratify-ing during that difficult time to see how many Local 112 mem-bers “got it”, understanding that the only sensible course was to stick together, to put personal agendas aside, and to support our common cause. Thank you for that.

It’s been bittersweet to have been proven right about the nega-tive affects that company clo-sures had and are still having on response times and public safety. Local 112 said it would happen, the Mayor and his Fire Chiefs in-sisted that it wouldn’t...and then

of course it did. And when their lies were exposed, they were ex-posed in a big way...seemingly in every newspaper, on every TV channel and all across the radio airwaves. If you ask me, the guys in the dark suits came away from that episode looking foolish, un-caring about people’s safety, and downright dishonest. They should have listened to us in the first place.

Looking forward, I am en-couraged by the small progress we’ve made toward what I hope will one day be the full restora-tion of LAFD staffing. It has been UFLAC alone pressing the case for adequate staffing these past four years. And it was us who earlier this year convinced the City Council to amend the Mayor’s most recent budget in two significant ways: First, we got them to instruct the Depart-ment to develop a plan to restore resources and positions gradually, over the next five years. Second, we convinced them to commit that all new money derived from ambulance transport and/or medi-cal treatment will go back to the LAFD for these restorations. And we expect that dollar amount to be significant in the coming years thanks to new state and federal legislation that your union fought for.

I know that I will be retired from the LAFD long before our full restoration is complete, but I am confident that it will happen if union members want it bad enough. I’ve always believed that ultimately union members get the Union that they deserve...meaning that union leaders will be about as appropriately focused and effective as are those who elect them and stand behind them. If UFLAC’s membership wants LAFD staffing fully restored, and if they are willing to back up their leaders and work toward that goal in real unity, then they will suc-ceed – just as we did in the last decade on the return of Inside Firefighters and the protection of 2-paramedic staffing on ambu-lances.

In the meantime and always, I urge all of you to make good choices when it comes to your union. Pick good leaders...fire-fighters whose only motivation is the sense of reward they feel when they stick up for rank-and-file union members. Choose peo-ple who are willing to take on the boss whenever he or she takes on firefighters, and will do so with-out blinking. And after you pick these leaders, stand behind them and support what they do for you. Be politically active, participate in Local 112’s open endorsement process, and always support your Union’s candidates and causes. Remember that every big decision about your profession that effects your health, your safety, or your family’s wellbeing is made by an elected official. If you sit on the sidelines and let the enemies of working people pick them, you will be sorry.

Of course in an organization our size we are always going to have a few selfish individuals. It’s up to the rest of us to put a stop to their antics. I hope that in the future UFLAC members won’t tolerate any more back-stabbing or featherbedding by management-lovers within our ranks. You know who they are: They are the guys who take care of themselves first and who love to demonstrate their loyalty to the boss at everyone else’s expense. Most of them eventually worm themselves into positions of au-thority, believing that it shields them from criticism or question-ing. I urge you to criticize them, question them, and shame them into good behavior and solidarity. If we aren’t willing to do that, we allow them to continue harming the hard working men and wom-en of the LAFD who battle in the trenches.

Always remember that top LAFD brass works for us, not the other way around. That is so because our labor – the work of rank-and-file firefighters and paramedics – is the only thing that accomplishes the mission of the fire department. The risks

that we are willing to take for the the people of Los Angeles – in the streets and in their homes – is the only reason that there is an LAFD, and the only reason that your bosses have jobs. The brass is cashing in on your blood, sweat and tears, and we should never hesitate to remind them of it. Perhaps it will cause a few of them to focus more on supporting the troops.

I suppose this last article of mine is more than anything, a plea to all of you to continue in the years ahead to build the stron-gest possible Local 112. I know from intimate experience that our Union is the only reason that we enjoy so many of the things that we do now. Without the decades-long fight of Local 112, the CPF and the IAFF on behalf of LAFD firefighters, our pay would be a fraction of what it is now, our benefits would be paper-thin, job protections for firefighters would be non-existent, our safety would be jeopardized by inadequate staffing and other shortcomings, and a secure retirement would be just a pipe dream.

So get involved in your union whenever and wherever you can. Don’t take for granted that some-one else will do it if you don’t. Consider being the UFLAC stew-ard for your station. In the fire-

house, be a strong voice for soli-darity and for brotherhood and sisterhood. Be someone who al-ways sticks up for another union member, no matter what, and no matter who is messing with him or her. Be a team player who is always proud of what you see in the firehouse mirror each morn-ing before you head home to fam-ily.

And please work as safely as you can in the world’s most dan-gerous profession and the coun-try’s most challenging city. The hardest moments of my presi-dency were those spent dealing with the losses of so many be-loved brothers and sisters. Sadly, we buried more than two dozen active LAFD firefighters during those eight years. I hope that we never have to say goodbye to an-other hero before he or she has enjoyed a long and happy retire-ment, but I know that it will hap-pen. Please cut down on the odds that it might be you or someone you work with, by insisting that everyone on your crew follow every safety procedure. Never stop looking out for one another...always have each other’s back...never leave anyone behind...that is the union way.

Honored To Serve

Photo By Rick McClure

Photo By Rick McClure, EPN

Never stop looking out for one another...always have each other’s back...never leave anyone

behind...that is the union way.

By Pat McOsker

Page 4 Los Angeles Firefighter November / December 2012

By Frank Lima

Overhauls Cancer-SafetyI have been working

closely with our LAFD’s Risk Management section for months to see how the Union and Management collectively can improve Firefighter safety now and in the future. We have made great strides by having our LAFD Safety Officer contribute to our union newspaper in the recent past. This is in an effort to create a healthier work environment and secure better odds against cancer causing carcinogens. We are specifically working on reducing our Firefighters’ unnecessary exposure to carcinogens in the ‘non-emergency’ post structure fire activity we call ‘overhaul’. For years, our members have worked tirelessly during the emergency phase wearing SCBA and full personal protective equipment. Afterward, during the overhaul phase, our Firefighters remove the SCBA’s and enter the structure to ‘clean it up’. It is the dangerous exposure to cancer causing elements in this phase, when our Firefighters are most vulnerable, that puts our members at most risk for line of duty exposure deaths. Because this is how our Department has done overhauls for decades without SCBA’s, it will be a culture change to find and implement a better, safer way to complete that portion of our duties.

Another positive change will be to keep our turnout/bunker gear out of our bedroom areas, the kitchen, and recreation/training rooms. These areas are where we eat, sleep, and train. They should be safe areas in our firehouse. Why do we continue to unnecessarily bring carcinogens embedded in our protective clothing into our safe areas in the firehouse? Our careers already have us exposed to enough toxins and deadly hazards. We hope the support of this upcoming change will lead to self-monitoring and prompting of co-workers, because it is our collective health at stake.

Pension attacksThe recent passage of AB 340 in

Sacramento is the most sweeping pension reform Bill in California state history. This signals that the attacks on firefighters/police officers and public safety workers as a whole are still alive and well. AB 340 does not affect us in here in Los Angeles City, because we are a Charter City with our own pension system (L.A. Fire and Police Pension-LAFPP) and we have been carved out. Don’t think for a minute though that they will want to do that to us here in Los Angeles at the ‘local’ level in the future. We (the UFLAC leadership) will be prepared to fight for what we have (DROP program), want to keep, and to fight for things that currently are in question right now (medical subsidy).

Former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan (who is a proponent for Yes on PROP 32) is currently starting a signature-gathering campaign to slash our pension and benefits here in the City of Los Angeles. That is why it is imperative your UFLAC leadership continues to fight to preserve our sacred pension benefits that we have dutifully earned, and position our labor organization towards the future.

Pink Shirts-Breast CancerI spoke at the City Hall press-

conference kicking off the breast cancer awareness (LAFD Goes Pink) and announcing the partnership between your Union and LAFD management. Many thanks go out to our members for their participation, LAFD management for amending the uniform standards for several days to create awareness while fostering camaraderie, and our unbelievably generous donors who helped with the seed money to purchase the LAFD Pink Breast Cancer t-shirts. All net proceeds will directly benefit the American Cancer Society. Also, I would like personally express my gratitude to the committee

members that worked tirelessly on this effort. It rejuvenated many members I saw in the firehouses and walking the hallways at city hall.

PROP 32 – GOTVThis is the last push to ‘Get

Out To Vote’. Hopefully you have already received and mailed in your absentee ballot. If you do not vote by absentee, then make sure you hit the polling location and vote.

We have flooded you with information for ‘NO on PROP 32’ via bulletins, work location visits, phone banking, etc. We have all paid out over $110 dollars each (per capita) to fight this unfair and deceptive proposition. PROP 32 will have a negative impact on your financial future, and it will have a negative impact on your ability to provide an education for your children. Moreover, many of the things we currently enjoy such as collective bargaining, cancer presumptive law, DROP/Pension, OSHA safety protections, among others will fall like dominoes if it passes! Please vote NO on 32 and spread the word!

The proponents of PROP 32 are deceptive people that seek to have the Corporations monopolize the economy, thereby dissolving the working middle class, restricting our scope of collective bargaining, limiting the prevailing wage requirements, and preventing and restricting

union political activity. LDFWe are looking into the

opportunity for members to join some type of ‘Legal Defense Fund’ (LDF) in the near future. I wrote an article about the LDF earlier this year in one of my past articles. It will provide you with an opportunity for much better protection in the legal arena, and specific professional representation for all arenas (Paramedic/EMT licensure issues, Boards of Rights, Attorneys involved when necessary). The cost will be minimal, but the insurance protection will be top notch. I currently am chairing a UFLAC Committee where work is currently underway to find the perfect defense package for you, with a program similar to the Police Protective Leagues (PPL),

at a fiscally reasonable price. SafetyContinue to try your best to be

safe, even though we continue to be tremendously understaffed (Hardclosure Plan) in the field and in the Fire Prevention Bureau. We are doing more with less, which creates a more stressful work environment. Worst of all, our Department (under its current deployment model) is designed to operate inefficiently. Remember to take care of yourself through our wellness program; exercising and eating right. Relieve your stress, and use our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if necessary. Stay safe out there, and remember the 5 F’s; your Faith, Family, Friends, Fun, and Fire Department.

LAFD and UFLAC - Think Pink Press Conference

9/11 Memorial with Jim Featherstone (Former UFLAC Director)

CPF Mobile ApplicationGet the most from your CPF

membership. Available for iPhone, iPad and Android smart-phones.

The California Professional Firefighters app offers CPF mem-bers and their affiliated local unions an important link to the California fire service and a valu-able resource on everything that affects a firefighter’s life on the job.

• Keep track of the latest news about legislation and issues around the state impacting the lives and livelihoods of front line first responders;

• Special “members only” login giving members exclusive access to CPF’s Campaign 2012 page, with information on the fight against Prop. 32.• Follow incident updates

fromaround the state and na-

tion;• Get information on line-of-du-

ty deaths and the California Fire-fighters Memorial;

• Carry your own digital pocket guide to the Firefighters Bill of Rights;

• Get information on all the ser-vices CPF provides to its mem-bers.

The CPF Mobile App for iPhone and iPad is available at the iTunes App Store and for Android smartphones at Google Play.

Register for Member Only Features

As a CPF member, you have access to special features, in-cluding Campaign 2012 updates, CPF endorsements and special offers.

You can register for the Mem-ber Only feature by CLICKING HERE or by going to the “Cam-

paign 2012” button on the CPF Mobile App.

If you have already registered as a CPF member, CLICK HERE to log in.

Attention early adopters: If you registered as a CPF member prior to September 25, you will need to re-register. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Get Support If you need help getting start-

ed, or are having trouble logging in, check out our Support Page. You’ll find answers to basic ques-tions and links to get in touch if you need more help.

The Fire Service at Your Fingertips.

Photo By Mike Meadows, EPN

November / December 2012 Los Angeles Firefighter Page 5

The Los Angeles Fire Department and United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC) Local 112 joined forces to promote and support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and went Pink to raise awareness for Breast Cancer.

Los Angeles Firefighters proudly wore distinctive pink t-shirts while on-duty to raise public awareness of this devastating disease, and to support those personally effected. We were able to reach thousands of people with the lifesaving message that cancer prevention and early detection can mean the difference between life and death.

This was the first year that LAFD members have been authorized to wear Pink T-Shirts on duty and was a huge success for LAFD and UFLAC.

All net proceeds from the sale of the Pink T-Shirts is going to the American Cancer Society. You can still order your own Pink T-Shirt at www.lafdgoespink.com

This project could not have been done without the assistance from our sponsors, UFLAC Executive Board, and LAFD Administration.

To view more pictures or to post your own Pink T-Shirt pictures go to:www.facebook.com/lafdgoespink

LAFD Goes PinkLAFD Goes PInk

Page 6 Los Angeles Firefighter November / December 2012

By Chuong Ho,Director

Although I have no opponent in this upcoming election and therefore, will step into the position of 2nd Vice-President by acclamation, I still, nonetheless, want to take this opportunity to thank the membership for their support these past 4 years as I served as one of your directors. It has been an interesting 4 years with some “ups” and “downs” and a lot of “lessons learned”…. The experiences were invaluable and now I want to use those experiences to better serve you as your new 2nd Vice-President. I am truly excited and humbled at this opportunity, to once again, be of service. Thank you!

Community OutreachAs most of us know, politics is

a big part of what we, as a labor organization, do… And to be successful in politics, we have to have the power to persuade voters! Now I’m not going to get into a lecture on political science here, but I will say that if the public supports us, then we are well on our way to success. As firefighters, we have many opportunities to garner public support. For example, we go on approximately 1,500 calls a day and each call is an opportunity for us to garner public support

(by merely being on our best behavior). Additionally, many fire stations often get people walking-in for a little tour (usually for their kids). These fire station visits are just more opportunities for us to impress the public. Typically, we put our youngest firefighters on these station visits and for the most part, they do a pretty good job, but here’s a story about a station that went above and beyond the call of duty during one of these visits…. As you can see from the accompanying photos, the young 3-year old had the red carpet rolled out for him as he got to take a picture on the Captain II’s lap; as he got to take another picture with multiple members of the crew (not just with the junior member); and where he even got to experience the drill room chairs. This young boy will probably have these pictures stored away somewhere for the long haul and so he’ll have something to remember this experience by, especially when he becomes a voter! Furthermore, his parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles may also all become staunch supporters! (Actually, I know his mom and dad are already big supporters). Every member of our local needs to do their part….

E-mail me at cho@uflac.org and share with us how you and/or your crew are doing their part for “the cause”.

LAFD Goes Above & Beyond At Station Visit

Members of the Los Angeles Fire Department were part of history in October as Los Angeles welcomed the Space Shuttle Endeavour to its new home in Los Angeles. LAFD Members were standing by as the Endeavour flew over many Los Angeles Landmarks and finally landed at LAX Airport. A convoy of LAFD apparatus escorted the Endeavor off the runway to a United Hangar to be prepared for the 12-mile journey to it’s final resting place at the California Science Center.

The California Science Center Foundation and various State and City agencies - including the Los Angeles Fire Department, worked together for months to plan for the safe movement of Endeavour.

At 122 feet long, 78 feet wide and 5 stories tall at the tail, Endeavour was one of the largest objects ever transported over city streets in Los Angeles.

The public is encouraged to visit Endeavour after it opens for permanent public exhibit at the California Science Center beginning October 30, 2012. Although the Endeavour exhibit is free of charge, it is recommended that visitors reserve a timed ticket online for $3, or $2 for Science Center members.

To learn more about Endeavour’s new home, please visit:

CaliforniaScienceCenter.org

LAFD Welcomes Space Shuttle Endeavour

November / December 2012 Los Angeles Firefighter Page 7

Taking Care of Our OwnBy Tony Gamboa,Director

IAFF FALLEN FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL

COLORADO SPRINGSOf the 155 names engraved

on the granite wall in Colorado Springs this year, 4 were Local 112 brothers.

•Keith D. Kroll 12/9/79 •Ralph D. Urquiza 9/20/09 •Eric D. Shepherd 7/18/11 •Glenn V. Smith 9/26/11The widows and families were

represented and supported by UFLAC, L-112 Color Guard, Fire Hogs and the Relief Association,

This year I was humbled to be asked to escort both Janice LeDoux widow of Keith Kroll and granddaughter Christine Sprague. Keith was only 44 and an active member at the time of his death, he lost his life to duty connected lung cancer. Keith was the first member of the LAFD to have his cancer ruled duty connected. The ruling took place years before the cancer presumption law was passed by the State of California. Once again our Color Guard came through and made us all proud. Their dedication during long practices in the sun showed in their performance during the

ceremony. The fallen brothers and their families will never be forgotten.

NFPA 1710 COMMITTEE MEETING

At our last meeting we worked on our final draft. Our focus was on Strip Mall and Small Apt Buildings, The Committee identified required tasks and number of personnel needed to fight fires in each occupancy and the importance to have an ALS resource dispatched as well.

Equivalency Language – The Committee had lengthy discussions in regards to “equivalency” as used within the standard and recommend modifications or additions to clarify the term. Members on the committee are a blend of union officials, Fire Chiefs, League of Cities, management, and attorneys. The debates that go in in the room are “we have an entire community that is fully sprinkled”, why do we need so many firefighters on the apparatus? That’s why we are in the room to explain the importance of proper staffing levels and to give real life

testimonials to support what we are saying!

HEALTH AND SAFETYWhile at the NFPA 1710

Committee in DC and our session ended early Rich Duffy from the IAFF arraigned a personal tour of the Fairfax County medical facility. The facility and staff is a direct product of the Fire Service Joint Labor Management Wellness-Fitness Initiative. Doctor Donald Stewart and staff were very helpful, they shared with me the level of care they can do at their medical facility. The wellness-fitness program that they adopted was a collaborative effort between labor and management and is educational and rehabilitative and not punitive in nature. Some of the examinations that are performed are: Physical exams,

Body Composition, Annual Laboratory Analyses, Vision Evaluation, Hearing Evaluation, Pulmonary Evaluation, Aerobic/ Cardiovascular Evaluation, Cancer Screening, Immunizations, Infectious Disease Screening, Referrals to Health Care Practitioners, Written Feedback, Data Collection and Reporting.

33rd ANNUAL LABOR DAY PARADE AND BBQ

This past Labor Day event that took place in Wilmington was a success. Several of your Executive Board members, Stewards and family came out to support the labor coalition. This year’s event was attended well by so many and the theme was twofold, Labor Day celebration and the “NO” on proposition 32 campaign. No on 32 shirts, hats and buttons were everywhere and the talk in the park was for everyone to get out to vote and vote NO on prop 32! In the days ahead we will be reaching out to you with ways you can help us stop this latest attack on working people. Please contact the Union office for more information on ways you can volunteer.

Our Local 112 MOAB was at the center stage with our friends of labor at the local, state and federal level of government.

We had a great time helping out with the BBQ and serving the thousands that showed up for the event. It was such a proud moment to see this year our LAFD Color Guard marching in the parade with Veterans of Foreign Wars Color Guard. The teachers, grocery workers, Teamsters, Longshoremen, and so many others appreciated the Firefighters in joining them in solidarity for that special day.

MAYDAY UPDATEPresently, the Mayday

language has been submitted to the administration on how the two tier system will work. Right now it is being reviewed by Fire Scope and we are waiting for the changes and input from their review, until then we will continue to push for this Long Overdue procedure. Here is an example of how it works:

“Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”, will be STRICTLY used for one reason and one reason only, for a Firefighter that is Missing/Down/Trapped. No other reason. Another benefit for the program is that I/C doesn’t have to go on the radio and clear the channel if a Mayday occurs. Our members will be trained if a “Mayday” occurs automatically stay off the radio. This term automatically clears the channel.

“Emergency Traffic”, this term will be used for all other urgent messages, such as: “We have wires down charging the fence line”, “the roof is sagging on the Bravo, Charlie side”, etc….

We continue to fight the good fight when it comes to the safety of our members. If you have any questions, suggestions or comments contact me Tony Gamboa 213-507-6439 or Capt. Andy Ruiz at FS 33 “C” Platoon 213-485-6233.

IAFF Fallen Firefighter MemorialThe IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter

Memorial Foundation was founded in 1976 to recognize and honor past and future professional fire fighters and emergency medical personnel who are killed in the line of duty and to provide funds and assistance to the surviving spouses and children of those members. In 1986, the IAFF completed a permanent tribute to its members, the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The centerpiece of the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial is a bronze likeness of a fire fighter descending a ladder while cradling an infant in one arm. Towering 20 feet above the park’s surface, “Somewhere, Everyday” epitomizes the courage and bravery displayed daily by professional fire fighters across the continent. In 1989, the IAFF

erected the first of two granite walls to bear the names of fallen IAFF members. The names of brothers and sisters killed in the line of duty have been etched here since. Although thousands have died throughout our union’s history, the names on this wall date back only through 1976, when the U.S. federal government first began tracking line-of-duty deaths in the fire service.

Additional upgrades over the final years of the 20th century transformed this tribute to our fallen family members into a memorial of international stature. Paving stone, monument lighting, flag standards and walkways now beautify this hallowed place, creating an atmosphere of dignity and reverence for all who visit. As the original wall has filled to near capacity with names of fallen heroes, a second wall was

erected just a few steps from the original wall of honor. In a ceremony fraught with irony, this new memorial wall was dedicated on September 15, 2001, four days after terrorist attacks claimed 347 of our New York City brothers. The IAFF has plans to add to the memorial sites all the names of IAFF professional fire fighters and emergency medical personnel who have died since the founding of the IAFF in 1918.

Each September, the IAFF conducts a solemn ceremonial service at the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial and Wall of Honor to honor the sacrifice made by professional fire fighters and paramedics who have given their lives in the line of duty during the previous year.

www.iaff.org

Christine Sprague at IAFF Memorial

Dr. Don Stewart

Janice LeDoux - Widow of Keith Kroll & Christine Sprague

Page 8 Los Angeles Firefighter November / December 2012

EAP

By Nancy Mraz,EAP

On September 10th & 11th we held our first Elder Care Workshop. Our first presenter, Janet Morris, Esq. from Bet Tzedek Legal Services covered legal preparation for the future from the perspective of senior care. However she also had a

wealth of information on legal preparations in the event of emergencies that we all need to be aware of.

The Alzheimer’s Association provided two presentations. The first talk was on the disease of Alzheimer’s, what’s happening in the brain. They also had a great deal of information on other forms of dementia and memory loss, how they relate to Alzheimer’s and how they present different circumstances. The second presentation covered practical information on how do you take care of someone who is losing the ability to care for themselves and can’t help you to care for them.

We also had a presentation by Sharon Miller, M.Ed., CEAP, LDAC on the 10 most important issues and needs that we need

to be aware of in caring for an aging family member or friend. This covered issues on Finances, Legal, Medical, Family Support, Community Caregiving Resources etc…. We were given examples of resources, and why each of the areas may be helpful to our seniors and the extended family.

Our final presenter was Judith Ramirez, Special Investigator, with the L.A. County Department of Consumer Affairs. Ms Ramirez brought a great deal of information on scams that target seniors, and also information on the Dept. of Consumer Affairs and the wide scope of services they have to protect consumers of all ages from fraudulent practices.

We are looking at the possibility of holding another Elder Care Workshop in 2013. If you are

interested in attending and were unable to attend this workshop, please give us a call in the EAP (800)252-8352, and let us know of your interest. If there are issues you’d like more information about, and aren’t covered by the

above presentations, we’d like to know this also. In planning services to meet the needs of our members we’re always interested in knowing what issues you and your families are dealing with so we can plan accordingly.

Elder Care Workshop

By David DanielsonFF/PM-FS 88-C

The LAFD has a long and ex-traordinary history of supporting our members serving in our na-tion’s military, both on active duty and within our National Guard and Reserves. This year marks the 11th year that our members have responded to our nation’s Call to Service since 9/11. On May 22, 2012, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agen-cy, announced Los Angeles Fire Department as a finalist for the 2012 Secretary of Defense Em-ployer Support Freedom Award. The Freedom Award is the DoD’s highest recognition given to em-ployers for exceptional support of Guard and Reserve employees. A review board comprised of mili-tary and civilian leaders selected 30 finalists from the 3,236 nomi-nations received earlier this year from Guard and Reserve service members, or family members act-ing on their behalf.

On July 19, 2012, the DoD an-nounced the final 15 recipients. LAFD truly had some solid com-petition, but unfortunately was not this year’s recipient of the National level award. The fact that LAFD made it so far in the competition shows great merit.

ESGR National Chair James G Rebholz had this to say about LAFD - “The 2012 Freedom Award finalists demonstrate that outstanding support of Guard and Reserve members is not limited by an employer’s size, industry or region of the nation. These 30 finalists span the diversity of

America’s workforce and prove every employer can go above and beyond for our Citizen Warriors.”

And the DoD ESGR website reported in their press release the following - “Only 160 employ-ers have received the Freedom Award since it was established in 1996. Employers named as fi-nalists for the award distinguish themselves not only for adhering to the employment and reemploy-ment rights of Guard and Re-serve members, but for actively creating opportunities to assist and support the service of both Guard and Reserve employees and their families. The Los An-geles Fire Department (LAFD), nominated by an employee serv-ing in the Navy Reserve, has a proud history of extraordinary military support dating back to World War II. Today, the LAFD continues to provide exceptional assistance by preparing Guard and Reserve members with ad-ditional training in trauma as-sessment, patient treatment and patient care before deployments. The department also established a Military Liaison Officer position to work directly with Guard and Reserve employees and oversee supportive initiatives during their deployments.”

On August 31, 2012, the Cali-fornia ESGR committee ensured recognition by presenting the Department with the prestigious state level “Pro Patria” award dur-ing a luncheon held at the former Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center that now serves as the Fire Department’s Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center.

Los Angeles City Council-members Eric Garcetti and Den-nis Zine, along with many City Administration Leaders, joined Los Angeles Fire Chief Brian Cummings in the presentation along with several Department of Defense representatives, local National Guard and Reserve Mili-tary leadership, LAPD, LACoFD, and CHP representatives.

The Pro Patria Award is pre-sented annually by each Em-ployer Support of the Guard & Reserve Committee to the one employer in their state or terri-tory who has provided the most

exceptional support of our na-tional defense through leadership practices and personnel policies that support their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

More than 25 LAFD members both sworn and civilian also re-ceived awards, such as the Sev-en Seals Award, the Above and Beyond Award, and the Patriot Award at the well-attended cer-emony.

Through the active support of our members who serve in two uniforms, and by encouraging the continued employment of Veter-

an, Guard and Reservists, LAFD capitalizes on the skills and expe-rience that we, as a nation, have greatly invested. Together we serve by honoring the sacrifices of those who serve to protect our freedom.

Nominations for the 2013 ESGR Secretary of Defense Free-dom Award open in November. If you want to know more, please visit www.FreedomAward.mil.

Note from Dave Wagner:Currently, LAFD’s own FF/

PM Scott Carter is serving in Af-ghanistan. He is providing CMO

(civil military operations) support to conventional and special op-erations forces, and advising and assisting Afghans with building and improving civil infrastruc-ture, foreign internal defense, and local governance. Yeah, it’s a mouth full! We salute you Scott and look forward to you coming home next year.

If you want to write to Scott, please send letters to:

SGT CARTER S.A/426 Civil Affairs BN (ABN)Kandahar Air Field, KAFAPO AE 09355

LAFD Receives Prestigious Pro-Patria Award Veterans’

Fire Station 88 Supporting David Danielson

November / December 2012 Los Angeles Firefighter Page 9

Today is the day we remember those Los Angeles Firefighters who gave their lives so that others might live. On occasion, some-one will ask why we do this? Af-ter all, these aren’t soldiers fight-ing to protect freedom. These are firefighters - we see them nearly every day. So, why do we need a day to remember them?

Your Los Angeles Fire Depart-ment is more than 125 years old now. And during that period of time, the Department has saved the lives of thousands of people in and around Los Angeles. Of-ten, the people saved have suf-fered a stroke, been hit by a bus, or have collapsed due to a heart attack. In Los Angeles, with more than 1,000 emergency responses per day, and more than 500 trans-ports to local hospitals in an av-erage 24-hour period, you might think the process of saving lives is routine. It may seem that way, but it isn’t.

For people watching the free-way rescue taking place on March 23, 1998, it seemed that Fire 3, the air ambulance that picked up a young patient was just doing what it normally did. Minutes lat-er, the helicopter crashed, within minutes of its destination. The

young patient, along with LAFD members Michael McComb, Eric Reiner, and Michael Butler were killed. Not an ordinary day.

When the Naval Reserve Train-ing Center’s attic was discovered to be fully involved with fire on September 27, 1980, the fire attack initiated by the LAFD seemed to be managed with the military precision that the De-partment is known for. When fire-fighter Frank Hotchkin stepped onto the roof to provide sup-port, it collapsed, sending young Hotchkin to his death. Not an or-dinary day.

The stories continue - and there are nearly 200 of them. Each one is personal. Each one involves a parent, a sibling, a friend, and co-workers. On February 18, 2011, firefighters responded to a struc-ture fire in the Hollywood Hills. After a few minutes, the living area of the home appeared to be clear of smoke, and the size up suggested a stubborn fire might be in one of the walls. Without warning, the ceiling collapsed, burying firefighters in the rubble, and mortally wounding Glen Al-len. To many watching, it was just another routine fire on an or-dinary day. It was not an ordinary

day for the LAFD.Every October, the LAFD

gathers in Hollywood, at the Fall-en Firefighter Memorial outside of the LAFD Museum. Fire offi-cials speak. Historians remember. Taps are played. Bells are rung and names are read. And we re-member. We remember that every day is a special day for the people who live in Los Angeles. The weather is nearly always perfect. The ocean is close by. The clubs are filled with party-goers. The film industry cranks out block-busters. And the LAFD responds - every day, 24/7/365. And every one of its 3,400+ members wears a badge that reads “LAFD.” That

badge represents a commitment - a commitment to give up their life at any time to protect lives and property. That’s why we re-member.

The Museum and Memorial

Plaza are open every weekend from 10A to 4P in Hollywood. Please visit and discover the re-markable history of the Los An-geles Fire Department.

www.lafdmuseum.org

2012 LAFD Fallen Firefighter MemorialLAFD Firefighter Memorial

Above Photos by Adam VanGerpen, Editor

Above Photos By Rick McClure, EPN

Page 10 Los Angeles Firefighter November / December 2012

LAFD in ActionIt took 125 Los Angeles Fire-

fighters nearly two hours to fully extinguish a major emergency blaze in a three-story office build-ing near Echo Park on October 9, 2012. One firefighter sustained minor burns to his neck during the relentless battle to quell the flames.

We were fortunate that we had

a team of volunteer photographers from EPN - Emergency Photog-raphers Network on scene within minutes to capture these amazing photographs. EPN Members will identify themselves on-scene and will generally be wearing a brush jacket with civilian cloths.

We are very grateful to these dedicated volunteers and depend

on them for the pictures in this publication. Most of the photog-raphers have their own websites where you can view the pictures. Many of their pictures are also uploaded to the LAFD Flickr Ac-count. To view the LAFD Flickr account go to:

lafd.blogspot.com

LAFD Battles Major Emergency Blaze Near Echo Park

Photo By Bernie Deyo, EPN Photo By Juan Guerra, EPN

Photo By Mike Meadows, EPN Photo By Rick McClure, EPN

Photo By Juan Guerra, EPN

Photos By Juan Guerra, EPN

November / December 2012 Los Angeles Firefighter Page 11

LAFD in ActionLAFD Battles Major Emergency Blaze Near Echo Park

Photo By Mike Meadows, EPN Photo By Rick McClure, EPN

Photo By Mike Meadows, EPN

Photo By Juan Guerra, EPN

Photo By Shawn Kaye, EPN

Page 12 Los Angeles Firefighter November / December 2012

9/11 RememberanceIn many ways, it is hard to

believe that eleven years have passed since our nation was sav-agely attacked on September 11, 2001. While time moves forward, it no way lessens the resolve of firefighters who now as then loudly pledge:

We Shall Never Forget!

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department gath-ered for a trio of Patriot Day pub-lic events on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at three separate loca-tions.

By Brian Humphrey, SpokesmanLos Angeles Fire Dept Photo By Mike Meadows, EPN

Photo By Mike Meadows, EPN

LAFD Will Never Forget 9/11

Photo By Mike Meadows, EPN

Photo By Mike Meadows, EPN

November / December 2012 Los Angeles Firefighter Page 13

LegislativeThe Legislature has adjourned

for 2011/2012 session and Sep-tember 30, 2012 marked the bill signing deadline for the Gover-nor to take action on measures that were passed by Legislature. Among the measures signed and vetoed by the Governor were many sponsored and supported by the CPF. Here is a wrap-up of a handful of bills of interest to CPF affiliates.

CPF Sponsored & Co-Spon-sored Bills Approved by the

Legislature in 2012

AB 1606 (Henry Perea, D-Fresno) - Clarifies that regard-less of the manner in which the employer and employee orga-nization reached impasse (with our without entering mediation), the employee organization re-tains the ability to request that the matter be submitted to a fact-finding procedure, prior to any imposition of employment terms. STATUS: Approved by the leg-islature; SIGNED by Governor Brown.

AB 1687 (Paul Fong, D-Mountain View) - Communica-tions about a delay, modification or overall denial of Worker’s Comp treatment would be re-quired to include prominently-displayed alternatives for the injured worker’s next steps. In addition, if a related medical treatment dispute arises, and en-forcement of a future medical award is required for continuing an injured worker’s medical treat-ment, this bill allows the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board to award reasonably-incurred attor-ney’s fees in instances where an injured worker prevails in validat-ing the medical award. STATUS: Approved by the Legislature: VE-TOED by Governor Brown. (Veto message here)

AB 1885 (Susan Bonilla, D-Martinez) - This bill ensures that if a firefighter is laid off by a public agency, like a CalPERS contracting agency, due to cuts

in budget or staffing and then is re-hired within one year by a ’37 Act county, the county retirement system will have the additional time needed to ensure that the re-hired firefighter’s previous pub-lic employment service is in fact kept whole in that county system for purposes of a coordination of benefits. STATUS: Approved by the Legislature; VETOED by Governor Brown. (Veto message here)

AB 2298 (Jose Solorio, D-Santa Ana) - With the pressures of daily details on the rise, this bill ensures that any member of the CHP, firefighters or peace of-ficers cannot be held financially responsible in the event that they are involved in an accident with their private vehicle when oper-ated on behalf of or at the request of their respective employer. Note new bill number/author. Previous bill number was AB 1551 (Tor-res). The author opted to use the bill for another issue. Assembly Member Solorio agreed to author a bill in the final week of session to move this policy forward to the Governor. STATUS: Approved by the Legislature; SIGNED by Governor Brown.

AB 2389 (Bonnie Lowenthal, D-Long Beach) - This measure would give consumers a clearer picture of the relationship be-tween the worker who shows up at the front door and the compa-ny that sent them there. The bill would require that work uniforms or badges clearly identify the ac-tual employer. California’s fire service understands the impor-tance of living up to its image and reputation. All service providers who seek to convey an image through the use of a uniform or logo must have some account-ability to that image. STATUS: Approved by the Legislature; VE-TOED by Governor Brown. (Veto message here)

AB 2451 (John Perez, D-Los Angeles) - If a firefighter sustains a specified industrial illness, such as cancer or an infectious blood-

borne disease that takes more than five years from the date of the injury to become fatal, this bill ensures that a Workers’ Com-pensation death benefits claim can be filed by eligible surviv-ing family members within 480 weeks of the firefighter’s date of injury. STATUS: Approved by the Legislature; VETOED by Governor Brown. (Veto message here)

SB 488 (Lou Correa, D-Santa Ana) – Presents strict ap-proval and disclosure require-ments for individuals or groups (slate mailer or mass mailing organizations) when identifying themselves as public safety or-ganizations (firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, etc.) or utiliz-ing a public safety logo, insignia or emblem in campaign mailers. STATUS: Approved by the Leg-islature; SIGNED by Governor Brown.

Other Bills of Interest: CPF SupportSB 863 (Kevin De Leon, D-

Los Angeles) – Workers’ Com-pensation Reform Package. Re-duces frictional costs in the sys-tem, speeds up medical care for injured workers, and increases Permanent Disability indem-nity benefits to injured workers. STATUS: Approved by the Leg-islature; SIGNED by Governor Brown.

SB 1234 (Kevin De Leon, D- Los Angeles) - This bill would enact the California Secure Choice Retirement Savings Trust Act and in doing so, create a re-tirement savings program for Cal-ifornia workers, which is funded by program participants and does not result in the state incurring liabilities. STATUS: Approved by the Legislature; SIGNED by Governor Brown.

AB 1944 (Mike Gatto, D-Los Angeles) - Applies the current system of EMT-I and EMT-II discipline to EMT-P’s. This bill provides the same protections against double jeopardy while en-suring efficient administration of discipline subject to the due pro-cess requirements provided for by the FFBOR, APA and locally ne-gotiated disciplinary procedures. STATUS: Held in Senate Appro-priations Committee.

SB 900/AB 278 (Mike Eng, Mike Feuer, Holly Mitchell, Speaker John A. Perez, Mark Leno, Noreen Evans, Mark De-

Saulnier, Fran Pavley, President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg) – Homeowner Bill of Rights. This package, among other things, would serve to improve the fore-closure process by adding sen-sible reforms to California Law. It would require loan servicers to give struggling homeowners who apply for a loan modification a yes or no answer before starting the formal foreclosure process, require that the party moving to foreclosure have evidence to sup-port that it has the right to fore-close on the property and add more transparency to the foreclo-sure process. STATUS: Approved by the Legislature; SIGNED by Governor Brown.

SB 1241 (Christine Kehoe, D- San Diego) – Would revise requirements associated with the comprehensive, long-term gen-eral plan, which is adopted by a local legislative body to include provisions for reviewing and up-dating the plan’s safety element to address the risk of fire for land within the entity’s purview that is classified as a state responsibility area or high fire hazard severity zone. STATUS: Approved by the Legislature; SIGNED by Gover-nor Brown.

CPF OpposeAB 340 (Warren Furutani,

D- Long Beach) Pension Re-form Package. This bill makes major revisions to the public retirement systems’ laws. STA-TUS: Approved by the Legis-lature; SIGNED by Governor Brown.

AB 1248 (Ben Hueso, D- Ch-ula Vista) - Requires that the City of San Diego provide coverage

under the federal social secu-rity system to all employees who are not covered under a defined benefit plan, except as specified. STATUS: Approved by the Leg-islature; SIGNED by Governor Brown.

AB 2224/ACA 22 (Cameron Smyth, R- Santa Clarita) – Makes the statutory and consti-tutional changes necessary to im-plement the Governor’s 12 Point Pension Reform Plan. STATUS: Held in committee.

SB 1176/SCA 18 (Bob Huff, R- Diamond Bar) – Would, among other things, prohibit a public retirement system from al-lowing the purchase of additional retirement service credit and provide that any enhancement to a public retirement system’s re-tirement formula or benefits that is adopted on or after January 1, 2013, would apply only to ser-vice performed on or after the op-erative date of the enhancement. STATUS: Failed policy commit-tee deadline.

SB 1336 (Leland Yee, D- San Francisco) - This bill would re-quire auditors to release any findings resulting from an inves-tigative audit and release infor-mation, including the identity of the accused, regarding any action taken by any agency or authority to which the results of the inves-tigation have been reported. STA-TUS: Failed passage in Appropri-ations Committee

Other pension related measures that were introduced but did not pass the Legislature. Most of these measures were introduced to im-plement the Governor’s original 12 point pension plan.

CPF 2012 Legislative Wrap-Up

Photo By David “Doc” DeMulle, Foothills Paper

Page 14 Los Angeles Firefighter November / December 2012

By Robert J. Sherwin,Lewis, Marenstein, Wicke, Sherwin, and Lee

Hall of fame baseball player, Yogi Berra coined that expression but it rings true today as Governor Brown recently signed into law new workers’ compensation “re-form” legislation. Flashback to 2004 when Governor Schwarneg-ger demanded the legislature pass a workers’ compensation reform bill that had been brokered be-hind closed doors with no public hearings. The legislation drasti-cally reduced benefits for injured workers while insurance compa-nies reaped billions of dollars in profits. Injured workers suffered a 60% reduction in permanent disability compensation in addi-tion to having medical treatment severely curtailed through a pro-cess known as “utilization review (UR).

Since 2004, medical costs have increased. In order to re-duce those costs and yet try to restore some of the benefits in-jured workers lost, the legisla-ture crafted a bill that allegedly would do both. But as with the last reform, the new legislation was enacted in the final days of the legislative session with mini-mal public hearings and a direc-tive from the Governor to get the bill passed. So as Yogi said. It’s déjà vu all over again as the leg-islature passed the bill on the last day with literally hours left in the session.

The new law does many things, some of which will benefit you as

firefighters if you are injured on the job. Yet much of the bill will work to your detriment. Part of the law will only apply to injuries that occur after January 1, 2013 while other portions will apply retroactively regardless of the date you were injured.

So what are the significant parts of the legislation that will affect your rights when you get injured on the job?

First…the good news –Permanent disability compen-

sation will increase for injuries occurring after January 1, 2013. Permanent disability is not pay-ment for pain and suffering but rather final compensation you may receive for whatever perma-nent effects you are left with from the injury. You may be working full unrestricted duty as a fire-fighter but nevertheless have re-sidual permanent disability. For those injuries occurring after Jan-uary 1, 2013, the amount of final compensation will be increased from the amount you would have received for an earlier date of in-jury. This change is the so-called legislature’s attempt to remedy the injustice created by the 2004 bill.

The bad news –Medical treatment will become

more restricted than it already is. Present law allows the employer to submit all medical treatment recommended by your treat-ing doctor to a “UR” company where a doctor reviews the treat-ment request against treatment guidelines adopted by the Divi-

sion of Workers’ Compensation and then decides if the treatment should be approved or denied. If denied, the firefighter can object and have the issue of medical necessity addressed by a neutral doctor (either an agreed medical examiner or qualified medical ex-aminer) who actually examines you and then renders an opinion. Even if the neutral doctor decides against you, you have the right to appeal to a judge at the workers’ compensation appeals board who can listen to your testimony and review the entire record. We in the legal business call that “due process”.

The new law removes any “medical necessity” issue from an AME or QME and requires it to go through either a second UR appeal (with the same UR doctor) or to a new process called Inde-pendent Medical Review (IMR). The State through it’s Division of Workers’ Compensation will contract with various IMR com-panies and then randomly select a company to perform the IMR on the medical issue in question (i.e.: need for surgery; physical thera-py; medication, etc.). The IMR company and/or the doctor for the company need not be licensed in California, which means a doctor in Florida could review and de-cide your treatment needs.

The IMR doctor will review the reports of your treating doctor and the reports of the UR doctor who initially denied your treat-ment. The IMR may review any other documents you feel are rel-evant to an appropriate decision.

The IMR doctor will not examine you and you will never know the name of the IMR doctor. Once the IMR decision is made, it is essentially final. You may only appeal an IMR decision to the workers’ compensation appeals board if you believe it was based on fraud, bias, etc. A difference in judgment or opinion from your treating doctor is insuffi-cient grounds for appeal. In other words, you will have limited, if any access, to a judge for review. We in the legal business call that a denial of due process.

There are many other provi-sions in the new law that will af-fect you if you are injured on the job and those will be discussed in future articles as we dissect the new law and litigate those issues at the workers’ compensation ap-peals board.

For now, what you should take from all this is the need to discuss your injury with a competent at-torney who understands your

rights as a firefighter and the rules your employer plays by. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that you have someone fighting for you to insure that whatever infor-mation that is submitted to either UR or IMR is correct and com-plete. Getting proper treatment will affect your ability to keep working and provide for your family. Far too often I see fire-fighters think they can go it alone through the workers’ compensa-tion arena. They select a QME from a panel of QMEs issued by the State and frequently select the wrong doctor who issues a re-port detrimental to their interests. With so much on the line, why would you try to navigate solo through a system so complex and lacking in due process rights?

Hopefully you will enjoy a safe and injury free career. If, however, you find yourself going through this crazy process, make sure you do it intelligently.

It’a Deja Vu All Over Again Legal

UFLAC and California Pro-fessional Firefighters (CPF) join with the entire body of organized labor in California to STRONG-LY urge a resounding NO vote on Proposition 32, the corporate fat cats’ and super-PACs’ “Spe-cial Exemptions Act”, in next month’s November 6th Gen-eral Election. Designed only to silence the voices of ordinary working Californians while re-warding and protecting anony-mous corporate fat cats and mil-lionaires, this proposition has been characterized by even such normally labor-unfriendly organs as the Los Angeles Times as “de-ceptive” and dishonest.

Please vote NO on Proposi-tion 32 and urge your family and friends to do the same.

Also, please see the list of CPF’s endorsed candidates for State Assembly and State Senate (below). Thank you.

State AssemblyAD 01: Brian Dahle AD 02: Wes ChesbroAD 03: Dan LogueAD 04: Mariko YamadaAD 05: Frank Bigelow

AD 06: No RecommendationAD 07: Roger DickinsonAD 08: Ken CooleyAD 09: Richard PanAD 10: Michael AllenAD 11: Jim FrazierAD 12: Kristin OlsenAD 13: No RecommendationAD 14: Susan BonillaAD 15: Nancy SkinnerAD 16: No RecommendationAD 17: Tom AmmianoAD 18: Rob BontaAD 19: Phil TingAD 20: Bill QuirkAD 21: Adam GrayAD 22: Kevin MullinAD 23: Bob WhalenAD 24: Rich GordonAD 25: Bob WieckowskiAD 26: No Recommendation AD 27: Nora CamposAD 28: Paul FongAD 29: Mark StoneAD 30: Luis AlejoAD 31: Henry PereaAD 32: Rudy SalasAD 33: No Recommendation AD 34: No RecommendationAD 35: Katcho AchadjianAD 36: Ron SmithAD 37: Das Williams AD 38: Scott WilkAD 39: Richard AlarconAD 40: No Recommendation

AD 41: Chris HoldenAD 42: Brian NestandeAD 43: Mike GattoAD 44: Jeff Gorell AD 45: Bob BlumenfieldAD 46: Adrin NazarianAD 47: Joe Baca Jr.AD 48: Roger HernandezAD 49: Ed ChauAD 50: Betsy ButlerAD 51: Jimmy GomezAD 52: No EndorsementAD 53: John PerezAD 54: Holly MitchellAD 55: Curt Hagman AD 56: Manuel PerezAD 57: Ian CalderonAD 58: Cristina GarciaAD 59: Reggie Jones-SawyerAD 60: No RecommendationAD 61: Bill BateyAD 62: Steven BradfordAD 63: Anthony RendonAD 64: Isadore HallAD 65: Sharon Quirk-SilvaAD 66: Al MuratsuchiAD 67: Melissa MelendezAD 68: No RecommendationAD 69: Tom DalyAD 70: Bonnie LowenthalAD 71: No RecommendationAD 72: Troy EdgarAD 73: No RecommendationAD 74: No RecommendationAD 75: Marie Waldron

AD 76: No RecommendationAD 77: No RecommendationAD 78: Toni AtkinsAD 79: Shirley WeberAD 80: Ben Hueso

State SenateSD 01: No RecommendationSD 03: Lois WolkSD 05: Cathleen GalgianiSD 07: Mark DeSaulnierSD 09: Loni HancockSD 11: Mark LenoSD 13: Jerry HillSD 15: NeutralSD 17: Bill Monning

SD 19: Hannah-Beth-JacksonSD 21: No RecommendationSD 23: No RecommendationSD 25: Carol LiuSD 27: Fran PavleySD 29: Bob HuffSD 31: Richard RothSD 33: Ricardo LaraSD 35: Rod WrightSD 37: No RecommendationSD 39: Marty Block

CPF 2012 Endorsement ListGeneral Election

LMWSL Goes Pink

November / December 2012 Los Angeles Firefighter Page 15

2011-2012 UFLACExecutive Board

PRESIDENTPat McOsker, Engineer .................................. Fire Station 101-A

FIRST VICE PRESIDENTJeff Dapper, Captain I....................................Fire Station 95-B

SECOND VICE PRESIDENTFrank Lima, Captain II ................................. UFLAC Office

TREASURERBrian Hishinuma, Captain II ........................ Fire Station 49-A

SECRETARYAdam Knabe, Firefighter/Paramedic............Fire Station 87-A

DIRECTORSFreddy Escobar, Apparatus Operator.......... Fire Staion 26-CMike Tobey, Captain/Paramedic .................. EMS 1-CChuong Ho, Firefighter .................................. Fire Station 105-CTony Gamboa, Apparatus Operator ............ UFLAC OfficeTed Nonini, Firefighter/Staff Assistant ......... Fire Station 27-C

BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVEMike McOsker, .............................................. UFLAC Office

EAP DIRECTORNancy Mraz, CEAP ........................................ UFLAC Office

EDITORAdam VanGerpen, Firefighter / Paramedic..Fire Station 75-A

General Membership Meeting(2nd Payday of Every Month)

9:00 a.m., November 28, 2012, Wednesday, “A” Shift Working

9:00 a.m., December 26, 2012, Wednesday, “C” Shift Working

Location – James A. Perry Labor Center1571 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026Refreshments and Free Parking Available

Union Stewards NeededWe are in the process of reorganizing and updating our Union Stewards Program. It is our goal to have a Union Steward at every work location. Current and prospective Stewards are requested to contact the James A. Perry Labor Center at (800) 252-8352.

This emblem on the masthead of any labor publication certifies that the publica-tion is a member in good standing of the International Labor Communications

Association and is bound to observe the ILCA Code of Ethics.

IAFF and AFL-CIO affiliates have prior approval to reprint or excerpt articles in the Los Angeles Firefighter — Please include credit line.

Note: Photos and cartoons may not be reprinted without the expressed written permission of the photographer or artist.

The Los Angeles Firefighter(ISSN #0190-7573)

Local 112, IAFF, AFL-CIO-CLCOfficial Publication of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City is

Published Bi-MonthlyPeriodical Postage paid at Los Angeles, CA

Known Office of Publication isUnited Firefighters of Los Angeles City,

1571 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles,California 90026-5798

POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to The Los Angeles Firefighter1571 Beverly Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90026-5798

Union Office Phone NumbersAdministration:

(213) 895-4006 - (213) 485-2091 - Toll Free (800) 252-8352Benefits:

(213) 895-4990FAX: (213) 250-5678

Website: www.uflac.orgEAP Office: (213) 895-0910 or (800) 252-8352

EAP FAX: (213) 481-1038EAP 24 Hr. Help Line

Answering Service: (213) 250-1212

AffiliationsInternational Assn. of Fire Fighters, AFL-CIO-CLC

California Professional Fire Fighters, AFL-CIOL.A. County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIOAmerican Federation of Labor

International Labor Communications Association, AFL-CIO-CLC

Contributing PhotographersMike Meadows, Juan Guerra, Adam VanGerpen, Shawn Kaye,Yvonne Griffin, Jeff Zimmerman, Reuben Chan, David DeMulle, Rick McClure, John Conkle,

Ryan Babroff, Ryan Ling, Bernie Deyo, Gene Blevins, EPNThis union newspaper is printed by a union printer on union-made recycled paper.

Services DirectoryDepartment of Fire and

Police Pensions

360 East Second Street, Suite 400

Los Angeles, CA 90012(213) 978-4545

www.lacity.org/pen

ACTIVE MEMBERS

Applying for aService Pension(213) 978-4575

Applying for a Disability Pension

(213) 978-4500

Applying forDROP participation

(213) 978-4568

Buying Back Time(Academy Time, Bad Time,

Prior Service)(213) 978-4522

Contribution Statements(For Divorce, Loans,

Verification of Contribution)(213) 978-4522

Pre-Retirement Planning Seminars

(213) 978-4522

Refund of Contributions(213) 978-4522

Domestic Partner Information(213) 978-4522

RETIRED MEMBERS

Name, Address & TelephoneNumber Changes(213) 978-4575

Cost of Living(213) 978-4495

Direct Deposit (213) 978-4495

Tax Withholding(213) 978-4495

1099Rs(Year-End Tax Statements)

(213) 978-4420

Health/Dental Subsidy(213) 978-4560

Health/Dental Plans:Fire Relief (Health Only)

(800) 244-3439

UFLAC(800) 252-8352

Station StewardsNovember / December 2012

If You See An Error…The Los Angeles Fire-

fighter strives to maintain ac-curacy and fairness in all sto-ries, graphics, photographs and other copy that appears in our union newspaper. It is our practice to correct errors in the issue immediately following their discovery.

If you have a correction or clarification request, please call the UFLAC office at (800) 252-8352 or email Editor at adamvfire@gmail.com.

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If you are receiving this newspaper and have a change of address or would like to be removed from our mail-ing list, please call the union office at (800) 252-8352, Ext. 208 or email Maria Riggs at mriggs@uflac.org

001 A Mark B. Stafford 001 B David Braun 002 A Michael Seiser 004 B Edward Larini 005 A Mario A. Garcia 007 A Nicholas Gonzales 008 C Mark Kleckner 009 a Felipe Villegas 010 C Kevin Willis 011 C Gregory C. Malais 015 A Cameron R. Kennedy 018 C L. Scott Gribbons 021 A Harold Raphael 027 C Ted Nonini 033 A Craig Poulson 034 C Joseph Smith 035 C Daniel Foote 037 A Jose Holguin 037 C Christopher Martinez 037 A Jose Holguin 038 C Richard Shortle 039 A John Cardenas 042 C Ruben Terrazas 043 B John Balich 044 A Charles Garcia 044 B David Raya 047 C Mark Rousseau 047 B Chris Stellern 049 C Stephen Meiche 056 C Oliver Fry 058 C Kris Larson 059 A Ryan Howes 061 C Martin Enriquez 062 B Alicia Mathis 064 A Christopher Bustamante 066 A John Marasco 066 C Anthony R. Temple 068 A Andrew Balandis 069 A Marc Samama 069 B Raymond Cuevas 072 C Henry Gasparri 075 A Adam M. VanGerpen 075 C Daniel Castillo 076 C Francisco “Frank” Hurtado 077 B M. Benjamin J. Rossell 079 A Scott Carter 080 C Brendan O’Connor 083 C Rigo Arellano 084 A Thomas G. Chamberlin 085 A Ed Campos 085 A Hector Hernandez 085 B John Maestri 085 C Charles Herrera 087 C Kenny Breskin 090 C Daniel Mattera 092 A Christopher Contreras 096 A Ryan Quigley 096 B James Krebs 098 B Dario Reyes 101 A Pat McOsker 102 C George James 103 A Robert Perez 103 A Shawn Connolly 104 B Glen A. Kratkin 105 B Keith Massey 108 A Paul Sasso 109 B Benjamin R. Guzman 111 B Harold Hix 112 C John Donato 114 B Jacob Ryan CIU S Jeff Rickey VFP S Scott Miller VPP S Russell K. Rawls VIU S David Riles

James A. PerryIn Memory Of...

Editor from 1969-2009

/LOCAL112

@UFLAC

Page 16 Los Angeles Firefighter November / December 2012

Ryan S. Kirby

By Stephanie Sumell,Thousand Oaks Acorn

Returning home from battling the 90-acre Getty Fire last month, Ryan Kirby was exhausted and covered in ash—but beaming at the same time.

“He was so excited that he got to fight his first fire,” said his mother, Debbie Kirby. “It was just an amazing experience for him.”

Sadly, the young man’s first fire fight was also his last.

Ryan Kirby, 24, was killed two

weeks ago while riding his mo-torcycle in Thousand Oaks.

On Tues., Sept. 25 at about 3:40 p.m., Kirby was on his Husqvarna on the rural portion of southbound Westlake Boule-vard, south of Potrero Road and north of Carlisle Canyon, when he crossed over into the opposing lane, colliding with a Mercedes Benz driven by 54-year-old West-lake Village resident Katherine Moulene, headed north on the winding road.

Kirby died at the scene, police said. Although an investigation into the crash is ongoing, Sgt. Barbara Payton said there were no drugs or alcohol involved in the incident and it appears that no crime took place.

“It’s a tragic accident,” Payton said.

A member of the city’s Com-munity Emergency Response Team (CERT), Kirby was a ca-det with Los Angeles Fire De-partment’s Crew 3, a 115-person

unit that assisted in extinguishing wildfires.

The Conejo Valley High School graduate had aspirations of becoming a firefighter.

Greg Holly, Crew 3’s superin-tendent, said Kirby had a strong willingness to learn and better himself.

“He took in as much knowl-edge and instruction that we could provide,” Holly said. “He really seemed focused on a career in the fire service.”

Committed to helping others, Ryan worked hard and wasn’t afraid of getting his hands dirty, Holly said. “Those are very strong attributes of somebody who wants to be a firefighter.”

“He just wanted to take care of people,” his mother told the Acorn. “He had so many plans.”

Despite the precarious nature of motorcycle riding, Debbie Kirby called her son, who had attended classes at Ventura Col-lege, “extremely responsible.”

“Ryan was the kid who didn’t take risks. He was the one every-one would call at 3 in the morning for a ride home,” she said.

In fact, at Ryan Kirby’s Sept. 30 funeral at Pierce Brothers Val-ley Oaks Memorial Park in West-lake Village, which was attended by members of the Los Angeles and Ventura County fire depart-ments, his friends toasted his play-it-safe lifestyle.

“They said, ‘When we had our coolers of beer, he’d have his cooler of Dr Pepper,’” his mother said.

In addition to being a respon-sible young man, the employee of Dunn-Edwards Paints in Thou-sand Oaks was a hard worker, Debbie Kirby said.

“Ryan wasn’t the kind of in-dividual who just did his job and went home. He took pride in work.”

Frank Blaze, the assistant man-ager at Dunn-Edwards, said Ryan was an asset to the business.

“Several of our regular cus-tomers would come and seek his help in doing color matching,” Blaze said. “He was a focused and dedicated young man.”

Kirby was the youngest of six children. Debbie Kirby, who called her son a “jokester” with an infectious sense of humor, said the family is thankful for the amount of support they have re-ceived since his death.

“He was our baby,” she said. “It’s a sad situation for everybody all around.”

Mourning the loss of her son, the mother said the memory of him returning home from the Get-ty Fire will stay with her forever.

“Even though he got home at 2:30 in the morning, he wanted to go back the next day,” she said. “The soot is still there, outside our door. I haven’t cleaned it up.”

Reprinted with Permission Thousand Oaks Acorn

We offer our deepest condo-lences to Brother Cobos who-passed away with his family around him and his brother and sister firefighters close by.

John spent many years as a dedicated employee of The County of Los Angeles. John was hired by the County, August 1977. He spent four years as an employee of another department within LA County prior to joining the Fire Department in 1981. For the last 3 years John has protected the residents of La Habra from Fire Station 193 as a Firefighter/Paramedic. Prior to that for ap-

proximately 22 years John served the citizens of Pico Rivera from Fire Station 40. John was a dedi-cated Firefighter/Paramedic who enjoyed protecting the Citizens of Los Angeles County and was a proud member of our department.

John leaves behind 3 adult girls Christina, Jennifer and Danielle and his longtime companion Mo-ria and her daughters Paige and Sydney.

His family, friends and broth-ers and sisters of our department will forever miss John but he will never be forgotten.

www.local1014.org

In Memory of LACoFD Firefighter John James Cobos

In Memory of LAFD Crew 3 Cadet Ryan Kirby

LAFD Wins Multiple IAFF Media Awards IAFF Media AwardsThe winners of the 2012 IAFF

Media Awards were recently an-nounced and LAFD received sev-eral awards. The LAFD Public Service Officers won an award for Best Blog Post fo the blog post titled “Hollywood Arson Fires.”

Shawn Kaye who is a member of EPN and a contributing pho-tographer to The Los Angeles Firefighter won a Photography award.

The Los Angeles Firefighter publication won a second place award for Best IAFF Affiliate Publication (circulation more than 1000)

It is a real honor to be selected for IAFF Media Awards. This year there was over 300 nomina-tions and some very stiff compe-tition.

LAFD & Local 112Think Pink

We all know somebody who has been affected by cancer. In October LAFD and UFLAC went pink to raise awareness for breast

cancer. Our primary goal was to show our support for those per-sonally effected by cancer and to reach thousands of people with the lifesaving message that caner prevention and early detection can mean the difference between life and death.

Los Angeles Fire Department Administration teamed up with UFLAC and authorized six days of wearing the LAFD & UFLAC-Think Pink t-shirts as the outer-most garment while on duty. This was the first time in the recent history when the uniform policy has been temporarily suspended for a cause.

I am very grateful to the UFLAC Executive Board the LAFD Command Staff for work-ing together and making this campaign a success.

If you would still like to pur-chase a pink t-shirt they are avail-able at:

www.lafdgoespink.comAll net proceeds from the t-

shirt sales will go to the American Cancer Society.

CancerWe supported breast cancer by

wearing pink t-shirts but it’s not the only kind of cancer out there.As firefighters we are far greater risk of getting cancer. Things we can all to reduce of cancer in-clude:

1. Take a shower after a fire.

2. Wash your turnouts after a fire.

3. Protect your airway during a fire and during overhaul. 4. Get regular check ups with your doctor.In November we will be rais-

ing awareness for prostate cancer with the Movember Campaign.

Firefighters across the country will be growing mustaches to raise awareness for prostate can-cer.

Pictured below is Fire Station 75 in Mission Hills showing our support for a four year old boy named Alex Shabman who re-cently found out he has cancer.

By Adam VanGerpen

Editor’s