Advertise on podcast: CPF Fire Wire

On this episode of Fire Wire, CPF President Brian K. Rice speaks to Misha McKinney,  VP of Clinical Programs, and Dr. Danielle Mellace, internal medicine physician, both with Kaiser Permanente, about the unique health challenges firefighters face, the importance of primary care and early detection, and how lifestyle medicine can reduce cancer risk. Active or retired firefighters who are members of Kaiser Permanente are encouraged to enroll in the California Firefighter Health Study before February 28, 2026, to help improve firefighter health and safety statewide. Sign up today at CPF.org/KaiserStudy. 

In the past 90 days, we have lost four of our members to active-duty suicide. Each of these losses is devastating to their family and to their fire service family. We must come together and take action to open up and support each other. The battle with PTSI, struggles with addiction, struggles with the complexity of life, and seeking help are why we are reaching out to you today with a special message from CPF President Brian K. Rice.  Please watch and share Brian's story. --- If you or a loved one is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988.  The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. 9-8-8 is available via call or text, and online chat. For more resources created by firefighters, for firefighters, visit HealingOurOwn.org.

On this episode of CPF Fire Wire, President Brian K. Rice sits down with Oxnard Fire Department Chief Alexander Hamilton for a candid and powerful conversation about mental health in the fire service. Together, they break down the challenges firefighters face both on and off the line, and share practical insights on recognizing the early signs of crisis in yourself and your crew, taking meaningful steps to protect and strengthen your own mental health, and offering real support when a fellow firefighter needs it most. This episode opens the door to an honest dialogue, reminding us that caring for mental health is just as vital as the job itself. Explore firefighter-focused mental health resources at HealingOurOwn.org

On this episode of CPF Firewire, President Brian K. Rice sits down with CPF Insurance Trust Chair Scott Austin and Director Jason Cervantes. They discuss their work as Board Members of the Insurance Trust, helping ensure CPF members, both active and retired, have access to the best available insurance coverage. Hear what inspired their involvement, how they're supporting firefighters and their families through every stage of their careers, and what plans might be best for you.   Contact the CPF Insurance Trust at 888-550-5000, [email protected], or visit cpf-insurance.com

On this episode of CPF Firewire, we talk with Brian Abney of Orange County Professional Firefighters, Local 3631, a recently retired Fire Captain/Paramedic and trusted resource on workers’ comp, about what firefighters need to know and why understanding the system is critical to protecting yourself and your career. Tune in as he shares what led him to take on this role, the lessons he has learned along the way, and how he's helping his fellow firefighters navigate the complex compensation system.

On this episode of the Fire Wire, President Rice is joined by Jerry May, President of San Jose Fire Fighters, Local 230, to discuss the California Firefighter Cancer Research and Prevention Program, created by CPF-sponsored AB 700, and how this research will impact firefighters for generations to come. Together, they explore the value of early cancer screening and why building strong peer networks is essential for sharing ideas, resources, and opportunities that can help save lives.

On this episode of the Fire Wire, President Rice sits down with Firefighters First Credit Union Senior Vice President of Member Experience David Lillie and Vice President of Tax Services Mike Canny to discuss the credit union’s rich history and the extensive benefits they provide our members.

CPF President Brian Rice speaks with Dr. Katherine Warburton, the Medical Director of the California Department of State Hospitals, about the CARE Act and the role firefighters can play in connecting individuals with behavioral health services.   Links mentioned in this episode:  https://care-act.org/training-material/first-responders-the-care-act/ https://www.chhs.ca.gov/care-act/ https://care-act.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/CARE-Act-Brief-CARE-Process-Flow-08.30.2023-2.pdf https://care-act.org/training-material/petitioning-for-system-partners/ https://vimeo.com/1025105380

On this episode of CPF Fire Wire, CPF President Brian Rice sits with Monterey Firefighters Association, Local 3707 President, Ross Pounds and Chula Vista Firefighters, Local 2180 Political Action Committee Chair, Drew Smith alongside with CPF's very own Deputy Political Director Joe Armenta to discuss the importance of why we need to get involved in issue affecting the California fire service at a local level.

For decades, CAL FIRE firefighters have been forced to work 72-hour workweeks despite the standard 56 implemented at many departments around the state.  This has led to retention issues for the department and caused harm to CAL FIRE firefighters' families, physical health, and mental health.  Governor Gavin Newsom has included the 66-hour workweek in his proposed 2024 budget, which is currently under consideration by the California Legislature, bringing Local 2881 one step closer to parity.  On this edition of CPF Fire Wire, CPF President Brian Rice meets with CAL FIRE Local 2881 President Tim Edwards to discuss their ongoing fight to bring the hours in their workweek closer to the rest of the California fire service. The CPF membership has stood in solidarity with Local 2881 in this fight, and will need to continue to do so to help them get to 56.

CPF Pres. Brian Rice speaks with Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg on Proposition 1 and being part of the solution. For many Californians experiencing homelessness, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics are the first and only resource they have when they are in crisis. This is an unacceptable and unsafe reality, both for the Californians who are in need of shelter, services, or treatment and for the firefighters and EMTs who are charged with responding to these crises. More resources are needed for targeted solutions, and a higher priority must be placed on treatment and housing as permanent solutions instead of a temporary fix for those who struggle with homelessness. This is why Proposition 1 is needed in California. Prop 1 is a commonsense solution that will fund programs that get people the treatment they need - not in tents or in jail cells. Prop 1 doesn’t raise taxes, and Prop 1 doesn’t take funding from existing firefighter budget resources. CPF President Brian K. Rice sits down with Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg to discuss Proposition 1, which will be on our March primary ballot in California.

The 2023 legislative session in Sacramento wrapped up with solid wins for California's firefighters, the result of CPF's strong advocacy that works across the partisan aisle. On this edition of CPF Fire Wire, CPF President talks with Republican Assemblyman Heath Flora of Ripon about the legislative year, significant measures for firefighters, and the importance of working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.  

Funded by the Department of Justice, the Cal-LAST program is the result of a landmark partnership between the California Fire Foundation and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. This critical team provides comprehensive rapid-response support for local fire departments that lose one of their own. The primary mission of the team is to provide assistance and comfort to the family and department in the immediate aftermath of a line of duty death and help with filing DOJ-PSOB, state, and local benefits.  CPF President Brian Rice sits down with two members of the Cal-LAST team to find out what drives them to support the fallen and their families and peers. Thomas Jay is a retired Battalion Chief with the City of Riverside Fire Department. He has led the CPF Honor Guard for more than two decades and has been part of Cal-LAST since its inception. Tracey Hansen is a retired Chief of the Cosumnes Fire District who is a member of the CPF Pipes and Drums and has recently joined the Cal-LAST team. In this episode, they discuss how they became involved with Cal-LAST and what it means to them to support the fire service and the fallen brothers and sisters. Thomas and Tracey also break down the various components of the team and how they provide support to fire departments across California.

Firefighters are exposed to stresses on the job that few can contemplate. Sometimes, the job can take its toll. Nationally, firefighter suicides now consistently exceed the number killed in traumatic incidents. As part of the joint fire service Suicide Prevention and Awareness Stand Down in May, CPF President Brian Rice reconnects with Oxnard Fire Chief Alex Hamilton. A former Oxnard Firefighters board member, Chief Hamilton has developed groundbreaking peer-to-peer suicide awareness training for firefighters. He was first interviewed on Fire Wire in 2019. Among the subjects discussed are the impact the past four years, including the pandemic and increase in catastrophic wildland fires, have had in firefighters' mental wellness and what individuals can do to help themselves and others at risk of suicide.  

CPF President Brian Rice continues his conversation with retired Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522 President Richard Mayberry about the Sacramento firefighters strike of 1970. Mayberry and over 400 of his fellow firefighters walked off the job in October of 1970 in an action that had broad ramifications for the firefighter labor movement. Mayberry himself was arrested, tried and acquitted for his role in the action. Listen to Part 1 HERE: https://cpffirewire.podbean.com/e/cpf-fire-wire-sacramento-firefighters-on-strike/