BEAR CLASSIC 2025: A Day of Fire Family, Fun, and Fierce Competition

Today, teams from across the Los Angeles County Fire Department came together for one of our most anticipated traditions — the annual Bear Classic Softball Tournament. With blue skies, friendly competition, and nonstop laughter, it is a perfect day that reminded us we are always on the same team — united in service, strength, and solidarity.

Hosted at the beautiful West Covina Sportsplex, where replica MLB stadiums framed every pitch and swing, the day was filled with high-energy games, epic plays, and the kind of good-natured trash talk that only the fire service can deliver. While the winners of this year’s tournament are still to be determined, one thing is certain — the spirit of the Bear Classic was alive and well.

Off the field, it was a true family affair — and a reminder that our strength doesn’t just come from the job, but from the people who stand beside us. 

And most of all, heartfelt gratitude to the Ortiz Family and Ruben Ortiz, whose unwavering passion and vision brought the Bear Classic roaring back to life. Your leadership and commitment to this tradition mean more than words can express.

We can't wait to keep this incredible tradition going strong — see you next year for Bear Classic 2026!

COUNTY! BEAR CLASSIC!

UPDATE ON OUR FIGHT FOR A SUCCESSOR MOU 

We are still at a standstill with the contract. The main issue is the CEO and her team. However, the Fire Chief needs to come forward as the Sheriff has and actively advocate for his people. It’s time to show you value your firefighters and put pressure on the CEO to show your value, as the public values us. We are asking for a fair contract. 

Our frustrations at the table boiled over this week. There’s this constant lack of appreciation for employees and first responders. The budget numbers continue to be adjusted to fit a narrative, serving as an excuse to not compensate us all fairly. It seems the heroics you displayed during the January fires — and throughout your entire careers — have been overlooked or forgotten. But the lives you've saved and the countless others you've impacted should never be dismissed or taken for granted.

Things are shaping up to become really uncomfortable for the Fire Chief and CEO very soon. This lack of bargaining in good faith and lack of respect for all of you is ridiculous! We will not tolerate it. 

The County made a comment that they didn’t want to bargain next week because of “traffic” for a holiday weekend. Our response was too bad. We don’t care how much traffic you have to sit in for your “holiday” weekend as our members will be working their asses off. The 4th of July is our busiest holiday, call volume-wise, by far, away from our families, with extra staffing to fulfill the mission and needs of the citizens. We are proud to do this, and they are worried about “traffic.” 

Once again, it's time to stand united. We are always stronger together — a unified front with a shared purpose. Be ready for calls to action if we do not see movement soon. 
 

MEASURE E – BOARD OF SUPERVISORS APPROVAL

This week, the Board of Supervisors voted to support our joint motion to approve first-year funding under Measure E, expected to bring in $152 million for critical Fire District priorities — including staffing, training, facilities, equipment, and emergency response infrastructure.

Local 1014 led the way in placing Measure E on the ballot, and through a strong partnership with the Department, we made the case to the public — and won their support.

With that support, we’re now moving forward on:

• Hiring and certifying new firefighters and paramedics
• 6 Permanent Training Captain positions to help with recruit classes and training needs 
• 11 APRU positions to help with special events and SoFi staffing 
• Upgrading stations and emergency equipment
• Converting the first 15 engines to 4-person staffing
• Investing in aircraft, dispatch tech, and training programs
• Strengthening wildfire protection and EMS delivery

We thank Fire Chief Marrone and Chiefs Kim, O’Brien, and Barrera for their collaboration and for working side-by-side with the Local 1014 Executive Board to develop a smart, strategic Year One plan. This is the first new dedicated funding for the Fire District in more than 30 years — a historic milestone and a model of labor-management success.