CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR LA COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS BENEFIT AND WELFARE ASSOCIATION – 75 YEARS OF SERVICE

This week, we gathered as members and as a fire family to celebrate the Firefighters Benefit and Welfare Association’s 75th anniversary. We congratulate the organization—made up of all of us, the LA County Firefighters—for three-quarters of a century of service, fraternal fellowship, and member support, including publishing Straight Streams.

Over the last 75 years, Straight Streams has captured the most fun moments—in-station, with family, and during events—documenting our history both visually and through “talking story.” It is something special to be able to look back at those images of the men and women who have served as LA County Firefighters.

The B&W can be found at https://lacfirebw.com/. Straight Streams is now also available digitally, so check it out and sign up! Thank you to the Bel Air Club for hosting the event and giving us the opportunity to reflect on so many years of service and fellowship.

The B&W plays a vital role in bringing us together for events and occasions—whether for fire family fun, or for support during times of loss and healing. They have partnered with many Department organizations, including the Local, to provide meals and support at funerals, and with the IAFF Memorial to help create an environment of healing for our fire family.

Additionally, the B&W can sometimes provide medical equipment that may not be covered by workers' compensation. While insurance requires a doctor’s order, B&W only requires an evaluation by their admin. They always work to coordinate with workers’ comp or insurance to ensure coverage where possible, but in cases where it is not, they may be able to help. Always call your insurance company first, but know you can also reach out to B&W for limited equipment when needed.

Once again, congratulations on 75 years of the LA County Firefighters Benefit and Welfare Association. Our money and support truly go to good use with an organization that continues to “Connect Firefighters and Their Families with Good!”

PPOA Sheriff Commander Shawn Kehoe New LACERA Board of Investments and Board of Retirement Representative

In a close race, Shawn Kehoe was elected as the 4th Member of the Board of Investments and the 7th Member/Alternate Safety Member of the Board of Retirement. These safety seats are critical for ensuring public safety members have a voice on LACERA’s governing boards—both in overseeing investments and in reviewing and approving retirement cases.

Our own Local 1014 Director Jason Green has done an incredible job holding both seats and even serving as Chair this year. Time and again, Local 1014 has pulled together and outvoted the Sheriff’s Department by member percentage—even though they outnumber us 3 to 1. That’s the strength of our membership showing up. We especially thank our members for engaging and voting this year, even during a tough few weeks of fires in August. These three-year terms are no easy lift, and we owe Jason a big thank you for his dedication and hard work. At the same time, we’re proud to congratulate and welcome our brother, Shawn Kehoe, as he steps in to carry the torch.

We will remain in close communication with Shawn, just as we always have with our representatives, to ensure that firefighters maintain a strong presence and active role in all LACERA work. We look forward to another season of sound investments and supporting our members as they move into the well-earned world of retirement.

Largest-Ever CAL-JAC Career Expo Brings Nearly 800 Participants — Local 1014 Hosts in El Monte with Tacos and Brotherhood

This year’s CAL-JAC Career Expo was the largest ever, with nearly 800 participants coming together in El Monte to take their first steps toward a career in the fire service. Local 1014 was proud to host and provide tacos, support, and plenty of brotherhood and sisterhood to welcome candidates from our communities.

The Career Expo gave participants the chance to learn, practice, and understand every element of the firefighter testing process and candidate standards. From physical agility preparation to interview skills, recruits were guided through the realities of becoming a firefighter, with mentors on hand to answer questions and share experience. It was an amazing day filled with energy, purpose, and hope for the next generation of firefighters.

In addition to our hosting role, Local 1014 was recognized alongside Teamsters, IATSE, and UFLAC 112 (LA City Fire) for our continued work with the LA Federation of Labor Community Services. Together, and under the leadership of Norma Lopez, labor has raised over $4 million to support members and families in our communities. This partnership ensures that when hardship strikes—whether fire families or neighbors in need—resources are available to provide food, shelter, and assistance.

Events like this show the strength of our fire family and labor family working hand in hand: inspiring future firefighters while also standing strong for the communities we serve.

Local 1014 and Labor Partners Strengthen Community Support

Local 1014 was honored alongside the Teamsters, IATSE, and UFLAC 112 (LA City Fire) for our ongoing collaboration with the LA Federation of Labor Community Services. This recognition highlights our shared commitment to strengthening support networks for working families throughout Los Angeles.

Under the dedicated leadership of Norma Lopez, this coalition of labor organizations has successfully raised over $4 million to assist members and families facing hardship. From providing immediate aid during emergencies to supporting long-term community programs, this partnership ensures that help is always within reach. Whether it’s fire families impacted by the demands of service or neighbors experiencing unexpected crises, the resources made available through this collective effort provide essential food, shelter, and assistance.

Together, we are not only advancing the welfare of union members but also reinforcing the foundation of our communities—proving that when labor stands united, we create resilience, hope, and real, tangible support for those who need it most.