It is with the greatest sadness that we announce the passing of one of the giants of the firefighter labor movement and one of our best friends -- former Local 1014 President and current CPF Secretary-Treasurer Dallas Jones. Dallas passed away Saturday evening, May 10, after a valiant battle with lung cancer.
Dallas Jones was a member of the fire service and Local 1014 for over 32 years. From the moment he became a firefighter, Dallas made it his calling to serve his fellow firefighters. He spent half his 32 years as Local 1014 president, and guided 1014 through some of its most tumultuous and successful times in the 1980s and 1990s.
During his presidency of Local 1014, Dallas also served the first of his two tenures as CPF Secretary-Treasurer, a post he held until 1999. During this time he also served as a vice president of the California Labor Federation and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. He also served on the State Board of Fire Services.
In 1999, Dallas Jones was tabbed by Governor Gray Davis to serve as the Director of the Office of Emergency Services. In that post he not only directed the state’s responses to numerous natural and human-caused emergencies, but also earned a reputation as one of the nation’s most influential emergency management experts.
In 2004, Dallas returned to his most cherished commitment, the fire service labor movement. That year he won election for a second time as CPF Secretary Treasurer, and continued in that post until his death Saturday.
During the afternoon of his passing, Dallas was visited by many of his closest friends, including Local 1014 president Dave Gillotte and director Andy Doyle. “I can say that Dallas had a good last day,” Gillotte said. “He was very aware of what was happening, and he accepted it with dignity and in peace. His friends and family were with him, and he spoke with all of us. He even had the strength and humor to make a joke or two.
“Dallas Jones' legacy as 1014’s president and what he meant for us all in the fire service is beyond a simple summary,” Gillotte continued. “Dallas took this membership to levels of unity, safety, compensation, recognition, and accomplishment that no other man could have done. He was our leader, our mentor, and our friend. His passing is a deep loss for all of us.”
CPF President Lou Paulson added, "Dallas Jones died as he lived -- serving his brother and sister firefighter. His contribution to our profession is unsurpassed. He has rightfully earned the gratitude of every man and woman on the front lines. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lily and the family at this time of great loss."
Dallas Jones is survived by his wife Lilly, his sons Brian and Michael, and daughter Anadallas.
Information regarding memorial services are pending. For now, condolences to the family can be sent to Lilly Jones c/o California Professional Firefighters, 1780 Creekside Oaks, Suite 200, Sacramento, California 95833.
Local 1014 will post additional information as arrangements are finalized.
Check the CPF website for latest CPF updates but check back here often for 1014 updates
Late addition: In honor of Dallas Jones, Governor Scharzenegger today ordered the capital's flags to be flown at half mast and issued the following statement: "Dallas Jones devoted his life to protecting the people of our state and was a true champion for California's firefighters. Dallas' years of hard work and outstanding service made our state safer and better prepared to handle future emergencies. There is no doubt that his contributions will continue to benefit California for generations to come. Maria and I extend our deepest condolences to Dallas' family as they mourn the passing of one of California's finest public servants."
