Now more than ever, we must stand united. The County continues to undervalue the lifesaving work we do, and we cannot let that stand. We are on the frontlines every day, responding to emergencies, wildfires, and disasters—yet our voices are being ignored at the bargaining table.

We are actively negotiating with the Coalition of County Unions (CCU) for our fringe benefits and safety salary contracts. With the County’s budget being finalized and contracts set to expire, it’s critical that the Board of Supervisors hears us loud and clear: 1014 Members must be a top priority.

Last week, we joined CCU leadership at the Board of Supervisors meeting to demand increased County contributions to our medical, dental, and vision plans—especially with Choices Open Enrollment looming in October. Our unified presence sent a strong message and pushed negotiations forward.

We will not settle for less than what we’ve earned.

That’s why we’re calling on all members to join us—and our fellow public safety partners—in the fight for a fair and just contract. See the important details below. We strongly encourage all available off-duty firefighters and thier families to attend.

🔥 CALL TO ACTION – SAVE THE DATE! ðŸ”¥
TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2025 at 9:00 AM
LOS ANGELES COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING
 500 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
 

We’ll kick things off with a rally-style gathering outside the building—complete with food and beverages—before heading into the meeting to make our voices heard. Bring your family and show County leadership the strength and unity of LA County Fire. FAMILIES WELCOME! 

Mark your calendar. Be there. Your presence makes all the difference.

CPF Health & Safety Committee

This week, Vice President Tony Carcioppolo went up to Sacramento for the CPF Health & Safety Committee, where he represents our members as a committee member. The committee is co-chaired by Freddy Escobar (8^th District VP, United Firefighters of Los Angeles City #112) and Trevor Jamison (3^rd District VP, Sacramento Area Local Firefighters #552). The work up in Sacramento on this committee is imperative to driving and pushing a better working environment for our firefighters, firefighters in the state and in the country.

For background, the committee was established through Convention Resolution in 1978 with the objective of providing “policy recommendations for firefighter health & safety in order to support CPF’s legislative and regulatory engagement and program and services development.”
 
During this committee meeting there was an update from Dr. Mike Wilson, former Salinas firefighter, and current CAL OSHA Industrial Hygienist, on the development and testing results of wildland respiratory protection. The continued development and testing of wildland respiratory protection became even more imperative after the recent historic fires in January. More and more new hazards, such as backup batteries, electric cars, and newer synthetic materials, present uncharted dangers to our firefighters and those across the U.S. in the urban interface settings.
 
Tying directly in with respiratory exposures from the fires and the health and safety of firefighters the committee transitioned into a review of CPF’s Personal Exposure Reporting platform. The platform was originally launched in 2017 and requires a periodic review to address these ever-evolving exposures our firefighters face. A subcommittee is being developed now to ensure all new exposures are documented along with maintaining a system for ease of reporting.
 
The committee also addressed the lack of medical exams and fit-for-life programs in the state for all firefighters. Fit for life programs need a more progressive approach in the future. The committee talked about progressive new testing and metrics for keeping our firefighters healthy. This includes cardiac health screenings, sleep studies, diet and exercise programs. These efforts marry up directly with IAFF/IAFC Wellness Fitness Initiative.
 
Vice President Carcioppolo and your 1014 Union look forward to continuing the work on the CPF Health and Safety Committee. Your union will be a driving force behind promoting/creating awareness of local best practices around firefighter health and wellness. While helping develop strategies to tackle workers' compensation presumptions and laws with the goal of better and more exponential treatment. Continue local 1014 and CPF’s efforts around advancements in PPE. Finally ensuring we can do everything we can to ensure all of our overall health and wellness.  
 

1014 Stewards Program
 
Are you interested in getting involved with 1014? Do you want to know more about the Union and the Department's inner workings?

If so, the new 1014 Stewards Program may be for you. You’ll act as a communications link between 1014’s officers and its members, providing quality information up and down the chain. You’ll learn our MOU and civil service rules so well, others will come to you for answers to their questions. Same with discipline and grievance procedures: even if it’s not a problem you can solve, you’ll be able to put them in touch with a director who can. Above all, as a steward, you’ll represent Local 1014’s members at all times. 

If all this sounds like an opportunity you’d like to pursue, follow the link below and fill out the interest form. You’ll be contacted regarding an info session within the coming weeks. 1014 is strong because of its members. If you think you have something to offer to make it even stronger, you’re exactly who we’re looking for. 

On December 23, 2024, Nikki and her family’s lives were forever changed. What initially seemed like a simple sinus infection quickly escalated as her symptoms worsened, leading her to seek emergency care. An MRI revealed a mass in her right frontal lobe, and she was immediately transferred to USC for urgent evaluation by the Oncology and Neurosurgery teams.

Throughout this journey, Nikki and Raul have dedicated themselves to exploring all possible treatment paths. They have sought guidance from integrative, complementary, and holistic oncologists, believing they have found a path to true healing. Unfortunately, these treatments are not covered by insurance, which creates financial challenges making outside support essential to help defray the costs.

Your support will allow Nikki to pursue the treatment plan she believes in. It will also provide financial relief so that Raul, a dedicated local firefighter, can remain at home by her side as her primary caregiver and advocate. Every contribution will help with daily expenses, ongoing medical exams, and necessary treatments that insurance won’t cover.

Any donation, big or small, will make a difference in ensuring she receives the best care possible. Nikki and her family thank you for your kindness, generosity, and continued prayers as they navigate this journey. 

DONATE TO HELP OUR BROTHER AT LA CITY 

On what should have been the happiest day of their lives, Firefighter Matt Okula experienced the unimaginable. His beloved wife, Hailey, passed away due to complications from childbirth, leaving behind their beautiful newborn son, Crew.

Matt and Hailey’s journey to parenthood was not easy. They faced every challenge together, determined to build the family they had dreamed of for so long. But in an instant, that dream was shattered.

Now, Matt is left to navigate life as a single father while grieving the love of his life. The nursery they built together is no longer a shared refuge but a place of both love and heartache. The late-night feedings, diaper changes, and endless adjustments of new parenthood are his burden alone.

Matt is not one to ask for help—but those who know him, especially his brothers and sisters in the fire service, know the kind of man he is. A man who has dedicated his life to protecting others. Now, it's our turn to protect him.

RETIREMENT SEMINAR: UPDATE

The Department’s Peer Support Team is hosting a seminar for Department employees and their spouses, nearing retirement. The seminar will focus on the challenges of retirement, how to plan for the transition, and life away from the fire service. Retired peer support members will provide an introduction to their mentorship program, and the Department’s mental health professionals will offer behavioral health stages for retirement. 

The Retirement Seminar will take place as follows: 

Monday, April 21, 2025 
 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Location: Los Angeles County Fire Museum
16400 Bellflower Boulevard
Bellflower, CA 90706

Those wishing to attend, please click here to RSVP below by April 16, 2025. 

If you have any questions, please contact the Peer Support Coordinators, Fire Captain Steve Blackburn, at (213) 424-5729 or Fire Captain Vince Roldan, at (213) 507-1782.