CFFJAC Celebrates 25 Years of Creating Excellence
A Legacy of Cooperation
For 25 years, the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (CFFJAC) has remained steadfast in its mission to ensure that California’s first responders receive the highest quality of education and training. Sponsored by the Office of the State Fire Marshal and California Professional Firefighters, the mounting success of the CFFJAC and its firefighter training and education programs is due in large part to the collaborative effort of fire department management and local union labor representatives.
This commitment to collaboration was recognized and celebrated at the 9th Biennial Conference in Palm Springs where over 350 fire chiefs, labor union presidents, and training officers, from over 65 fire departments were on hand to participate together – without concern for rank or political agendas. CFFJAC Chairman Dan Terry, “Apprenticeship is something that’s been around for a long, long time. The only way it works on a long-term basis is if you have management and labor working together towards a common goal.”
With a list of dynamic speakers and educational workshops relative to the issues of today’s ever-evolving fire service, the CFFJAC Conference provides a neutralized setting for dialogue and open discussion. Featured speakers during this year’s conference included CPF President Lou Paulson, State Fire Marshal Kate Dargan, CFFJAC Chairman Dan Terry, President of Cal-Chiefs and Chief of the Alameda Fire Department Sheldon Gilbert, internationally recognized author and speaker Debra Benton, and two-time Olympian Marilyn King.
Met with pertinent subject matter and motivating instructors, the CFFJAC’s workshops were packed solid. “Deciding Right from Wrong”, “Igniting Personal Excellence”, “Olympian Thinking on Demand”, “Effective Communication for Winning Team Work” and “Recruiting Women for the Fire Service” were designed to arm participants with practical information that could be incorporated into their day to day lives.
Celebrating 25 Years
The CFFJAC celebrated its 25 year anniversary and as a highlight at this year’s conference we proudly looked back at the past with the debut of an anniversary book and video which was given to every participant. During general session, participants had the opportunity to learn the rich history of the CFFJAC and what they could look forward to in the next 25 years. A special guest from the audience was introduced as well: Phil Favro, State Fire Marshal during the implementation of the JAC, and key player in founding the program stated, “For me, (apprenticeship) is the culmination of a long held dream….that is paving the way for the fire fighter excellence, equality and opportunity.”
Partnership for Success
In 2001, the CFFJAC created the “Partnership for Success Award” to recognize fire departments and local unions that demonstrate a commitment to work together to provide the training and education needed to ensure firefighter safety and effectiveness on the front lines. Honored at the CFFJAC Conference were this year’s winners, the City of Davis Fire Department and Davis Professional Firefighters Association Local #3494. Training is the cornerstone for every fire department and their successful labor-management partnership exemplifies their dedication to their front line firefighters and integrity to their profession.
