CALFIRE/San Luis Obispo County Fire
January/February
San Luis Obispo Unit
Winter 2012
Issue No. 7
Message from Chief Lewin
Inside this issue:
Battalion 1, 2, 4
2
Battalions 3
3
Battalion 6
4
Pre-Fire/Prevention
Special Recognition
5
Special Recognition
6
Promotional Celebrations
7
Story from the Past
8
Physical Fitness Program
10
Retirees/Classified
12
Happy News
13
Fundraisers, Retirement
Announcement
14,
15
Please keep submitting your
articles for future publications!
Next publication will be
“Spring 2012”
Articles due by May 1, 2012
THANK YOU!
I was recently part of a Serious Accident Review Team that investigated a structure fire where three of our employees in Riverside County were injured when the
exterior gable end of a wall fell on them. Last November a fire captain, Sue
Arrouzet, in the Toulumne Calaveras Unit was paralyzed after an exterior wall fell
on her. We all need to learn from these incidents that our Situational Awareness
(SA) on structure fires needs to include an exterior collapse zone. In both
incidents the firefighters did not expect something above them to collapse. When
you have a breathing apparatus and a helmet on it is difficult to hear and see
everything. Look up, look around, be safe.
I want to thank everyone for making sure that you are providing the best
customer service, that you work well and support our allied agencies and that you
continue to train hard, both on your skills and on your physical fitness.
Already the grass is heading out and the warming days are getting longer. In a
couple of months we will begin the rite of fire season. Seasonal firefighters will be
hired and begin their training to ensure they have “readiness” both physically and
mentally. Our tough fire crews will be tested at the Bautista exercise to ensure
endurance, skill and team work. Our PCF and Reserve firefighters will drill into
the night on hose lays and structure defense. Our personnel, finance and
warehouse staff will rally for the additional workload to make sure we have all the
logistics to do our jobs. It is then that we will be ready to begin chasing smoke up
and down this State. Elers Koch, a USFS Ranger from the 1910 devastating fire
season known as the Big Blow Up said “Firefighting is perhaps the nearest thing
there is to war, and always requires extreme physical exertion, long hours, lack of
sleep, and constant nervous attention.” It was true then and it is true now.
Integrity, Competence, Teamwork, Courage, Commitment
This is what we do. This is who we are.
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San Luis Obispo Unit
Issue No. 7
Battalion 1 - 3411 ~ Phill Veneris
(Submitted by Josh Block)
Station 14, Morro Toro, has recently received some much needed updates thanks to the hard work of Station 11 and 14 personnel, Cuesta Camp, County General Services, HFEO Miller and Chief Giubbini. In the past eight months Morro Toro
Station has seen its office exterior painted, new floors installed, new exterior lighting to aid on drill nights, additional sidewalk connecting engine bay to office and an extension to the engine bay driveway.
Also underway is the remodel of the engine bay and construction of a pump house to protect the well and water filtration
system. Engine E14 will have a new dry-walled home no longer harboring every mouse between Morro Bay and Atascadero. Along with a fresh inside, roof repairs were done, new siding was placed on the front exterior and the whole bay
received fresh paint. The foundation for the pump house has been poured and the framing is estimated to be done by the
end of February. The Morro Toro Company and community invite anyone to stop by and take look if you are in the area.
Battalion 2 - 3412 ~ Bill Fisher
On Wednesday Nov 16, 2011 CAL FIRE and the County Hazmat Team
participated in a facility drill sponsored by Conoco Phillips, which was held
at their Santa Maria Plant. This drill was held to refresh both Conoco Phillips and CAL FIRE staff on all the aspects of their emergency plan, in order
to mitigate any potential emergency. This plant has been in operation since
1954, where they have approximately 100 hazardous materials onsite with
the plant producing 45,000 barrels a day and plans to increase production
10%. This drill started with a mock dispatch where county resources responded to a reported hazmat spill after a tanker accident on their plant
grounds. Upon arrival both CAL FIRE and Conoco Phillips incident commanders worked together in unison to demonstrate a strong Incident Command System, as well as train on multiple mitigation options. This drill is
practiced annually with noted improvements each drill, great job to everyone who participated.
Battalion 4 - 3414 ~ Matt Jauregui
Station 43 has been built and set to open soon! An Open House Ceremony will be held in the upcoming months
to celebrate this long-awaited Creston Station 43. More to come….
San Luis Obispo Unit
Issue No. 7
Page 3
Battalion 3—3413 - Steve Crawford
Some sad news from Station 33 ~ Our condolences go out to Vincent’s family, friends and community…
Vincent Michael Mack
Vincent Michael Mack, 21, was born in Orange, Calif., raised in Paso Robles and died Monday, Jan. 1, 2012, near his
home in Heritage Ranch. Vincent is survived by his parents, Dennis and Cheryl Mack; sisters Jennie Hawthorn Mayes
(Chris) and Nicole Mitchell; brother, Edward Mitchell (Katie); nephew, Desmond Mayes; nieces Maya, Violet and Daphne Mayes.
"Vince Mack has been a PCF at Station 33 for 3 years since he became eligible at the age of 18. He also worked as a
PCF at Station 34 for a year while he was employed as a security guard for the Oak Shores community. He was one of
our most active PCFs. He was at the station to do his PT almost every morning and had a great rapport with both the
paid staff, as well as, his fellow PCF Company. He lived directly across the street from the station and so he would
simply gear up and walk out of his front door, catching a ride on the engine to calls. He was known for taking the time to
come to the station to help out new PCFs with their training. His sense of humor, love for firefighting, and passion for life
will be greatly missed.
~ Station 33 Fire Boat Photo ~
San Luis Obispo Unit
Issue No. 7
Page 4
Battalion 6 - 3416 ~ Steve Reeder
Station 62-Avila Beach
Station 62 in beautiful Avila Beach had a great month. Michele Dyck graduated from the Ione Academy with honors as
part of the 400 club. The 400 club is for top physical fitness and her class was the first class to set the bar from 300 club
to the 400 club now.
Station Personnel participated in Helicopter training with CHP H70 and Harbor Patrol and practiced long line scenarios.
Station 62 Landscaping is going to start to complete the station remodel project. PCF Brett Egbert is in backgrounds
with Eureka Fire Department and PCF John Hunter just graduated from the Kern County Fire Department Academy and
is now on the floor working for them.
Station 63-Shell Beach
Captain Gorman is working on specifications for a new fire engine to replace the 1989 Pierce Engine. He is hoping to
have the specs completed and the bid packages sent out March 1, 2012. The Engine will be purchased in the new fiscal
year starting July 1, 2012.
Captain Bill Grundler, along with Captain Swanson and FAE Moriarity, are a part of the CAL FIRE State Water Rescue
Cadre. The cadre came together to develop a statewide CAL FIRE curriculum regarding all the discipline in the water
rescue realm. As a result, the cadre developed a new class, Water Rescue First Responder, and the class debuted at
the annual Company Officers Academy this year. The Water Rescue First Responder class is an 8 hour class that gives
an Awareness level of understanding for engine operators in Swift Water, Surf Rescue, Flood Rescue, Ice Rescue, Dive
Rescue, Helicopters in the Water Rescue Environment, and manipulative skill work with the throw bag that is normal
compliment on every engine. This is an important class which aides in our “All Risk” Mission. We are lucky enough to
have water in every area of our county and we have had some sort of water rescue in all the battalions of our unit. This
class will help all of us!
The unit is performing the annual Physical Assessment during the Company Officer Academy conducted by Captain
Grundler who is the unit’s Physical Training Coordinator. This Physical Assessment is set up to allow the individuals
and supervisors to see where their current level of fitness may be. This is done in a group setting and the tests are taken straight from the CAL FIRE fitness book. CAL FIRE personnel are expected to keep their bodies at a level of health
as well as being able to protect the communities which they serve. Even though the tests are very broad based, they do
show a level of muscle endurance and strength, cardio endurance and flexibility. All of these aspects are critical to the
job of a firefighter, and more importantly, important for a long, functional and active life.
Station 64-Pismo Beach
Public Education/Special Events
The Pismo Beach Firefighters Association had a Halloween Event for the general public on 10/20. They had approximately 30 kids. Station 64 personnel took part in the New Life Community Church Disaster Preparedness Day on January 21, 2012. The New Life Church hosted this event for 250 community members along with various agencies in the
emergency response field. Historical Engine 1 was busy over the last couple of months. It was utilized for Clam Festival
Parade, Shell Beach Stroll, Holiday Harmony and Light Pismo Beach, and the Grover Beach Holiday Parade. Pismo
Beach Reserves participated in the San Luis Obispo Christmas Parade.
Training
Station 64 and Station 63 participated in a joint cliff side rescue training drill with the Five Cities Fire Authority in Pismo
Beach. Station 64 reserves and Station 62 PCF's conducted a live fire training drill at the new training grounds on January 28, 2012. FAE Anderson and Reserve Firefighter Holz attended a week of training at the Training Officer’s Symposium in Fresno from November 14-18. Our 5 new rookie reserve firefighters are still working on completing their training.
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San Luis Obispo Unit
Issue No. 7
Pre-Fire/Prevention
Fire Marshal's Office –
As some of you may know Laura Brown has retired, she would like to pass on a special thanks for all the help
and kind words she has received from all of you. We will be looking forward to her return as a VIP when things in her life
slow down a little.
Insurance Services Office (ISO) is coming to town and will review the County, Pismo Beach, Los Osos and Avila.
The staff at ISO rates the fire protection of a community based on set criteria which reviews the department, water supply, communication and structures in the community. Doing inspections at the station level and forwarding documentation to prevention helps out our ISO score; it also provides the opportunity to establish a relationship with local facilities.
In addition to your inspections, pump and hose testing will be reviewed for the last 3 years; when time allows pull out
your hose cards and also make sure your pump has been tested.
County Fire HAZ MAT:
As we start a new year the Team will provide training to your new PCF’s and reserves. This training includes 16
hours of First Responder Operational lecture and 8 hours of hands on Decon training. You can see below the Decon class
students navigating through the obstacle course with FAE Lee and PCF Carreiro. Remember that 8 hours of continuing
education a year is required to maintain your certificate; the continuing education should include ICS, medical evaluation, scenarios, ERG use and decon.
Improvised explosive devices (IED’s) can be made from numerous items some found in the average household. Chemical
based IED’s can be made from items lying around the home and can cost less than the average lunch. If you come across
one never touch or move the device as the chemical reaction can intensify with movement. Below you can see Captain
Ramirez working with the County Bomb Squad robot and the California Men’s Colony Decon Team to neutralize a possible unexploded IED. Basic IED’s can use water bottles, not only does a bottle allow for the basic or acidic chemical to be
sprayed out but they can also fragment. Below you can see a bottle that was used as an IED.
San Luis Obispo Unit
Issue No. 7
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Special Recognition Ceremonies
A Badge Pinning was held January 5, 2012 to celebrate the newest promotions, employee recognition and retirements. Superior Accomplishment
Awards were presented to Greg Alex and Josh Taylor for their work on the Mobile Data Computers. Retirement recognition was acknowledged for
Tim Eckles, Patricia Grisham and Laura Brown. Promotions were recognized for the following:
Roger Rinehart, Travis Robertson, Pat Hibbard, Ben Graves, Jamie Samano, Stephanie Dinnini
and John Byrne.
Graduating Class November 18, 2011
L-R George Huang, Ben Graves, Pat Hibbard, Michelle Dyck,
Mike Rowe And Brandon Ramler
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San Luis Obispo Unit
Issue No. 7
Congratulations on Recent Promotions!
Congratulations to Battalion Chief Matthew "Huggy" Jauregui on his permanent appointment to
Battalion Chief. Chief Jauregui brings over 3 decades of experience and dedication to our
Department. A well-deserved promotion! Chief Jauregui has been an Acting Battalion Chief in the
Emergency Command Center for awhile now. He was tasked with passing the Battalion Chief exam
before being made permanent, which he did successfully! He will be assigned to Battalion 4 in April
2012.
Congratulations to Eric Cleveland on being promoted to the position of Administrative Assistant Chief (D3402). Chief
Cleveland began his career as a seasonal fire fighter in 1989. He worked both Schedule “A” and “B” as a FAE in the
Unit. In 2002 Eric promoted to Fire Captain at Los Robles Camp. In 2007 Eric promoted to Battalion Chief in the Support Services position. He has been filling the role of the Administrative Chief since August 2010.
Chief Cleveland’s finance training and experience have prepared him well for this position. Eric is the Liaison Officer (T)
on ICT 10. Prior to that position he served in both the Finance Section Chief and Cost Unit Leader positions. He is an
Agency Rep for the Department and has extensive experience with Cost Share incidents. He has done an excellent job
and initiated a number of significant cost savings measures which have allowed the Unit to invest additional funding into
operations and training. Chief Cleveland’s appointment became effective January 30, 2012.
A “Badge Pinning” Ceremony was held on February 28, 2012 at the
San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisor’s meeting.
Chief Richardson began his career as a firefighter/EMT for the City of Coalinga in 1976. He promoted to FAE with CAL
FIRE in the Tulare Unit in 1978. In 1985 he transferred to the San Luis Obispo Unit as a Fire Apparatus Engineer at
San Luis Obispo Station. In 1986 John promoted to Fire Captain at Los Robles Camp. In 1993 he transferred to Ventura
Camp. In 1995 John took the Air Attack Fire Captain position at the Paso Robles Air Attack Base. In 2006 John promoted to Battalion Chief at the Aviation Management Unit in Sacramento. He returned to Paso Robles Air Attack Base in
2007 and has been the Battalion Chief there since. John will fill the Cuesta Camp/Inland Division Assistant Chief
(D3403).
Chief Richardson has been involved in the Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS) training program since 1997. He
developed the field training portion of the position and has instructed most of the ATGS that are currently working in the
State. He is also a MAFFS Liaison Officer and has supervised MAFFS operations all over the Western United
States. John is an Instructor at the National Aerial Firefighting Academy and serves as the Air Operations Branch
Director for Incident Command Team 10.
John lives in Paso Robles, has 3 children and just became a grandfather January 16, 2012. Chief Richardson’s
appointment was effective January 30, 2012.
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San Luis Obispo Unit
Issue No. 7
Story from the Past~ Chad Zrelak
ALPHA - OMEGA
Not long ago, or perhaps it was…a long time ago…first day on the job, I wore brand new, green Levi’s, and a khaki shirt
adorned with a name tag, freshly stamped with Dymo label maker tape. There was no badge to spit and polish because I
wasn’t issued one. I remember reading some clause written in the announcement about being 18 years old, and the employee was expected to work holidays and weekends. Somewhere, in a different world, people worked a 40 hour work
week...One chin-up, followed by a 300 foot trek with a hose pack, and I was “in.” Seasonal fire fighters, for the most
part, greased the skids of totem poles, much like a reincarnate, caste placement of hierarchy within the ranks.
But…”Man”… that was living! Barely out of high school and five days a week away from the strings of parental influence, I found my niche!
This was something different than the text book, fast food junkie, summer employment…sort of like getting paid to go
to summer camp, only you were required to work. There was no overtime, but there was a paycheck at the end of the
month…perhaps considered meager by today’s standards, but I have never met a fire fighter or cop, yet, who ever signed
up for the pay and benefits.
After arriving at the fire station, I encountered a captain with a pretentious stare who sized everyone up. None of us did
anything wrong yet, but one fire fighter was immediately fired as an example for the rest of us to “tow the line.” It was
simply a matter of principle and letting everyone know he was the boss. We all went for a hike, and pondered in amazement as the captain crested the top of the hill while he simultaneously puffed on a cigarette. Training consisted of a hose
-lay, proper placement of chock blocks, and remembering how many times to push the buzzer while seated on the rear
end of a Model 1 fire engine. Subsequent to this, we were required to read one or two CDF manuals. Everything after
that was pretty much “flying by the seat of your pants,” and learning from your mistakes. Hopefully, you weren’t injured
in the process. There were safety posters stapled to the apparatus bay wall to remind you of certain hazards, such as
photographs of fire fighter’s burned hands, and cartoon pictures of amputated fingers with blood spurting outward, and
drawings of bricks hitting you in the head – subtle reminders of complacency.
The fire engine consisted of a hose compartment, brass compartment, manila rope in another compartment, a tool box
in a fourth compartment, and a first aid kit in the last compartment…I don’t believe we ever used the first aid kit for
anything other than sequestering ice packs to keep our lunches cold. One day, I was privileged enough to sit in the front
cab, but soon discovered, the co-pilot was required to read the antiquated Thomas Brother’s map book, where the fine
print was almost large enough to read. We still used the 10-code, probably because there were only three radio frequencies used statewide. Computers and cell phones came later, but that is another story unto itself.
One day, while spiffing up the fire station, the captain glanced in my direction, and exclaimed the reason he was watching television, while the rest of us buffed and polished floors was spawned by an arrangement he had with his wife,
where-in she frowned upon him watching television at home; as if that reason, alone, excused his slothful behavior…a
reason begging for justification, half executed with subconscious guilt.
For those left to carry the torch, while I exit into the world of retirement, I reflect back on that incident and opine, there
is never a valid excuse for dishonesty or laziness. It breeds malcontent from within the ranks, as well as from the public
as a whole. We are an organization, highly scrutinized, where it is vogue to chastise government workers as “overpaid
and underworked.”
One day while on the job, I was the target of a verbal assault from an irate citizen, who possessed an impressive vocabulary of vile expletives…a lexicon befitting even the most notorious devil. Despite my consistent, calm demeanor, my
mind conjured up thoughts of battery intended for this misguided soul. My ingrained courtesy and professional discipline eventually overcame and subdued these inner thoughts, which was rewarded days later when that person called me
on the phone to apologize for his behavior.
It’s important to remember that anger from the public, for the most part, is not directed at you personally, unless your
actions warrant it. Often times, anger and disdain is a manifestation of something more ominous… something which
the public has little or no control over. It is the emotional anguish of experiencing their home burn to the ground. It is
witnessing their loved ones perish in a car wreck. It is the ignorance of not understanding the objectives behind pre-
San Luis Obispo Unit
Issue No. 7
Page 9
scribed burns, which pollute the air, or the perception that we destroy forests by constructing fuel breaks, or perhaps the
frustration of receiving a citation for an illegal burn or possessing illegal fireworks, knowing they’ve “gotten away with it”
over the years.
Furthermore, this despondence is exacerbated by a perception of financial oppression dividing the “have” and “have-nots,”
spurned by Wall Street and the banking industry, where government employees have become the accepted target – “might as
well blame someone.” Don’t become cynical. The majority of civilians appreciate what you do. At the same time, don’t
buy into some false pretense of heroism as if your “importance” is somehow more significant than the average citizen.
Having a sense of pride in what you do is one thing, but placing a fire helmet sticker on your car with the intent of avoiding
a speeding ticket is unacceptable behavior. Remember, it is our job to serve the public. Ultimately, in the end, they pay our
salaries.
There is something innate and intrinsically intangible to the mind’s eye why we have chosen a career path that begs for long,
arduous, and inconsistent hours away from home, and why we insist on putting ourselves in harm’s way. Maybe by fate of
some predisposed destiny, our career… chose us…satisfying a subconscious need of the humanistic, philanthropic, warrior
spirit within…or maybe we just have bills to pay, so we stick it out for the long haul.
Whatever the reason, be happy with who you are and your placement on the totem pole. There will always be people above
and below you. Don’t be preoccupied with what’s “fair” and what isn’t, otherwise, it will make you bitter in the end. Know
that change is inevitable, and move with the flow…even if the flow is uphill. At the end of a difficult day, be thankful you
are gainfully employed. Don’t pass up opportunities when they come along. They may never happen again. Followed by
safety, let customer service be your first priority. It will pay dividends in the end.
There’s no question, if I had to repeat the same experience all over again, I would be standing somewhere at the front of the
line. In the circle of life, sometimes it’s difficult to see the beginning or end, where all is one and one is all - a metaphorical
transformation from caterpillar to butterfly, civilian to employee, fire fighter to peace officer, fire fighter to chief, or employee to civilian…life is the incarnate, perpetual machine that often leads you back to where you
started from, much like observing employees promote, and seeing new ones walking in
through the front door, and one day you discover people looking at you (no longer 18 years
old) to set the example. That’s when you suddenly realize the person you’ve been analyzing
wearing the gold badge is you looking in the mirror. Finally, you never really know the ultimate conclusion of your career, or life in general, until it arrives (or disappears). In the blink
of an eye, you could leave this world behind. Learn from people’s mistakes and experiences.
It’s your obligation to make it home to your family, but enjoy the trip along the way. Take care
of yourselves and look after each other. You are the mortar between the bricks. It’s been a
great journey my friends, because your camaraderie made it worth the ride.
Stay Safe,
Chad
Those younger years...
Quotes… (submitted by Chief Lewin)
My colleague, Charlie Hinds, Chief of SLO City FD, sent me this quote from the book Report From Engine Co. 82:
“I hope that the young men (women) joining the fire departments around the country are doing so out of some sense of commitment to the profession and to the
people, not because of the excitement of the sounds of sirens and bells. Firefighting is a brutalizing business. The community will take you for granted, they will
not say thank you often if at all, and they are rarely on the firefighter’s side when the time comes to negotiate salary and benefits. Romantic visions of courage
and heroism are the stuff from which novels are constructed, but the reality of courage and heroism to a firefighter is hard, dirty work. There are rewards, but
they are intangible. Each firefighter must seek them in his own way”.
Dennis Smith, FDNY, 1972
This is a book I read when I was a teenager, thought I would share it as it is quite contemporary. I believe CAL FIRE still has the
right type of firefighters!
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San Luis Obispo Unit
Physical Fitness Cadre is Here to Assist YOU!
Issue No. 7
Submitted by Bill Grundler
The Most Important Lift You NEED To DO!!!
Everyone has heard all the warnings about eating bad and not getting enough exercise. We all know that the most deaths we incur as
firefighters is due to heart attacks. This usually gets people wanting to run, or do the elliptical machine so that they lose a few pounds
and hopefully have a healthier life. For some reason, weight training gets left out. This is one of the worst things we could do!
Firefighters have a very strenuous job and it requires us to have not just endurance but strength, power and flexibility. We constantly are
picking up people, equipment, and each other off the ground in daily, training and emergency incidents. Yet we have record numbers of
firefighters going out on injuries to their backs. Don’t they take precautions to limit this from happening? Yes, but the problem is that
they decide not to lift anything heavy, or to try to lift objects without using their backs at all. We are working against ourselves daily.
Of all the lifts you might see firefighters doing in a workout either on or off duty, the one you see the least is the Dead Lift. The Dead
Lift is THE MOST functional movement we have in the fire service. It is basically picking an object up off the floor with straight arms
until we are standing straight with the object at our waist. It is this lift in which you will be able to lift the maximum amount of weight.
Think of all the times, and all the situations in which you are picking things up off the ground: from trash off the floor, to the victim off
the floor, to equipment off the floor, to your partner off the floor. It is daily! What are you doing to keep yourself able to do this? Running won't do it, hiking won't do it, curls won't do it, bench won't do it. Only Dead Lifts will do it!
Many people think that if they lift with their legs and not their back then they are actually saving a back injury. In all reality, if you need
to bend over or bend down to get an object, you are using whats called your “Posterior Chain”. This posterior chain includes everything
on your back from your trapezius muscles at the back of your neck over your latissimus dorsi to your lower back (erector spinae) to your
gluteus maximus and finally to your hamstrings where they insert in the back of your knees. All of these muscles will be used if the
movement is done properly. However, when the movement is done incorrectly, then you body actually tries to “pull” itself back into
position and all the torque is put right on your lower back. This is when injuries happen while lifting heavy objects.
Lifting with your “legs and not with your back” is actually the incorrect way to lift objects off the ground. It actually will put your body
in a weak position. When you “lift with your legs”, you keep your back more upright and really load your quadriceps up with the weight.
Your knees will be bent and the object will be against your shins. This puts the object just at, or just past, your toes. As you lift, there
will be “slack” in the system (in your legs and hamstrings). If the weight is heavy, then your butt will come up and your legs will move
back as they straighten. Now, the object is free-floating out over your toes and then all the tension is hanging on your lower back.
San Luis Obispo Unit
Issue No. 7
Page 11
The further the object is from being over your ankles, the more it will put tension on your lower back.
The proper technique would be to have an initial setup with your arms straight, shoulder blades back, bar touching your shins (which
puts the bar right above the top of your foot), weight is on the heels, and then raise your butt so that your shoulders are slightly in front
of the bar and you feel tension, or tightness, in your hamstrings. When you feel the tension you will know that the “slack” is out of the
system and then you are safe to pull. Everyones starting point may look a little bit different depending how tall or short, long or stubby
they might be, but if the main key points are met, then the movement is safe.
Once the correct starting position is achieved, and the body is kept rigid (arms are straight, shoulder blades are back, back is kept in a
neutral position, head is relaxed and in a neutral position), then its time to pull the weight up. The pull is just a matter of standing
straight up and dragging the bar up your shins and up your thighs until you are standing. As the bar is traveling up the shins, the angle of
the shoulders to the hips should stay the same. Once the bar passes the knees, then the shoulders will move faster and you will end up
standing straight up with your legs locked and shoulders slightly behind the bar.
Returning the object to the ground is as simple as using gravity to your advantage. While holding the bar in place over your ankle, move
your hips away and bend over slightly letting gravity take the bar down. Once the bar reaches your knees, it should then be touching
your shins and then you drag the bar down your shin until object reaches the ground. The entire time you will still keep the weight on
your heels, your back rigid but neutral, your arms locked and your shoulder blades back. This will keep your back protected during the
lift and also enable you to be set up for another lift in good position.
You can incorporate this movement into your workout in many different ways. Examples: 5 rounds of 400m sprint and 10 reps Deadlift
at a heavy weight, As Many Rounds As Possible (AMRAP) in 20 minutes of 5 Pull-ups, 10 Push-ups, 15 Deadlifts (light weight), or 5
rounds of 5 Deadlifts (moderate weight). Doing workouts using varying weights is important so that you build endurance strength but
also basic strength.
Remember, we will only be ready to lift heavy objects, like our partners with turn-outs and breathing apparatus, if we have trained our
bodies to do that. Lifting heavy is important and necessary. Of course, you need to learn the technique first, gain mastery in the movement, then you can increase the weight. If you have questions, please talk to your unit Physical Training Coordinator. Don't miss out on
the most important lift you can do in the fire service because of a false understanding of it.
DEADLIFTS ARE GOOD FOR YOU!!!
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San Luis Obispo Unit
Issue No. 7
Retiree Happenings…
CAL FIRE has a 25-year club which has an annual meeting each year (usually in April/May) in different
areas of California. This year will be in Tulare at the Tulare Fairgrounds on April 21, 2012. There is usually
an afternoon social gathering, a dinner, club business and then presentation of Rocking Chairs to the new 25
-year club members. Your 25 years of service does not have to be all with CAL FIRE.
THE MISSION:
The CDF 25-year club began in 1958 and its mission is the encouragement of fellowship amongst active and
retired personnel and the entire "Fire Service Family" from all walks of life. It is dedicated to the well being
and the dissemination of information to all members and their spouses.
If you are going to reach your 25 years of service this year and are interested in becoming a member so you
can receive your rocking chair; or would like to have your name on the mailing list for future club meetings,
please contact one of the board members.
BOARD MEMBERS:
Larry German - President - [email protected]
Bob Monsen - Past President - [email protected]
Brian Kornegay - Vice President - [email protected]
Karen Harper - Secretary-Treasurer - [email protected]
Dennis O'Brien - Board of Directors - [email protected]
George Morris – Board of Directors - [email protected]
Lisa Marrone – Board of Directors - [email protected]
Muffy Banks - Historian - [email protected]
** Please keep submitting your Retiree Happenings **
Thank you!
NEW SECTION SUGGESTION for future Newsletters:
A classified section for items for sale/rental/giveaway was recently suggested. A
place employees could offer up items they may want to sell, rent or give away free to a good
home. Examples would be vacation rentals, pets, cars, furniture, etc... (Kind of like an IntraDepartmental Craig’s List). If you have such items, email the information and we can include
them in upcoming issues…
(Thank you Captain Camacho)
Page 13
San Luis Obispo Unit
Issue No. 7
♥ Wedding & Engagements ♥
Congratulations to all the Happy Couples!
John Meyer proposed to his girlfriend Chantel
of 4 years on October 23, 2011. He has been a
PCF at Station 30 for about 7 years and a Seasonal FF1 for SLU Battalion 4 for the past 4
seasons.
John and Chantel
David Roden proposed to his girlfriend
April of 2 years September 24, 2011. He
has been a PCF at Station 30 for about 5
years, and was a Seasonal FF1 at the SLU
Paso Robles Air Attack Base in 2010.
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin McLean 11/11/11—Maui, Hawaii
David and April
CAL FIRE CRIB CROWD…
Neal and Marisela Moriarty
are proud to announce the
birth of their 2nd child, Ryan
Ciaran. Ryan was born on
1/29/12 at 1708. He weighed
in at 8lbs. 11 oz.
John Richardson has a new
Grandaughter! ~ Morgan Joi
Ledbetter 8 lb 14 oz 21 inches,
born on January 18, 2012.
Damien and Trish Juarez are
the proud parents of twins! They
were born December 20, 2011 at
0806 and 0807!! Aidan Patrick
Manuel measured in at 6 pounds
10 ounces, 18 1/2 inches, and
Avery Patricia, 5 pounds 7 ounces
and 17 1/4 inches. Avery is the
oldest of the 2. Congratulations to
the Jaurez Family!
“No earthly joys could bring more pleasure.
than a little child to love and treasure”
Chad Zrelak is a Grandpa! Daughter Alexis gave
birth to Isabel Rose on 2/28/12. Baby “Iggy Pop”
as her Grandpa has already nicknamed her is a
healthy ~ 6 pounds 13 ounces, 19 inches long.
.
Alejandro Sanchez has a new addition to his family! Baby Emma was born 2/27/12 at 10:16, 7 pounds,
19.5 inches. Congratulations to the Sanchez Family!
San Luis Obispo Unit
Issue No. 7
CAL FIRE Cares enough to “Wear Pink” for Breast Cancer
Page 14
~ October 2011
2011 CAL FIRE Cares enough to Wear Pink campaign was again a success raising almost
$18,000.00! San Luis Obispo Unit raised $1,304.25! That money will be donated to the French
Hospital Medical Center Foundation - Hearst Cancer Research on behalf of CAL FIRE San Luis
Obispo Unit.
Total # of shirts sold statewide in 2011 is 2634 for a grand total of proceeds $17,989.00
Total # of shirts sold statewide in 2010 is 3581 for a grand total of proceeds $27,654.49
Save the Date Announcement!
THE QUEST CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT – SAVE THIS DATE!
(Submitted by Greg Pisaño)
Sharon Leigh Rude of Arroyo Grande is an ovarian cancer survivor. Her sister, Judy, was not as fortunate
but, in a way, she saved Sharon from the same fate. Each year, thousands of women are diagnosed with
ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, for this disease, there are no early detection markers so ovarian cancer is
usually discovered in the 3rd or 4th stage. By that time, it is usually too late. So it was with Sharon’s sister.
In Judy’s honor, Sharon has formed the non-profit Sharon Leigh Cancer Organization, the aim of which is to
provide funds for research and early detection development for ovarian cancer. To this end, the First Annual Sharon Leigh Cancer Organization Golf Tournament will be held at the Monarch Dunes Golf Course on
June 29, 2012. All proceeds will go to ovarian cancer research at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. No
funds will be withheld for administration.
Players, men and women, of all skill levels are invited to participate. The $150 entry fee includes 18 holes, a
cart, and a sit-down meal. Each player will receive a goodie-bag that contains, among other items, a gift
certificate for a free round of golf at Monarch Dunes.
For more information about the tournament, visit http://www.ovariancancer-detection.com/golf or contact
me at [email protected] to get the tournament player/sponsor flyer (PDF). To learn more about ovarian
cancer and the Sharon Leigh Cancer Organization, visit http://www.ovariancancer-detection.com/home.
Hope to see you there!
Retirement party!
San Luis Obispo Unit
Issue No. 7
Page 15
Please join the “Class of 2012” in a
Celebration of their CAL FIRE Careers!
Tim Eckles
Chad Zrelak
Patricia Grisham
Laura Brown
Rodger Wesney
SATURDAY ~ April 28, 2012
El Chorro Regional Park
Highway 1 at Dairy Creek Road
San Luis Obispo, CA
2:00 p.m.
Issue No. 7
Adults $20.00 each
Kids (7- 12)
$5.00
Kids under 6
FREE!
Bring Your Own
Beverages… (BYOB)
Information
Special points of interest:
If you would like to make a
presentation, let us know ASAP....
[email protected]
or (805) 543-4244
Accommodations
El Chorro Regional Park
San Luis Obispo County Parks
Reservation Line: (805) 781-5930 Option 4 or
http://www.slocountyparks.com/activities/el_chorro.htm
Website Information:
www.calfireslo.org
Please submit your articles, information, pictures, etc., to:
New link added to the CALFIRE “are you ready” website. This site
gives the public detailed information for them to prepare for the
upcoming fire season.
Fire Safe Council
Naomi McCormack
635 North Santa Rosa Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
Email: [email protected]
Chipping program completed in East Arroyo Grande, Nipomo.
Planning events in Station 36 and 40’s areas. Presenting
Mastication projects in the Cambria and Diablo areas.
Please submit your Spring 2012 articles to me for
publication by May 1, 2012 ~ Thank you!
WWW.FSCSLO.ORG
MISSION STATEMENT
To serve and safeguard the people and protect the property and
resources of San Luis Obispo County through education preparedness
and emergency response.
Vision
The San Luis Obispo County Fire Department will exceed expectations
and maintain the highest standards of preparedness, training, and
emergency response.
Core Values
Integrity, Competence, Teamwork, Courage, Commitment
The San Luis Obispo County Benevolent Association provides assistance to employees and their families
during times of financial need. Many families have benefited from their generosity. If you would like to
make a donation to the Association, checks can be mailed to:
San Luis Obispo County Benevolent Association
Post Office Box 3095
Paso Robles, CA 93447
The Benevolent Association is selling Challenge Coins for $10.00 (See full details on page 18)
Proceeds go directly to the CDF/SLO County Firefighter Benevolent Association.