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Summer 2019 | By Jarrod Dowden
Already near a decade ago ,
Local 935 advocated to San Bernardino County Fire management
for the creation of a new position, fire suppression aide (FSA). With
its implementation, and the tireless efforts of those who have since
shepherded the program, we have a thriving, growing system today.
Now, FSAs respond in support of many department missions, including
support to our cooperators on wildland fire incidents.
There are currently 12 FSA positions supporting the wildland fire
suppression mission within County Fire’s Division 11/Special Operations.
All 12 positions are recognized and represented by our Local 935,
including eight FSA-IIIs and four FSA-IIs. Seven of those positions
are assigned to Old Cajon Hand Crew (three-FSAIIIs, four-FSAIIs) and
the remaining FSAIII positions support our inmate crews and heavy
equipment at the Glen Helen Fire Camp.
FSAs August, 2019 (Station 94)
Following a San Bernardino County Fire Protection District Board
decision in the spring of 2017, these 12 positions have been classified
as safety under labor code 4850 as it relates to city, county or district
firefighters. After recent negotiations the positions of FSA II and FSA
III are officially recognized as a labor group within the Local 935 MOU.
Outlook
The start of the 2019 seemed to start mildly; however, as this edition
of FIREWIRE goes to press, we are wrapping up service on incidents
driven by major wind events. Throughout, your FSAs and all members
of Old Cajon will maintain their preparation and readiness for what
comes next this season and beyond. Throughout much of the spring
and summer months however with continued hot and dry weather and
seasonal wind events, you will see great preparation and anticipation
for a busy fall with an increase in initial attack activity.
We will continue to be dedicated to the protection of the diverse
community we serve.
FIREHOUSE SUPPLEMENT: 2019 FIRE SERVICE HEALTH & SAFETY REPORT
Proudly Serving America’s Bravest
SCHOOL BUS EXTRICATION
FIRE PREVENTION
CRR Programs
Are Mutually
Beneficial
Tactics and
Techniques
p.42
p.50
FIREFIGHTER PPE
NFPA Updates
1851 Standard
p.60
Facta non Verba
®
Old Cajon crew member Jarrod Dowden is FIREWIRE’s regular
contributor for all things crew-related.
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FALL 2019 • FIREWIRE 47