14 • THE CALIFORNIA FIRE SERVICE MAGAZINE • MARCH/APRIL 2023 mentioned in my last message that CSFA would be visible across the state in 2023, and I am happy to report that we are living up to that commitment. I met many of you at the Fire District’s Association meeting in Napa and at the Training Officer’s Symposium in Fresno. Closer to home I was able to meet with our mechanic members at the Fire Equipment Showcase in Rancho Cordova. Our RV 1 team has also been making station visits throughout Riverside County in anticipation of CTEX. I hope to meet many of you personally at CTEX. CTEX offers great training, but also excellent networking opportunities. In addition, the CSFA President’s Dinner on Tuesday night and the screening of the film Florian’s Knights on Wednesday evening (with a question and answer session with the film makers and cast members) are designed to be both fun and informative. Remember if you cannot attend for the full week, single day registrations are still available, and as a CSFA member you can attend the vendor show on Wednesday at no cost. A new charity focused on first responder training and support Building upon CSFA’s rich history of support for the entire California fire service, I am happy to announce the formation of CSFA’s affiliated 501c3 nonprofit charity, California First Responder Support Team (CFRST). The mission of CFRST is to provide training, equipment and other needed services to volunteer, combination and small paid fire departments. In addition to training and equipment, CFRST will provide support services for first I responders experiencing PTSD. “Often these smaller California fire departments barely have enough revenue to keep the lights on,” notes CFRST President Eddie Sell. “Things like training and new equipment to keep first responders safe are often not even an option for these departments. At CFRST we believe it is our duty to support those who risk their lives to serve their communities with little or no compensation.” In support of CFRST, the 5 Alarm 5k and Chili Cookoff will be held on May 13 at Black Miner’s State Park in Folsom. Get a team together from your department, and cook some great chili for a great cause. CFRST membership is open to all who have an interest in supporting California’s first responders. CFRST accepts one-time donations, corporate and group donations, and offers individual memberships at several levels. For donation and membership information contact me at [email protected] Executive Director Message By Marty Creel, CSFA Executive Director CSFA is on the move; new charity will help fund training CSFA Executive Director Marty Creel (left) and CSFA Education Committee Chair Jason Hosea make an informational presentation on firefighter personal protective equipment to the Daughters of the American Revolution. CSFA’s Marketing Team members Richard and Marty Gonzales, Christy Forward, and CSFA Executive Director Marty Creel at the California Emergency Equipment Showcase in Rancho Cordova.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDM2MTY=