Fire Ops 101 Event a Success Despite Major Logistical Challenges

When Local 1227 of Berkle , California faced unexpected challenges while planning their Fire Ops 101 event, they did what fire fighters do: went above and beyond their call of duty. In July 2006 the local implemented their first Fire Ops 101 and learned what it felt like to successfully complete this influential event.

The local began planning last winter and immediately contacted Sacramento L522 who has put on Fire Ops 101 several times. With their advice and the resources on the IAFF's Fire Ops 101 website, the local began to piece together their first Fire Ops 101. They began collaborating with their department on resources, equipment and a location.  The local had the full support of their chief and department to put on the event.

Five weeks before their Fire Ops 101, however, city officials informed the local that they could not use city resources for a union event.  It was a hard hit for their planning committee, who had already invested hundreds of hours in planning the event and had even sent the invitations.

Local 1227 decided to continue on, despite the enormous challenges they knew they would face.  They used their contacts throughout the department and community to gather the resources the department would have supplied.  They rented trucks from a nearby department.  They borrowed gear from a local community college that had a fire service training program.  They built props for the scenarios and borrowed a smoke machine.  They found a location off city property, near their marina. 

Their Fire Ops 101 event came together and went beyond expectations. “What really helped us was the support of our members,” explained David Sprague-Livingston, Secretary of Local 1227. One third of their off duty members volunteered to make the event a success.  

The influence the event had on elected officials and neighborhood leaders is beginning to trickle in. “We have received nothing but positive feedback from all who participated,” says Sprague-Livingston. The local has noticed that people are recognizing their union and they work they do.  Council members have recommended they get thermal imaging after experiencing the difference they make at the event.

Will there be a city supported Fire Ops event in their future?  After the success of their 2006 event, their city manager spoke with local members and expressed their commitment to finding a way the local can use city resources at the next Fire Ops 101. 

For more resources visit the Downloads section, where you can also find some of Local 1227's planning documents.