CAL FIRE Employee Spotlight #1
President's Message
Robert Vasquez, President
Celebrating 30 Years of CALSAFE: A Look Back at Our Landmark Anniversary Conference
The week of October 3-5 marked a significant milestone for the California Association of Life Safety and Fire Equipment (CALSAFE) as we celebrated our 30th Anniversary Conference. It was an event that brought together fire safety professionals, technicians, and industry experts from across the state. Reflecting on three decades of success, growth, and collaboration, this year’s conference was filled with memorable moments, engaging discussions, and the opportunity to honor the legacy we’ve built together. From the well-attended workshops to the vibrant networking opportunities, this 30th anniversary proved to be an incredible achievement.
One of the first events during the conference was our annual golf tournament, which has become a tradition that attendees eagerly look forward to each year. This year’s tournament was held at a beautiful local course, Vista Valencia and we couldn’t have asked for better attendees. With a great turnout, the tournament was both fun and dare we say competitive. It provided a chance for attendees to bond outside the typical conference setting. Whether participants were seasoned golfers or first-timers, the camaraderie and excitement were palpable. Everyone left the course feeling energized and connected, and it was the perfect way to kick off the three-day event. Thanks to our sponsors and participants, the tournament was once again a huge success, setting a higher bar for future years.
In addition to the golf tournament, we held our Annual Training Day. The training sessions were specifically designed to focus on key industry requirements, particularly the service and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers, which remains a cornerstone of fire safety. Attendees were guided through the latest regulatory updates, best practices, and common service challenges that technicians face in the field. With evolving standards and technologies, staying current with service requirements is critical, and the hands-on training sessions were a fantastic opportunity for participants to sharpen their skills and knowledge. This practical focus on fire extinguisher service not only reinforced the importance of thorough and compliant inspections but also empowered attendees to bring these enhanced practices back to their teams.
A new addition to this year’s training agenda was a session on Violence in the Workplace. Recognizing the growing concern for safety in all aspects of the workplace, this training session addressed the realities of violence prevention and response. From recognizing early warning signs to implementing effective safety protocols, the session gave attendees actionable strategies to create a safer work environment for both employees and clients. With an increase in workplace violence incidents nationwide, this training was timely and vital, providing tools that fire safety professionals can use not only in their own companies but also in educating clients on maintaining a secure and safe environment. The inclusion of this topic highlighted CALSAFE’s commitment to broadening our focus to encompass all areas of safety and protection.
A truly unforgettable moment of the conference was the surprise appearance of past president Bob Brown. His unexpected attendance took everyone by surprise and added a special sense of nostalgia to the event. Bob has long been a respected leader and influential figure in the CALSAFE community and seeing him walk through the doors brought back so many memories of his time at the helm. He shared a few words with us, reflecting on the early days of CALSAFE and how far the organization has come over the last 30 years. It was a touching reminder of the passion and dedication that have driven our association’s success, and Bob’s presence was a highlight for many attendees who’ve known him throughout the years.
One of the hottest topics at this year’s conference was the growing concern surrounding lithium-ion batteries and their fire risks. As the use of these batteries continues to expand across various industries, the fire extinguisher industry is faced with new challenges in addressing the potential hazards they pose. During the dedicated session on lithium-ion battery safety, experts discussed the latest fire prevention and suppression techniques, as well as case studies of recent incidents involving battery fires. The session underscored the importance of staying informed about these risks and developing robust safety protocols. It became clear that this issue will continue to be a dominant topic in our industry, with more attention and resources devoted to finding effective solutions. The discussion highlighted that we, as fire safety professionals, must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing these emerging risks.
As we look back on the success of our 30th anniversary conference, we want to take a moment to thank everyone who contributed to making this event a success. From the organizers and sponsors to the attendees and speakers, it’s your continued support that allows CALSAFE to thrive. This year’s conference was a true reflection of the strength and commitment of our community. Without your involvement and dedication, none of this would have been possible. The connections we’ve made, the knowledge we’ve gained, and the progress we’ve achieved over the past three decades are a testament to the collective efforts of everyone involved. We look forward to what the future holds for CALSAFE, and we’re excited to see how we’ll continue to grow together in the years to come.
Here’s to 30 years of success—and many more to follow. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.
The CALSAFE Board of Directors
GENERAL PUBLIC INTEREST
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND ADDITIONAL WRITTEN COMMENT PERIOD
California Code of Regulations
TITLE 19. Public Safety
DIVISION 1. State Fire Marshal
CHAPTER 5. Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems
ARTICLE 5. Licensing
Section 905.3. Fees
CHAPTER 5.5. Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems Certification
ARTICLE 3. General Provisions and Fee Schedule
Section 925.1. Fee Schedule
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is providing notice of scheduled hearing to consider the adoption of proposed regulations related to adoption of a new fee structure related to certification and training standards for California fire service personnel. Pursuant to Government Code Section 11346.8, the State Fire Marshal will hold a public hearing on the proposed action as follows:
Wednesday January 4th, 2023
1pm – 3pm
15# CO2 Failure - RS 10 Press Operator Video
Office of the State Fire Marshal has informed CALSAFE the Certification testing has been re-established with Pearson VUE.
Pearson Vue had suspended testing, then severely modified testing. The OSFM has been assured their testing has ramped up and they will be able to accommodate the OSFM Testing.
For questions please visit: https://home.pearsonvue.com/Test-takers/Resources.aspx?ot=collapse156
The procedures of the OSFM are the same as they were prior to the COVID shutdown.
NOTE: The OSFM did re-establish testing in the interim at their office to try to keep the testing moving within the COVID Guidelines, that service has been moved to Person Vue now that they can accommodate.
CALSAFE will continue to keep you updated as new news and procedures are communicated.
