local conflicts

         The Belmont Fire Department got caught up in a conflict with another local fire department.  The San Carlos Fire Department sent them a letter asking to dissolve their partnership of decades.  Belmont was left out to dry because of financial issues.  Approximately 3 years later the affects of the split are still being felt.  Ironically, San Carlos has taken a bigger hit than Belmont.  They cannot afford to keep all fire stations open at all times so the fire station in the San Carlos hills is only open part time. When grievances like this occur the San Mateo County Firefighters Union, or as the firefights call it “local 2400”, has to try to fix it.  The local 2400 came up with many ideas to try to fix the issue.  They suggested combining the Foster City, Belmont, and San Mateo fire departments.  The firefighters were not pleased with this solution so they fought it.  Most of the time the firefighters turn to local 2400 to represent them as a county, but during the split there was tension. 

         The local 2400 helps the firefighters of San Mateo County pass legislation, get fair wages, pensions, and benefits.  Local 2400 is basically their representative when dealing with the state and other complex local issues.  These representatives have been instrumental in passing legislation on behalf of the fire department.  Local 2400 is most concerned with their safety.  The Belmont Fire Department is accountable to them and when state mandates get handed down, local 2400 enforces them.  When the firefighters do not like the mandates, local 2400 hears about it.  For example, the state passed a mandate requiring that any time a police officer or firefighter is on the road, they have to wear a bright vest.  Many times this is on top of their heavy gear.  Local 2400 definitely does more good than bad, but occasionally a conflict arises.

         Although technically the fire department is accountable to local 2400, the firefighters are also accountable to the citizens.  They have to take great care to make sure their relationship with the community is solid.  Some of the determinants of a good relationship are fast response times, partnering with other local entities, and voluntary community engagement.  The fire department has a partnership with the police department and EMT.  Whenever the fire department is called an EMT has to be present on the engine.  Most of the calls are medical and the fire department has to provide initial treatment before an ambulance arrives.  Their partnership with other local entities enables them to keep a smooth relationship with the community as a whole. 

Legislatures and firefighters

Firefighters are very dependent on taxes and government funding, so when they get cut, the department suffers.  To make sure that their political voices are heard in numbers California firefighters have joined up to make the California Professional Firefighters (CPF).  The CPF is an association that deals with everything from legislation to news.  One of their primary goals is to make sure that pensions and benefits for firefighters do not get cut with other policy reforms.  CPF is very outspoken about their political duty.  This is a statement from their website, “POLITICAL ACTION is a commitment that California Professional Firefighters never backs down from. It's our dedication and strength in numbers that ensures that CPF is always working hard to elect unwavering Pro-Firefighter candidates and policies (CPF.org).  With all the fiscal problems California and the greater United States are having, the government is looking for any corners that they can cut.  The CPF is dedicated to making sure that California’s hard-working heroes still get their benefits and pensions.  The CPF also has a tab on their website that is dedicated to “legislation and issues”.  The California Professional Firefighters association is a mechanism that firefighters use to encourage legislative changes among other things.

CPF has a list of legislation accomplishments listed on their website, “the nations first firefighter cancer presumption law, the California Firefighters Bill of Rights, and a sweeping standard for resolving labor disputes” (Cpf.org).  They are also proud to have a fallen hero memorial at the California State Capitol.  Firefighters are very concerned with the health benefits because their job itself is risky.  Pushing for legislative change that protects them on and off the job is always at the top of the list, like the cancer law.  A big piece of legislation that was passed in September of last year was the Workers’ Compensation law that stated: “ Would provide that certain proceedings related to the collection of death benefits of firefighters and peace officers may be commenced within, but no later than, 480 weeks from the date of injury, and in no event more than one year after the date of death, if the specified criteria are met” (CPF.org).  One problem that the CPF had with this statute was that it kept getting vetoed.  They had to amend it twice and it got passed six months after it was presented.  One thing that CPF does to improve its chances for getting a bill sponsored is co-sponsoring other bills.  They often times team up with EMT or police officer associations to help them sponsor a bill, and in return those associations help them.  

Founders' week

For founders week I participated in the milk and cookies event with the sisters of Notre Dame De Namur.  Everyone who participated met in the quad area and got milk and cookies to bring to the sisters.  We then got to meet the sisters at their residence and gathered in the shared dining room.  The sisters were very interactive and enjoyed hearing a bit about us.  They seemed genuinely interested in the students that participated in this event and it was evident that they were dedicated to the school.  After hearing a bit about us, each sister gave us some insight into their lives as teachers and explained why they dedicated their lives to the church.  From an outside perspective, they glowed when they talked about becoming sisters as young adults. The sisters were happy that some of the students were giving back to the community by working with a community partner for this class.

            Before I talked to the sisters I knew nothing about the history of Notre Dame De Namur.  I was surprised to hear just how old it was and how it was one of the oldest colleges in California.  I was truly proud of my school when one of the sisters let me know that Notre Dame De Namur University was the first school in the state to give women a higher education degree.  I also did not know that the school started out as an all girls’ school.  When applying to colleges one thinks about finances and location, but the history is not part of the application process.  I literally came into this school knowing nothing about its history, so I am happy that I got the chance to learn more through its sisters. 

            The sisters truly are inspirational.  They exude selflessness and they gave up their lives to help others less fortunate.  The sisters don’t ask for anything in return for giving their lives to the church, but rather they look content and fulfilled by their choice.  Even though students at NDNU are not likely to dedicate their lives to the church, upon meeting the sisters they could be more likely to be involved in community pursuits.  Meeting women who are so altruistic could motivate some students to find a career that helps others who may not have the same opportunities that we are awarded.  Political science is field that affects everyone at some point in their life, whether it is on a federal level like voting for a president, or on a state level by voting in propositions.  As students of this field we have a greater chance of helping people and touching lives than many other majors.  Anyone who met these sisters could not help but be impressed by their noble choice to give their lives to help others.