Existing law authorizes the construction of a memorial to California firefighters on the grounds of the State Capitol, but prohibits the expenditure of state funds for purposes of the memorial.

This bill would authorize the California Fire Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to the families of fallen firefighters, in consultation with the Department of General Services, to prepare a plan to construct modifications to the existing memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol, which may include the construction of a new wall within the existing footprint of the memorial that would include the names of additional fallen firefighters. The bill would require the Department of General Services, if the foundation prepares a plan pursuant to those provisions, to take specified actions to ensure that the design, review, inspection, and construction of the proposed modifications meet prescribed requirements. The bill would require the foundation, if it undertakes responsibility to modify the memorial pursuant to these provisions, in consultation with the Department of General Services, to establish a schedule for the design and construction, implement procedures to solicit designs, devise a process for the choice of design for the proposed modifications, and report to the Joint Committee on Rules on the proposed modifications. The bill would require the California Fire Foundation to submit a plan for the proposed modifications to the Department of General Services and the Joint Committee on Rules for their review and approval. The bill would prohibit the foundation from commencing construction of any proposed modifications to the memorial until the master plan of the State Capitol Park is approved and adopted by the Joint Committee on Rules, or January 1, 2021, whichever occurs first. The bill would prohibit the commencement of any approved modifications unless the Joint Committee on Rules and the Department of Finance have verified that sufficient private donations have been secured to complete construction of the modifications. The bill would require that any modifications to the memorial be funded exclusively by private donations secured by the foundation.

Existing law authorizes the construction of a memorial to California firefighters on the grounds of the State Capitol, but prohibits the expenditure of state funds for purposes of the memorial.

This bill would authorize the California Fire Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to the families of fallen firefighters, in consultation with the Department of General Services, to prepare a plan to construct modifications to the existing memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol, which may include the construction of a new wall within the existing footprint of the memorial that would include the names of additional fallen firefighters. The bill would require the Department of General Services, if the foundation prepares a plan pursuant to those provisions, to take specified actions to ensure that the design, review, inspection, and construction of the proposed modifications meet prescribed requirements. The bill would require the foundation, if it undertakes responsibility to modify the memorial pursuant to these provisions, in consultation with the Department of General Services, to establish a schedule for the design and construction, implement procedures to solicit designs, devise a process for the choice of design for the proposed modifications, and report to the Joint Committee on Rules on the proposed modifications. The bill would require the California Fire Foundation to submit a plan for the proposed modifications to the Department of General Services and the Joint Committee on Rules for their review and approval. The bill would prohibit the foundation from commencing construction of any proposed modifications to the memorial until the master plan of the State Capitol Park is approved and adopted by the Joint Committee on Rules, or January 1, 2021, whichever occurs first. The bill would prohibit the commencement of any approved modifications unless the Joint Committee on Rules and the Department of Finance have verified that sufficient private donations have been secured to complete construction of the modifications. The bill would require that any modifications to the memorial be funded exclusively by private donations secured by the foundation.

Existing law authorizes the construction of a memorial to California firefighters on the grounds of the State Capitol, but prohibits the expenditure of state funds for purposes of the memorial.

This bill would authorize the California Fire Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to the families of fallen firefighters, in consultation with the Department of General Services, to prepare a plan to construct modifications to the existing memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol, which may include the construction of a new wall at within the existing footprint of the memorial that would include the names of additional fallen firefighters. The bill would require the Department of General Services, if the foundation prepares a plan pursuant to those provisions, to take specified actions to ensure that the design, review, inspection, and construction of the proposed modifications meet prescribed requirements. The bill would require the foundation, if it undertakes responsibility to modify the memorial pursuant to these provisions, in consultation with the Department of General Services, to establish a schedule for the design and construction, implement procedures to solicit designs, devise a process for the choice of design for the proposed modifications, and report to the Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management regarding the progress of the construction of the modifications. Rules on the proposed modifications. The bill would require the California Fire Foundation to submit a plan for the proposed modifications to the Department of General Services and the Joint Committee on Rules for its review. their review and approval. The bill would prohibit the foundation from commencing construction of any proposed modifications to the memorial until the master plan of the State Capitol Park is approved and adopted by the Joint Committee on Rules, or January 1, 2021, whichever occurs first. The bill would prohibit the commencement of any approved modifications unless the Joint Committee on Rules and the Department of Finance has have verified that sufficient private donations have been secured to complete construction of the modifications and the Department of General Services has approved the plan. modifications. The bill would require that any modifications to the memorial be funded exclusively by private donations secured by the foundation.

Existing law authorizes the construction of a memorial to California firefighters on the grounds of the State Capitol, but prohibits the expenditure of state funds for purposes of the memorial.

This bill would authorize the California Fire Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to the families of fallen firefighters, in consultation with the Department of General Services, to prepare a plan to construct modifications to the existing memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol, which may include the construction of a new wall at the memorial that would include the names of additional fallen firefighters. The bill would require the Department of General Services, if the foundation prepares a plan pursuant to those provisions, to take specified actions to ensure that the design, review, inspection, and construction of the proposed modifications meet prescribed requirements. The bill would require the foundation, if it undertakes responsibility to modify the memorial pursuant to these provisions, in consultation with the Department of General Services, to establish a schedule for the design and construction, implement procedures to solicit designs, devise a process for the choice of design for the proposed modifications, and report to the Joint Legislative Committee on Rules Emergency Management regarding the progress of the construction of the modifications. The bill would require the California Fire Foundation to submit a plan for the proposed modifications to the Department of General Services, the Department of Finance, and the Joint Committee on Rules for their Services for its review. The bill would prohibit the foundation from commencing construction of any proposed modifications to the memorial unless the Department of Finance has verified that sufficient private donations have been secured to complete the modifications and the Department of General Services and the Department of Finance have has approved the plan. The bill would require that any modifications to the memorial be funded exclusively by private donations secured by the foundation.

Existing law requires firefighters memorial ceremonies, including the dedication of the memorial at any subsequent ceremonies, to be conducted by the California Fire Foundation, in consultation with the Assembly General Research Committee on Fire, Police, Emergency, and Disaster Services. authorizes the construction of a memorial to California firefighters on the grounds of the State Capitol, but prohibits the expenditure of state funds for purposes of the memorial.

This bill would instead require firefighters memorial ceremonies to be conducted by the California Fire Foundation, in consultation with the Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management. authorize the California Fire Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to the families of fallen firefighters, in consultation with the Department of General Services, to prepare a plan to construct modifications to the existing memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol, which may include the construction of a new wall at the memorial that would include the names of additional fallen firefighters. The bill would require the Department of General Services, if the foundation prepares a plan pursuant to those provisions, to take specified actions to ensure that the design, review, inspection, and construction of the proposed modifications meet prescribed requirements. The bill would require the foundation, if it undertakes responsibility to modify the memorial pursuant to these provisions, in consultation with the Department of General Services, to establish a schedule for the design and construction, implement procedures to solicit designs, devise a process for the choice of design for the proposed modifications, and report to the Joint Committee on Rules regarding the progress of the construction of the modifications. The bill would require the California Fire Foundation to submit a plan for the proposed modifications to the Department of General Services, the Department of Finance, and the Joint Committee on Rules for their review. The bill would prohibit the foundation from commencing construction of any proposed modifications to the memorial unless the Department of General Services and the Department of Finance have approved the plan. The bill would require that any modifications to the memorial be funded exclusively by private donations secured by the foundation.

Existing law requires firefighters memorial ceremonies, including the dedication of the memorial at any subsequent ceremonies, to be conducted by the California Fire Foundation, in consultation with the Assembly General Research Committee on Fire, Police, Emergency, and Disaster Services.

This bill would instead require firefighters memorial ceremonies to be conducted by the California Fire Foundation, in consultation with the Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management.

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 1980

Author:

:

Vote:

SENATE GOVERNMENTAL ORG. COMMITTEE: 13-0, 6/28/16

AYES: Hall, Berryhill, Bates, Block, Gaines, Galgiani, Glazer, Hernandez, Hill, Hueso, Lara, McGuire, Vidak

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 67-0, 5/27/16 (Consent) - See last page for vote

SUBJECT:

SOURCE: California Professional Firefighters

DIGEST: This bill authorizes the California Fire Foundation (CFF), in consultation with the Department of General Services (DGS), to prepare a plan to construct modifications to the existing memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol, which may include the construction of a new wall within the existing footprint of the memorial that would include the names of additional fallen firefighters.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Authorizes the construction of a memorial to California firefighters on the grounds of the State Capitol, but prohibits the expenditure of state funds for purposes of the memorial.
2. Requires firefighters’ memorial ceremonies, including the dedication of the memorial and any subsequent ceremonies, to be conducted by the CFF, in consultation with the Assembly General Research Committee on Fire, Police, Emergency, and Disaster Services.

This bill:

1. Authorizes the CFF, in consultation with DGS, to prepare a plan to construct modifications to the memorial to California firefighters on the grounds of the State Capitol, which may include the construction of a new wall within the existing footprint of the memorial that would include the names of additional fallen firefighters.
2. Specifies that if the CFF prepares a plan to modify the memorial, DGS shall do all of the following:
   1. Review preliminary design plans for the modifications and identify potential maintenance concerns.
   2. Ensure that the proposed modifications comply with the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 and any other applicable building standards for work to be carried out at the existing memorial.
   3. Ensure that the proposed modifications comply with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act and any other applicable building standards for work to be carried out at the existing memorial.
   4. Review the final construction documents to ensure that all applicable requirements are met.
   5. Prepare the right-of-entry permit outlining the final area of work, final construction documents and permits, construction plans, and the name of the contractor who will perform the work, and verify that the contractor is properly licensed and insured, including maintaining adequate personal liability insurance for damage to state property.
   6. Conduct inspections of the construction performed by the contractor selected by the CFF.
3. Requires the CFF, in consultation with DGS, to establish a schedule for the design and construction, implement procedures to solicit designs, devise a selection process for the choice of the design for the modifications, and report to the Joint Committee on Rules on the proposed modifications.
4. Requires the CFF to submit a plan for proposed modifications of the memorial to DGS and the Joint Committee on Rules for their review and approval.
5. Prohibits the construction of any proposed modification until the master plan of the State Capitol Park is approved and adopted by the Joint Committee on Rules, or until January 1, 2021, whichever occurs first.
6. Prohibits any modifications unless the Joint Committee on Rules and the Department of Finance have verified that sufficient private donations have been secured to complete construction of the modifications.
7. Requires all modification to the memorial to be funded exclusively through private donations secured by the CFF.

Background

Purpose of the bill. According to the author, “today, the California Firefighters Memorial serves as a lasting tribute to the men and women who have given their lives helping to protect their fellow Californians. AB 1980 will allow the CFF to plan and construct an addition to the California Firefighters Memorial. The construction of the project cannot occur until the master plan of the State Capitol Park is approved and adopted by the Joint Committee on Rules, or until January 1, 2021, whichever occurs first.”

California Firefighters Memorial. The California Firefighters Memorial is a lasting tribute to the men and women who have given their lives to help protect their fellow Californians. The memorial includes two bronze statues depicting firefighters in action. One statue features four firefighters working together. The other, created by a firefighter, shows an anguished firefighter removing his “fallen brother” from a fire scene.

Prominently featured along with the statues is a Memorial Wall, listing the names of over 1,100 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice as California firefighters. Names are listed chronologically, and include the name of the department in which the firefighter served.

The Memorial’s design, construction and maintenance are financed entirely by donations made to the CFF. The bulk of these donations were made by firefighters through the purchase of the special Firefighter License Plate. Financing also came through a special state tax check-off.

Related/Prior Legislation

AB 2790 (Nazarian, 2016) authorizes DGS to apply to the Joint Committee on Rules for an exemption to allow siting and construction of the international genocide memorial if the master plan of the State Capitol Park is not approved or adopted on or before January 1, 2021. (Pending in Senate Governmental Organization Committee)

AB 2704 (Gipson, 2016) authorizes the placement of a bust of Mervyn M. Dymally in the Capitol Annex. (Pending in Senate Appropriations Committee)

AB 2358 (Hagman, Chapter 682, Statutes of 2012) authorized the construction of a memorial in the State Capitol Building Annex to honor former Governor and United States President, Ronald Reagan.

AB 3198 (Areias, Chapter 1217, Statutes of 1992) authorized the construction of the memorial to California firefighters on the grounds of the State Capitol.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

SUPPORT: (Verified 8/1/16)

California Professional Firefighters (source)

CAL FIRE Local 2881

California Fire Chiefs Association

California Historic State Capitol Commission

OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/1/16)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: The California Professional Firefighters states that, “to ensure that Californians can continue to honor the brave professionals who keep our state’s communities safe, it is imperative that ample, respectful space for our fallen firefighters’ names is available at the California Firefighters Memorial site on the grounds of the State Capitol. To achieve this, AB 1980, is needed to allow the Memorial to be modified within its existing footprint. Doing so, will facilitate the expansion of wall space in a manner sufficient to inscribe the names of our fallen for decades to come.”

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 67-0, 5/27/16

AYES: Achadjian, Alejo, Travis Allen, Arambula, Atkins, Baker, Bigelow, Bonilla, Bonta, Burke, Calderon, Campos, Chang, Chau, Chávez, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Dababneh, Dahle, Daly, Eggman, Frazier, Beth Gaines, Gallagher, Cristina Garcia, Gatto, Gipson, Gomez, Gonzalez, Gordon, Gray, Harper, Roger Hernández, Holden, Irwin, Jones, Kim, Lackey, Levine, Linder, Lopez, Maienschein, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Mullin, Nazarian, Obernolte, Olsen, Patterson, Quirk, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Wagner, Waldron, Weber, Wilk, Williams, Wood, Rendon

NO VOTE RECORDED: Bloom, Brough, Brown, Chiu, Dodd, Eduardo Garcia, Grove, Hadley, Jones-Sawyer, Low, Melendez, O'Donnell, Ting

Prepared by:

8/3/16 18:54:28

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION

Senator Isadore Hall, III

Chair

2015 - 2016 Regular

Bill No: 1980 Hearing Date: 6/28/2016

SUBJECT: Memorial to California firefighters: modifications

DIGEST: This bill authorizes the California Fire Foundation (CFF), in consultation with the Department of General Services (DGS), to prepare a plan to construct modifications to the existing memorial on the grounds of the State Capitol, which may include the construction of a new wall within the existing footprint of the memorial that would include the names of additional fallen firefighters.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Authorizes the construction of a memorial to California firefighters on the grounds of the State Capitol, but prohibits the expenditure of state funds for purposes of the memorial.
2. Requires firefighters’ memorial ceremonies, including the dedication of the memorial and any subsequent ceremonies, to be conducted by the CFF, in consultation with the Assembly General Research Committee on Fire, Police, Emergency, and Disaster Services.

This bill:

1. Authorizes the CFF, in consultation with DGS, to prepare a plan to construct modifications to the memorial to California firefighters on the grounds of the State Capitol, which may include the construction of a new wall within the existing footprint of the memorial that would include the names of additional fallen firefighters.
2. Specifies that if the CFF prepares a plan to modify the memorial, DGS shall do all of the following:
   1. Review preliminary design plans for the modifications and identify potential maintenance concerns.
   2. Ensure that the proposed modifications comply with the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 and any other applicable building standards for work to be carried out at the existing memorial.
   3. Ensure that the proposed modifications comply with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act and any other applicable building standards for work to be carried out at the existing memorial.
   4. Review the final construction documents to ensure that all applicable requirements are met.
   5. Prepare the right-of-entry permit outlining the final area of work, final construction documents and permits, construction plans, and the name of the contractor who will perform the work, and verify that the contractor is properly licensed and insured, including maintaining adequate personal liability insurance for damage to state property.
   6. Conduct inspections of the construction performed by the contractor selected by the foundation
3. Requires the CFF, in consultation with DGS, to establish a schedule for the design and construction, implement procedures to solicit designs, devise a selection process for the choice of the design for the modifications, and report to the Joint Committee on Rules on the proposed modifications.
4. Requires the CFF to submit a plan for proposed modifications of the memorial to DGS and the Joint Committee on Rules for their review and approval.
5. Prohibits the construction of any proposed modification until the master plan of the State Capitol Park is approved and adopted by the Joint Committee on Rules, or until January, 2021, whichever occurs first.
6. Prohibits any modifications unless the Joint Committee on Rules and the Department of Finance have verified that sufficient private donations have been secured to complete construction of the modifications.
7. Requires all modification to the memorial to be funded exclusively through private donations secured by the CFF.

Background

Purpose of the bill. According to the author, “today, the California Firefighters Memorial serves as a lasting tribute to the men and women who have given their lives helping to protect their fellow Californians. AB 1980 will allow the CFF to plan and construct an addition to the California Firefighters Memorial. The construction of the project cannot occur until the master plan of the State Capitol Park is approved and adopted by the Joint Committee on Rules, or until January 1, 2021, whichever occurs first.”

California Firefighters Memorial. The California Firefighters Memorial is a lasting tribute to the men and women who have given their lives to help protect their fellow Californians. The memorial includes two bronze statues depicting firefighters in action. One statue features four firefighters working together. The other, created by a firefighter, shows an anguished firefighter removing his “fallen brother” from a fire scene.

Prominently featured along with the statues is a Memorial Wall, listing the names of over 1,100 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice as California firefighters. Names are listed chronologically, and include the name of the department in which the firefighter served.

The Memorial’s design, construction and maintenance are financed entirely by donations made to the CFF. The bulk of these donations were made by firefighters through the purchase of the special Firefighter License Plate. Financing also came through a special state tax check-off.

Prior/Related Legislation

AB 2704 (Gipson, 2016) authorizes the placement of a bust of Mervyn M. Dymally in the Capitol Annex. (Pending in Senate Governmental Organization Committee)

AB 2358 (Hagman, Chapter 682, Statutes of 2012) authorized the construction of a memorial in the State Capitol Building Annex to honor former Governor and United States President, Ronald Reagan.

AB 3198 (Areias, Chapter 1217, Statutes of 1992) authorized the construction of the memorial to California firefighters on the grounds of the State Capitol.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

SUPPORT:

CAL FIRE Local 2881

California Professional Firefighters (Source)

California Historic State Capitol Commission

California Fire Chiefs Association

OPPOSITION:

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: The California Professional Firefighters states that, “to ensure that Californians can continue to honor the brave professionals who keep our state’s communities safe, it is imperative that ample, respectful space for our fallen firefighters’ names is available at the California Firefighters Memorial site on the grounds of the State Capitol. To achieve this, AB 1980, is needed to allow the Memorial to be modified within its existing footprint. Doing so, will facilitate the expansion of wall space in a manner sufficient to inscribe the names of our fallen for decades to come.”

Date of Hearing: May 18, 2016

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Lorena Gonzalez, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1980

Author:(Irwin) – As Amended Ver:May 11, 2016

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill authorizes the California Fire Foundation (CFF) to modify the memorial for fallen firefighters on the grounds of the State Capitol Park, if certain conditions are met. Specifically, this bill:

1. Authorizes CFF to prepare a plan for a proposed modification to the memorial. Once CFF undertakes responsibility to modify the memorial, it is required to establish a schedule and processes to solicit designs and to select the design.
2. Prohibits CFF from commencing construction unless the Joint Committee on Rules and the Department of General Services (DGS) have reviewed and approved the plan and unless the Department of Finance (DOF) have verified that sufficient donations have been secured to complete construction.
3. Prohibits CFF from commencing construction until the Joint Committee on Rules has approved and adopted a master plan of the State Capitol Park or until January 1, 2021, whichever occurs first.
4. Requires DGS to take specified actions to ensure that the design, review, inspection, and construction of the proposed memorial modifications meet certain requirements.

FISCAL EFFECT:

Minor and absorbable costs to DGS.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. This bill is intended to ensure that the names of California’s fallen firefighters are inscribed on the memorial wall for decades to come. The author notes that firefighters have one of the highest rates of injury and death when compared to other careers. As a result, 15 to 20 new names, on average, are added to the Memorial Wall each year. It is expected that there will be no more room to add names to the current wall in the near future.
2. Background. CFF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they protect. Formed in 1987 by the California Professional Firefighters (CPF), the CFF’s mandate includes an array of survivor and victim assistance projects and community initiatives, as well as the design, construction, and maintenance of the California Firefighters Memorial. Sponsored by the CFF, the Memorial was designed and built in 2002 to honor

firefighters killed in the line of duty. The Foundation is the official recipient organization for proceeds from the state license plate and tax check-off funds earmarked for the Memorial.

Analysis Prepared by: Luke Reidenbach / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: April 6, 2016

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION

Adam Gray, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1980 (

Author:Irwin) – As Amended Ver:March 28, 2016

SUBJECT: Memorial to California firefighters: modifications

SUMMARY: Authorizes the California Fire Foundation (CFF), in consultation with the Department of General Services (DGS), to prepare a plan to construct modifications to the existing memorial on the grounds of the California State Capitol, which may include the construction of a new wall at the memorial that would include the names of additional fallen firefighters. Specifically, this bill:

1. Requires DGS, if CFF prepares a plan to construct modifications to the California Firefighters Memorial (Memorial), to take specified actions to ensure that the design, review, inspection, and construction of the proposed modifications meet prescribed requirements:
2. Review preliminary design plans for the modifications and identify potential maintenance concerns.
3. Ensure that the proposed modifications comply with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other applicable safety laws and regulations.
4. Ensure that the proposed modifications comply with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act and any other applicable building standards for work to be carried out at the existing memorial.
5. Review the final construction documents to ensure that all applicable requirements are met.
6. Prepare the right-of-entry permit outlining the final area of work, final construction documents and permits, construction plans, and the name of the contractor who will perform the work, and verify that the contractor is properly licensed and insured, including maintaining adequate personal liability insurance for damage to state property.
7. Conduct inspections of the construction performed by the contractor selected by the foundation.
8. Requires CFF to submit a plan for the proposed modifications to the DGS for their review.
9. Requires CFF, in consultation with the DGS, to establish a schedule for the design and construction, implement procedures to solicit designs, devise a process for the choice of design for the proposed modifications, and report to the Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management regarding the progress of the construction of the modifications.
10. Prohibits CFF from commencing construction of proposed modifications unless the Department of Finance (DOF) has verified that sufficient donations have been secured to complete construction of the modifications and DGS has approved the plan.
11. Requires that any modifications to the Memorial be funded exclusively by private donations secured by CFF.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Authorizes the construction of a memorial to California firefighters on the grounds of the State Capitol, but prohibits the expenditure of state funds for purposes of the memorial
2. Requires firefighters’ memorial ceremonies, including the dedication of the memorial at any subsequent ceremonies, to be conducted by the CFF, in consultation with the Assembly General Research Committee on Fire, Police, Emergency, and Disaster Services.

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown

COMMENTS:

Purpose of the bill: According to the author, firefighters have one of the highest rates of injury and death when compared to other careers. Regrettably, as a result of line of duty deaths, 15 to 20 new names, on average, are added to the Memorial Wall each year.

The average number of names added to the Wall in any given year includes those firefighters who died as a result of a line of duty death in the immediately preceding year, as well as those firefighters who died as a result of a line of duty death in years prior, but who only recently came to the attention of the Foundation. Oftentimes, this is a result of a surviving spouse or family member needing additional time to come to terms with the death of their loved one before they are comfortable with having their name inscribed on the wall. In other cases, prior year deaths are reported by the fallen firefighter’s former fire department only after archived documentation surfaces demonstrating a line of duty incident. Ultimately, it is expected that there will be no more room to add names to the current wall in the near future.

The author states, the purpose of this bill is to ensure that the names of our state’s fallen firefighters are inscribed on memorial wall space for decades to come. To ensure that Californians can continue to honor the brave professionals who keep our communities safe, it is imperative that ample, respectful space is available at the memorial site. AB 1980 achieves this important goal.

Background: CFF, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect. Formed in 1987 by California Professional Firefighters (CPF), the CFF’s mandate includes an array of survivor and victim assistance projects and community initiatives, as well as the design, construction and maintenance of the California Firefighters Memorial (Memorial). Sponsored by the CFF, the Memorial was designed and built in 2002 to honor firefighters killed in the line of duty. The Foundation is the official recipient organization for proceeds from the state license plate and tax check-off funds earmarked for the Memorial.

Related Legislation: AB 3198 (Areias) of 1992. Requires the California Fire Foundation to create the Firefighters’ Memorial Task Force. Additionally, the bill authorizes the construction of a memorial to California firefighters on the State Capitol grounds. (Version: 92 - Chaptered 9/30/1992).

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

California Professional Firefighters (Sponsor)

California Fire Chiefs Association

Fire Districts Association of California

LIUNA Local 792

Orange County Professional Firefighters Association, Local 3631

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Kenton Stanhope / G.O. / (916) 319-2531