CPF Fire Wire Podcast

On this episode of Fire Wire, CPF President Brian K. Rice speaks to Misha McKinney, VP of Clinical Programs, and Dr. Danielle Mellace, internal medicine physician, both with Kaiser Permanente, about the unique health challenges firefighters face, the importance of primary care and early detection, and how lifestyle medicine can reduce cancer risk. Active or retired firefighters who are members of Kaiser Permanente are encouraged to enroll in the California Firefighter Health Study before February 28, 2026, to help improve firefighter health and safety statewide. Sign up today at CPF.org/KaiserStudy.

In the past 90 days, we have lost four of our members to active-duty suicide. Each of these losses is devastating to their family and to their fire service family. We must come together and take action to open up and support each other. The battle with PTSI, struggles with addiction, struggles with the complexity of life, and seeking help are why we are reaching out to you today with a special message from CPF President Brian K. Rice.

On this episode of the Fire Wire, President Rice is joined by Jerry May, President of San Jose Fire Fighters, Local 230, to discuss the California Firefighter Cancer Research and Prevention Program, created by CPF-sponsored AB 700, and how this research will impact firefighters for generations to come. Together, they explore the value of early cancer screening and why building strong peer networks is essential for sharing ideas, resources, and opportunities that can help save lives.

On this episode of the Fire Wire, President Rice sits down with Firefighters First Credit Union Senior Vice President of Member Experience David Lillie and Vice President of Tax Services Mike Canny to discuss the credit union’s rich history and the extensive benefits they provide our members.

CPF President Brian Rice speaks with Dr. Katherine Warburton, the Medical Director of the California Department of State Hospitals, about the CARE Act and the role firefighters can play in connecting individuals with behavioral health services.

CPF President Brian Rice sits with Monterey Firefighters Association, Local 3707 President, Ross Pounds and Chula Vista Firefighters, Local 2180 Political Action Committee Chair, Drew Smith alongside CPF’s very own Deputy Political Director Joe Armenta to discuss the importance of why we need to get involved in issues affecting the California fire service at a local level.

On this edition of CPF Fire Wire, CPF President Brian Rice meets with CAL FIRE Local 2881 President Tim Edwards to discuss their ongoing fight to bring the hours in their workweek closer to the rest of the California fire service.

CPF Pres. Brian Rice speaks with Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg on Proposition 1 and being part of the solution.

CPF President talks with Republican Assemblyman Heath Flora of Ripon about the legislative year, significant measures for firefighters, and the importance of working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

As part of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Stand Down, CPF Pres. Brian Rice talks again with Oxnard Fire Chief Alex Hamilton, who has developed and instituted innovative peer-to-peer suicide awarness training.

CPF President Brian Rice continues his conversation with retired Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522 President Richard Mayberry about the Sacramento firefighters strike of 1970.

Part One of CPF Pres. Brian Rice conversation with longtime Local 522 Pres. Richard Mayberry about historic 1970 firefighter strike and how it impacted the firefighter labor movement.