The California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) consists of nearly 7,000 law enforcement, public safety and consumer protection professionals who work for the State of California, some of whom are working long days, long nights and long weeks doing battle with the fires burning in Southern California.

“We know we have CCC crew leaders on the fires, our CALFIRE communications operators have their hands full, and our emergency management personnel from Cal OES are there,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. “We want to thank our members involved in the firefight for their dedication, professionalism and sacrifice.   Many of them are away from their families, putting in very long hours and the conditions aren’t five-star.  It’s hot, it’s dirty, it’s noisy, it’s a fight to save lives, homes and property.  We sincerely thank them all for their service protecting the citizens of California as well as the people who visit our great State. “

Among the many CSLEA members deployed are

• OES Assistant Chiefs Bill Bondshu, Ish Messer, Art Torrez, and John Salvate from the Cal OES Fire and Rescue Branch to the incident command posts.
• Assistant Chief Paul Walters from the Cal OES Law Enforcement Division to the San Diego County Operations Center.
• Senior Emergency Coordinator Sonia Brown and  Emergency Services Coordinator Yvette LaDuke  to support operations at the operational area emergency operations center.