IONE –On November 8, 2017, 12 communications operators training at the CAL FIRE Academy in Ione were formally introduced to the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) and the Fire Marshal and   Emergency Services Association (FMESA).

FMESA President Daren Watkins and Vice President Shelly Fontes, along with CSLEA member services representatives, conducted a new employee orientation introducing the communications operators to the benefits and services available to CSLEA and FMESA members.

New employee orientations give CSLEA and FMESA a chance to speak to those new to Bargaining Unit 7 about the importance of having access to the CSLEA Legal Defense Fund, a $15,000 life insurance benefit, immediate access to attorneys, discounts, and scholarships.

“Congratulations to our newest members who are training to work as CAL FIRE communications operators,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona.  “Their roles in public safety and emergency response are tremendous ones, we witnessed that in October with the number of large fires in California that destroyed homes and business and, so sadly, took lives.”