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IONE- On January 24, 2018, new CAL FIRE Communications Operators receiving training at the CAL FIRE Academy in Ione got a comprehensive  introduction to their union, the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) and its affiliate the Fire Marshal and Emergency Services Association (FMESA).

“As a communications operator myself, and as president of FMESA, I like to personally greet our new members, introduce myself, and speak to them about why I believe so strongly in having CSLEA and FMESA membership,” said FMESA President Daren Watkins. “There is so much to learn as a new CAL FIRE com op and asking those in training to read over union information is a lot. If we can devote time to meet with our new members, it can mean the difference between feeling like you are lost in the shuffle and feeling you can immediately reach out to CSLEA or FMESA.  This also gives us time to discuss time sheets and the MOU.”

Watkins was joined by FMESA Director and Secretary Christi Hunt and  CSLEA Membership Services Representatives  Marco Castro.

For those interested in learning more about the role of CAL FIRE communications operators, we invite them to watch a CSLEA Presentation from October 2017, the North Bay Fires.