“Operation Smoke Alarm”

San Jose, CA. - On December 2, and 8, 2007, Los Bomberos of Northern California (LBNC), SJFD, San Jose Firefighters Local 230, and the Rotary Club of Saratoga teamed-up to distribute over 430 Smoke Alarms to residents in a ten block area of the Washington School District in San Jose, CA.

National Association of Hispanic Firefighters (NAHF) President Alberto Olmos, SJFD Fire Chief Darryl Von Raesfeld, SJFF Local 230 President Randy Sekany, and over 50 volunteers joined forces to distribute and install Smoke Alarms to pre-identified high risk homes in the area.

LBNC Vice President Patricia Tapia championed LBNC efforts and worked closely with the Rotary Club to organize the event. Local affiliate NBC 11 covered “Operation Smoke Alarm” and aired a sound-bite during their evening newscast.

This was a great example of collaboration between Los Bomberos of Nor Cal, SJFD, Local 230, and community based organizations (Rotary Club). “Together we can we can make a huge difference and keep our community healthy and safe,” “we look forward to future collaborations in hopes of building safer communities and stronger relationships throughout the country,” stated NAHF President Alberto Olmos.

"The Tradition Continues"

Los Bomberos of Northern California

35 Years of Community Service

Posted by: Lizzetth Bellot, NAHF Executive Consultant

Save the date; September 24-28, 200813 Annual NAHF Conference Phoenix, AZ

L-R Miguel Ramos (FDNY) NAHF Pres. Alberto Olmos (SJFD)
Ernie Gomez (RCFD) Charlie Salazar (DFD)

The 2007 NAHF International Training Conference in Dallas, TX was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. We returned to the birthplace of the NAHF; bigger and better than ever! The Dallas Hispanic Firefighters Assoc, Dallas Fire and Rescue, and Dallas Fire Fighters Local 58, rolled out the red carpet and hosted a first class event. Participants included, IAFF Gen Pres Harold Schaitberger, IAFC President Steven P. Westermann, Assistant US Fire Administrator Gregory B. Cade and many others.

Retired IAFF Executive Board Member Ernest A. “Buddy” Mass

Preparation of the 2008 NAHF Conference is well under way and will possibly be our most successful. Co-chairs of the 2008 conference are President of the Valley Bomberos in the greater Phoenix area Mike Duran and Executive VP of the NAHF Sammy Chavira. “Support from the Phoenix Fire Department, United Phoenix Firefighters Local 493, elected officials and the community has been overwhelming” stated Sammy Chavira, “We are coordinating a united effort to achieve our goal of hosting the best NAHF Conference ever.”

Members of United Phoenix Firefighters Local 493, including President Pete Gorraiz, Valley Bombero President Mike Duran Jr, and NAHF Exec VP Sammy Chavira, pictured with IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger

Save the date: September 24-28, 2008, 13th
Annual NAHF International Training Conference
Phoenix, Arizona

Posted by: Lizzetth Bellot, NAHF Executive Consultant