Join Host Christopher Baker and guest Brian K. Rice, President of the California Professional Firefighters (CPF), for an important conversation on firefighter behavioral health and wellness. Topics will include the value of firefighter mentorship and resources to support the next generation of firefighters. The discussion will also explore strategies for managing work-related stress and trauma throughout a career in public safety, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and insights from Brian’s own career in the fire service.

Biography:

Brian K. Rice has been involved with the California fire service and the firefighter labor movement for more than three decades. He spent over 30 years with the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department, rising to the position of Deputy Chief of Operations. He was also twice elected president of Sacramento Area Firefighters Local 522, serving a total of 12 years in the position. In 2018, Brian was elected president of California Professional Firefighters, representing over 38,000 front-line firefighters and paramedics across the state. As CPF President, Brian is a statewide leader in advocating for firefighters’ wages, hours, and working conditions. He has championed efforts on firefighter cancer research and prevention and expanding behavioral health resources for active and retired firefighters. Additionally he serves as co-chair of the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee — which sets professional standards and improves education and training for fire service throughout the state — as well as chair of the non-profit California Fire Foundation, which provides support for families of fallen firefighters, delivers disaster relief for California communities, and awards grants to help strengthen community safety.

Contact Brian: (916) 287-1663

Show Notes: ( https://www.thebakerpodcast.com/blog/11-cpf-president-brian-k-rice ).