The courage of the men and women of the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD). On September 15, 2021, the ECCFPD Directors met in a special session meeting. During that meeting, the Directors voted to approve the annexation of ECCFPD into the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (CCCFPD). While virtually watching the session, I understood how this was a courageous and self-sacrificing act of the members of the ECCFPD.
The only guarantee the members of the ECCFPD received during the annexation was that all employees of ECCFPD would be re-employed in the CCCFPD. However, all salaries must are subject to negotiation with the staff of CCCFPD. The executive team of ECCFPD will not be guaranteed an executive position with CCCFPD. Despite the lack of guarantees, the Directors, with the support of members of the ECCFPD, believed it was in the best interests of the protection and safety of the community to allow the annexation to take place. In doing so, the Directors were voting to disband their positions.
The men and women of ECCFPD, in my perspective, are to be commended for their courageous and selfless acts.
George Fuller, MPA, MA
City Councilmember, City of Oakley
