Control Your Destiny
Your involvement in local & state politics can have a profound effect on the fire service
By Chief John Oceguera

Editor's Note: This article is reprinted from the January 2010 issue of FireRescue magazine.

“Politics? That’s got nothing to do with me, and besides, I’m too busy.”

It’s amazing how many times I hear that from my fellow firefighters. But consider: Every important decision that affects firefighters on the job starts with a political decision. It really is that stark. I know firsthand because of my dual role as a firefighter and a state legislator. There’s a deep, strong, permanent connection between politics and public safety, and it’s unavoidable. One way or another, elected officials control much of what we do, from funding and approving our salaries to deciding when we can retire and how much of our salary we’ll make as a pension.

That’s why we—you—need to get involved.

The Real Deal
Every level of government has something to say about how we do our jobs. The state level decides whether we’ll be covered for diseases and medical conditions caused by occupational hazards. Most states also control the pension funds and retirement systems.

Local governments obviously have a more direct impact, approving salary increases or cuts and new contracts; controlling operating budgets, including our safety equipment; and deciding where to build new stations or whether to close existing ones.

Why wouldn’t we want to have a close relationship with the individuals who have this much power over our professional lives? Sometimes, I believe firefighters in the trenches cede too much responsibility to our lobbying and government affairs representatives. Of course, it’s their job to keep in contact with government officials and make sure officials are on top of the issues important to the fire service. Representatives are an integral part of the process and it’s important for elected officials to have someone to whom they can go when they have questions about the fire service.

However, no one makes an impact like the person on the front lines, fighting every day to save lives and property. I’ve presided over hundreds of legislative hearings, and I can tell you my colleagues and I appreciate hearing from a witness who isn’t earning a salary to be there, but rather is testifying because they feel passionately about an issue based on their real-life experiences.

One of the most heart-wrenching and emotional situations I’ve been involved with is fighting to pass increased cancer benefits for the firefighters of Nevada. One of my closest friends was diagnosed with the disease, and tragically was in the later stages when the bill came up for a hearing. Weak and ravaged by this horrible killer, my friend still made the 500-plus mile trip from Las Vegas to Carson City because he knew how important it was, and he knew he could make a difference. We were successful, in no small part because of his amazing and courageous testimony.

Year after year, we see the same bills come before the legislature, but because of term limits, the legislators in the chamber may not be experienced or well versed in our issues. This is why it’s imperative to keep educating every legislator.

Reach Out
So what does it take to get involved at this level? I think firefighters sometimes shy away from politics because they feel it will be time-consuming or that they won’t make a real difference. However, I’ve seen numerous issues where one vote made the difference between success and failure. If we each take the time to know our own state legislator, state senator, city council person or county commissioner, it could make a huge difference when important and controversial issues arise.

Even if you don’t ever testify or appear at a public hearing, an elected official would much rather hear from an actual constituent than a paid lobbyist or union representative. I know an assemblyman who was bombarded with 1,000–2,000 e-mails generated by a large public affairs firm. It did nothing to influence his vote. However, one or two heartfelt and well-written letters or phone calls from actual voters did have a profound impact on his decision to support a bill.

Having said that, if you decide to increase your involvement in politics, touch base with your government affairs representatives. In most instances they will gladly accept your assistance. It’s also helpful for them to know they can call on you when issues arise. One of the reasons I became involved in politics in the first place was my involvement in my local union at the city council and state levels. I realized two important things: First, my involvement made a difference (elected officials began to call me when issues related to the fire service were on the agenda). Second, elected officials were no different, smarter or better informed on our issues than I was; in fact, because I was living it every day, I was better informed.

Choose Your Words Wisely
Once you make the connections and meet with political leaders, it’s also important to frame your message correctly. Unfortunately, in today’s world of shrinking budgets and workforce reductions, simple emotional pleas just don’t carry the same weight they used to. It’s not enough anymore to declare that cutting our resources will cost lives and threaten public safety. Today’s governments must do more with less, and we must be armed with hard facts and sound alternatives to get our point across.

Cutting public safety budgets used to be a death knell to even the most successful politician’s career. Now, when important programs like children’s healthcare, senior assistance and family aid are on the chopping block, fire and police budgets are undergoing incredible scrutiny. The recession has also stifled the tremendous growth some areas of the country were experiencing and curbed the ability to add more personnel and other resources. Many forward-thinking bargaining units are getting ahead of the curve and sitting down with their elected leaders early—before the elected leaders are forced to make decisions without our input.

Other Ways to Get Involved
Another way we can be effective is running for public office or encouraging friends to put their names on the ballot. Around the country, term-limits laws are creating new openings and forcing entrenched politicians out of office. If we can fill these positions with those who understand the challenges of our profession—or, better yet, working firefighters—we stand a much better chance of being heard.

This is the path I chose to take, and not only has it been personally rewarding, but I’ve also been able to shine a spotlight on important issues, such as heart and lung healthcare benefits, emergency preparedness facilities and mandatory seatbelt laws.

Running for office certainly takes sacrifice, and holding an elected position while doing your daily job can cause hardships on your family and friends. However, the rewards are certainly great, as you can help guide the future of your community or state and be an effective voice for all public safety professionals.

If you don’t think you have the time to commit to public office, then consider lobbying state and local elected leaders. Normally that job is left to state union officials. Here in Nevada, we have a very good spokesman/lobbyist who has been representing the Professional Firefighters Association for a number of years. However, he always needs witnesses to testify on particularly important issues such as EMS, hazmat, pensions, etc. During our most recent legislative session, the Chamber of Commerce and other private businesses took aim at our pensions and benefits. All hands were called to fight off this attack and keep our pensions and benefits secure.

It’s Your Turn
Whether your involvement includes just getting to know your elected leaders a bit better, or actually running for political office, the more familiar with the process you become, the better equipped you will be to help our profession succeed in the future.

Chief John Oceguera is 20-year veteran of the fire service, having served on the Naval Air Station Fallon Fire Department and currently serving as an assistant fire chief over Operations with the North Las Vegas Fire Department. Oceguera has served 10 years in the Nevada Assembly, the last four as Majority Leader. He holds associate’s degrees in general studies and fire science, a bachelor’s degree in fire administration, a master’s degree in public administration and a law degree.


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