Stockton Firefighters

Stockton Firefighters Local 456 is launching our annual Toy Drive, and we need your help! For the past 11 years, we have donated toys and money benefitting the Child Abuse Prevention Council (CAPC) of San Joaquin. We are accepting new, undamaged, unwrapped toys at every firehouse. If you know of any businesses or community members looking to contribute, please get them involved. Gift cards for teens will also be welcomed benefitting those who a part of the CASA program. SFD has always come through and we are confident this year will be no different! Additionally, just as a follow-up from yesterday’s post- Chief’s Operator Ralph Ibarra ran one last fire on his last night before retirement! Congratulations again Ralph!

Stockton Firefighters Local 456 would like to recognize Chief’s Operator Ralph Ibarra on his final day on duty in the firehouse. Operator Ibarra retires today with 27 years on the job, 25 of them at Company 2 downtown, 11 years as the Chiefs Operator, and holds both the Number 1 Senior Badge for the rank of Engineer and position of Operator. Ralph is an individual who has consistently gone above and beyond to provide for his fellow firefighters and honor the legacy of the Stockton Fire Department. We are proud to have worked with you Ralph and wish you the best in your new endeavors! Congratulations!

Happy Birthday to our Union President, Engineer Mario Gardea. Mario recently won the County Supervisor Seat for District 1, and has decided to step down from leading Local 456. Mario celebrates his birthday by also announcing his retirement from the Stockton Fire Department after 21 years. Outstanding job and congratulations Prez! “Today’s post is a bittersweet milestone for me. As I bid farewell to my fulfilling career as a Stockton Firefighter, I’m thrilled to embark on a new chapter as a SJC Supervisor. Winning the lottery doesn’t compare to the privilege of serving as a Fireman in my beloved city for 21 incredible years. The Fire service brotherhood is unparalleled, and I’ll treasure its bonds forever. Heartfelt thanks to my family for their unwavering support, especially my rock, Celeste Gardea. What a fitting coincidence that my final day in the fire service and hanging up my helmet aligns with my 53rd birthday!”

Three minutes of unedited video capture at a fully involved structure fire in Stockton, California. Please take note of the pace and urgency on the fire ground to complete operations and extinguish the fire. When the fire goes out, the scene is safer for everyone. Full video with added radio traffic will be available when possible. We are proud to serve and protect the citizens of Stockton. Great job A shift.

Stockton Firefighters were proud to attend the Veterans Day Tribute this morning at the Fox Theater in downtown Stockton. We are so thankful for those who have served and protected our nation. Thank you to all Veterans. Happy Veterans Day. God Bless America.

Today marks the 249th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Last night, Stockton Firefighters who are Marine Veterans hosted a party in the Corps honor. Those who could attend the celebration (and weren’t working) conducted the playing of a Birthday Message from the Commandant and a reading from General Lejueune. The event also included the traditional cake cutting ceremony which includes the passing of the cake from the oldest Marine in attendance to youngest, symbolizing the passing of history and tradition to the next generation. Thank you for your service. Outstanding job gentlemen. Ooh-rah!

Stockton Firefighters would like to thank the citizens of Stockton for supporting Local 456! Thank you for passing Measure N; granting public safety (police and firefighters) the right of binding arbitration in negotiations! Congratulations also to Union President Mario Gardea, who was elected to a County Supervisor position ! Great job Mario! Both of these were approved by a margin of nearly 2 to 1 by the voters of Stockton!

Today’s Election Day! Stockton Firefighters and Police Officers urge you to vote YES ON Measure N! This is a no cost item, and is not a new tax! Vote Yes for fair and reasonable Binding Arbitration! YES ON N!

Stockton Firefighters show up for each other in times of need. After a recent retiree suffered a medical emergency, a beloved Captain needed some help clearing land and taking care of some chores around the house. 25 guys showed up and put in a HARD days work. Special thanks to Steve Guerrero at kbargcattleco for bringing the tractor. Outstanding work, and thank you for taking care of one of our own.

Vote YES on Measure N! Representative Josh Harder joins the growing number of people and organizations that endorse common sense Binding Arbitration: Stockton Police Officers Association San Joaquin County Attorney’s Association Stockton Professional Firefighters Local 456 Manteca Police Officers Association Sacramento Area Firefighters, Local 522 California Professional Firefighters International Association of Fire Fighters Peace Officers Research Association of California Patrick Withrow, San Joaquin County Sheriff Christina Fugazi, Educator and Candidate for Stockton Mayor Michele Padilla, District 1 Councilmember, City of Stockton Tracie Glaves, President, San Joaquin Delta Neighborhood Watch Jim Cumming, Captain, Brookside Neighborhood Watch Sacramento Police Officers Association Mayra Garcia Ron Freitas, District Attorney, San Joaquin County Lathrop Manteca Firefighters Association Local 4317 Lodi Professional Firefighters Local 1225 San Joaquin County Deputy Sheriff’s Association Jason Lee – Candidate for Stockton City Council District 6 Zachary Hulsey Tracy Firefighters Association, IAFF Local #3355 Solano Napa County Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 1186 Erika Gonzalez Jerry Enni Pamela Bannister Leonel Guzman https://keepstocktonsafe.org/join-the-campaign/

Stockton Firefighters are committed to ensuring that our Police and Fire have productive negotiations with the City; we are asking for a common sense Binding Arbitration. Measure N is a no cost item that will not raise taxes. Local 456 encourages the community of Stockton to Vote Yes on Measure N!

Stockton Firefighters recently stopped in on Cruise Night at the Miracle Mile. Local 456 took a privately owned 41 foot Ladder Truck and participated in the cruise night trunk or treat. President Mario Gardea donated over 100 pumpkins to give out to the kids. Off duty firefighters were present to continue to spread the word “YES on Measure N.” It was a great event and the last one for the season. What an awesome way to participate with the community. Great job everyone!