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“It’s safe to say there’s no legislator more familiar with battling fires against the Santa Ana winds than Sen. Kelly Seyarto.
“He’s one of just a few former firefighters in the Legislature’s history, and the only former career firefighter currently in office, according to the California State Library…
“The Republican from Murrieta spent 35 years in the field — starting as a firefighter and paramedic for the Inglewood Fire Department and retiring as a battalion chief for the Los Angeles County Fire Department. …
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“Tim Edwards, president of the union representing state firefighters, said — no matter which party — it helps to have someone in the Legislature who has worked in the trade, so they can communicate issues to other lawmakers, such as Seyarto’s support on a recent proposal to transition seasonal firefighters into year-round employees.
“‘Public safety is a unique thing, so in order to have someone that’s actually worked the job to walk you through and explain things is really great to have on the legislation,’ he said.
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“[Seyarto] said a comprehensive approach would require a bipartisan effort that brings together experts in the various issues involved: housing, insurance and local governments.
“‘We have to figure those things out, and we can’t figure them out if we’re having Democrat caucus discussions only, or Republican caucus discussions only,’ he said. ‘This is a whole legislature (joined by) experts in the field type of issue.’”
Click HERE to read the entire article as published in CalMatters on February 12, 2025.