Kern County Firefighters, IAFF Local 1301

Congratulations to Congressman Elect Fong!!! Looking forward to the leadership and integrity you will bring to Washington from the CA-20!!!

We are proud to support Vince Fong who has been a staunch ally for public safety!!! Please join Kern County Firefighters, IAFF Local 1301 and cast your Vote for Vince Fong Today!!

On Saturday May 18th your Kern County Firefighters, IAFF Local 1301 had the pleasure of sponsoring the Tehachapi Valley Parks and Recreation fishing derby at Brite Lake. It’s a great opportunity for your firefighters to say thank you for all the support our communities provide. While we were cooking, our tagged fish was caught which was a nice prize to the winner. Congratulations!

This past week your Kern County Firefighters, IAFF Local 1301 were able to participate in the event at South Fork Middle School in Weldon. Your firefighters love spending time in the community and connecting with all those we serve. Thank you South Fork Middle School!! Can’t wait to see you next year!!

I want to thank Kern County Environmental Health and Waste Management for this sharps container. When disposing of needles, please use a plastic sharps container, coffee can, or hard storage item.

Your Kern County Firefighters, IAFF Local 1301 were busy this week meeting with labor leaders and Congressional Members in Washington DC. Our time was spent conveying the importance of funding and research for cancer, as firefighters are 200% more susceptible than any other profession. Funding and research for equipment and gear is also of utmost importance. Big thank you to Congressman David Valadao for opening his office to hear our concerns. We always appreciate your time and support.

As you head to the polls today, your Kern County Firefighters-endorsed candidates are as follows.
Each candidate selected has repeatedly proven their ability to work together and move Kern County forward.

Kern County Board of Supervisors

District 1
Phillip Peters (R)

District 4
David Couch (R)

District 5
Kimberly Salas (D)

California State Assembly
Assembly District 35
Dr. Jasmeet Bains (D)

Kern County Fire Captain Bruce Wells Memorial Tee Kern County Fire Department Captain Michael Bruce Wells passed away on January 28th, 2024, after a valiant battle with occupational-related cancer. Captain Wells was a respected 30-year veteran of the Kern County Fire Department, and was a beloved mentor to many within the fire service. Bruce had a....

https://patriotprovisionsco.com/products/kern-county-fire-bruce-wells-memorial-tee

Kern County Fire Captain Bruce Wells Memorial Tee Kern County Fire Department Captain Michael Bruce Wells passed away on January 28th, 2024, after a valiant battle with occupational-related cancer. Captain Wells was a respected 30-year veteran of the Kern County Fire Department, and was a beloved mentor to many within the fire service. Bruce had a....

Please celebrate safely. Utilize a designated driver, a ride share service or Designated Driver Inc. (661) 431-3854

The time for Change has come!!! Support Kimberly Salas for Supervisor District 5

Ballots have been delivered! Vote for change in District 5. I’m running for Kern County Board of Supervisors and I would be humbled to have your vote 🗳️

Sand Locations in Kern County

KERN COUNTY, Calif., February 2, 2024 – Kern County Public Works has delivered sand to locations throughout Kern County in anticipation of the forecasted storm and heavy rainfall. Each location has a pile of sand and residents will need to supply their shovels and sandbags. Empty sandbags can be purchased at local hardware stores.

Use the link below to reach current location details and Google Maps Plus Codes that can be plugged into the Google Maps search bar to give an exact location.

https://www.kernpublicworks.com/services/transportation/road-maintenance/sand-locations

Kern County firefighters are aching from the loss of Captain Bruce Wells. As we work together side by side, we share our stories of Bruce, both honoring him and grieving his departure. We are doing what we do as firefighters, sharing memories to help us through a difficult time.

As we continue our services to those in need, we place the Wells family in the forefront of our hearts. Certainly they are in need, heartbroken, as they mourn the loss of their beloved Bruce.

There has been a tremendous outpouring of support for the Wells family and we are extremely grateful. If you wish to pay your respects to and honor Bruce and his family, please join us at his memorial service. The details of his memorial are included below.

Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
Valley Baptist
4800 Fruitvale Ave
Bakersfield, CA 93308

Preferred Uniform: Class A
*Supporting Apparatus must arrive by 9:00 a.m.
*Sea of Blue must arrive by 9:30 a.m.

This memorial is open to the public. No public livestream will be available. Media will not be allowed within Valley Baptist.

It is with a heavy heart that we must announce the passing of our Brother, Bruce Wells. As many of you are aware he had a hard fought battle with cancer. The family is extremely grateful for the prayers and outpouring of support during this difficult time.

Please click the link below for a message from our Fire Chief.

https://kerncountyfire.org/15739/with-deep-respect-our-own-captain-bruce-wells-has-passed/

Kern County Firefighters would like to take a moment to thank everyone for the generous outpouring of support for the Wells Family during this time.

As many of you are aware, one of our Brothers has been battling cancer. We would like to take this time to provide an update:

As the family rallies around their husband and father, it is needless to say that they want to spend every moment by Bruce’s side. Our fire family has stepped up providing meals, caring for their home and providing other valuable assistance. The community, likewise, has shown incredible kindness and generosity, donating to a fund created for the family and praying to God for Bruce and all who are involved. This has been an enormous blessing.

Lisa Wells, Bruce’s beloved wife, wishes to convey her sincerest gratitude to all who are praying for them and who have contributed to their cause. She and the Wells family are overwhelmed by the response and want to communicate a sincere thank you to all of you.

As this situation unfolds, the family’s ability to spend quality time together and make decisions together is paramount. The Kern County Fire Department wishes to give them the privacy that they need in this extremely difficult time.

We continue receiving questions from our concerned and caring community about how best to assist the Wells family. Your prayers are greatly desired and the family holds this demonstration of your support with the highest regard. If you feel led to contribute financially, the following link created by KCFD firefighters is the most impactful way to give.




Help a Hero – Extinguishing Cancer: Support Bruce’s Battle

Extinguishing Cancer: Support Bruce's Battle | Help a Hero A loving husband, a dedicated father, a treasured mentor - these statements not only define who Michael Bruce Wells is but also the legacy he continues to build. Since joining the...

Save the Date and come celebrate Melissa’s Birthday with us!!

Support Our Brother Bruce Wells

We are asking for support for our brother Captain Bruce Wells. Bruce has been serving his community with the Kern County Fire Department since 1994.

Unfortunately, Bruce was diagnosed with kidney cancer. His battle has been ongoing and things have taken a turn for the worse. He was recently admitted to the hospital and it was determined the cancer had spread to his lungs. Captain Wells has a wife and three sons and the battle has taken a toll.

We are now asking for donations to the family. Any amount helps. We also ask that you keep the Wells Family in your prayers.

To learn more about who Bruce is and information on where to donate, please click the link below.

Bruce Wells | Help a Hero A loving husband; a dedicated father; a treasured mentor. These statements define who Michael Bruce Wells has been and who he continues to be. Captain Bruce Wells came on as a memb...

"On this Memorial Day, it is right for us to remember the living and the dead for whom the call of their country has meant much pain and sacrifice." - Lyndon Johnson

Engines 41 and 42 from East Bakersfield utilizing their skills at a recent drill. The drill was centered around a commercial structure fire with defensive operations. Large buildings with heavy fire require large volumes of water. Water supply and pumping is handled by our skilled engineers and firefighters often times utilize large diameter attack lines, like the 2 1/2. We also use these drills to teach the rank below the rank above. You can see firefighters learning the art of pumping under the watchful eyes of their engineers. County of Kern, California

Your association board members recently attended the CPF legislative conference in Sacramento. They met with our local leaders to discuss the needs of today’s modern fire service. Cancer research, line of duty deaths, and mental health were just some of the topics covered. Thank you Senator Shannon Grove Melissa Hurtado Assemblyman Vince Fong and Dr. Jasmeet Bains for State Assembly for taking time to listen to your firefighters.

On behalf of Kern County Firefighters, we send our thoughts and prayers to our brothers and sisters at Riverside City Firefighters Association Local 1067on the sudden loss of their president, and CPF 1st District Vice President Emeritus, Tim Strack.

Tim was a a good friend, and amazing mentor, with a wealth of knowledge. His passion for making the lives better for all firefighters was ever obvious. A leaders leader, always willing to lend an ear and provide guidance in challenging times.

We would also like to extend our gratitude to Tim’s family for sharing with us their time with him. He truly was an amazing person who will hold a special place in everyone’s hearts that knew him.

Over the last several days, 1301 board members were in Washington D.C. speaking with their elected representatives. Topics covered were: recognizing firefighter occupational cancer death, PFAS free PPE, health care for early retirees, and other issues directly related to the health and safety of today’s firefighter. Thank you Speaker Kevin McCarthyand Congressman David Valadao for taking time to listen to your firefighters.

Miguel was a 45 year old stellar human being, Father, and Engineer for Rancho Cucamonga Fire District. Diagnosed with Cancer last July he began a courageous fight that he would ultimately lose. Miguel had an unbelievable support system of family and friends, many of whom were co- workers. During his battle, Miguel and his family received loving care and support from The City of Rancho Cucamonga, Rancho Cucamonga Fire District and Rancho Cucamonga Firefighters local 2274. The City of Rancho medically retired Miguel 2 days prior to his death. Local 1301 members, with support from the Kern County Fire Department were honored to be apart of laying Miguel to rest.

Come hangout with at Whiskey Flat Days in Kernville. Check out some fire apparatus, and get your 1301 gear that’s available for purchase. Hope to see you there!!