WHEREAS, California is approaching 40,000,000 residents who occupy over 156,000 square miles of land that is prone to earthquakes, fires, floods, severe storms, and other natural disasters, as well as threats of violence and terror; and

WHEREAS, California is known for its extraordinary response to these emergencies. Every day, police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel work as our first line of defense, protecting our communities and ensuring California is the safest place to live, work, and visit; and

WHEREAS, The heart of California’s emergency response capability is our force of first responders. No greater courage is demonstrated than that of dedicated and brave first responders who run toward an emergency, rather than away from it. First responders put their lives on the line by protecting and administering care to others in need; and

WHEREAS, First responders accept the challenge and responsibility of serving others without a second thought. They selflessly perform their duties without regard for their own safety and provide a superior level of service; and

WHEREAS, As a direct result of our first responders’ extensive training, rapid emergency deployment, and coordinated efforts, lives are saved; and

WHEREAS, Every day, the citizens of the State of California rely on the dedicated professionalism of first responders to preserve the peace and secure the safety and well-being of all who live in, and visit, California; now, therefore, be it