What We Do

California Last Alarm Service Team (CAL-LAST)

What We Do

Dealing with a firefighter line-of-duty death is one of the toughest and most challenging experiences a fire department can face. Through the California Last Alarm Service Team (Cal-LAST), the California Fire Foundation provides comprehensive rapid-response support for local fire departments that lose one of their own in the line of duty.  Developed in conjunction with the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation’s Local Assistance State Team (L.A.S.T.) program, Cal-LAST provides departments and locals with a team of skilled, fire service individuals who can assist with every aspect of a line-of-duty death--from planning a memorial to grief counseling for families.

Cal-LAST consists of a chief officer who has experienced a line-of-duty death first-hand (the Incident Commander), an honor guard commander, a fire service chaplain, a survivor, and an auxiliary service member to tend to any additional needs. Also available to those fire departments that express the need are peer support counseling services and expertise with the US Department of Justice’s Public Safety Officers’ Benefit application process. 

Cal-LAST Mission Statement

The primary mission of the team is to provide assistance and comfort to the family and department and help with filing DOJ-PSOB, state and local benefits. All other aspects of team functionality are secondary, but are made available because of the possible needs of the families and the fire service throughout the country during a critical time.

Cal-LAST Team Values:

  • Family and department above all
  • Ask first, act later, tread lightly
  • Maintain transparency
  • Assist, do not take over unless requested
  • Do all things well
  • Provide accurate and timely information
  • Personal and organizational integrity are paramount
  • Honor, dignity and respect at all times

Requesting Assistance:

If your department has been affected by a line-of-duty death, Cal-LAST is available to help. To learn more about the services that are available, or to request the team’s assistance contact californiafirefoundation@cpf.org or call (916) 641-1707. 

Useful Links:

CAL-LAST Manual

LODD Hot Sheet

Family Resource Guide 

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation:
http://www.firehero.org/

GSA Per Diem Rates:
http://gsa.gov/portal/category/21287

Department of Justice, PSOB Information: