Professional Standards Program

We believe that CAL FIRE employees are among the most professional firefighting and resource management personnel available and we hold ourselves to a high standard of excellence.

If you would like to recognize someone who has performed his/her duties in a manner that you think is exceptional or have had a positive interaction with them, then we encourage you to take a moment and tell us about it. Such a positive and appreciative atmosphere improves morale and helps all members of the Department work harder to improve their individual performance, as well as the quality of the services they provide to the public. 

However, as with any large organization, deviation from ideal performance may occur. For this reason, CAL FIRE has a well-defined procedure for assisting citizens who wish to voice a complaint against our operations or our employees’ conduct. A citizen has a right to file a complaint against CAL FIRE or any of its individual members. When a complaint is received, it is forwarded to CAL FIRE’s Professional Standards Program (PSP). If appropriate, CAL FIRE will conduct a thorough investigation. All investigations are conducted objectively and are aimed at maintaining public confidence and Department integrity. Upon completion of an investigation, the findings are directed through the appropriate chain of command for impartial review. Per California Penal Code 832.7(f)(1), if the subject of the investigation is a peace officer, CAL FIRE will provide written notification to the complaining party of the disposition of the complaint within 30 days of the disposition.

Commend & Complaint Form 

• Citizen Complaint Form (Print)