Our Global Hope: Scouting Memories

Mr. Lou Paulson discusses His feelings about the Boy Scouts of America and how they helped shape his life. He also shares some of his favorite memories of when he was a scout, and tells us what it means for an adult to be involved in scouting.

Our Global Hope: BSA Shaping Young Leaders

Mr. Paulson discusses his role as a volunteer leader in the scouts, and the values scouting teaches to its members. We also examine the 100 years of Boy Scouts from a historical perspective, and the impact scouting has had on America.

Our Global Hope: 100 Years of Scouting

Mr. Paulson talks about how scouting builds confidence in young men; himself included. Then, we discuss the 100 Year celebration of the Boy Scouts, and some of the events that are planned.

Our Global Hope: The Impact of the BSA

Mr. Paulson gives his opinion on the importance of Boy Scouts in society, and among it members, who are leaders, mentors, friends, and most importantly, family.

Lou Paulson

Lou Paulson is President of California Professional Firefighters, representing 30,000 public safety professionals. As CPF President, he also serves as co-sponsor of the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee and as chair of the California Fire Foundation.

Since his election to the position of CPF president in May of 2004, Lou has established a reputation as a leading figure in California’s fire service as well as the state’s labor movement. Lou helped lead the effort to implement key findings of the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Fire Commission. He also successfully completed a twenty-year struggle to obtain a Firefighter Bill of Rights Act, and he was instrumental in helping to secure 2.5 million dollars through legislation to be used by the CFFJAC for Terrorism Consequence Management (TCM) training.

In addition to his statewide duties, Lou can still be found working “A Shift” at Walnut Creek Fire Station #1 as a captain with the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, where he has worked since 1984. Indeed, Lou has personal experience with the CFFJAC, as he was an apprentice firefighter in the county’s second-ever CFFJAC recruit class.

As a Contra Costa firefighter, Lou was actively involved with Contra Costa County Firefighters, Local 1230. He held positions as co-chair of the Health and Safety Committee, Secretary-Treasurer and ultimately President, which he held until elected to the position of CPF President. In addition, Lou served as CPF Health and Safety Director and 4th District Vice President.

Lou has served on a number of state and national advisory boards and committees. Lou currently serves on the executive board of the California Federation of Labor. Additionally, Lou has served as a consultant for the IAFF’s Hazardous Materials Program, Instructor for UC Davis Extension, and on the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Oversight Committee. Locally, he also served on the Diablo Fire Safe Council and the Los Medanos College Fire Science Advisory Committee.

Learn more about The Mt. Diablo Silverado Council Boy Scouts of America