Keep Brawley Safe

BRAWLEY FIREFIGHTERS AND POLICE LAUNCH “KEEP BRAWLEY SAFE” CAMPAIGN TO HOLD CITY HALL ACCOUNTABLE TO MEASURE J PROMISES

Joint BFFA-BPSEA campaign demands City Council honor voters’ mandate; launches website at KeepBrawleySafe.com

BRAWLEY, CA, The Brawley Firefighters Association (BFFA) and the Brawley Public Safety Employees Association (BPSEA) today announced the launch of Keep Brawley Safe, a joint public education campaign designed to hold the Brawley City Council accountable to the promises made to voters when Measure J passed in November 2024.

Measure J, the Brawley Public Safety, Streets, and Essential Services Measure, was approved by a majority of Brawley voters based on explicit promises that new sales tax revenue (raising the local rate from 7.75% to 8.75%) would fund public safety, including 911 emergency response, fire protection, and neighborhood police patrols. The measure has generated more than $4.4 million since taking effect on April 1, 2025 ($1,033,880 in FY2024/25 and $4,454,000 in FY2025/26), and that figure continues to grow. Despite this new revenue, the City of Brawley is diverting the majority of Measure J funds away from public safety while refusing to negotiate a fair employment contract with its police officers and firefighters.

Independent salary surveys show Brawley police officers have the lowest total compensation among comparator agencies in the region, and Brawley firefighters rank second-to-last. Despite this documented gap, the City’s current contract offer includes no guaranteed salary increase in Year 1, Year 2 and 3: The City is also proposing to convert specialty pay from a percentage basis to flat dollar amounts, cut by one-third to one-half, resulting in an effective pay cut for most members of both associations.

“Voters were crystal clear: they want their tax dollars to protect this community. City Hall is breaking that promise. Keep Brawley Safe exists to make sure residents know what’s happening and can hold their elected officials accountable,” said Jonathan Sabater, President, Brawley Firefighters Association.

Alejandra Jones, President, Brawley Public Safety Employees Association, added, “Brawley already has too few police officers and firefighters protecting this city. Cutting public safety budgets while Measure J money sits in the General Fund for other purposes is not just unfair; it’s dangerous.”

The campaign launches today with a dedicated website at KeepBrawleySafe.com, where residents can learn how Measure J revenue is being spent, contact their City Council members directly, and request a free Keep Brawley Safe lawn sign for their yard.

The Keep Brawley Safe campaign will continue through the summer with community outreach, a public press conference, and organized turnout at the Brawley City Council meeting, where BFFA and BPSEA members and supporters plan to speak during public comment.

About the Brawley Firefighters Association (BFFA)

Representing Brawley’s dedicated line firefighters and emergency responders, the BFFA has protected our community for decades. Our mission is to ensure public safety through expert service, active community involvement, and unwavering advocacy for local life-saving resources. 

About the Brawley Public Safety Employees Association (BPSEA)

The BPSEA represents the essential personnel who keep Brawley running safely and efficiently. Dedicated to public service and community protection, our union advocates for fair workplace standards, transparent city governance, and high-quality services for all residents.