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Saturday, March 20, 2021 | California City

s Come join the Fire Department family for a weekend of fun and camaraderie.
g
et
1 The "Hook and Ladder Enduro" is a fun
family event held near California City.
This event will be on a marked course approximately
25 miles long. It will be a “blind bogey” type of
event - each class will have an unknown time to try to
match. The closest to the “blind bogey” time will
win. Trophies for 1st through 3rd place in each class.

- It is open to all ages and experience levels. - No previous experience necessary.

- Open to any type of off-road vehicle / motorcycle. - Trophies, Prizes and Finisher Pins.

CONTACTS:
Bruce Galien – LAFD Retired – (661) 645-7448 Luvbaja2@aol.com
Craig White – Fire Comms – (661) 305-3102 banzaibros@msn.com

FACEBOOK/Hook and Ladder Enduro

 On the cover: LAFD Saves Large Commercial Building in Hyde Park. Photo | Justin Johnson

Photo Inset: Squad 21 at a structure fire in 33’s first -in. Photo | Fire Station 21

2 • March 2021
 VOL. XCVII MARCH 2021 NO. 7

• FEATURES •
Captain George Roque
In Memory of a True Family Man • ................................................06

Postal Truck Emergencies

Neither Snow nor Rain nor Heat? • ............................................ 09

In Loving Memory
Wilshire the Fire Dog • ................................................................. 10

• CONTENTS •
President’s Message • ............................................................................05
Battalion News • ....................................................................................13
Retired Guys
The Mongoose • ...................................................................................37
Department in Action • .........................................................................39
LAFD Injury Prevention Unit • ................................................................40
Firefighter Crafted
Firefighter Showcase • ......................................................................42
Memorials • ...........................................................................................44
Alex Juan
In Memoriam • .....................................................................................45
The Station Fridge • ...............................................................................48
The Coasters
Positive Pressure Ventilation • .........................................................49
LAFRA Mail • ..........................................................................................50
LAFD History
Fire Station 27 • .............................................................................52
Minutes of the Board of Trustees • .....................................................55
Classifieds • ...........................................................................................58
Tailboard
The Two Toms • ...................................................................................61

Notice: Production of The Firemen’s Grapevine magazine is very expensive, and while your dues
serve to underwrite a portion of the magazine’s costs, the bulk of funding comes from advertisers.
Many businesses advertise in the Grapevine. This does not mean that LAFRA endorses these
advertisers. Use of a Grapevine advertiser is at the risk of the member. If you are interested in any
of the advertisements, we urge you to use any and all means at your disposal to investigate them.

COPYRIGHT © 2021
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association.
No material may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

March 2021 • 3
 FIREMEN’S GRAPEVINE
owned and published by the
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
7470 N Figueroa Street, Los angeles CA 90041

EDITORIAL STAFF
John Hicks • Managing Editor............................................editor@lafra.org
Eric Santiago • Creative Editor...............................................eric@lafra.org
Display Advertising.................................................(323) 259-5200 ext. 231

PSO’s
Nicholas Prange, Margaret Stewart, Brian Humphrey

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Art Sorrentino, Alicia Iwakiri, Frank Borden, Mark Khitikian, Bonnie Lopez

PHOTOGRAPHERS
Gary Apodaca, David Blaire, Brandon Buckley, Chris Eckenrode, 564 Fire, Greg
Doyle, Harry Garvin, Steve Gentry, Yvonne Griffin, Kevin Johnson, Justin Johnson,
Gavin Kaufman, Rick McClure, Mike Meadows, Kyle Rausch, Jacob Salzman,
Peter Sanders, Erik Scott, Adam VanGerpen, Zak Holman

LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION

Jeff Cawdrey..........................................................President
Chris Stine .....................................................Vice-President
Jim Dolan & Steve Ruda ...............................Community Affairs Liaisons

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chris Bustamante JD Fox Mike Sailhamer
Craig White Jeff Halloran Rick Godinez
Danny Wu Jim Duffy Steve Berkery
Frank Aguirre Joe Vigil Steve Tufts
Gayle Sonoda John Jacobsen Tim Freeman Jr.
Gene Bednarchik Juan Albarran Tyler Tomich
Henry Gasbarri Kenny Breskin

CHAPLAINS
To contact a chaplain, please call Senior Chaplain, Tim Werle at
(213) 797-2404 or the MFC Floor Captain at (213) 576-8920
Kevin Smith..........................Chaplain Hershy Z. Ten.......................Chaplain
Danny Leon..........................Chaplain Roger Fowble.....................Chaplain
George A. Negrete...............Chaplain Mark R. Woolf.....................Chaplain
Aquil F. Basheer..................Chaplain Jesus Pasos.........................Chaplain
Daniel Lee............................Chaplain Rick Godinez........................Chaplain

TELEPHONES
Fire-Relief ...............................................................(323) 259-5200
Relief Association Toll Free Number .........................(800) 244-3439
Relief Medical Plan ................................................. (866) 995-2372
Fax Number ..............................................................(323) 259-5290

LAFRA MANAGEMENT
Todd Layfer • Executive Director..............................(323) 259-5243
Adriana Faust • Human Resources Director...............(323) 259-5247
Liberty Unciano • Controller/Treasurer..................(323) 259-5225
Bob Dillon • Operations Manager.............................(323) 259-5233
Marlene Casillas • Development & Marketing Director(323) 259-5217
Ana Salazar • Member Services Coordinator............(323) 259-5223

HealthComp
Claims & Benefit Information...................................(866) 99-LAFRA
THE FIREMEN’S GRAPEVINE (USPS 191-060) is published monthly by the Los Angeles Firemen’s
Relief Association, 7470 N Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, Cal­i­for­nia 90041. Annual $48 Subscription
included with Association mem­ber­ship; Non-members: $48. Single issues $4 postpaid. Back issues $7
postpaid. Pe­ri­od­i­cals post­age paid at Los Angeles, CA and at additional mailing office. POST­MAS­TER: Send
ad­dress changes to: THE FIREMEN’S GRAPE­VINE Magazine, P.O. BOX 41903, Los An­ge­les, CA 90041.

Printed by Collective Color, Los Angeles CA. For Clas­si­fied and Display Ad­ver­tis­ing rates please call (323)
259-5200, ext. 231 or 232. All editorial matter must be received by the Editor eight weeks prior to the month of
pub­li­ca­tion. The opin­ions ex­pressed here­in are those of the writ­ers and do not nec­es­sar­i­ly reflect the official
views of the Los An­ge­les City Fire De­part­ment or the Los An­ge­les Firemen’s Relief Association.

4 • March 2021
M
arch is upon us. Approximately one year ago, the Co-
vid-19 Virus was the major topic in the main stream
media. Some were concerned as to how it could affect
them, or some questioned “is it even real.” Shortly after, the lock
downs and closures started, the expectation being a month or two
to get this under control. Many had hoped that the Coronavirus
would go away as the summer weather warmed and became more
humid. This was obviously not the case. Some of our members
and their families have been deeply affected by Covid-19, and
I don’t think any of us imagined a year ago the impact it would
have on our world.
A positive impact that you can make for your family or
beneficiaries is to respond to LAFRA with any changes on the
Member Summary Report/RAP and Beneficiary sheet you will
be receiving in the mail. It is that time of year for you to verify
the information we have on file is correct. Please open up your
mail and read both sides of the RAP sheet to verify you have the
correct Beneficiaries listed. If you need to make changes to either
the LAFRA Update Form, or the Beneficiary Form, you can sim-
ply snap a picture with your cell phone of the revised document
and email it back to memberservices@lafra.org; fax and regular
mail are accepted as well. There is NO need to call if everything
is correct! Please direct any questions you have to our Member
Services Department at 323-259-5200 and they will be happy to
assist you.
On March 4th, 2021, a presentation of the medical plans
renewal will be provided to the Los Angeles Fire and Police Pen-
sion Board to determine “suitability” as a board approved plan.
July 1st, 2021 starts the fourth year of the current contract in
place with LAFPP allowing LAFRA to provide our retirees with
Medical Plan Benefits. Again, we are hopeful this early timeline
of presenting our plans renewal will allow the LAFPP Board to
make a determination on the Non-Medicare subsidies, so that
LAFRA can provide you with the correct plan cost prior to open
enrollment next month in April.
The month of March also opens the filing period for the
Relief Association Scholarship Awards. The filing period comes
to a close on Wednesday, March 31st, 2021 at 5:00pm. The Schol-
arship Evaluation/Exam will take place on Saturday, April 10th,
2021. For more information, send an email to scholarship@lafra.
org.
On February 3rd, 2021, the LAFD Fire Hogs rode down
to the Relief Association offices to present another donation to
the Widow’s Orphans & Disabled Firefighters Fund. These funds
were raised in 2020 during the pandemic. The continued support
provided by the LAFD Fire Hogs is greatly appreciated here at
LAFRA. On June 12th, 2021, the 23rd Annual Fallen Heroes Me-
morial Ride has been scheduled. Please find a safe way to support
the event. Thank you to President Jack Wise, and all the Hogs and
donors!
Speaking of motorcycles, don’t forget the Hook & Ladder
Enduro taking place this month on March 20th. Bruce Galien and
Craig White are at it again raising funds for the Relief. Thank you
guys, along with your army of volunteers for what you do for the
Relief. Be safe out there in the sand.
On January 30th, 2021, the LAFRA Staff/Family lost one
of our own to the Covid-19 virus. Alex Juan (Senior Staff Ac-
countant) worked for LAFRA for 15 years, he was a very dedicat-
ed and loyal member in the accounting department. To the Juan
family, our thoughts and prayers go out to you, and remember
you will always be a part of our “Fire Family.”
As progress is being made against the fight of Covid-19
with vaccine availability and distribution, the Los Angeles Fire-
men’s Relief Association will continue to be vigilant and do our
part to keep you informed and healthy!
Be safe out there!
150 250 350
Jeff J. Cawdrey
323.259.5202
president@lafra.org
March 2021 • 5

C
aptain George Roque is a hero; there
is no question about it. It doesn’t take
an act of extreme heroism to be la-
beled such, just the wiliness to sacrifice one’s
self for another. On January 1, 2021, Captain
6 • March 2021
Roque made that ultimate sacrifice during his
service to the people of the City of Los An-
geles, passing away due to complications of
the Covid-19 Virus. George Roque was more
than just a LAFD Captain; he was a husband,
a father, and a friend to many. A member since
1998, George served the LAFD with honor and
integrity for 22 years. Fire Chief Ralph Terra-
zas was quoted writing of George, “He was an
exemplary leader who displayed a strong work
ethic, led by example, and had a tremendous
amount of pride for the community and the sta-
tion.” These words capture the essence of his
leadership qualities and his love of the job.
George was raised in a very disciplined
household that was still filled with love. He
was one of four boys, being the second to the
youngest. His parents, Alfredo and Rachael
Roque, taught the boys that life was all about
working hard and remaining strong as a fam-
ily. Growing up, the family enjoyed camping
trips, fishing, hunting, and most of all—Fam-
ily gatherings. George wanted to raise his own
family exactly as he was raised and he did so
with pride.
George met his wife Hope as a sopho-
more in high school. They married quite young
and began their family at the ages of 17 and 16.
As a young family, they faced many hardships
and struggles, but that never stopped George’s
determination to set and accomplish his life
goals.
Throughout his career path George al-
ways set high expectations for himself and nev-
er settled. He was always searching for ways to
advance. These skills would later be his keys
to success and he would instill this sentiment
in his four children and extended family. There
was never a time where someone would have
a conversation with George and words of wis-
dom or a great story wouldn’t be shared. At
home, George would reinforce his values with
his kids through tough love and discipline.
George would always say to his wife, Hope,
“We have to teach these kids.”
While working to advance, George’s
goal was always to be hired on with LAFD.
After 15 years in the fire service George fi-
nally received the call he had been waiting for,
he was chosen to attend the academy for Los
Angeles City Fire Department. Unfortunately,
within that same week, he lost his loving moth-
er unexpectedly. This meant George would
have to start the academy a few days after los-
ing his mother, and be forced to grieve alone,
away from his family and father. This was a
true testament of how strong-willed George
was.
During the academy and while promot-
ing George was known for his relentless study-
ing. He did not attend an event or family func-
tion without having a study binder, books, or
flash cards to review. His family would often
find him in front of a mirror rehearsing for his
upcoming drill presentations and interviews.
This commitment showed how truly driven
and dedicated George was to succeed.
As hard as George worked, he always
managed to enjoy life. George enjoyed his
“Friday Rounds” with his sons, playing in the
yard with his kids and grandkids, working on
his four acres of orange groves, and planning
the next family trip to his Lake Havasu home.
George planned these trips with his four chil-
dren and their families in mind, yet somehow
these trips always grew to include so many
more!
Those family trips are now known as
some of the best memories his loved ones will
have to share for a lifetime. These memories
remind us all what life is all about—remaining
strong together.
George is survived by his Wife Hope of
forty years, four children, ages 13 to 39. Each
of them proud to carry the same family values
and strength their Father has shown.
George Jr, 39, is a foreman electrician,
married with the three children. He shares his
dad’s love for hunting and looks forward to fu-
ture trips with his little brother.
Sarah, 37, is a Registered Nurse, mar-
ried with three children. She enjoys family
trips to Lake Havasu and plans to continue the
same love and traditions in her dad’s memory.
Tonie, 32, is also a Registered Nurse,
engaged with two children. Her selflessness
and dedication to family is nothing less than
George’s own.
Ortega, 13, looked forward to his dad’s
days off. They were inseparable. They would
work long days completing home projects and
working on the four acres of orange groves.
Ortega is a strong young man, hardworking,
and responsible. He has dreams of becoming a
Firefighter, following in his Father’s footsteps.
George’s commitment to teaching his children
hard work, strong morals, and the importance
of family will carry on through the Roque gen-
eration.
To the world he was a dad and husband,
to his wife and four kids, he was their entire
world.
George will now be spending his eter-
nal life with his loving parents, Alfredo and
Rachael Roque and his beloved niece, Audrey
in Heaven. We love you, and until we meet
again....
March 2021 • 7
 Each year your Relief Association awards
college scholarships to member dependents.
These include:
• The Leo K. Najarian Memorial Scholarship of $25,000
• The Bill Goss Scholarship of $15,000
• Three Relief Scholarship awards of $12,500
• Dennis Mendenhall Memorial Scholarship of $25,000

APPLICATION PERIOD EVALUATION & TESTING

Begins March 1, 2021until Saturday, April 10, 2021
March 31, 2021 @ 5PM PST (participants will be notified)

Online application available at lafra.org/scholarships

scholarship@lafra.org

8 • March 2021
T
hey’re in our neighborhood every day.
Hundreds and hundreds of them. They
drive past your children’s schools; they
pull up next to you in traffic; they even park
in front of your home—oh, and they are burst-
ing into flames. I’m talking about mail trucks
and in the last six years, more than 400 United
States Postal Service mail trucks have report-
edly burst into flames, completely destroying
some of the vehicles and their contents and se-
verely damaging others.
Starting back as far as 2015, people
started noticing a problem with the aging fleet
of the USPS. On a weekly basis the vehicle,
known as the Long-Life Vehicle or LLV, start-
ed catching fire. In Manchester, New Hamp-
shire two vehicles were destroyed. In 2016,
three LLVs caught fire in South Carolina,
Texas, and Florida. Since then, it has become a
common weekly occurrence across the nation.
THE VEHICLE
Based on a Chevrolet S-10 truck chas-
sis, these Long-Life Vehicles were specially
developed by Northrop Grumman for the
USPS. These box-like vans have a three-speed
transmission and are powered internally by a
Pontiac engine. They have a 1,000-pound car-
go capacity and roughly a 24-year life expec-
tancy.
THE REASON
Some experts have surmised the age
of the vehicles may have played a pivotal role
in their increasing combustible end. Take into
consideration that some of the vehicles still on
the road today went into service back in 1987,
with the last vehicle in this class being deliv-
ered in 1994; that’s over 26 years ago, and there
seems to be cause for concern.
As far back as 2015, the National As-
sociation of Letter Carriers and the post office
connected the increased fires to the age of their
fleet. In a 2015 newsletter from the NALC, ti-
tled, “Dangers of Melting USPS Vehicles,” it
was stated that, “USPS vehicles catching fire
are becoming more frequent as the fleet ages
and is in dire need of replacement.”
There may indeed be a dire need to re-
place these aging delivery vehicles, but unfor-
tunately, recent political events, budgetary re-
straints, and the advent of the Coronavirus has
put a temporary hold on long standing plans to
do so. In 2011, USPS put together a plan to re-
place the LLV’s and to gradually phase out the
entire aging fleet starting in 2017. According to
a 2019 article on Trucks.com, the U.S. Postal
Service delayed awarding a multi-billion dollar
contract to replace its fleet of aging mail trucks
until this year. So far, no evidence has been
found by this author to confirm any contracts
have been awarded. To add to the confusion,
the postal service also now says it may split as-
sembly of 186,000 next-generation daily mail
trucks between several of the four company
teams competing for the $6 billion-plus con-
tract.
IS THERE A PATTERN
Is there a pattern to the fires—No!
These flammable incidents have occurred all
across the nation. From Santa Clarita, Cali-
fornia to Manchester, New Hampshire. These
vehicle fires have ignited in hot weather and
in cold, in rural farmland to downtown areas.
Some vehicles were in motion when the fires
have occurred, while others had been parked
and unoccupied. As of this publication, there
has been no specific reason, other than age of
the vehicle that has proven to be the smoking
gun. With more than 100,000 same-like ve-
hicles on the road today, think of the potential.
There is not only a real danger of one
of these aging vehicles catching fire, but also a
potential legal nightmare for the postal service
and for us, the taxpayer. Case in point: PG&E
and their legal woes with recent fires in Cali-
fornia. A LLV in the hills above Hollywood;
the same vehicle in an underground parking. A
LLV parked next to a SFD. The potential for
danger and liability is real.
CONCLUSION
So far, true tragedy has been avoided
over the years that were connected with these
fires, and the replacement process for the an-
cient mail carrier is near. In all fairness de-
livering millions of letters and parcels on a
relatively tight time line is a daunting task, and
the postal service should be given credit where
credit is due. It should, however, be cause for
concern that a well-documented problem is
still an issue and a public danger, and a solu-
tion to fix the problem should be implemented
in the immediate future.
Source—Truck.com, Vice.com, Postaltimes.com
March 2021 • 9
W
ilshire the Fire
Dog’s boundless
energy, smiling
face, friendly, loving nature
and tireless commitment to
his family, the community and
people around him captured
the hearts of everyone who
met him. To know Wilshire is
to love Wilshire. He touched
thousands of lives in his many
years of service. Anyone who
has loved a dog knows they
are a gift and Wilshire was
quite an exceptional and spe-
cial one. With his whimsical
ears and happy-go-lucky na-
ture, Wilshire was a canine
with charisma. Children lit up
the second they saw him and
adults, from grads to grand-
traveled throughout Southern California, as during a frightening fire) and so much more.
mas, commented he radiated well as across the nation, taking the stage at Fun props and elaborate sets, all courtesy of
like sunshine. schools, churches, expos, community events,
LAFD functions, and even the L.A. Mayor’s
the creativity and devotion of Ryan, his wife
Nicole and their two boys, made Wilshire’s
Rescued as a pup from a trip to the shel- Getty House, to give crowd-pleasing lessons appearances unforgettable. Teachers and com-
ter by the kind firefighters of LAFD fire sta- and demonstrations. Under the incredible munity leaders say the important emergency
tion 29 and adopted by Captain Ryan Penrod, leadership and guidance of Captain Penrod, preparedness and fire safety lessons made a
Wilshire dedicated his life to serving others. this amazing spotted dog showed people how strong and lasting impression on the children
Full of spunk and incredibly smart, the hand- to “Stop, Drop & Roll,” “Bark (call) 9-1-1,” and are sure to save lives because Wilshire and
some Dalmatian spent close to 17 years teach- “Get Low & Go,” head toward instead of hid- Ryan made it so joyful and memorable. Ryan
ing children and adults life and fire safety. He ing from a rescuer (as some young children do and Wilshire invested countless hours of do-
10 • March 2021

nated time, training and preparing together for
every appearance. Energetic and strong, he had
a blast learning new tricks and running on the
treadmill alongside the firefighters. Healthy
lifestyle tips and the core values of trust, cour-
age and honesty also were part of Wilshire’s
educational messages.
OUR CANINE COMMUNITY HERO
Alongside Ryan, Wilshire also devoted
countless hours to charity, attending numerous
annual fundraisers for the Widows, Orphans &
Disabled Firefighter’s Fund; donating his time
to raise awareness for St. Baldrick’s, the char-
ity dedicated to children’s cancer research; ap-
pearing in a calendar to raise donations and put
a spotlight on the plight of homeless pets for the
Best Friends Animal Society and L.A. Animal
Shelters; being featured in the campaign for
the annual “Spark of Love” holiday toy drive;
appearing at the LAFD Historical Society, and
helping so many other charities and causes, it
is impossible to list them all. When the need
arose, Ryan and Wilshire always filled it, lend-
ing his paws for the cause whenever and wher-
ever they were needed. With such a strong
desire to help others, “no” just was not in the
Penrod vocabulary. Wilshire always wore his
badge with pride. His photo booth at the an-
nual Hope for Firefighters event has always
been one of the most popular attractions. Many
of the event’s most dedicated supporters said
getting their picture taken with Wilshire year
after year was the cherished highlight of the
day, and even the reason they attended.
Wilshire also dazzled the media, ap-
pearing on several TV shows throughout his
life, from his early training days with Cesar
Millan in an episode of “The Dog Whisperer,”
and its 100th Anniversary Special, to his spot
as a finalist for NBC’s “Top Fire House Dog.”
He also received several invitations to appear
in major stage productions, including the time-
less classic “Annie,” at the Kodak Theatre,
and “Peter Pan & Tinker Bell” at the Pasa-
dena Playhouse among others. Wilshire even
led the pack at the massive “Move Your Tail
Challenge” 5K event at the Rose Bowl, wowed
the crowds in numerous parades and was a
huge draw at the Los Angeles Kings Heroes
Salute to Firefighters hockey game. While be-
ing a popular pup in high demand took a lot
of work and training, Wilshire thrived in the
spotlight, enjoying the training, and approach-
ing it all with a playful attitude and enthusi-
astic spirit. Wilshire lavished Ryan with fre-
quent kisses, clearly loved being by his side
and barked with joy whenever he saw Ryan,
his family or the longtime friends and people
in his pack. One of Wilshire’s best jobs was
being a constant loving and loyal companion
to Ryan, his wife Nicole and their two young
boys, who have spent their entire lives growing
up side by side with their four-legged brother.
A pup with tons of personality, Wilshire made
them laugh whenever he tried to sneak off
with a sandwich meant for the kids, shared his
zest for life when he ran and frolicked outside
or played a rambunctious game of tug-o-war
with the boys, provided warmth and comfort
with many treasured snuggles and gave them
security as he kept a protective and watchful
eye on his loving family. Wilshire was an im-
portant and cherished member of the Penrod
family, our LAFD and firefighter family, and
the community as a whole. As he crossed
the “Rainbow Bridge” on January 2, 2021, it
is impossible to hold back the tears as this is
typed. Our deepest condolences go out to the
Penrod’s and all who loved and knew the won-
derful Wilshire. We are honored by Wilshire’s
service and forever impacted by the kindness
and generosity he gave so easily. We thank him
and the Penrod’s with deep appreciation for all
of it. Wilshire, our community canine hero, is
in our hearts and memories always.
March 2021 • 11
 RUN THE RUN, WALK OR STROLL THE RUN, WALK OR STROLL THE

FALL 2021 (EXACT DATES TBD SOON) FALL 2021 (EXACT DATES TBD SOON) FALL 2021 (EXACT DATES TBD SOON)
IF NEEDED, COVID-19 ALTERNATIVES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IF NEEDED, COVID-19 ALTERNATIVES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED WILL BE HELD VIRTUALLY IF NEEDED

BENEFITING

OTHER WAYS TO HELP:

FOR INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION VISIT GIVETOAHERO.ORG/MARATHON

12 • March 2021
All proceeds benefit the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighterʼs Fund, a 113-year-old non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to helping our LAFD families in times of crisis
E

Engine 14 at a Greater Alarm fire in

21’s first-in. Photo | James Kaiser

Firefighters from Station 10 readying them-

selves to do battle. Photo | James Kaiser
Oxygen supply influence the color of fire. A low-oxygen fire contains lots of un-com-
busted fuel particles and will give off a yellow glow. A high-oxygen fire burns blue.

Task Force 10 working hard to shut down a sheared

hydrant after a traffic accident. Photo | Justin Johnson

March 2021 • 13
s of crisis
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14 • March 2021
 they sent to the family of Retired Engineer ing the inside spot on the truck that day. For
Albert Colley. Fire Station 44 also did a nice clarification and accuracy contact FS 12. As
flag ceremony for Firefighter/Paramedic always, let’s do our best to be safe in the in the
Frank Aguilar. Good work. I was all set to fin- coming months. We just might be on the right
ish this and I just got an anonymous email (is track to recovery here. In the stations, be safe,
Greetings from the Sinners and Saints there any other) with one last story or should I wear your masks and wash you hands, do not
of Battalion 2. Now, let keep in mind, as say shenanigan. Every station is having some take any chances. That’s all I have this month.
always, these monthly articles are from photos sort of staffing issue almost every day, and Please send your comments and rumors to
and information this author observes and from even I, an embryotic Captain, have a hard time plucks-65215@mypacks.net. If you don’t, I’ll
what I get via YouTube, email, Facebook, keeping up. Especially when rated members just make stuff up, kinda like I do already. So
Instagram, news wire, grapevine, hearing are working down. So, Captains make sure long, be safe, and take care of each other, and
things on weekend drills, and stuff I just make that when you tell an out of house A/O that lets safely get through this winter and upcom-
up etc. So, with that being said… away we go. used to be assigned to your station but is ing spring in one piece.
Well, I’ll say it. Happy New Year. Let’s hope working down that you don’t like the spot he
this one is a heck of a lot better than the one parked the truck, make sure that he aint rid- -Captain Jeffrey T. Spaulding
we just experianced. Speaking of experience,
as you grow on this job, you gain knowledge
and understanding—right? Some of that is
tradition, right. Some learn by watching, some
learn by the old timer with a few years on,
and well, some just don’t get it. Which leads
me to my point. I heard that over at 55’s on
the other side of the Battalion, Tim Saldana
successfully made to his 20-year mark and
put on an extrodinary dinner. Thanks for
keeping the tradition alive Tim! BUT as I was
attempting to take a break from my Captains
study program in the Marlow Training room,
I over heard some chatter that a couple other
“A” shifters have yet to put on their 20-year
extravaganza? You can narrow it down, one
of the tardy members has a nickname, Surf
and Turf, the other is on the rescue. I hear
that a member on the B-shift hit his 40 year
mark….. I hope it’s a good one, eh Chief? I
see on the transfer sheet that Captain Flynn
has left 50-B. I worked a bunch at 50’s this
past year. Was he there? Never saw him.
Okay, you know how your day starts off kinda
shakey, and you wish you never got out of bed
and just stayed home to listen to the rain? I
think that’s how some guys felt recently dur-
ing one of our rare rain storms. Seems that
there was a structure response over in 47’s
first-in on the dirt roads of upper and lower
Paradise Road. Well, the way I hear it was En-
gine 16 that was the first that got stuck in the
slick mud filled road, right on the edge, and
then Engine 44, not too far behind got stuck.
Engine 12 wanting to save the day made an
effort to get up there and rescue the trapped
engines to no avail. See the picture if you
think I’m making this one up! OH, btw, the
Battalion 2 Commander and his EIT got stuck
as well. Heavy rescue eventually got everyone
out safe! FYI, to be fair, the Engineer driving
Engine 16 that day wasn’t from the highlands,
but rather from the tarmac of LAX—so we
will cut him some slack—maybe. I need to
end this month on a bit of a somber note but
still I am proud to be in an organization of
Men and Women that can keep the tradition
alive of the flag ceremony when a member
passes away. Thank you to Fire Station 12 for
the well put together flag ceremony and video

March 2021 • 15
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Charred bones and wood ash indicate that early hominids were tending the first intentional fires more than 400,000 years ago.

Firefighters fight an outside fire exposing

a structure. Photos | Rick Zwirn

March 2021 • 17
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18 • March 2021
 Firefighter Escobar working on Engine 95
attacks an auto-fire. Photo | Justin Johnson

Artist Rosie Tos shows she’s multi-talented, capturing the work of Battalion
4 companies digitally on an early morning fire in Venice. Photo | Rosie Tos

March 2021 • 19
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20 • March 2021
LF64 + E85 on a hydrant in 79s.
Photo | James Kaiser

E49, LF38, RA38 and BC6 were dispatched on an

Elevator call to the TRAPAC Terminal for a worker
Engine 79 handles a traffic accident re- trapped in a crane elevator approximately 120 feet
sulting in auto-fire. Photo | James Kaiser off the ground. Photo | Nat Lauro

March 2021 • 21
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22 • March 2021
 USAR TF 85 conducts a low angle rescue
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Truck 69 gets into a little action in an early morning

fire on Ocean Ave. Photo | Yvonne Griffin

March 2021 • 23
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24 • March 2021
Members from Station 114 and 90 handle a small plane with landing
gear failure at Van Nuys Airport. Photos | Gary Gatena & Gil Toban

Firefighters inspect a structure after it was

struck by an auto. Photo | Chris Eckenrode

March 2021 • 25
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26 • March 2021
 Firefighters prepare to ventilate a roof
in Sherman Oaks. Photo | Ricks McClure

A broken water main on Sylvan St. caused damage to 5 businesses. Two task
forces were used for several hours to help clean up. Photo | Mike Meadows

March 2021 • 27
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28 • March 2021
The big guns are brought in at a fire Arriving units found a one-story, abandoned and boarded up
in a Sun Valley. Photo | A. Bastman restaurant with heavy fire showing. Photo | Brandon Buckley

Engine 98 handles a fire in a box truck LAFD responded to a reported brush fire off
in Pacoima. Photo | Brandon Buckley the Penrose on-ramp. Photo | Jacob Salzman

March 2021 • 29
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30 • March 2021
 Members from Task Force 21 converging on a well-in-
volved single-family dwelling. Photo | Task Force 21

A member of Station 21 on a rubbish fire exposing A firefighter makes his way to the roof during
on a commercial. Photo | James Kaiser a SF in 26’s first-in. Photo | Brandon North

A firefighter from 46 working on Structure in 57’ s first-in caused from an auto that
an auto-fire. Photo | James Kaiser extended into a house. Photo | James Kaiser

March 2021 • 31
 E46 working a stubborn auto-fire in
the evening. Photo | James Kaiser

16133 Ventura Blvd, Suite 685

Encino CA 91436
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Squad 21 on a fire in 9’s first-in.

Photo | Fire Station 21

32 • March 2021
 E33 Probationary Firefighter Pallares working
a van fire. Photo | James Kaiser

LAFD member doing what LAFD Members of Task Force 21 all smiles after a structure
does best! Photo | James Kaiser fire in 33’s first-in. Photo | Task Force 21

LAFD members pose with grateful neighbors after A few members of Batt 13 going Vogue
a SF at 4269 S Leimert Blvd. Photo | Yvonne Griffin after a Sf. Photo | Yvonne Griffin

March 2021 • 33
 Members from Task Force 60 ascend the aerial with
a roof ladder and chain saw. Photo | Rick McClure

Firefighters attack a single-story structure A firefighter applies a water battery to a 60x100 metal clad
fire in 60’s first-in. Photo | Brandon Buckley building with heavy fire showing. Photo | Brandon Buckley

Battalion 15 companies work on an injured patient after

a T/C in the Santa Susana Pass. Photo | Mark Lassman

34 • March 2021
 LAFD responded to a reported house fire in the
9700 block of Swinton Ave. Photo | Rick McClure

LAFD E-18 assists LACoFD on about 1/4 acre of

brush along The Old Rd at the 14 Fwy overcrossing.
Photos | Rick McClure Earth is the only known planet where fire can burn.

A firefighter from Station 96 works to extin-

guish a rubbish fire. Photo | Shane Salzman

March 2021 • 35
 The fast-moving fire appears to have started with a tree and quickly spread
to other structures and vegetation. Photos | Greg Doyle and Jacob Salzman

Men die or are injured in fires twice as often as women.

Firefighters in a defensive stance at a large

commercial fire in the Crenshaw District.
Photo | Justin Johnson

Firefighters defend a three-story commercial building

adjacent to a large fire. Photo | Yvonne Griffin

36 • March 2021
THE MONGOOSE
I was beaten to the punch with this sto-
ry by Jim Kinninger. Thanks for writing this
story for me Jim and thanks to your wife, who
is your proofreader.
While working at FS 27 in the early
’70’s, Webb shows up to do some painting on
one of the rigs. He parks his truck at the rear
doors of the station and sets up to do his work.
He also sets a small wire cage on the tailgate
of his truck with a sign that reads, “Mongoose:
Stay back!” He then goes about his work as if
he is totally disinterested in the cage with what
appears to be the tail of a mongoose sticking
out from a box (den) in the cage. Well, pretty
soon a few ‘novice’ lads begin to gather, curi-
ous since none had ever seen such a creature.
Webb warns them to keep back as these ani-
mals are quite vicious! Finally, Webb comes
over and begins to answer a few questions as he
strategically moves to the rear of the cage and
agrees to the demand to see the creature come
out of his ‘den.’ All the while, Webb uses his
hand behind the box to move a rod that makes
the ‘tail’ of the animal move back and forth.
Then, at just the right moment, as some eager
fire laddie moves closer, Webb trips a spring
and the top of the cage flips open with a bang
and this creature flies out of the cage straight at
the unsuspecting target! It hits him in the chest
as he falls backwards screaming and flailing
his hands to protect himself! Several firemen
know the setup and are laughing so hard their
sides hurt while others head for safety!
Since FS 27 had 22 members on duty
back then, it wasn’t long before the victims re-
cruited several newbies to come see the mon-
goose, and Webb, acting busy, reluctantly goes
through the whole routine again and the former
target regains some of his manhood for not be-
ing the only sap to fall for this.
Then there was the time we lured one of
the cops from the Hollywood station next door
to see the mongoose, and the ring attached to
the tail of the mongoose just caught the officers
pen in his chest pocket. This guy was beating
his chest so hard he bruised himself trying
to get the mongoose off of him! Sure glad he
didn’t draw his gun!!
I believe the Mongoose is now a part of
the LAFD Museum at Old 27’s.
THE 1994 EARTHQUAKE
We had a pretty good night going for us
at FS 100 until around 4:30 in the morning. From then on Joe was known as Mister Potato
The station began shaking, parts of the Head. I got a lot of mileage out of that.
lighting fell from the ceiling, and my partner,
Cayce Culbertson, kept trying to stand up. RICK KAY
Bad idea. It was January 17th, 1994, when the
Northridge Earthquake hit. At first, it sounded Rick is a good guy who eventually pro-
like a freight train coming through the station moted to A/O and beyond. In the 1970’s-1980’s
and then the lights went out. Cayce decided he it was common to hear the expression A-OK,
didn’t want anything to do with staying in the which had its roots in the space program. This
building, so he got out of bed, tried to stand up, meant that everything was working well. Oc-
and was instantly knocked to the ground. He casionally Rick would answer the business
tried to get up two more times before the shak- phone, A/O Kay. Say it a couple of times, it will
ing stopped, same results. come to you.
When the building stopped moving, we
got the front doors open and got the Engine, OLD LAFD PHOTOS
the RA, and the Foam rig into the side yard.
After we counted noses to make sure everyone As promised, starting with this month’s
was safely outside. This is when the full mag- edition, there will be at least two of the old
nitude of what had just occurred hit us. LAFD photos that were salvaged from the junk
It was pitch black outside and dead si- pile many years ago.
lent except for a few car alarms that were vi- As we go through the photos, if you see
brated into life. It was as if we had been trans- one that you would like to have, email me and
ported up to10,000 feet into the mountains. It I will send your choice to you.
is an amazing sight to look at the sky and see How many people did it take to put the
nothing but stars. I was momentarily transfixed spare on that engine? FS3 had some of the lon-
by the sheer number of stars that were visible gest poles, about 3 floors as I recall, and the
in the Valley when you turned off all of the rookie had to polish them. This was located at
lights. 2nd & Hill St.
Paramedic Steve Hofbauer, now you Remember, keep the shiny side up.
can call him Hizzoner the Mayor of Palmdale
from RA93, was looking north on Reseda Bou- Art Sorrentino
levard. He said the street, for as far as he could Daoldwestsidekid@yahoo.com
see, looked like watching waves at the beach
because the pavement was rip-
pling so violently. Everyone was
held over for twelve hours just
in case another earthquake hit,
but there was nothing but after
shocks so they sent us home.
MISTER POTATO HEAD
Joe Tejeda was one of the
finest people I had the pleasure
of working with...except for the
nickname he picked up at FS75.
He was standing on the
apparatus floor one fine day
when the A/O’s family, includ-
ing his young son, came to visit
Dad at the station. The years
have erased the A/O’s name but
not the story. He introduced his
son to Joe, but the boy couldn’t
pronounce Joe’s last name. It
came out sounding like Potato.
March 2021 • 37
 MEDIA ADVISORY
Fire Velo Cycling Club

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:

January 1, 2021 Buck Buchanan
Vice President, Fire Velo
knkdwn@aol.com
(805) 630-4527

Fire Velo Cyclists Announce 2021 Los Angeles to New York City
20th Anniversary of September 11, 2001
9/11 Ride for America
The Board of Fire Velo, a non-profit 501, c3 announce the kickoff for their 2021
cross country cycling ride which will start from the Santa Monica Pier the
morning of July 25, 2021. Firefighters representing departments in California,
Colorado and Washington state will travel across the country in remembrance of
those who lost their lives on that fateful morning almost 20 years ago.

Cyclists will stop to pay their respects at the Oklahoma City National Memorial
and Museum, Flight 93 National Memorial in Somerset County Pennsylvania, The
Pentagon and finally arriving in NYC at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum on
September 9, 2021.

Cyclist will travel over 3,300 miles in 45 days, reaching out to communities small
and large across our great country.

Their efforts will include raising funds for 3 nonprofit foundations which provide
assistance to firefighters and law enforcement. As of September 2020, the FDNY
and NYPD have lost 227 and 200 members respectively from 9/11 cancer.

We are currently working with the IAFF 10th District VP Frank Lima and on the
East Coast, Uniformed Fire Officer Association Local 854 and Uniformed
Firefighters Association Local 94 of FDNY. This collaboration will provide for
increased awareness of our journey and involvement of firefighters from around
the USA.

Fire Velo is a Fire Department based cycling club. We are Firefighters riding for Firefighters. Our goal is to be a highly visible
national cycling organization participating in rides and charity events throughout the United States. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit
organization and all funds raised through Fire Velo help provide financial assistance to fire department-based groups and causes. It
is our goal to assist in providing financial support to the many facets of the fire service. For more information, visit www.firevelo.com

38 • March 2021
RUBBISH FIRE
Crenshaw
Photos | Justin Johnson &
@southbayfirephoto—Kory Cuico

On January 20, 2021, LF 94 was dispatched alone to a

rubbish fire in the 4300 blk of S. Crenshaw Blvd. While
enroute to the incident, the incident was upgraded to a
structure fire. Upon arriving on scene, LF 94 reported
fire showing from a 2-story commercial building. LF
94, along with E-34 initiated a transitional fire attack,
but due to the heavy fire load and difficulty accessing
the seat of the fire, companies soon took a defensive
posture.

March 2021 • 39
Importance- Rotator cuff injuries are one of the most common firefighter injuries.
A strong and well-functioning rotator cuff provides a stable and mobile shoulder
joint and will help prevent shoulder injuries and injury to this critical and vulner-
able muscle group.
Exercise Variations- Many good options exist for performing shoulder external ro-
tation strengthening. One of the easiest is side-lying with a light-weight dumbbell.
Another good option is standing with a light cable or band. Both versions of the
exercise involves the elbow being bent to 90 degrees and the elbow tucked into
your side. Rotate your forearm outward (squeezing your shoulder blade to your
spine) and slowly bring it back to the starting position. Always stay light on the
weight with these. This is also great for a pre-workout warm-up but these are best
positioned towards the end of your workout.
40 • March 2021
Importance- Most people who perform strength / resistance training (and it is
my opinion that EVERYBODY should) do a good job on the muscles located on the
front of the upper body. The muscles in the posterior shoulder region are often
neglected though. These muscles not only stabilize the shoulder joint but are criti-
cal for maintaining good, upright posture and shoulder positioning.
Exercise Variations- Exercise bands and cable machines are great for performing
reverse flies. Another good option is to use an exercise ball (as pictured above)- it
works best if you put your feet at the bottom of a wall to anchor yourself down
(not only is this a great shoulder workout but you engage your low back muscles,
glutes and hamstrings). Both techniques should be done with the elbow slightly
bent. Bring the weights backward, squeezing the shoulder blades and perform a
brief 2-3 second hold. Slowly return the weights to the starting position.
Importance- The hip rotators have a very similar role as the glutes and help pro-
tect the knee and lower leg and stabilize the trunk. Glutes are the foundation of
our body and should be part of our core strengthening program.
Exercise Variations- Any variation of hip abduction (moving your leg away from
your body) is effective in strengthening this muscle group. Side-lying leg raises,
side plank variations, and lateral band loop walking are all great exercises.
Importance- The palm side of your forearm needs to be strong for grip strength,
which is crucial for so many work related tasks. The other side of the forearm is the
location of a very common injury called Tennis Elbow (which is most often caused
by repetitive movements and computer related work). Tennis elbow is very painful
and limiting with daily tasks and can often take months to improve (though with
proper treatment it should resolve in a few weeks).
Exercises- Simple palm up and palm down wrist curls will strengthen your fore-
arms and help prevent injuries.
Importance- Glutes are the foundation of our body and should be part of our core
strengthening program. Strength and stability here protects the lower body and
the low back from injuries. The glutes develop the power that is needed for many
firefighter tasks so any weakness here will directly lead to decreased performance.
Exercise Variations- Depending on your current level of fitness, you can choose
the best bridging exercise for you. Double leg options are best when starting out.
As you gain strength, transition into the single leg movements. There are many
more variations to bridging including using an exercise or medicine ball or other
balancing equipment. All bridging should include: 1) Bridging up to a straight
position from your knee, hip and shoulder and 2) Maintaining a level pelvis (place
your thumbs on the front, bony part of your pelvis [ASIS] to monitor this).
And More...
Yoga and Pilates- Both are a great blend of flexibility and stability and a great
addition to any exercise routine (and great for managing, rehabilitating, and pre-
venting low back and neck pain/injuries).
Leg Strengthening- Very important for maintaining power, which is essential
for the fireground and many training tasks (contact us for the “Top Firefighter
Strengthening Exercises” handout for exercise examples).
Core / Trunk Strengthening- Every workout should include one or two core
strengthening exercises. Some type of rotation exercise should be included in this.
March 2021 • 41
 Allen Janzen has witnessed the
creativity of firefighters. The walls of Los
Angeles’ firehouses are filled with artwork
and he wants to bring attention to that.
Firefighter Crafted Promotes Firefight-
ers’ Crafted Artwork
About a year ago, Janzen founded Fire-
fighter Crafted, a website that has a four-
pronged cause. It promotes firefighters’
crafted artwork and designs; heightens
awareness of local fire station apparel and
gifts; donates a portion of the proceeds to
firefighter charities like Widows, Orphans
& Disabled Firefighter’s Fund; and net-
works firefighters’ crafted designs.
“It’s a website where myself and other fire-
fighters or other fire stations can put their
products and sell them to anybody in the
public to help raise money for the fire sta-
tion or another cause,” says the firefighter/
paramedic at LAFD Station 102 near
North Hollywood, California.
42 • March 2021
Benefiting our Los Angeles Firefighter
Charity
“I looked into the Widows, Orphans &
Disabled Firefighter’s Fund and it most
aligned with my mission to help firefight-
ers and their families in their time of
need.”
Janzen sells T-shirts ($20) and masks ($8)
through the website.
“I worked with a guy who digitized my
ideas and that’s on the T-shirts,” he says.
“Someone else—another firefighter—em-
broidered masks and I also have an em-
broidered patch. Those are the main prod-
ucts. As the site continues, I may come out
with other products and different apparel.
I’d like to include paintings in there. Dif-
ferent stations can put their products on
there as well.”
Janzen can confidently say he’s wanted to
be a firefighter since he was 10 years old,
when his brother-in-law took him to Fire
Station 88 for Fire Service Day.
A Young Allen Janzen
“That sparked my interest at age 10,” he
says. “At 14, I joined the Explorer program
and did that for about seven years. Straight
out of high school, I went to EMT school
and then paramedic school in 2010. That’s
always been the trajectory. It took me nine
years to get on with the Los Angeles Fire
Department. This is the career I wanted.”
Janzen is a longtime artist as well. It’s
a hobby he enjoys with his wife, Anna,
whom he married seven years ago.
“My wife, she paints a lot,” he says. “When
I asked her to marry me, we were painting
a scene at a lighthouse. Since then, we’ve
done on-site paintings of our honeymoon
and vacation spots. It’s a fun thing we’ve
done together.”
Raising Awareness of Local Fire Sta-
tions
He’s been impressed with the projects he’s
seen by LAFD firefighters. On the web-
site, he’ll link to fire stations’ Instagram or
other social media outlets to help promote
the departments and incidents.
“If you go into fire stations all throughout
the city, you’ll see people have made things
out of retired fire hose or they’ve painted
things, or made cabinets out of wood,” he
says. “Some guys do metal work and laser
engraving. I wanted to meet these people
who do their art. If there’s a way I can help
display what they’re doing, then this pays
off.”
Allen also set up a fundraising page on
our L.A. firefighter charity’s official Go-
FundMe page and is incorporating it into
his web site as well as sharing it with ev-
eryone he can to raise awareness of the
mission and help generate donations. And,
he donated to the online auction.
firefightercrafted.com
@firefighter_crafted
facebook.com/FirefighterCrafted
March 2021 • 43
 MEMBERS
LAWRENCE O. HAMBLIN, ENGINEER.
Appointed July 23, 1946.
Retired on a service pension June 1, 1974 from FS 56.
Passed away January 24, 2021.

CLAIR L. WALKER, CAPTAIN.

Appointed April 30, 1966.
Retired on a service pension June 28, 1993 from FS 96.
Passed away January 27, 2021.

EDWARD O. DEANE, CAPTAIN.

Appointed June 27, 1959.
Retired on a disability pension May 18, 1987 from FS 70.
Passed away January 29, 2021.

GARY R. MANNING, FIREFIGHTER III.

Appointed May 1, 1975.
Retired on a service pension January 3, 2007 from FS 74.
Passed away January 29, 2021.

ROGER J. FIALA, CAPTAIN I.

Appointed February 9, 1963.
Retired on a service pension May 30, 2006 from FS 8.
Passed away January 31, 2021.

LINDSAY D. BROWNING, APPARATUS OPERATOR.

Appointed February 4, 1961.
Retired on a service pension July 2, 1991 from FS 92.
Passed away February 2, 2021.

RICHARD W. BAKER, BATTALION CHIEF.

Appointed January 2, 1962.
Retired on a disability pension July 3, 1988 from BATT 7.
Passed away February 4, 2021.

RICHARD W. ROZENDAL, CAPTAIN I.

Appointed May 16, 1971.
Retired on a service pension June 16, 2002 from FS 101.
Passed away February 6, 2021.

WILLIAM C. WAREING, FIREFIGHTER III.

Appointed February 9, 1963.
Retired on a service pension June 27, 1993 from FS 80.
Passed away February 9, 2021.

FAMILY
Wanda C. Walters, surviving spouse of John H. Walters,
passed away January 15, 2021.
Barbara J. Evans, surviving spouse of Douglas B. Evans,
passed away January 17, 2021.
Glee Tague, spouse of Lee R. Tague,
passed away January 18, 2021.
Patricia M. Testa, spouse of Richard B. Testa,
passed away January 20, 2021.
Beverly A. Pickett, surviving spouse of Hugh L. Pickett,
passed away January 25, 2021.
Dixie L. Head, spouse of Henry W. Head,
passed away January 30, 2021.
Nina Sullivan, surviving spouse of Gerald L. Sullivan,
passed away February 5, 2021.

44 • March 2021
I
t is with great sadness we say goodbye and farewell to our friend and co-worker, Alex Juan. On Feb-
ruary 1, 2021 at 0541 A.M. Alex lost his long battle against the Covid -19 Virus after fighting hard for
16 days. Alex was LAFRA’s Senior Staff Accountant and a valuable part of the Relief’s Family. His
quiet demeanor and warm smile will be missed by all that knew him. Our sincere condolences go out to
Alex’s family in this time of loss.

March 2021 • 45
 Fire
San
Los Angeles Fire Department
2665

o l a
Stev

r i t Sch r Award
Mon

M e Cash Grants Up to $30,000

($7,500 per year each year in college)

s
SP
Who is Eligible?
WEL
Sant
An applicant must be a dependent child or step-child of an active or fallen For more information on this year’s awards, go to www.lafd.org/about/lafd- of bo
LAFD sworn employee and currently a high school senior or college freshman scholarship-fund led b
who will be enrolled next fall as a full-time student in an accredited four-year Contact June Andrade at the LAFD Scholarship Fund by phone at (213) 435- I’ve s
college or university. 6095 or by email at june.andrade@lacity.org. fami

The scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit. The single most The application deadline is March 31, 2021 SER
important factor is academic achievement, but the all-civilian Selection Com- Get an application today! Pam
mittee will also consider other relevant criteria, including personal character Fam
and extracurricular accomplishments. Donations can now be accepted online at a ser
www.lafdscholarshipfund.org and
Please share this link with family and friends. cons
gave

ME

FYI, there are two other scholarship opportunities for your consideration.
For more information, please access Anna
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association www.lafra.org/scholarship fierce
and Firefighters First Credit Union www.firefightersfirstcu.org Econ
hom
shar

“Fi

46 • March 2021
Firefighters First Credit Union
Santa Clarita
26650 The Old Road, Suite 180
Stevenson Ranch, CA 91381
Monday – Friday, 7 AM – 4 PM
Pamela Saenz
Branch Manager
Santa Clarita Branch
PSaenz@FireFirstCU.org
SPOTLIGHT ON OUR SANTA CLARITA BRANCH
WELCOME TO “AWESOMETOWN”
Santa Clarita earns its nickname in the eyes
of both our members and the branch team
led by Pam Saenz. “It’s a close community.
I’ve spent the last 11 years here, raising my
family and volunteering.”
SERVING OUR FIRE FAMILY
Pam feels a deep connection to the Fire
Family. When her young son experienced
a serious seizure, firefighters revived him
and stayed with him until he regained
consciousness at the hospital. “Firefighters
gave me their best. It’s my turn to give back.”
MEET YOUR TEAM
Anna Boldon
Financial Service
Consultant
Anna advocates for members with the same
fierceness that she did for herself, as a young
Economics graduate who wanted to own a
home more than anything else. She often
shares her passion for fitness with members.
“Firefighters First is special. Connecting
with members is a privilege that
inspires me to improve every day.”
Pam and her team treat members like
family. “This isn’t just a credit union, this is
a second home for our members. We talk
about our families and share photos of
our home projects. We support the needs
of all members.”
Pam gets some of her greatest satisfaction
from educating young recruits and their
families who want to go from renting to
becoming homeowners. “No one teaches
you about credit in school. If I can help a
couple improve their credit score, then I know
I’m improving the lives of our fire family.”
Rodrigo Miralles
Financial Service
Consultant
Rodrigo brings 12 years of financial services
experience. Brazilian born, you can chat with
Rodrigo in Portuguese, Spanish or English.
Away from work he spends time with his
daughters and trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
“The members walking in and out the
door are family. If I can impact their
lives, it’s priceless to me.”
IMPROVING YOUR FINANCIAL LIFE
As an organization, we make it our mission
to provide legendary service and the Santa
Clarita team clearly goes the extra mile. If a
member needs an accommodation outside
standard business hours, they get it. Our
team reflects the values that our members
hold most dear: loyalty, trust and selfless
dedication to service.
Sincerely,
Dixie Abramian
President/CEO
Alexis Encarnacion
Financial Service
Consultant
Alexis started while she was completing her
degree and stayed because she can’t imagine
a more fulfilling experience than helping our
members. In her free time, she enjoys scary
movies or reading.
“Firefighters and their families are so
selfless taking care of us. It gives me
great pride to help them.”
March 2021 • 47
48 • March 2021
O
n February 22, 1973 at 0853 the West-
lake Signal Office dispatched compa-
nies to a reported explosion at Pico
Blvd. X Muirfield Rd. Workmen had been
linin’ a concrete sewer line with a plastic mem-
brane and were usin’ a butane torch and solvent
to seal the seams. This sewer line was five feet
in diameter and 28 feet below the street.
While in the process of sealin’ the plas-
tic liner, the container of solvent was spilled
and was ignited by the butane torch. The re-
sultin’ fire and explosion launched several
manhole covers into the air and thick black bil-
lowin’ smoke rose into the air about 300 feet.
After the fire started but just prior to
the explosion, four workmen that were in the
tunnel ran north on Muirfield Rd. toward alu-
minum ladders leadin’ up to street level. When
the first man reached the top of the ladder the
explosion blew him out of the hole as if he had
been shot out of a cannon. Although he had a
hard landin’, he survived. Sadly, the remainin’
three workmen died.
There were also two other workmen
that ran south in the tunnel toward Pico Blvd.
These guys also reached a ladder. The first guy
up this ladder reached the top and was tryin’ to
push up on the manhole cover. As luck would
have it a civilian drivin’ a truck was stopped at
a red light on Pico Blvd and noticed the man-
hole cover movin’ up and down. This civil-
ian also happened to be a contractor and had
a crow bar in his truck. He popped open the
manhole cover, which allowed these two work-
men to escape with their lives.
Paid Advertisement:
The Fire Department sent several teams
of Firemen, approximately 8-10, into the sewer
from various locations to begin searchin’ for
any other workers. These Firemen went about
200 feet into the tunnel, but because of the
thick smoke they were unable to locate any
other workers. Blowers were then used to clear
out the smoke. It was durin’ this time that the
three workers that had not been blown out of
the sewer were found expired below Muirfield
Rd. at the bottom of the ladder.
As mentioned before, several Firemen
were sent into harm’s way in search of these
workman. One of these Firemen was Bill Finn
who passed along this story to me.
ROSS STEVENS
In the early 60’s, Auto-Fireman Ross
Stevens was transferred to “Old” FS 26, which
was located at the intersection of Washington
Blvd. X Arlington Ave. These were the days
when each shift responded to multiple struc-
ture fires. After the fire was extinguished,
blowers were placed INSIDE the structure to
push the smoke out through windows and open
doors. This procedure left the blowers a filthy
mess, so after returnin’ to quarters the crews
spent a lot of time cleanin’ the dirt and grime
off these whirlin’ machines.
One mornin’, while the guys were
cleanin’ the blowers, Ross Stevens said,
“There’s got to be a better way.” The crew
looked at him and said, “We’ve tried every way
but it just takes time.” Ross said, “No, I mean
getting’ rid of the smoke.”
It was then that Ross began experimen-
tin’ and came up with the solution. By placin’
the blowers OUTSIDE the structure and blow-
in’ air INTO the structure, creatin’ “Positive
Pressure”, smoke was cleared out quickly and
efficiently. With the help of the Trainin’ Sec-
tion the crew from 26’s went over to “OLD”
FS 18, which was vacant. FS 18 was located at
Adams X Hobart and because more testin’ was
needed they filled the buildin’ with smoke and
began practicin’ the art of clearin’ smoke from
this buildin’.
Thanks to Ross Stevens, his idea
worked extremely well and is still the gold
standard used today to clear smoke/hazardous
fumes from structures.
After promotin’ to Captain, Bill Finn
was asked by his B/C to put on a “Positive
Pressure” ventilation drill for the battalion. He
went to trainin’ to check what was in their files
but found no additional material. Of all the
information that the Trainin’ Section had on
Positive Pressure Ventilation no mention was
made about Ross Stevens.
Because Ross Stevens was 6’5” tall he
was affectionally called
“Lurch.” Can you imag-
ine the consequences of
usin’ this term in a fire
station today?
KEEP SMILIN’
A/C
choppedup@att.net
March 2021 • 49

DEAR RELIEF ASSOCIATION,
Please accept this check in memory of
my dear husband, Reg Duffin. I am so proud of
you and the help you give any of us who are in
need.
Sincerely,
Ardanne J. Duffin
LAFRA
Please accept this donation for the
2020 year to honor my father Oliver R. Hill.
He proudly served the LAFD from 6-17-19 to
9-13-1973. I gratefully appreciate the difficult
work of men and women firefighters, particu-
larly their wiliness to risk their lives for the
health and safety of others. I hope this contri-
bution will be of benefit to the LAFRA’s Wid-
ows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund.
Sincerely.
Sandra L. Browne
LAFRA,
Please accept this donation in Memory
of Jack Conn who was a Los Angeles Fireman
who died on December 20th, 2020.
Gene Owens
IN MEMORY OF ROBERT E. ENGEL—
CAPTAIN II
Bob Engel was a founding member of
the LAFD Sertoma Club. He served for many
years as the secretary-treasurer, and was in-
volved in the ground work of setting up our
Toys for Needy Children program. I got to
50 • March 2021
IN MEMORY OF LAHICKEY—ENGI-
NEER
Another good man gone home to the
Lord. A good friend of Bob Engel and one of
the founding members of LAFD Sertoma. He
was involved with our toy program until about
10 years ago when his health started to fail. He
served quietly in the background, always with
a smile on his face. My thoughts and prayers go
out to his family.
Fr. Chris Van Liefde
Reply to Fr. Chris--Mary Lahickey Schultz
says:
Thank you very much for your kind
words about my father. It helps us to know how
know him about 20 years ago, when I started
much he meant to other people.
helping with the toy program. I visited Bob 3-4
times a year and he was a great storyteller. He
was the CII at FS 80 (LAX) and was instru-
IN MEMORY OF MAURICE G. GASPOR-
mental in helping develop the protocols for jet
RA—CAPTAIN
aircraft fires/evacuations. Many of those proto-
cols are still used today not only at LAX but at
We met at FS 9 in 1962 and became
many airports throughout the country. Another
Best Buddies. We worked together as Firefight-
great firefighter gone home. “Well done, good
ers at FS 9 and FS 10 and as Captains at FS 3.
and faithful servant.”
George was a star athlete in high school and
carried that attitude onto the LAFD hand ball
Fr. Chris Van Liefde
courts, and he knew that on any given day he
could beat anybody, especially Pasos. In real-
ity, Jesse owned him. George never gave up on
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN,
himself and fought for his life for many year.
See you at the Big Handball Court
I’m sending this donation in Memory
of my brother-in-law, John Conn; who died on
Bob DeFeo
Dec 20, 2020. John, always called Jack, was a
Los Angeles Fireman for 20 years. He received
a Medal of Valor during his career with the
IN MEMORY OF MAURICE G. GASPOR-
L.A. Fire Department.
RA—CAPTAIN
Thank you for your time and concern.
I was a rookie at FS 92 in the late 70’s,
George was on the “A” shift. I was 22 years old,
Sincerely,
the rookie before me had 12 years on! It was
Edna M. DuBois
handball heaven. On probation I was literally
“forced” to play multiple doubles games with
all the old timers. Bruce Sahli, Bobby Laxague,
IN MEMORY OF ROBERT E. ENGEL—
Billy Williams, Davey Graff and George Ga-
CAPTAIN II
sporra. The court was busy almost every day;
Fregoso, Chrisman, Maga, Rohrbach, Kirkorn,
Bob was a truly great man. He served
…George always said he taught them all they
as a Marine in WWII in the Pacific. Served on
knew! He was studying for captain at the time.
the LAFD and for many years as the Captain at
Years later I ran into him at 95’s. Everyone
Fire Station 80 at LAX and as a board Member
knew he went by George, but they also knew
of the LAFD SERTOMA organization. Service
his real name. The station mascot was an exotic
to mankind was what he did through his life-
lizard affectionately named “Maurice”. I don’t
time for country, Los Angeles, and people in
think Captain Gasporra appreciated that. I’m
need.
thankful for George Gasporra. God bless the
entire Gasporra family.
Frank Borden
George Negrete
IN MEMORY OF DALE R. DICKSON—
CAPTAIN

Dale was the coach of my son Mike’s

baseball team at Winnetka Park in about 1973.
My wife came home one day and told me about
the guy who was a fireman and he was always
able to be at the team’s practice, and that I
needed a job like that. So, after talking with
him one day about how he was always able
to be at the teams practice. That conversation
started my journey into the LAFD. With his en-
couragement and a lot of luck I was able join
the LAFD, and after probation, I also was able
to make most of my three boys baseball games
and practices. Thanks, Dale, for taking the help
me on the way!

Robert Kilpatrick

IN MEMORY OF ROBERT A. HANSON—

ENGINEER FiremensRelief.org
at your fingertips
Bob Hanson was the first person who
greeted me at Fire Station 71 in 1977 at one of
my favorite assignments. I arrived early on my
first day and was eager to familiarize myself
with the station, personnel and my Captain. I
also was concerned about making a good im-
pression upon the “A” Platoon so I decided to
Find Relief PPO Medical Plan details
trim the bushes and clean up the shrubs. Now
that was my first mistake because when I was Access Relief member benefits and services
about half way through my little project, En-
gineer Hanson approached me and was NOT View the Firemen’s Grapevine Magazine
happy. Little did I know that he had been do-
ing that particular task for years and I appar-
ently messed up his impeccable schedule. Be-
Check out upcoming events
fore long, he was the go-to guy for me when
I needed something. My experience at FS 71
was perhaps the best of my field career. He
was a gentle man and certainly a gentleman.
He told me all about his life, its ups and downs
and we became friends. He was a slow talking
fellow but I learned many lessons from him,
many of which had nothing whatsoever to do
with our chosen profession. He was helpful in
so many ways and shared with me many per-
sonal thoughts and some very difficult situ-
ations. From these I took away many lessons
of life which have stayed with me for the last
43 years. Some people retire and go off into
the sunset while others remain vividly in our
minds. Bob was one who has remained in my
head as an example of how good people can
be. His patience and understanding were far
beyond what I could have expected. in reality,
I thought about Bob for many years and then
noted his passing; his transition from our time
to eternity. Requiescat in pace Bob.

Alan

March 2021 • 51
 Submitted by Frank Borden • Director of Operations, LAFDHS

LAFD HISTORY – Old Fire Station 27

Frank’s Note: Our LAFD Historical peared on February 20, 1911-- wooden plugs in them in those days, hence the
Society is so fortunate to have Old Fire Sta- While raining this a.m., the men tried term “plug buggy” was coined. On Monday,
tion 27 as our Museum. It is the largest fire to push Hose 4’s wagon into Hose 7’s house- November 20, 1911, a local resident, Mrs. T.
museum in a fire station in the country. Some- -in doing so they lost control of the pole--the A. Livingston, 559 Estelle Ave., was severely
thing we can be proud of. It has such a rich crown of the street being so high the end of the burned about the hands, face, and neck trying
history from the people who worked there to pole nearly dragged it. The rear wheels struck to save her chickens and rabbits from a fire in-
the emergencies handled by the fire companies the corner of the house, knocking out three volving her chicken corral and rabbit house.
assigned there for some 62 years. The follow- panes of glass. (Approximately a month later The fire was started by a fire in a barn at 562
ing story is about the first Fire Station27 from it was noted that Hose 7 received three panes Estelle Ave. Loss $5.00 structure and $20.00
1910 to 1930 when “new Fire Station 27” was of glass). The following day the company re- contents. Laid 600 ft. of hose.
built now located at 1355 No. Cahuenga Blvd. sponded to a telephone alarm on Gower St., In 1913, a modern structure was built
Hollywood. one block north of Franklin. They used 150 ft. at 1625-29 No. Cahuenga Ave., next to the old
This is followed by Chief Engineer of hose and worked 15 minutes to extinguish a Police Department bungalow and served both
Thomas Strohm’s LAFD annual report from brush fire! It seems that 27’s has always had a as the Fire and Police Department. Hose Co.
1915 that includes his budget request to keep brush problem. No. 7 moved to the new location and its desig-
up with the rapidly growing city. Although Hose Co. No. 7 had the first nation was changed to Engine Co. No. 27. At
piece of motorized fire fighting apparatus in the same time, additional fire fighting appara-
HISTORY OF FIRE STATION 27 the City, horsepower was still the primary tus was acquired. Firefighters called this home
by Willis M. Martin method of getting from here to there, as at- until 1930, when they and the Police Depart-
Edited Version from 1910 to 1930 tested to by a May 15, 1911 journal entry: Got ment moved to new and separate locations.
horse and buggy from Eng. No. 20 this a.m. On August 24, 1915, Battalion Chief
As a result of the February, 1910 elec- and Shill and Atwell tested hydrants all day. O’Malley, during his rounds of Battalion 5, in-
tion, the residents of the City of Hollywood Kept horses here all night.The hydrants had structed officers that men must show life when
voted to annex to the City of Los Angeles. Pri-
or to the annexation, all fire fighting had been
performed by volunteer firemen who drove and
operated horse-drawn fire equipment. Shortly
after the annexation in 1910, the City of Los
Angeles established a firehouse known as Hose
Company No. 7 at the southeast corner of Ca- Old Fire Station 27 at 1625 N. Cahuenga.
huenga and Selma Avenues. Under the com- The fire station occupied the left side and
Members of Old 27’s enjoying
mand of Chief Jack Atwell, the small station the LAPD (Station 6) occupied the right side.
some comradery. June 24, 1915.
housed the first motorized piece of fire fighting
apparatus in the City.
Of the many fires recorded during that Old Fire Station 27 at 1625 N. Cahuenga. The fire station occupied
period of history, one was journalized as fol- the left side and the LAPD (Station 6) occupied the right side.
lows: Saturday, January 7, 1911, 2:40 p.m. Fire
at 324 So. Wilcox. Outside closet and fence.
Loss $50.00; cause: unknown. Extended to
318 S. Wilcox, one-story, frame barn. Loss
$250.00. Extended to 100 Sunset Blvd., one
story frame livery stable. Loss $50.00. Extend-
ed to 319 Townsend Ave., dry cleaning works.
Loss $200 structure, $100 contents. Extended
to 329 Townsend Ave., one-story frame barn.
Loss $35.00 structure, $20.00 contents. Used
800 ft. of hose. Worked 2 hours, 50 minutes.
Four call men received $3.00 each.
Another interesting journal entry ap-

52 • March 2021
lining up.” And on August 28, 1915, Chief
O’Malley wrote “Men showed life in falling
into line.” Has anything changed?
According to Chief O’Malley’s records
on New Year’s Eve of 1915, Engine 27 and
Truck 9 responded to Fielding and Fountain,
one block out of City limits and 1500-1700
feet from the nearest hydrant. Upon arrival
of E-27 and T-9, the house was burned beyond
saving. The companies worked with garden
hose, buckets, and pike pole. E-27 and 79 re-
turned to quarters “leaving neighbors who said
they would stay with it until it was out.” Some
things have changed.
During Prohibition when the firemen
and policemen were working from 1625-29
No. Cahuenga, several of the members of both
Departments jointly rented a residence in Lau-
rel Canyon. This fraternal lodging was appro-
priately named the “Boars Nest” by the mem-
bers of both Departments.
Occasionally the Police Department
would raid a speak-easy, confiscate the booze
and bring it back to the station, holding it there
for evidence. It should be pointed out that the
P.D. only needed one bottle of the stuff for evi-
dence and the major portion of the cache would
mysteriously disappear. Of course none of the
police or firemen could tell you whatever hap-
Grapevine cover. Old Fire Station 27
destroyed by fire. December 1978.
New Station 27 opened in 1930 at 1355 N. Cahuenga.
pened to the excess evidence. However, it was
reported that on more than one occasion when
the members of F.S. 27 could roll on a fire and
see a loomup in the direction of Laurel Can-
yon, some of the members could be heard to
exclaim “good god fellows, it’s the Boars Nest-
-let’s get going!”
In 1927 the City was given property
located at Vine and Lexington. Chief Engi-
neer R. J. Scott took the opportunity to recom-
mend a new fire station be built at that location.
However, the community leaders sounded a
loud protest complaining they didn’t want a
fire station on Vine Street. In fact, they went
so far as to get a court injunction against the
Fire Department to prohibit construction of a
fire station there. Subsequently, the property
at 6428 DeLongpre was acquired by degree
of condemnation on October 24, 1929 for a
total cost of $24,321. Three additional lots
were purchased for a grand total of $52,415.
On January 16, 1930, the Fire Commission
requested the establishment of a fire station at
Wilcox and DeLongpre. The City was now be-
ing charger $500 per month for the building at
1625-29 No. Cahuenga and the tenancy were to
expire on June 30, 1930.
Los Angeles City Architect P. K.
Schabarum, uncle of present Los Angeles
County Supervisor Pete Schabarum, designed
a two-story, brown, brick building, with natu-
ral wood trim, tile roof, and creative masonry
work. The new building incorporated 18,227
square feet and for many years was the largest
fire station west of the Mississippi River. The
total expenditure to the City including land
and construction, for the new fire station was
approximately $178,000. Another two-story
fire station was being constructed elsewhere
in the City at the same time. However, there
was far more money spent on building F.S. 27
as on the other fire station. F.S. 27 was going
to be “The” Hollywood fire station and vari-
ous influential civic leaders apparently exerted
enough pressure to ensure an appropriate edi-
fice would be constructed in their community.
On Tuesday, July 1, 1930, Engine Co.
No. 27, Hose Co. No. 2, Truck Co. No. 9, Res-
cue Co. No. 2, and Salvage Co. No. 4 moved
into the unfinished building. Although the
building was not entirely completed at the time
of occupancy, a substantial sav-
ings was made in the termina-
tion of rental fees. As testimony
to the urgency of moving into
the new building, on Saturday,
June 28, 1930--”Captain Roth
and 3 men (went) to the new
house to spread cement on tem-
porary paving. Rec’d. 10 sacks
cement from storeroom.”
As a tribute befitting this
grand old building, which has
seen some of Hollywood’s best
times and some of its worse, on
October 20, 1976, the Los Angeles Cultural
Heritage Board declared, by Ordinance No.
121,971 Fire Station 27 to be Historical-Cul-
tural Monument No. 165.
This article appeared in the May, 1981
issue of THE FIREMEN’S GRAPEVINE.
Edited in length by Frank Borden
Frank’s Note: On July 10, 1992 Task
force 27, RA 27 and Battalion 5 moved to
“New” Fire Station 27 next door at 1327 N.
Cole Ave. In October 2001 the LAFD Histori-
cal Society opened the doors to the “LAFD
Hollywood Fire Museum and Fallen Firefight-
ers Memorial”. The biggest Fire Museum in a
Fire Station in the USA.
That is another great story about how
the building was repaired by the City after the
1994 Northridge earthquake.
Chief Engineer Thomas Strohm
Thomas Strohm succeeded Jacob
Kuhrts in October of 1887 when he was elected
by the City Council. Strohm would become
Chief Engineer three different times. His ca-
reer started on the Volunteer Fire Department
as a member of the 38’s Engine Company #1
in 1876 where he served until the paid Depart-
ment was formed. Chief Strohm was succeed-
ed by D. A. Moriarity in January of 1888.
Moriarity served on volunteer depart-
ments in Nebraska, Nevada and Arizona be-
fore coming to Los Angeles. When he arrived
in Los Angeles he joined Confidence Engine
Company #2 and became foreman.
Thomas Strohm again became Chief
Engineer in March of 1889 and was succeeded
by Walter S. Moore in February of 1891. Mi-
chael Curran became Chief Engineer February
1, 1893. Chief Curran’s career started as did
the others, with the old volunteer companies.
D.A. Moriarity succeeded Michael
Curran in December of 1893. Walter S. Moore
succeeded Chief Moriarity in February of 1895
and Thomas Strohm succeeded Chief Moriar-
ity in April of 1900.
LAFD Chief Engineer Thomas Strohm.
March 2021 • 53
 Chief Engineer Strohm’s
LAFD Budget 1915
Office of the Fire Department, 217 South
Hill Street, Los Angeles Cal., December
6th, 1904
To the Honorable, The City Council.
Gentlemen: ---As provided in the
City Charter, I present herewith the Nine-
teenth Annual Report of the Fire Depart-
ment, showing the property, apparatus,
etc., constituting the Department; the
work performed during the year and con-
cluding with such suggestions and recom-
mendations as I deem absolutely necessary
to enable the Department to keep pace with
the rapid growth of the city and afford the
necessary protection to life and property.
Machine Shop
During the last two years the Ma-
chine Shop which is located in the rear of
Engine Co., No. 4 on Aliso street has ac-
complished great service for this city, eight
new boilers have been installed in engines,
the machinery of engines has been thor-
oughly overhauled, numerous other repairs
have been made, a combination chemical
and hose wagon was built, a 65 foot tele-
scopic Water Tower is now in course of
construction to be completed within 60
days. This shop has been the means of sav-
ing the city a considerable amount in the
expense of apparatus repairs.The Machine
Shop building is 53 ft. x 56 ft., and was
built by the members of Engine Co. No. 4
under the supervision of Captain Archie J.
Eley. The department now has a complete
Machine Shop capable of doing first-class
work.
Alarms.
During the year the Department
has responded to 818 alarms of fire, an in-
crease of 247 over the previous year. There
were 727 actual fires with a puppetry loss
estimated at $527,545.00. Insurance paid
during 11 months of the year amounted to
$363,498.00.
New Houses.
During the year a lot was pur-
chased and a two story brick building
erected thereon at Hope and Court streets,
an engine and combination chemical and
hose wagon installed therein, known as
Engine Co. No. 16. A lot was purchased
and a two story brick building erected at
Seventh and Santa Fe Ave., and as soon as
an engine and wagon are purchased will
be installed therein and known as Engine
Co. No. 17. The building formerly occupied
54 • March 2021
by Hose Co. No. 4 at McClintock & Jeffer-
son streets was sold and a two story brick
building was erected in its place, an engine
was installed with the combination chemi-
cal and hose wagon already located there
and the company is now known as Engine
Co. 15.
The building formerly occupied
by Hose Co. No. 3, at Pico and El Molino
streets was remodeled, an engine installed
with the combination chemical and hose
wagon located there and is now known as
Engine Co. No. 13. The building formerly
occupied by Chemical Engine Co. No. 2 at
34th and Central Ave., was remodeled and
an engine and combination chemical and
hose wagon installed in place of the double
tank chemical engine, the company now be-
ing known as Engine Co. No. 14.
Fire Hydrants.
I would respectfully recommend
that all fire hydrants in the city be used ex-
clusively for fire purposes, and that sepa-
rate connections be provided for sprinkling
purposes, as the department has been seri-
ously handicapped at various times by find-
ing the hydrants in poor condition.
New Engine Houses.
In consideration of the rapid growth
of the city I would suggest that your honor-
able Body make provision as soon as pos-
sible for the erection of a building on the lot
recently purchased at Adams and Hobart
Boulevard and an engine and combination
chemical and hose wagon installed there-
in. Also that a lot be purchased, a build-
ing erected thereon and an engine com-
pany installed in the vicinity of Main and
Ann streets. Also that a lot be purchased,
a building erected thereon and a chemi-
cal engine company installed therein in
the vicinity of 56th and Central Ave. Also
that a lot be purchased, a building erected
thereon and an engine company installed in
the vicinity of Seventh and Flower streets.
Also that the house now occupied by Hose
Co. No. 1 on Griffin Ave. near Downey be
sold and a new house be erected in its place
and a city service hook and ladder truck
be installed therein with the combination
chemical and hose wagon at present locat-
ed there, which would then give the needed
ladder service to the East Side, Garvanza
and Boyle Heights districts.
New Apparatus.
I recommend that a Water Battery
be built and added to the equipment of the
department.
Drill Tower.
I again recommend the building of a
suitable drill tower so that the members of
the department can be properly drilled and
taught to have confidence in themselves
while working on roofs, ladders and fire
escapes. I believe that the erection of this
tower would greatly increase the efficiency
of the men and the department in general.
Hose.
I recommend the purchase of at least
5000 feet of 2 1/2 inch hose, which will then
give each company two lines of hose. This
enables the department to take care of the
hose after it has been used at a fire.
The Passing of Tom LaBonge
On January 6th we lost a great friend
and advisor to our Board of Directors. Former
City Councilman Tom LaBonge passed away.
Through the past years he helped us getting
old Fire Station 27 for our museum and was
instrumental in helping us build the LAFD
Fallen Firefighters Memorial. “Mr. L.A.” as he
was known will be missed but his spirit lives
on.
Mr. L.A... Councilman Tom LaBonge at the
groundbreaking ceremony at the LAFD
Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Hollywood.
Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell wrote the fol-
lowing about Tom just after his passing:
“No one loved Los Angeles more than
Tom and we loved him back. No one knew
more about the workings and history of our
city, its people, and its institutions. Last night
we lost a force of nature and goodness. Tom
was the ultimate ambassador for Los Ange-
les where he brought into sharp focus his zest
for life, his tireless pursuit of service, and his
firm belief that anything was possible. Our city
was what he dedicated his life to and for that
I will be eternally grateful. Thank you Brigid,
Charles, and Mary Cate for sharing him with
us all these years. Today the Angels exalt with
joy as they welcome him in Heaven.”
We will miss him,
MITCH O’FARRELL
Los Angeles City Councilmember CD 13
 LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
January 6, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
President Jeff Cawdrey called the Meeting
of the Board of Trustees of the Los Angeles
Firemen’s Relief Association to order at
10:04 a.m. (Today’s meeting conducted
via conference call and in person due to
National Emergency of Coronavirus)
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Trustee Steve Berkery as the LAFRA
Jeff Cawdrey, President
Chris Stine, Vice President
Trustee Steve Berkery
Trustee Gene Bednarchik
Trustee Kenneth Breskin
Trustee Chris Bustamante
Trustee Jim Duffy
Trustee J.D. Fox
Trustee Henry Gasbarri
Trustee Jeff Halloran
Trustee Joe Vigil
Trustee John Jacobsen
Trustee Rick Godinez
Trustee Frank Aguirre
Trustee Tim Freeman
Trustee Mike Sailhamer
Trustee Gayle Sonoda
Trustee Tyler Tomich
Trustee Danny Wu
Trustee Steve Tufts – Pension
Trustee Tim Larson – Pension
Trustee Juan Albarran - Pension
Todd Layfer - Executive Director
Liberty Unciano – Controller/Treasurer
MEMBERS ABSENT: 6) Jeff Cawdrey provided a Pension
Trustee Craig White
INVOCATION & Flag Salute
Rick Godinez led the invocation. Jim
Duffy led the flag salute.
RATIFICATION OF MINUTES
Jeff Cawdrey entertained a motion to
ratify the December 2, 2020 Board
Meeting Minutes. Tyler Tomich moved.
Frank Aguirre seconded. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to ratify the December 2,
2020 Board Meeting Minutes.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
1) Jeff Cawdrey motioned to nominate
Pension Trustee Steve Berkery as the
LAFRA Corporate Secretary. Joe Vigil so
moved. Frank Aguirre seconded. There
was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to appoint Pension
Corporate Secretary.
2) Newly appointed Corporate Secretary
Steve Berkery administered the Oath of
Office to the President, Vice President,
Group 3 Trustees and newly elected
Trustee Brian Wall.
3) Jeff Cawdrey informed the Trustees
that they need to complete and sign the
Business Associate Agreement and the
LAFRA Code of Conduct.
4) Jeff Cawdrey asked Trustees to submit
their request for LAFRA Trustee shirts
and business cards.
5) Jeff Cawdrey referred to the 2021
Committee Assignments and indicated
that he and Chris Stine have not made
changes to the committees. He asked
Trustees to let him know if they wanted to
change their committee assignments and
sit on other committees.
Board meeting update and indicated that
annually the Pension Board requests
claims data and other medical information
from LAFRA that shows our plan is
suitable for its members. He indicated
that the Pension Board is also requesting
information on our Admin fees associated
with the plan. He referred to LAFRA’s
response to the City Attorney regarding
Anya Freedmen’s opinion that the Pension
Board has a fiduciary responsibility to
provide a lower cost medical plan.
7) Jeff Cawdrey referred to the vaccine
rollout and indicated that he has had a few
inquiries as to when LAFRA members
will receive the vaccine. He indicated that
there has been discussion about vaccine
availability and phase distribution in the
medical committee meeting.
8) Jeff Cawdrey informed that the Fire
Hogs were able to raise $5K donation for
the WODFF and want to set up a date to
present the check and take a photo in front
of the LAFRA building.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board entered into Executive Session
at 10:32 a.m.
The Board adjourned from Executive
Session at 11:00 a.m.
Member updates and a personnel matter
were discussed during Executive Session.
Action on a personnel matter was taken.
VICE PRESIDENT REPORT
1) Chris Stine referred to the Board Offsite
and indicated that they will look at a date in
April. He stated that we will discuss long
and short-term goals with the committees,
benefit changes if any along with processes
and procedure improvements.
2) Chris Stine referred to the 2021
Conferences and indicated that the only
one available for registration is the Annual
IFEBP Conference in October.
3) Chris Stine referred to the Bylaws and
Policy Book review and indicated that
they will schedule that in April for July
approval.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
1) Todd Layfer informed the Board that
the IRS mileage rate reimbursement has
change to $.56 cents per mile for 2021.
INVESTMENT COMMITTTEE
REPORT
John Jacobsen provided an update on the
LAFRA investments.
March 2021 • 55
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
REPORT
Tyler Tomich presented the following
motions.
The committee recommends and I so
move to pay the usual and customary bills
in the amount of $1,426,549.93. There was
no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the usual and
customary bills in the amount of
$1,426,549.93.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve up to $750 for a DME device
and installation for an injured member.
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve up to $750 for
a DME device and installation for an
injured member.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve $300 in meal deliveries for an
injured member. There was no discussion
or objections.
Motion carried to approve $300 in meal
deliveries for an injured member.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve up to $1000 for a work party for
sick member. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to approve up to $1000
for a work party for sick member.
MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT
Frank Aguirre presented the following
motion.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve the medical plan bills totaling
$1,553,170.09. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to approve the Medical
Plan bills totaling $1,553,170.09.
RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT
Steve Berkery presented the following
motion.
56 • March 2021
The committee recommends and I so
move to pay:
The Sick & Injury benefits in the amount
of $106,780.65
The Estate Planning benefit in the amount
of $4,078
The Relief Death Benefits in the amount
of $35,000
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the above Relief
benefits.
Steve Berkery read the names of members
who recently passed and asked for a
moment of silence from the Board.
MEMORIALS
James A. Chatterton
Billy G. Storey
Robert K. Young
Francisco M. Aguilar
Howard H. Rose
Lester E. Mueller
Leo F. Vanvalkenburg
ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
Steve Berkery presented the following
motions.
The committee recommends and I so move
to accept the donations in the amount of
$46,673.14 to the Widows, Orphans &
Disabled Firefighter’s Fund. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to accept the donations in
the amount of $46,673.14 to the Widows,
Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund.
The committee recommends and I so
move to approve the financial assistance
applications for surviving spouses, active
and retired members. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the financial
assistance applications for surviving
spouses, active and retired members.
ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE
REPORT
The committee recommends and I so
move to advance funds for both active and
retired members. There was no discussion
or objections.
Motion carried to advance funds for
both active and retired members.
CORPORATE SECRETARY
REPORT
Steve Berkery provided insight of the
responsibility and duties of the Corporate
Secretary.
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
REPORT
Rick Godinez informed that the Exam
date will be April 10th. He indicated
that announcements will be made in the
February and March Grapevine. He
again stated that there will be two separate
contests; one for 2020 and one for 2021
candidates.
MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT
REPORT
Rick Godinez indicated that we received a
$10K donation from a foundation that has
donated to the WODFF in the past. He
reported that we received a $25K donation
from Cozen O’Connor and indicated that
Marlene is working on a thank you letter
for them. He mentioned that Wilshire the
Fire Dog has passed away and wanted to
send condolences to the Penrod family.
SETTING DATES
1) Hook & Ladder – March 20, 2021
(non-Event)
ADJOURNMENT
Jeff Cawdrey entertained a motion to
adjourn. Steve Berkery so moved. Mike
Sailhamer seconded. There was no
discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to adjourn. The Board
of Trustees meeting adjourned at 11:27
a.m.
Jeff Cawdrey, President
 Donations to Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
LAFD FIRE HOGS FOUNDATION JOYCE L. KEMP in memory of Jack Conn BRUCE GALIEN in memory of
Gene Brewster
BPX ENERGY CHERYL SAPHOS
CHARLES GARCIA in memory of
ROBERT J. MUNOA from the WILLIAM J. TANNAHILL Gene Brewster
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
LIBERAL ARTS LODGE NO THOMAS KNIGHT in memory of
FIDELITY CHARITABLE GIFT FUND Wayne Romas
JOY M. LONGWORTH
DOUGLAS K. WEBER from the TINA LAZCANO
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride ANN N. CARTER
SHERIE LINDAMOOD in memory of
SAN FRANCISCO FIREFIGHTERS LORETTA J. CROGHAN Todd Williams
LOCAL 798
WILLIAM J. TANNAHILL in memory of MANNA LA, LLC, A FRANCHISEE OF
NETWORK FOR GOOD Dick Peachy PANERA, LLC

CARL A. COPPA from the KENNETH H. GUNDERMAN LYNDA MCKENNEY

Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
PAMELA W. COBURN in memory of SASHA MEJIA
CARI CROGHAN in memory of Louis J. Croghan
Louis J. Croghan ANITA MORRIS in memory of
GERALD W. SWIFT in memory of Cecil Morris
LORI CHRVET from the Louis J. Croghan
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride MYRON MOSS in memory of
ARMANDO AGUIRRE George Roque
CHRISTINE M. BRUMBAUGH in memory
of Mike Brumbaugh ROBERT AND MARY BECK in memory MYRON MOSS in memory of
of Frank Stassi Keoki Deporter
DANIEL J. KEMP in memory of
Eugene L. Rispaud GARY BOWIE ALAN RABIN

GLENDA L. PAULSEN GARY BOWIE in memory of Gene Brewster RALPHS FUND

MARTHA B. HORNE BROOKSIDE SUNSHINE FUND in GREGORY SCARBOROUGH in memory

PHILLIP D. HIBBS
DANIEL J. KEMP
RICHARD W. BAKER
MELANIE G. SILVER in memory of
Louis J. Croghan
GERALD LINNEWEH in memory of
Engineer Charles H. Clair
DOROTHY CROGHAN in memory of
Louis J. Croghan
HAROLD WEBER from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
FRANK MATTERA from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
memory of Wayne Edward Romas
JULIE AND DAVID BURNS in memory of
Frank Stassi
RICARDO CARMONA in tribute to
WODFF
KURT CATO in memory of
Eduard Stimson
DORCAS CLEWORTH in memory of
Eric Cleworth
DORCAS CLEWORTH
LAUREN CRIM in honor of Timothy Crim
FRANCIS CROGHAN in memory of
Louis J. Croghan
BOB FRANCO in memory of Gene Murphy
of Frank Stassi
JAMES SMITH
KAREN SPENCER in memory of
Ed Stimson
GLEN AND KATHY STEPHENSON in
memory of Frank Stassi
SCOTT STEPHENSON in memory of
Frank Stassi
GARY VLAHAKIS
JOE & ELVIRA WILKINSON AND
FAMILY in memory of Esther Wilkinson
DOROTHY YOUNG in memory of
Robert Young

March 2021 • 57
 CLASSIFIEDS
For advertising information, please contact:
Eric Santiago - (323) 259-5231 - eric@lafra.org
SERVICES
BUSY BEAVER TREE AND
LANDSCAPE. Tree trimming
and removal, stumpgrinding,
and firewood sales. Mixed
firewood, eucalyptus and oak.
Delivery available or pick up.
Licensed and insured. Dwayne
Kastor, FS 63-B - (818) 535-
6368.
CRAIG SANFORD HEAT-
ING & AIR - Free estimates,
residential, commercial. Great
rates for LAFD and LAPD.
Toll free (877) 891-1414,
(661) 298-3070, FAX (661)
298-3069. State License No.
527114
KEVIN LOCKHART ROOF-
ING & CONSTRUCTION
Roofing repair and mainte-
nance ,construction water-
proofing solutions. Kevin
Lockhart 18 A (661)810-4980
lic #536528
REBEKAH KEARNS PHO-
TOGRAPHY. Family + Event
Photography. rebekahkearns
photography.com
rebekah@rebekahkearns
photography.com
insta@rkearnsphoto
LAFD Family
SOUTHBAY EXPOSURE
PHOTOGRAPHY
Professional photography
services for all wedding, fam-
ily, student, lifestyle, sports or
events. Serving Southern
Calif and destinations beyond.
Member of Pro Photographers
of Calif.Aerial photo and video
also available. FAA certified.
SouthbayExposure.com  Contact: Gigi (714)454-0922
(310) 630-7506
Tony Senior LAFD retired
58 • March 2021
VACATION
RENTALS
AZ - VACATION RENTALS.
Home to Spring Training, Bar-
rett Jackson Auto Auction, and
Arabian Horse Show – West-
World. Two homes.
1. Walking distance to Sloan
Park - Chicago Cubs Spring
Training Fields, 3+2 - Pool -
Putting Green – Mesa
@cubbiehousemesaaz
2. Walking distance to Scott-
sdale Stadium and 10 minute
drive to Salt River Talking Stick
Fields and Tempe Diablo Sta-
dium. 3+1 - Old Town Scotts-
dale @scottsdale76th
Call us – Rod, FS-56B or
Diana: (661)294-0971 to book
direct and avoid the short-term
rental platform fees.
BEAUTIFUL BIG BEAR
CABIN. Two-story with vaulted
ceiling, 2BD/1BA . Close to
lake, shops, skiing, and for-
est. Great deck, lots of trees,
fireplace/wood, cable TV/WiFi,
BBQ, fully equipped except
linens. 6-person max , pets ok.
$150/winter, $140/summer,
2-night min. Contact Donna at
(760) 723-1475 or DnBeep@
gmail.com. See photos at
www.schaffercabin.com
GORGEOUS WATERFRONT
RIVERHOUSE on the lagoon
of the Colorado River for rent.
Family home-5 bedrooms,
large bonus room for kids, 4
1/2 baths . Sleeps 15. Fully
loaded with top of the line
appliances. Private launch
ramp. No pets. No smoking.
No large parties or events.
(Spouse-LAFD) for special
firefighter family rates and for
snowbirds Check out details:
https://airbnb.com/h/theriv-
erhousevacationhome
GRAND CANYON/ WIL-
LIAMS, ARIZONA. 4 bed,
3 bath Historic Home one
block from Route 66. WALK
to everything! 8 person MAX.
No special events. Gorgeous
house. Unique property.
www.HistoricYellowHouse.
com
Listed on National Register of
Historic Places Grand Canyon
Railway, Bearizona, Elephant
Rocks Golf Course. Call
Kerry-Lynn Moede (602) 818-
6559 JDMoede@aol.com
GUEST CABIN IN
CHATSWORTH. Behind
closed gate. 1 bedroom, 1-1/2
baths, full living room and
kitchen plus fireplace. Pet ok.
One person only. $1500 per
month, includes utilities.
(818)590-4479.
HAVASU/BOATERS.
3bdrm(2king,1full) 2bath, turn-
key, w/d, WiFi, Dish, gas bbq,
1/2 mile to Windsor launch,
covered gated boat parking,
3 nites $450, $100 for each
additional nite- cleaning in-
cluded, pics available. Email:
rickpuglisi1103@msn.com
(626) 665-9890
INDIANAPOLIS INDIANA
HOME. Across the street from
Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
3Bed/2Bath in town of Speed-
way. Walk or bike to Main St.
Short drive, 7 miles, to Lucas
Oil Stadium,Downtown Indy,
Riverfront, Museums, Etc.
Available most dates except
May 20 to 27. Call Tina or
Craig at 805/377-0686 or
805/377-3640
JUNE LAKE CABIN -
2BR/2BA cabin with Carson
Peak view. Close to fishing &
skiing. Furnished, wood deck,
equipped kitchen, wood burn-
ing stove, tree swing, cable /
DVD/phone. Garage/ample
parking. $100/night plus clean-
ing fee. Email for pictures. Jeff
Easton LAFD retired (805)
217-5602.
junebound@gmail.com
LAKE HAVASU BEAUTY
FOR RENT - 3 bdrm, 2 bath,
1600 sq.ft. Fully furnished
with all amenities- Laundry &
BBQ. 13,000 sq.ft. lot. 3 car
boat-deep garage. 3 miles
from launch ramp. Close to
downtown shops & restau-
rants. View of the lake. Quiet
street in good neighborhood.
No pets. No smoking. Snow-
bird rates. Call Mike (661)
510-6246
LAKE HAVASU AMAZING
LAKEVIEW POOL HOME.
1800 sq.ft. built 2018, 3 bed, 2
bath, sleeps 8. (King, Queen,
Full 2xTwin). Fully furnished w/
linens, WiFi, cable TV, laundry,
large kitchen, BBQ, 2 car
garage, inside boat storage.
3 miles from launch ramp. No
pets / no smoking. Call Karen
(661) 965-0542.
LAKE HAVASU LANDING.
TH1-29, Waterfront, 3 BD 3
BA, Furnished, Direct-TV,
DVD, WiFi, BBQ, Moor-
ing, Casino, Market, Launch
Ramp, Marina, Off Road
Trails, Gated, No Smoking/
Pets, $275 Weekday, $795
Weekend Fr-Sat, $1895 Week
7 Days, Maid $100, Resort
TOT fee 25% of total bill, bring
pillows and sheets, (310) 418-
1577, daggertooth@aol.com
LARGE LAKE HAVASU
HOME FOR RENT – 5
bedroom, 3 bath, 2900 sqft
home with amenities & pool
that easily sleeps 14+ people.
Centrally located, 1 mile from
the lake, close to downtown
shops and restaurants. Check
out home at
https://www.vrbo.
com/4648549ha
Call Julie 818-268-7906 for
special firefighter family rates.
LAKE HAVASU LANDING
RESORT. 3 bedroom, 2 bath,
waterfront house, boat, moor-
ing out front, fully furnished,
laundry, gas BBQ, launch
ramp, gated community, gro-
cery store, hardware store. No
pets, no smoking. Email Kathy
at scarkj@yahoo.com or call
(760) 858-4470
LAKE HAVASU LANDING
RESORT BEACHFRONT
HOME with boat mooring.
Swim, ski or fish from front
yard. 4 bed/2 bath, fully fur-
nished. DirectTV/DVD/WiFi,
pool table, laundry, BBQ.
Gated community with casino,
groceries, marina, launch ramp
and off-road trails. No pets, no
smoking. $350 Bowen/Garner
email:
havasulanding27@gmail.com
LOG CABIN NEAR JACK-
SON HOLE WY: Close to
Snake River, Grand Tetons,
Yellowstone, World Class Ski-
ing. Call (818) 207-0811 LAFD
Retired. Visit: www.aspenhill
cabin.com for all information.
MAMMOTH CONDO, La
Vista Blanc, Cozy 2 BD 2
BA, Furnished, WiFi, Cable,
Pool, Spa, BBQ, Sleeps 4,
Winter $120, Summer $90,
Maid $175, 14% TOT(6092),
No Smoking, (310) 540-4648,
pvignery@aol.com, (310) 418-
1577, daggertooth@aol.com
MAMMOTH CONDO AT
MAMMOTH ESTATES.
4BR/3BA, sleeps 10, fully
furnished, 2 TVs, DVDs, WiFi,
towels/linens, fireplace. Full
kitchen. Walk to Gondola
Village and shuttle. Complex
has pool, spa, sauna, laundry.
Winter $355/night, Summer
$240/night, plus cleaning.
Includes city bed tax. No pets,
no smoking. Dory Jones (310)
918-0631 or Kelly Corcoran
(310) 619-5355
MAMMOTH CONDO. Two
bedrooms, Large loft. Three
full bathrooms. Sleeps 8. Walk
to Canyon Lodge. DVD, Cable,
Wifi, Pool, Spa, Rec. Room,
BBQ. Winter $175 Sun - Thurs
$195 Fri /Sat Holiday Periods.
Summer $150 Plus Clean-
ing. No Smoking or Pets. Call
Craig Yoder (909) 948-3659.
MAMMOTH CONDO. Up-
dated 2 bedroom 1 bath old
mammoth/ eagle lodge area.
Sleeps 6. Fully equipped
kitchen, wifi, pool, spa, laun-
dry. Walk to restaurants, bars,
stores, park and trolly. Winter
$150 summer $130 plus clean-
ing fee, holiday rates vary,
multiple night discounts. No
pets.Contact Will Nevins 26”B”
(714) 697-2587
MAMMOTH CONDO AT THE
WOODLANDS - Spacious
& sunny. 2 bedroom, loft, &
2 baths. Sleeps 8. Cable
HDTV, DVD, & Wi-Fi. Pool,
Jacuzzi, & sauna in complex.
On shuttle route. No smoking
& no pets. $145/night winter,
$110/night summer. Plus
cleaning and bed tax. Call
Terry Imlay (949)322-3473 or
(949)458-0768
MAMMOTH CONDO IN
SNOWCREEK IV
Super nice 2 bedroom / 2
bathroom located in FANTAS-
TIC Snowcreek IV. *PETS
WELCOME! King, Double
Queen bunk, & trundle, Nicely
furnished with high-end appli-
ances. Fully stocked kitchen.
Washer/Dryer in the unit.
Pricing varies by season and
demand. Exceptional condo!
Goldencreek637@gmail.
com, 909-576-2025, Web-
site: https://goldencreek637.
wixsite.com/mysite
MAMMOTH LAKES - One
bedroom, extremely charming
wildflower condo. Full ameni-
ties, close to shuttle. Antiques,
art, satellite TV, fireplace.
Sleeps 4. Winter $110, Sum-
mer $85 plus cleaning fees.
Call Bill Clark (818) 371-6722
Email: shakesong@aol.com
MAMMOTH SEASONS 4
CONDO. Cozy 1 bedroom
condo with full-size pullout
couch and bonus room with
twin size bunkbed that com-
fortably sleeps 4 adults and 2
children. Conveniently located
15 min walk between the Vil-
lage and Canyon Lodge at 244
Lakeview Blvd. Visit https://
www.seasons4.com/94269/
for pics, amenities, and
reviews. $125/night; off-peak
(May, June, Oct, Nov): $100/
night; cleaning: $100. Bobby
(310) 350-5552.
MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET:
Walk to Canyon Lodge. Studio
loft sleeps 4. Queen beds, full
kitchen, 2 baths, garage park-
ing, TV, VCR, DVD. Winter
Sun-Thurs $100.nite; Fri & Sat
$115/nite plus cleaning fee
$100. Non smoking complex.
Joel Parker, LAFD retired.
email: cat25sailor@gmail.
com or (213) 399-6534.
NASHVILLE CONDO. Two
bedroom condo, sleeps 6, in
Downtown Nashville. Walk-
ing distance to Broadway St,
hockey and NFL stadium.
Contact Wayne, LAFD @
(805) 796-7863 for availability
and price.
PALM DESERT CONDO.
Montery Sands, 3 BD 2 BA,
Furnished, WiFi, Cable, Pool,
Jacuzzi, Tennia, Sleeps 6 max,
$150 Night, $800 Week, $2950
Month, Maid $150, 11% For
TOT(STR2019-0002), Up
Charge for Concerts, No
Smoking/Pets,
advertising
(310) 418-1577, dagger-
tooth@aol.com info,
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
Romantic Chalet Family please
getaway. 3 bed/2 bath plus
loft. Sleeps 8–10. Cable TV,
washer/dryer, microwave,
contact:
woodburning stove. 7 minutes
to casinos and Heavenly.
Located in Tahoe Paradise.
$115 per night plus cleaning.
Call Shawn or Rose Agnew
at (661) 250-9907 or (661)
Eric Santiago
476-6288.
(323) 259-5231
WATERFRONT RIVER-
HOUSE ON THE LAGOON or email:
OF THE COLORADO RIVER
for rent. Beautiful family home-
5 bedrooms, large bonus room
eric@lafra.org
for kids, 4 1/2 baths,Sleeps
15. Fully loaded with top of the
line appliances. Private launch
ramp. No pets. No smoking.
Contact: Gigi (714)454-0922
(Spouse-LAFD) for special fire-
fighter family rates. Check out
details: https://airbnb.com/h/
theriverhousevacationhome
WANTED
VOLUNTEER ENGINEERS
NEEDED
LA HABRA HEIGHTS
FIRE DEPARTMENT
562-694-8283 Ext. 4
www.Lhhcity.org
March 2021 • 59
Paid Advertisements:

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60 • March 2021
 Tommy Lasorda &
Tom LaBonge

On January 7, 2021, the City of Los Angeles lost not only one, but two influential individuals that help shape what Los
Angeles is today. Tommy Lasorda, Los Angeles Dodger Manager (1976 to 1996), and Tom LaBonge, City Councilman (2001 to
2015) in the 4th District. Both passed away from separate causes. Each individual were great supporters of the fire service,
frequently seen at a station or riding on an apparatus during a parade, these two Icons were loved by all that knew them. They
will be missed but never forgotten. Photos | David Blaire
March 2021 • 61
 Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
7470 N Figueroa Street
Los Angeles CA 90041-1725

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