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 LAFD INVITATIONAL
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 VOL. XCVIV July 2023 NO. 11

• FEATURES •
Pechanga 2023 • ....................................................................06
The Real Firefighters of 911 • ......................................08

FS 20 Reunion • .......................................................................13

• CONTENTS •
President’s Message • ...........................................................................05
Battalion News • .....................................................................................15
Percy Jones Retires • ..............................................................................39
Not From the F-11 • ...............................................................................41
The Coasters
Electric Vehicles • .............................................................................43
The Station Fridge • ...............................................................................45
Retirement Dinner Announcements • ....................................................46
Retired Guy
Things Not to Do • ..............................................................................47
Memorials • ...........................................................................................48
Rosie’s Corner • .....................................................................................49
LAFRA Mail • .........................................................................................50
LAFD History
Drill Tower Part 4 • ..........................................................................52
Minutes of the Board of Trustees • ........................................................55
Classifieds • ...........................................................................................58
Tailboard
Circa 1986 • .........................................................................................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 © 2023
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association.
No material may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

2 • July 2023
 On the cover: Structure Fire 105s 5/23/23 Hartland St . Photo | Leo Kaufman

Photo Inset: Picture of the C shift on top of the famous Westlake Theater in 11’s First-In. Photo | Robert Hinojosa

July 2023 • 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
Erik Scott, Nicholas Prange, Margaret Stewart

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Art Sorrentino, Deborah Lew, Mark Khitikian

PHOTOGRAPHERS
Gary Apodaca, David Blaire, Brandon Buckley, Chris Eckenrode, 564 Fire,
Greg Doyle, Harry Garvin, Yvonne Griffin, Justin Johnson, Gavin Kaufman, Mike
Meadows, Kyle Rausch, Jacob Salzman, Adam VanGerpen, Zak Holman

LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION

Chris Stine .............................................................President
Jim Duffy ........................................................Vice-President
Jim Dolan, Steve Ruda & Gene Bednarchik.......Community Affairs Liaisons

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Brian Wall JD Fox Mike Sailhamer
Cesar S. Garcia Jeff Halloran Milton Quintana
Craig White John Jacobsen Paul Duke
Danny Wu John Marasco Steve Berkery
Elber Navarro Juan Albarran Steve Tufts
Frank Aguirre Kenny Breskin Steven Jones
Henry Gasbarri Leon Dunn Tyler Tomich

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 Tim Werle............................Chaplain

Danny Leon..........................Chaplain Mark R. Wolf......................Chaplain
George A. Negrete..............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
Vivian Dang • 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

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: $60. Single issues $5 postpaid. Back issues $8
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 253. 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 • July 2023
 July is the seventh month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian Please mark your calendar for this year’s St. Baldrick’s Founda-
calendars and the fourth of seven months to have a length of 31 days. tion event, run by Trustee Danny Wu. The event will be held on Au-
It was named by the Roman Senate in honor of Roman General Julius gust 5, 2023, at the Vineyards in Porter Ranch. Danny along with many
Caesar, it being the month of his birth. July Fourth is a historic moment volunteers put on this great event to raise money for childhood cancer
in the United States, as it is the day the Declaration of Independence was research.
adopted in 1776. This year, as you celebrate the fourth of July, please Did you know that your Relief Medical PPO insurance covers
recognize how blessed we are to have the liberties we still have as many things like chiropractic care, acupuncture, and naturopathic medicine?
others do not have the privilege to share in the same freedoms. Chiropractic care is covered at 100% with a $15 copay for PPO provid-
Relief members, this year’s LAFRA Pechenga Reunion was one ers and $30 copay for non-PPO providers. Limited to $80.00 paid per
for the books. This event never disappoints of course, but WOW! The visit, no more than one visit per day, up to $2500.00 paid per person per
attendees this year stepped up their game once again. Day one is check- calendar year. Acupuncture is covered at 100% with a $15 copay for
in day at the clubhouse, located in the campground area, and Jim and PPO providers and 80% with a $30 copay for non-PPO providers. Maxi-
Adela Stine put on a ridiculous spread of food for all to enjoy. Members mum of $1000.00 per person per calendar year. Must be a licensed acu-
arriving at campsites were able to enjoy some delicious hors d’ oeuvres, puncturist. Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of medicine that
beer, and wine while getting plenty of time to catch up with friends and skillfully combines natural therapeutic traditions with modern science
coworkers. In past years many of the attendees would secure a trip on to restore and optimize health. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) are educated
the wine trolley, taking members to a few of the local wineries. Even and trained at accredited naturopathic medical colleges. For LAFRA
though this was a long-time tradition, this year they decided to change PPO medical to process a naturopathic claim it must be from a licensed
it up. This year Lisa Peters and Alma Fowble planned a custom wine ND and it must have a code associated with the procedure. There could
mixing event on site that included all of us in attendance. All members be procedures that are not covered by your LAFRA PPO medical plan.
were split into groups and each group was responsible for mixing their It’s always best to seek out an ND that is willing to work with insurance.
own wines. Yes, you had better believe it was a competition between all If your ND does not accept insurance, you can submit the superbill for
of us. The groups were instructed to do a custom mixing of three dif- reimbursement, but all procedures must have a code in order for the
ferent wines to make their own wine. Each group had to name the wine, claim to be processed. Please reach out to your ND to inquire about
describe the wine and recommend what it would be paired with. Each their financial policies before you agree to treatment. You can also visit
group was also judged on their presentation skills. You could only imag- the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians website for more
ine what kind of crazy, funny, creative, and animated presentations were info.
on stage. Thank you, Alma and Lisa, for bringing a new fresh idea to this This year the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial located in Colo-
long-standing tradition. Some of the other highlights are the LAFRA rado Springs, Colorado will be held on September 16th, 2023. The IAFF
vender day, karaoke night put on by Jack Wise, and Martini Madness honors the sacrifice made by IAFF members who have given their lives
put on by the Maga family. This is such an amazing event and only in the line of duty. The annual ceremony remains an uplifting service
highlights some of the camaraderie and good fun had by all that were in for the families, friends and loved ones, celebrating the lives, heroism
attendance. If you missed this event and you are active or retired be sure and accomplishments of our LAFD firefighters. This year 570 fallen
to book your RV spot for next year or book a hotel room at Pechenga firefighters from the United States and Canada will be added to the wall.
Resort. We have five LAFD fallen firefighters being honored this year which in-
I am happy to announce that Hope for Firefighters was a huge clude George Roque, Henry Munoz, James Ruedy, William James, and
success this year. After a three-year hiatus due to you-know-what, we Russell Nakamura. Please consider making the trip to Colorado Springs
are back!!!! This event is a large undertaking and demands many hours with some of your LAFRA Trustees, LAFD Honor Guard, LAFD Chap-
of work along with some serious coordination. Our event coordinator, lains, and family members to honor these firefighters who paid the ulti-
Juliet Brandolino, and the Hope Committee, along with some of our mate sacrifice.
finest firefighters, their families, and droves of volunteers make this
event come together flawlessly. We were concerned about how this event Dates to Remember:
would be received after being offline for three years but those concerns • LA Galaxy/LAFRA Event—July 8, 2023
quickly dissipated once the crowds flooded onto Hope Street. The fire • St. Baldrick’s Foundation event—August 5, 2023
stations brought their “A” game on the menus for this year’s event. Along • LAFD Memorial Car Show—September 10, 2023
with some great food and dessert, stations competed for the best theme • IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial—September 16, 2023
and WOW! The work that our firefighters put into their costumes was
impressive. In all my years of doing Hope Street I have never seen a sta-
tion bring a live band to their booth or bring the fire station weight room
out on to Hope Street. Thank you to all our firefighters, volunteers, staff, Christopher Stine
and most importantly our corporate sponsors for a job well done this president@lafra.org
year. 323.259.5202
July 2023 • 5
 Well, we are ready to kick off the
summer of 2023 and of course, that means
the Memorial Day remembrance of our
servicemen who died while serving in
the United States military. It also means
that our Pechanga gathering has come and
gone. For those who are not familiar with
this event, it is a wonderful, multi-day
event filled with camaraderie, food, drink,
and plenty of fun. From golfing, food and
drink competitions, to just sitting around
the camp fire with friends, the beautiful
Pechanga Resort located in Temecula,
California has lots to offer. Have a RV?
There’s plenty of space to camp for a few
days. If camping is not your style, stay in
the nice luxury hotel and pamper yourself. Winners of the Martini Contest were—Jacque Gonzalez-Sweet martini, Mike Raden accepting
Either place you are close to all the action. for Krissy Raden-Savory appetizer. Rich Howe accepting for Joyce Howe-Sweet dessert. Steve
First and foremost, this year’s Berkery accepting for Kathy Korman- Savory martini
gathering could not have come off with-
out LAFRA staff support, trustees (and
spouses) helping, and the attendees work-
ing to clean up and come up with great
new games and adventures.
On Monday, Melo Chavarria ar-
rived with our supplies and helped set up
the Club House in anticipation of the af-
ternoon meet-and-greet. A big thank you
to Adela and Jim Stine, who have set a new
standard for the hors d’oeuvres offered at
our meet-and-greet. This included fruit, a
variety of charcuterie boards, and a pasta
salad that was out of this world. I guess
packs of goldfish crackers are not going to
cut it anymore.
Tuesday started with a 0800 lineup
in the clubhouse, where stories and memo-
ries were shared. A little later, a Wine
Blending event was held in the clubhouse.
Teams of six or so worked to choose a
team name and blend a white wine and a
red wine unique to their team. Each of the
teams presented their creations and judg-
es selected the winners. Team Anytime/
6 • July 2023
Anyplace won the prize for best white
wine blend, and Team Just Enough to Be
Dangerous came in first in the red wine
blend category. Best Presentation was won
by Team Make America GRAPE Again.
A big thanks to all who were involved in
the planning and execution of this fun af-
fair. An extra special recognition to Lisa
Peters, Alma Fowble, and their patient
spouses.
A pizza and salad dinner was pro-
vided by LAFRA for the attendees. A cake
was also shared in honor of Steve Berk-
ery’s birthday.
Wednesday’s 0800 line-up was ex-
tra special. It was deemed an “Irish coffee
gathering.” This day was set aside to pur-
chase merchandise from LAFD FIRE Ap-
parel, and to have some face time with the
vendors and representatives with whom we
interact day in and day out, but might not
get to meet with in person. They included
Anthem Blue Cross, Pensions, Firefighters
First Credit Union, UFLAC, LARFPA,
Kaiser, Sedgwick, Express Scripts, and of
course your Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief
Association.
Our dinner was prepared by Pete’s
Firehouse Barbecue. It was tasty and well-
received. After dinner, our President Chris
Stine spoke about LAFRA’s mission, ac-
complishments, and future objectives. He
introduced Valerie Lawrence, who spoke
about the great work accomplished by the
Widow Support Group. Carol Swanson
spoke and had kind words about her rela-
tionship with the association. Richard and
Marilyn Balzano were recognized as our
most senior attendees.
After dinner, the room was rear-
ranged and Jack Wise led a fun time with
Kamikaze Karaoke. Some danced, some
sang, but one thing was for sure: everyone
had fun.
Thursday after our 0800 line-up
is usually a golf day, but due to a sched-
uling confusion the golf course was not
available. This made more time available
for the Bloody Mary bar and the Martini
Madness competition. Another heartfelt
thanks to the sponsors of these gatherings,
especially Wendy and Jack Wise, Karen
and Gary Maga and Diane and Ron Maga.
We are looking forward to 2024 and the
next episode…
July 2023 • 7
 In 1972, a little-known show began
its production run at MarkVII Limited and
Universal Studios. It featured two main
characters, John Gage and Roy Desoto, two
LA County Paramedic/Firefighters por-
trayed by actors Randolph Mantooth and
Kevin Tighe. The show was “Emergency”
and was supported by a well-rounded cast
of characters but focused primarily on
two—Gage and Desoto. This show would
go on to change how the world viewed the
fire service and would act as a recruiting
platform for fire and EMS agencies for
years to come. Following the success of
“Emergency,” Hollywood stepped up their
game, producing a number of follow-up
blockbusters, such as “Towering Inferno,”
“Backdraft,” and “Ladder 49.” Not to be
outdone, in 2016, Ryan Murphy, Brad Fal-
chuk and Tim Minear brought a new series
to Fox that would once again ignite inter-
est in what first responders really do. The
show followed the lives of a group of LA
first responders: Firefighters, Paramedics,
Police Officers, and the Dispatchers that
support them.
Based on Los Angeles’ own LAFD,
this fast-paced reality/drama-based cin-
ema tells the story of a tight-knit crew of
Firefighters made up of a diverse cast and
crew, each character bringing with him or
her their own series of independent story
lines. So far, the number one show on the
Fox network has put six seasons in the cans
for all to view. Season seven, scheduled to
start filming in July, is sure to bring back
all the fast-paced emergency-based format

8 • July 2023
from past seasons, but this time, the show
will premiere on a new channel and net-
work. ABC will now host the show, hoping
to spread the love among the networks as
they do battle with the onslaught of today’s
ever-increasing barrage of streaming ser-
vices.
Just like all beginnings, however,
“9-1-1” had some growing pains and a few
rewrites to get it right. Episode one was a
prime example of Hollywood vs. reality
that left little to the imagination but far
more than most wanted to see portrayed
about the fire service. Not long after the
airing of the show, then Los Angeles City
Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas started receiv-
ing phone calls from concerned citizens
conveying their displeasure of the portray-
al of the LAFD’s name. Since the show
was based largely on the exploits of the
LAFD, name included, the Chief quickly
made some phone calls to the studio to
point out the Department’s displeasure of
its portrayal. Quickly coming to an under-
standing, ground rules were convened to
the producers of the show, along with a
request to assign to the show a technical
advisor versed in the LAFD’s daily op-
erations. Thirty-nine-year veteran, retired
Battalion Chief Mike Bowman, answered
the call, and six years later is going stron-
ger than ever. His first call of duty was to
take all the actors, writers, and producers
and give them a brief but intensive over-
view of the LAFD first-hand. He brought
them to actual LAFD stations and had
them ride out and share meals with the
crews, receiving an in-depth indoctrina-
tion of all LAFD policies and procedures.
He also took them to the training academy,
introducing them to the tools and equip-
ment used by Firefighters, and then ran
them through the paces with them to as-
sure their confidence was firmly in place.
His second call was to find a cadre of re-
tired Firefighters to assist him in his duties
as Fire Tech. The position of “Real Fire-
fighter” was born. Under the supervision of
retired Chief Bowman, these Firefighters
work with and alongside the cast and crew,
bringing with them years of real firefight-
ing experience. From Battalion Chiefs, to
single function medics, this group of spe-
cialized individuals help guide the cast
and crew, showing them how things are
July 2023 • 9
really done in the field. They also work
closely with background actors to bring
more realism to their positions as they
populate the scenes right alongside the ac-
tors. If you look closely, you may see some
familiar LAFD faces on screen—fighting
fire, driving apparatus, lifting gurneys –
doing everything everyday Firefighters
do, but sometimes over and over, and then
over and over again. The days can be long,
up to 18 hours at a time, still, these group
of LAFD retirees keep up the good name
of the LAFD working hard all through
the shoot until the words, “it’s a wrap” are
called out.
“It’s a platoon duty on steroids,”
LAFD retired Firefighter/Paramedic John
Hicks says. “Some emergency scenes are
acted out multiple times, and just when
you think it all went great, the call to do
it once more is made. It’s exhausting work
at times, but rewarding when you see the
final product.
Retired Captain II Rick Godinez
is one of the other Real Firefighters. “We
play two different roles on the show,”
says Rick, “One as technical background,
lending our expertise to the cast, the oth-
er, working right alongside them in the
scene.”
This dual role allows the show to
display the fire service in the best pos-
sible light, while still preserving its Hol-
10 • July 2023
lywood flair. Bowman’s Firefighters, as
they are affectionally called by the crew
of the show, also represent the best of
what the LAFD has to offer. “9-1-1” Fire
Technical Advisor Mike Bowman, Bat-
talion Chief; Brian Allen, Captain I; Jim
Bizzini, FF III; Lorenzo Brazley, Cap-
tain I; John Hicks, FF/PM; Rick Godinez,
Captain II; Julio Maldonado, FF III/Metro
Dispatcher; Phil Weireter, Firefighter/EIT;
and John Wilkins, Apparatus Operator,
are just a few of the Real Fighters repre-
senting the LAFD, along with many active
LAFD Firefighters when available. Is it all
the LAFD way—NO. This is still a Hol-
lywood production and fans demand more
than then just another ordinary emergency
to keep them tuned in. Some of the inci-
dents written in the script are from the tal-
ented minds of multiple writers, while oth-
ers are taken right from the headlines of
real events. As a Firefighter who watches
the show, one might comment, “That’s not
how we do that!” And, you would be cor-
rect, it’s not. However, Retired Chief Mike
Bowman and his cadre of Real Fighters
are on the job, doing their best to preserve
the LAFD’s good name. Real incidents or
not, it’s television—it’s entertainment—
and “9-1-1” does a great job blending both
into pure, unadulterated fun for all ages.
And so, as we say in Hollywood—that’s a
wrap!!!
July 2023 • 11
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12 • July 2023 Contact your plan provider to verify.
 On March 27th, Fire Station 20 gathered again for their have seen each other go through good and tough times. Even as
fourth reunion in Buellton, California at the Firestone Brewery. Captain Pete was getting through his cancer, this group gathered
This would have been the fifth one but because of Covid, we to bring him and Besty a smile and to let them know we remem-
could not have it one year. There were about 40 people who at- bered them. Now, as we reunite, we tell stories of the past as if it
tended this reunion. Some stayed at the Flying Flags RV resort was yesterday. We laugh and cry, we rejoice in our time togeth-
and some just came up for the night. After cocktails and dinner, er. During the dinner we take time to remember the fallen who
several came back to our campsite for good ole stories by the fire have left us: Captain John Peterson, Eng. Pete Goff, Captain Tom
pit. Rohrbach, Captain Brent Hogue, Captain Lane Kemper, Captain
I started this reunion because the group I worked with David Mooreman, and Captain John Nuttman.
while I was assigned at 20s has a very close bond. As you know, I would like to thank the members and family who attend-
there are those stations where you just had the best of times. For ed this year’s reunion and made the trip up to Buellton. I hope, if
me, they were Fire Station 4, 14 and 20. I spent nineteen years there is a fifth reunion, that we exceed the numbers next year. For
as an A/O at Fire Station 20. Many of the members worked at those who could not make it this year, maybe the next one. Also,
20s anywhere from 15 to 25 years. We saw people come and go if anyone reading this has worked at Fire Station 20 and would
but the meat of all three shifts stayed together. At one time, the like to attend the next reunion, send me your email address so we
Captains there had over 100 years of combined service, the A/ can have it on our list. You can send it to me at etofav@verizon.
Os had over 90 years of service, and the Engineers had over 100 net.
years of service. We grew up with one another. We saw our kids
grow up and some of us have seen our sons join the LAFD. We Retired A/O Ed Tapia

July 2023 • 13
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14 • July 2023
 or second), mess (breakfast, lunch, UFLAC, off of it. Maybe they all brown bagged it for a
dinner, dessert), movie night (1300-2200hrs), week to save money. Lastly, in case you were
or bed time (1900hrs). When they arrive, be wondering, yes, 2s has participated in their bi-
sure to emphasize that they’re only there for monthly tradition of crashing the truck. Some
their aerial and you don’t need the manpower. say when one door closes, another door opens.
It’s July everyone, and we all know Now for the news. What happens when you In this case, when one door closed (the A/Os)
what that means… it’s time for the classic put a flatlander in a district with hills? Well, another door opened too much and got ripped
American game of Gunshots or Fireworks. If apparently you roll back into the pump. Let’s off (the tillers). For more info, you can talk to
you’re new to this game, it’s really not that hard save the rollbacks for Walmart, shall we? the members over there. They sure like to put
to pick up. All you need in order to play is a Don’t want to turn Bunker Hill into Bumper the 2 in F-620. I’m just glad they keep getting
pair of ears and a bullet proof vest. Another Hill. Next up out of 9s, it sounds like new Cap- more creative. Makes these articles a little eas-
fun pastime that comes around this time of tains like to be the first ones to eat. Let’s re- ier to write. In conclusion: get used to gravity,
year is Bottle Rocket Dodgeball. Usually, the member the reason you’re in that position and take care of your guys, don’t do the kitchen first
LAFD plays defense while the constituents practice some good servant leadership. Get the for inspection, and tune in next time for more
play offense. I’d strongly advise against re- crew paid, get them fed, and make sure they of 2’s desTRUCKtion. Send all your stories,
versing those roles no matter how fun it may go home to their families. Stick with those ba- questions, comments, or concerns to battalion-
sound. Lastly, we have the timeless classic sics and you’ll be good. Now, I’ve heard that a juan@gmail.com. On second thought, I’ll take
called Palm Tree Fire. Some people get laser certain Captain at 10s was prepping for bien- your stories but you can send your comments
focused on the fire and forget who their oppo- nial inspection and decided to pressure wash and concerns to bornXraisedwolfpack11@
nent actually is: the trucks. In order to score the stoves a week out from inspection leaving saltmail.com
points, the engine has to call out the truck dur- the station unable to cook for seven days or so.
ing one of four times in the shift: workout (first In the process, he also stripped all the chrome -Battalion Juan

Congratulations to William Kerr (Station 3B) and Lindsay

Kerr on the birth of their child, Sawyer Mae Kerr who was
Truck 10 on scene of a rubbish in their district. born on May 18, 2023 at 8:25pm. Sawyer weight in at 7 lbs.
Photo | James Anderson 9 oz. 20 inches long. Photo | Melissa Patrick Photography

July 2023 • 15
 WED, OCTOBER 4, 2023
CHECK IN - 8AM
GAME STARTS - 9AM

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THREE TO FIVE PLAYERS PER TEAM | 30 TEAMS MAX.

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LONG BEACH, CA
(Claremont Beach)

PROCEEDS BENEFIT YOUR

SEAN MILLETT
(805) 717-0618 or

LAFD FS 105
(818) 756-8605
16 • July 2023
M
M
One of Fire Station 80’s apparatus watches carefully over an aircraft

R
during a Bravo Tango Incident at LAX. Photo | Craig Yamashiro

AX. do it, you just let the Captain know that around the station, but began to get a
you’d like to be off SK that day. Now little worried and thought he might
E I won’t tell you which particular sta-
tion this member was from, but if you
have missed a run because he didn’t
see anyone. After searching the sta-

A Hello again from Hollyweird,

Battalion 5ers! Sorry about the reprint
are a rookie and want to know more
about this email me, and I’ll give you
tion, he was luckily able to see that
he hadn’t, and most of the members at
82 reasons why you shouldn’t conduct that station were on their cell phones
last month, not sure what happened. A
business like that. in the “study” room. Lead by example,
certain member with approximately
You know what time of year (or isn’t that what they say?
six years on was helping another mem-
month) it is by one particular quote If you haven’t read the strategic
ber out and decided to “G” for him.
said often in LAFD culture. “It’s not plan put out, I would highly suggest
Nine days out from the day he had
for the chiefs, it’s for us.” That’s right, reading it. There is some interesting
“G”ed for, he decided he didn’t want
inspection! However, it’s annual this stuff. Just in case anyone hasn’t read it,
the day anymore and called a Cap-
time around and I hope everyone’s here is a tidbit. Our core values no lon-
tain at the respective station to can-
projects are going well. I heard a great ger have to do with SPIRIT, but have
cel it. Unfortunately, most of us are
story about annual and the hard work more to do with SCCCCSK. Glad they
aware that’s just not how it works......
individuals are putting in. I heard this changed that, SPIRIT was too difficult
The Captain let him know he couldn’t
one from a young firefighter just off of an acronym for a knuckle-dragger
get out of it, so what did he do next?
probation. This member picked up a like myself.
Plan B! Call the next logical person,
T the Captain II. Once again, he was met
SOD day out-of-house and being the
or eager young member that he was, he Thanks
with resistance. Third time’s a charm?
asked how he could help the station out -Johnny H.
5 Yup, tried another Captain on a differ-
for annual. He was given some tasks
05 ent shift, and when he says you can’t
to complete. He put in some hard work
July 2023 • 17
18 • July 2023
 Congratulations to Daniel (85 “B”) and Amye Goen on
A little float time on Fire Service Day—Harbor Style. their newest arrival. Evelyn Faith Goen was born on
Photo | LAFDSouthBureau February 6, 2023. Her Weight: 7lbs, 12 oz. Height: 20”

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Tom Wells on their first grandchild. Par-
ents Trevor and Katie Wells welcome their new son—Thomas DJ Wells. 9 Sign him up! Fire Service 101.
lbs. 4 oz. 22 inches, born on May 7, 2023. Tom is assigned to 112-C. Photo | LAFDSouthBurureau

July 2023 • 19
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20 • July 2023
Tis the season! Keep Watch! Photo | Brian Russel

Fire 4 hoist of an elderly woman from Fryman canyon. Photos | Mike Meadows

July 2023 • 21
 20065 W. Rinaldi St.
Porter Ranch, CA 91326

22 • July 2023
St. Engine 98 quickly extinguished an RV well-
26 involved in fire. Photos | Ismael Miranda

Battalion 13 companies were dispatched to a structure fire in 66’s

first-in on the 1600 block of W. 62nd St. Photos | Justin Johnson

July 2023 • 23
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 E46 knocking down a stubborn auto fire at
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This car was slammed into by a Metrolink train

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July 2023 • 25
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26 • July 2023
Fire showing from 2nd story in Valley Village.
Photos | Austin Gebhardt

5-21-23. Man was found in the dry LA Riverbed at Coldwater Canyon Bl. and Chandler St. E-102 and
TF-60 worked to stabilize and used two 35-foot ladders to get the victim out. Photos | Mike Meadows

July 2023 • 27
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28 • July 2023
Congrats to Kyle Saure. This year, Firefighter Saure is honored as Para-
medic of the Year from Northridge Hospital. Photos | Suey Tiengerd

Vehicle over the side at 23000 W. Santa Susana Pass Rd.

Photo | Mark Lassman

Engine 18 suiting up to battle a Classic 1954 Ford. No Photo Credit

July 2023 • 29
 Engine 73 handles a well-involved auto. Photos | Leo Kaufman

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 Structure Fire in 105 on Hartland St. Photos | Leo Kaufman

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32 • July 2023
 Battalion 18 “A” Platoon-BC Patrick Leonard &
It’s all about the love on Fire Service Day. Batt 18 visit FS 92 BC Anderson. Batt, EIT Mitchell, EIT TA’Ana Mitchell enjoying Fire Service Day!
Photo | lacitystentorians and Capt. Aguirre. Photo | Ta’Ana Mitchell Photo | Ta’Ana Mitchell

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July 2023 • 33
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34 • July 2023 A COMMEMORATIVE COIN!
 The Relief Association is saddened to announce the death of long-time LAFD Chaplain,
Father Christian Van Liefde. “Father Chris,” as he was fondly known, was unique in that
his work with the LAFD was strictly voluntary. He was appointed to the LAFD as Chaplain The Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association is saddened to announce
on October 23, 1980. His last parish as a Pastor was Saint Genevieve Catholic Church, the death of active-duty Firefighter/Paramedic Valerie L. Roberts.
in Panorama City. For decades, Father Chris dedicated his time helping with The Spark Firefighter/Paramedic Roberts began her LAFD career on February
of Love Toys for Needy Children program. Many will remember Father Chris stopping 16, 1993. She was assigned to the Department’s Quality Improvement
at fire stations throughout the city, picking up toys, and delivering them to Toy Central. Section at the time of her at-home passing on May 20, 2023.

23 Association members represent the Relief at a City-sponsored

health fair held at Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center.
M
N
ER
ay
12

EIVE
OIN! July 2023 • 35
 SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2023 / 7:30 PM
DIGNITY HEALTH SPORTS PARK MAIN STADIUM, CARSON CA
On behalf of the LA Galaxy and the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund, we would like
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FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:
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36 • July 2023
 The City of Los Angeles landmarks shone in red in honor of Fallen Firefighters
everywhere during the annual “Light the Night” event. Photos | John McCoy

ke
n!
,

July 2023 • 37
 Multiple LAFD USAR companies, along with surrounding companies, rescue a horse stuck in a
rut in the 15000 blk of Olive View Dr. Photos | Greg Doyle, Mike Meadows and Austin Gebhardt

38 • July 2023
 On April 29th, 2023, 200 well- The Honorable Mayor of San Luis Obispo, had to be there, but it was very funny and
wishers toasted and congratulated Battal- Erica Stewart. accurate, and the members can relate to it.
ion Chief Percy Jones. The host hotel was BC Jones took the stage and kept He spoke about his journey and the pur-
the Omni Hotel downtown Los Angeles. the attendees’ attention by first giving ac- pose of mentorship and helping others.
Chief Jones had 43 years of service to the knowledgement to the civilians that are The event was well attended,
citizens of LA and the Los Angeles City the backbone of the LAFD. He gave three thoughtful, first class and perfect for a self-
Fire Department. Chief has worked many reasons why it is time to retire. Sorry you less public servant.
assignments and details throughout his ca-
reer. The celebration was elegant, dressy
and lots of fun.
The evening started off with a
cocktail hour hosted by BC Jones, (free
drinks), and hors d’oeuvres.
There was a nice mixture of retired
LAFD members, current clerical and past
members, and active members of all ranks.
Attendees traveled from Atlanta Georgia,
Houston Texas, San Diego, San Luis Obis-
po and Napa California.
The sit-down dinner stated with
prayer by Christian Jones, the 6-foot-9-
inch starting left tackle from San Diego
State, the only person that we know was
bigger than Dave Burwell. Retired Cap-
tain II Addison Birdine was the master of
ceremonies of the dinner dance. He kept
the audience entertained by giving the at-
tendees the history of LAFD, 43 years ago,
life net vs. air rescue cushion, old turnouts
compared to the new ones. A video pre-
sentation was shown that depicted BC
Jones as a kid and when he was 95 pounds
lighter. He even snow skied with Birdine,
Roy Harvey, and Dwayne Golden.
Chief Jones’ elder sisters started the
program with some truths about the hon-
oree and many laughs.
His sons, Percy Jones II and Chris-
tian Jones, spoke elegantly about life and
times in the Jones house.
The presentations were led by Los
Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
President, Chris Stine, followed by Dean
Zipperman of the Chief Officers Associa-
tion, Gerald Durant of the Stentorians, and

July 2023 • 39
 SAVE THE DATE
MONDAY
October 9th
For members that don't know Scott Souter, he was involved in
Tijeras Creek
a serious mountain biking accident where he sustained life
threatening injuries. He now has severe physical and mental Golf Course
limitations, needing full-time care. Let's help out our fellow Golf Sign Ups
brother who has a long family history with LAFD. Available Aug 1st

SPONSORSHIP AND DONATION Our goal this year is to raise

$100,000 to renovate Scott and
OPPORTUNITIES Amy's master bed/bath to create a
Visit www.birdease.com/ScottSouter functional space for Scott.
Questions? Call Les Hunt at
40 • July 2023 949.702.1375 LET'S Take Care of Our Own!
 Being off IOD or NIOD can wreak hav- • Verbal abuse and/or physical at home with the injury. Accept the new tem-
oc in your life, flipping routines and turning abuse towards loved ones porary role and enjoy playing board games,
life upside down. The injury is often abrupt, • Feeling disconnected from family helping kids with homework, and staying en-
forcing one to adapt to changes in finances, and friends gaged in a stationary manner.
family roles, expectations, and dynamics. • Suicidal thoughts 3. In terms of communication with oth-
Being injured quickly forces one to become ers at the station, recognize that it is a two way
familiar with the workers comp process and If someone you know is out on injury, street. Avoid the thought that you are bugging
come to the realization that getting back to please check in on them, and do it often. Put a the other person (whether you are the one off
work can be a complex and lengthy one. In- reminder on your phone to call or text weekly; injured, or if you are the one still at work). Try
juries keep people from work, often reducing daily, if needed. Continue to send texts even if to reach out once a segment: call and say hello,
feelings of connection to identity, friends, you get no response. Call and leave a messages include him on a text thread, stop by his house
and support network. The longer one is out even if you never get a return phone call. They with lunch.
on injury, feelings of isolation, loneliness, and see you, they hear you, they appreciate you. 4. Pick up some new stationary hobbies
disconnectedness may begin to have more of that are beneficial: reading the books you’ve
a presence, which can set the stage for an in- Beau: Some solutions that may come been wanting to read, learn a musical instru-
crease of stress hormones, depression, anxiety, in handy for those injured: ment, journal, or paint. Create a schedule to
substance abuse, and even suicide. 1. Knowing the process and how the help you stay on track.
Loneliness and isolation can be hell department works with injuries. Stay engaged It doesn’t take a lot of time or effort to
to manage especially if you have activity re- with MLU. check-in on your friends. Look out for one an-
strictions and are in pain (physical or mental). 2. Try not to fulfill your old role when other.
Daily routines or positive coping mechanisms
like going to the gym, playing soccer, or surf-
AY ing are often not an option when injured. You
may feel very stuck. Negative thoughts or

th
unresolved issues may begin to fester, brew,
and take on a mind of their own. Unresolved
marital or relational issues may take center
stage because there is no longer distraction or
avoidance to the issue. Over time, you may

ek even begin to feel like a burden to your family

and friends. You may feel that you’ve lost your
identity. Calls from friends begin to slow, if
se not completely stop, and you may feel forgot-
ten. You may question if you’ll ever get back to
work. In order to numb the pain, you may in-
ps crease your alcohol use, abuse pain pills. You
g 1st are exhausted. This is a recipe for disaster.
Some of these details may seem all too
familiar for some who have experienced an in-
jury and need to be off work for a period of
time. We need to do a better job at reaching
out and provide support for them. We know
that having a social connection and feeling
safe with others is a basic human need and
helps buffer us from stress. Those who have
support tend to do much better while healing.
As long as they are off of work, continue to
reach-out. Check-in. It may be the difference
between life and death.
If you are out on injury and you begin
to feel any of the things listed below, please
e reach out to a friend, peer supporter, a licensed
therapist or psychologist (please note that this
nd is not an exhaustive list of symptoms):
te a

• Depression
• Increase of alcohol use
• Abusing pain medication
• Increase in anger

wn! July 2023 • 41

 When you shop at Amazon,
YOU can purchase items on behalf of Widows & Orphans
for us to use in our fundraising efforts.

Simply visit our wishlist to see what

we’re currently looking for.

Any purchase you make will be

delivered directly to the Relief offices.

Visit givetoahero.org/amazon-wishlist to learn more.

42 • July 2023
 Our government is eager to acceler- “carrot” to entice people to go solar. I’m rienced who he was from the short time I
ate the nation’s rapid transition to electric sure there are many people that aren’t con- was around him.
vehicles, and to get everyone excited about vinced about gettin’ an electric vehicle but He had a huge heart and would do
this changeover the federal government is I’m sure a $7500 tax credit would be a big anythin’ to help out a fellow Firefighter or
danglin’ a $7500 tax credit for those that motivator. even a stranger. He had an outgoin’ per-
switch to electric. However, there are only So why restrict the credit to a hand- sonality and was a natural fit for the job
10 models that qualify for this $7500 cred- ful of EVs? Maybe the powers to be don’t as a Firefighter. In fact, Bob Munoa, who
it. The qualifyin’ models are the: want to pay out the money to include every was the TFC on the “C” shift at 14s at the
electric vehicle or maybe this “global-war- time, happened to see Brain while he was
• Chrysler Pacifica min’” issue ain’t all that important. assigned to FS 21 and knew immediately
• Ford F-150 Lightnin’ pickup But wait, there’s more good news. that he wanted him at 14s.
• Lincoln Aviator Grand Tourin’ There’s goin’ to be an added charge to Bob had a few connections and con-
• Cadillac Lyriq your power bill in the near future. So, if vinced a Bureau Commander that Brian
• Telsa Model 3 you earn under $28K per year there will needed to be at 14s. It was done.
• Telsa Model Y be $15 monthly charge. If you earn $28K Brian was not only
• Chevy Volt to $69K per year you’ll pay an added $20 a good Firefighter; he was
• Chevy Blazer per month. If you earn $69K to $180K per a great baseball player.
• Chevy Equinox year $51 will be added each month to your After graduatin’ from
• Chevy Silverado pickup bill, and if you earn over $180K you’ll be the University of Illinois
charged $85 extra per month. The power with a BA in Political
No longer eligible for tax cred- companies are claimin’ that this extra Science, he was drafted
its are electric cars from VW, Hyundai, charge will help them to maintain the by the Texas Rangers. He turned down a
Kia, Nissan, BMW, Volvo and Rivian. power poles and replace ones that are old. six-figure offer.
EVs from these manufactures, under the I was saddened to hear about the passin’ Rest easy Brian, it was a pleasure
rules interpreted by the US Treasury, don’t of Firefighter Brian Corntassel in April. knowin’ and workin’ with you.
source enough of their battery components I had the pleasure of workin’ with Brian
or raw materials from North America to at FS 14. He was on the “C” shift and I AC
qualify. And just like solar, California and worked many SOD days with him. I knew KEEP SMILIN’!
the federal government dangled a rebate nothin’ of his personal life but only expe- choppedup@att.net

phone: visit:
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e. July 2023 • 43
 GENERAL
MEMBERSHIP
MEETING
S E P T E M B E R 6 , 2 0 2 3

S A N A N T O N I O W I N E R Y
7 3 7 L A M A R S T .
L O S A N G E L E S , C A 9 0 0 3 1

B E N E F I T T I N G
1 0 : 0 0 A M T O 2 : 0 0 P M

R S V P B Y A U G U S T 2 3 , 2 0 2 3

MEAL $30 per person

MEAL & WINE TASTING $40 per person

To purchase tickets, please cut this portion out and mail with your payment to LARFPA @
9521 Las Tunas Dr., Suite 4, Temple City, CA 91780 OR visit larfpa.org to make an online purchase.

NAME PHONE ( )

NUMBER IN YOUR PARTY AMOUNT ENCLOSED CHECK NUMBER

PLEASE CHECK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: FIRE POLICE

All event ticket purchases are non-refundable.

If you cannot attend the event, please consider your purchase a donation to the Los Angeles Retired Fire & Police Association.

44 • July 2023
July 2023 • 45
 ARMANDO HOGAN, Chief Deputy JOE VIGIL, Engineer, Fire Station 80-A
SATURDAY, JULY 22, 2023 SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 2023
City Club Los Angeles
Sunset Terrace Restaurant
555 Flower Street 51st Floor
235 N. Moorpark Rd, Ste G
Los Angeles, CA
Thousand Oaks, CA
Social Hour: 5:30 PM Dinner: 6:30 PM
Happy Hour: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
$65 per person
Call Diane Vigil: (310) 956-0191 for any questions
Call Levisa Wade: (213) 709-6817
Celebrating 36+ years of service
or Venmo: @Lauren-Hogan-52

MARK CHASE, Fire Inspector II, Fire Dev. Svs. SHANNON K. SAFFO, FF/ PM, Fire Station 112-B

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2023 SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 2023

Doubletree Hotel San Pedro Elks Club

Thousand Cranes Ballroom 1748 Cumbre Dr
120 S. Los Angeles St San Pedro, CA

11:00 AM to 1 PM Social Hour - 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Dinner - 6:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Chicken, Fish or Vegetarian - $50 pp
$75 per person
Contact: melanie.andujo@lacity.org
or Call (213) 653-9669 Call Wendy Saffo at (213)598-8462
RSVP by July 14th or Zelle Wendy Saffo

DAN RAMIREZ, FF/PM, Fire Station 69 MIKE MORALES, Captain II, Fire Station 21

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2023 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

Ramirez Residence Noor Events

8043 Ocean View Ave 300 E. Colorado Blvd, Ste 200
Whittier, CA Pasadena, CA

Social Hour 5:00 PM - Dinner: 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM Social Hour - 5:00 PM Dinner - 6:00 PM

Text Gigi Ramirez: (562) 536-1076 or $80 per person

Call Eric Nakamaru @ FS 69 - (310) 575-8569
RSVP by September 1st Text Rosie at (909)510-0323 or Venmo: @Rosie-Morales-4
or call Alex De La Torre or Josh Friemoth
Celebrating 33 years of service @ FS21 (13)485-6221. RSVP by September 15th

46 • July 2023
I AIN’T SCARED OF NO GHOST ged machines, 47s seemed like a good location, Talking to someone who was at the
and it probably would have been except... time, involved with this thing, was not thrilled
This is from the October 2000 Battal- Somebody from 47s was testing the with it at all.
ion 17 News. I have to pass it on. hill-climbing capabilities of one of these ve- There were a few problems, beyond
For clarity, there are some spelling cor- hicles when it ran out of power before it got to safety, that had to be solved.
rections and two additional, short, sentences the top of the hill. This required it to be backed How do you get this thing to the scene
added to the original article. down the hill. of the incident?
If any of you are scaredy pants sissies When you try to back down a steep hill, It would have be transported to the
you might want to skip this tale because it is if you turn the wheels just a little bit, very bad scene of the incident, I would presume by the
a ghost story. Not one of those “scare you to things happen very quickly. Like rolling the helicopter. It’s hard to imagine flying very far
death around the campfire” ghost stories, but vehicle. with this thing hanging, by a cable, from Van
an honest to goodness LAFD ghost story. Thus ended the use of Hummers on Nuys airport to wherever the incident was lo-
Over the years there have been persis- the LAFD. If I remember correctly the second cated.
tent rumors of a female ghost, named Fran- Hummer was stored at FS109 for quite a while. About the only other way to do it would
ces, at the Frank Hotchkin Memorial Train- have it stored in a central location, S&M for in-
ing Center. Frances, according to legend, has #2, The Sky Genie stance, on a flat bed and drive it to the incident.
been around for years, dating back to when the Flight time used to be about 15 minutes from
Navy and Marines Corps owned the building. I would be willing to bet that there are Air Ops. to the harbor.
The legend holds that a Marine sentry actually probably more of you who have hit a World Se- Travel times from the shops, by truck,
fired several rounds from his sidearm at this ries home run against Sandy Koufax, with the to the incident would be much longer. There
apparition. exception of CII Ken Blizzard, CI Don Honus, were a couple of logistic problems to be solved.
More recently, Frances reportedly ap- FF Gary Smith, FF Doak Smith, FF Cassidy, Who were the crew on this thing? Would you
peared to a recruit somewhere in the building. no first name, P3 Kenton Smith and me, than just take the four to five closest FFs and take
According to the story, the recruit first said it there are of you who have ever heard of this them up or would they have to be specially
and then did it. He vowed never to return to contraption. There are probably even fewer trained FFs that would be assigned to the SMS?
that part of the building again. I had to leave that have actually seen one. One firefighter would stay on this de-
two consonants off of a couple of words in or- Does it look suspicious to you that there vice while it was tethered to the helicopter
der to get the story printed. are that many Smiths in one spot? and was, more or less, the pilot while the oth-
Enter our heroes from 105s, Jess Pasos, This equipment was being tested by the ers would go through a window and take care
Ray Schiller and Scott and Jamie Tanner, no L.A. County Lifeguards. It could be suspended of business. His job was to “fly” the platform
relation, thank you very much. for cliff rescues or used to rappel down the side while the rest of the crew went through a win-
The guys were at FHMTC for “the of a hill. I believe the LAFD was also consider- dow to attack the fire. They said it was difficult
proper way to treat a rookie” training when ing them. to handle in windy conditions and it was not
they heard about Frances. During one of their TF69 and RA269 and RA19 were in- easy to get in and stay in position.
breaks our intrepid Ghostbusters decided to vited to this drill. It seemed OK at the time but The other thing about being suspended
see if they could find Frances. Jess and Ray I was told in later tests it was deemed to be from a helicopter by a cable is, if the pilot has
were in the lead with Scott and Jamie bringing unsafe and the idea was scrapped. a problem with the helicopter, he has an explo-
up the rear. In the photo on the left, from L to R, are sive device on the cable. This device will sever
As Jess and Ray rounded a corner the CII Ken Blizzard FS69 “A,” and an unidenti- the cable and drop whatever is hanging from
plot was hatched. Jess continued down the hall fied lifeguard. Hanging from the Sky Genie is the helicopter so the pilot can safely fly away.
while Ray hid in the shadows with a piece of FF Cassidy, FS69 “A,” and FF Gary Smith, FS
white plastic he found on the floor. When Scott 69 ”A” who looks like he is very uncomfort- Any volunteers?
walked by Ray’s hiding place the plastic sheet able with his face buried in FF Cassidy’s chest,
was thrown from the shadows, followed by a FF Doak Smith, FS69 “A,” and C1 Don Honus, The SMS, for several years, was stored
blood curdling yell. FS69 “A.” In the photo on the right FF Doak in the barn at FS109. I talked to the Captain
I am told the people at Dodger Stadium Smith is demonstrating rappelling using the there and he knew of it but it’s gone now.
could hear Scott screaming as he ran down the Sky Genie. There is a video on YouTube if you
hallway, first saying it and then doing it. Same A device called Sky Genie is available would like to see this thing in action.
two consonants. on the internet but I don’t know if it is the same
as the one that was being tested. Art Sorrentino
IT SOUNDED LIKE A GOOD IDEA AT Daoldwestsidekid@Yahoo.com
THE TIME #1, The Suspended Maneuvering System

#3, The firefighting Hummer This was a true contraption, as defined

on www.vocabulary.com as, “a device that has
In the ’90s the LAFD acquired two a specific purpose and is often overly compli-
Hummers, converted for brush fire fighting. cated.”
As I recall, one was assigned to a valley sta- The idea of the SMS was to have a de-
tion and the other one was assigned to FS 47 vice that would be suspended, by a cable, from
because of the high incidence of brush fires in a helicopter, that could be maneuvered close to
those locations. a high rise building for rescue and firefighting
Because they were 4WD, and very rug- duties.

July 2023 • 47
 MEMBERS
VALERIE ROBERTS, FIREFIGHTER III.
Appointed March 8, 1993.
Actively on duty at FS 112.
Passed away May 20, 2023.

LEONARDO F. CASALICCHIO, FIRE INSPECTOR.

Appointed July 2, 1956.
Retired on a service pension July 3, 1981 from Fire Prevention Bureau.
Passed away May 21, 2023.

WILLIAM H. DIERCK, ENGINEER.

Appointed June 21, 1954.
Retired on a service pension June 1, 1980 from FS 65.
Passed away May 21, 2023.

PATRICK T. MC GUINESS, CAPTAIN.

Appointed February 4, 1961.
Retired on a disability pension February 23, 1984 from Arson Unit.
Passed away May 23, 2023.

LEO E. HINKEL, CAPTAIN.

Appointed June 17, 1952.
Retired on a service pension June 17, 1979 from FS 8.
Passed away June 17, 2023.

FAMILY
Mary E. Turner, spouse of Joseph D. Turner, Passed away May 29, 2023.
Avis R, Russman, surviving spouse of Dale C. Russman, Passed away May 31, 2023.

48 • July 2023
 Thrilla was here and has no plans on leaving this time. Though it’s been a learning
curve for all involved as is applies to Fire Station 67’s new mural, the final product is
visual proof that good things come to those who wait. Another standing ovation to Rosie
Tos and the crew at 67 for making it work!

July 2023 • 49
 ing rescue was of considerable girth, he
quickly improvised with a passenger seat
belt, extending his hold around the person
until safely on shore. Paul also flew as the
Helicopter Coordinator during the First In-
terstate Bank fire. Together with his helitac
night sun operator Dick Davis, he directed
the high rise rescue crews from the roof
top to several floors below, lighting up the
trapped occupants from outside the building.
IN MEMORY OF DONALD (JIM) thing of beauty. There were wood chips fly-
Following the Fire 3 tragedy, Paul worked
CROCKETT ing., and they dug the fire out. Brian had a
tirelessly with Fire Department management
lot potential and I was able to keep him after
and City Council members to accomplish
In memory of a life well lived. his probation. Brian fought some battles in
the many staffing, equipment, training, and
his personal life, but he was one of my crew,
facility improvements to Air Operations that
Lynne Buckie Baker friend and a good fireman! I was saddened
exist today. Whenever Paul was Helicopter
by the news we had lost him. I will always
Coordinator of a major multi-agency inci-
remember him and send my condolences to
dent, the arriving pilots, upon recognizing
IN MEMORY OF ROBERT L. his family.
Paul’s distinctive voice over the aircraft ra-
BABBITT—FIREFIGHTER III
dio, knew immediately this was a guy you
Bob Munoa
could trust to direct and lead you through
Bob worked at Fire Station 108 for a
challenging conditions, day or night. Paul
number of years. Some would say that this
was a close personal friend and colleague
was an easy assignment but from my point IN MEMORY OF THOMAS F.
during our 25 years together at Air Opera-
of view the members there could always be SCHMITZ (CATE)—
tions and later during retirement. As aviators
counted on to perform at a high level, be it APPARATUS OPERATOR
we say Paul has “gone West” He is definitely
a Battalion Drill, Division Evaluation, or on
missed.
the fire scene. On the lighter scene, some Tom was the son of BC Eugene
older members might remember the famous Schmitz and the step-son of BC Don Cate,
Tom Jeffers
“Squirrel Launcher”, a high tec piece of two fine leaders of our department. His
equipment used to rid the property of wild career was greatly shorten due to severe
animals. It worked great until someone burns he suffered on Feb 8, 1978, while at
IN MEMORY OF BRIAN G. CORN-
called “Downtown” and I had to take a trip the scene of a DC-6 plane crash. Fuel had
TASSELL—FIREFIGHTER III
up the hill. leaked from the plane and several members
Rest in peace my friend, it was a plea- were surrounded by it as they were trying to
I met Brian in 2022, and even though
sure knowing you. gain entry to the plane. All were caught in
it was only for a brief time, to know him was
the flames when a spark ignited the fuel. I
to love him. I will forever remember him as a
Bob Mac Millan, Batt.14 Ret. knew Tom and I’m saddened by the news of
kind, sweet, loving, and caring human being.
his passing. RIP.
He brought a lot of laughter into my life and
knew exactly how to make a person feel spe-
IN MEMORY OF BRIAN G. CORN- Jim Kinninger
cial. Loved his sense of humor and friendly
TASSELL—FIREFIGHTER III
nature. A big softy, he loved God, his girls
and his family. Brian, we are so sad, Bella
FS14 was a third house for rookies, IN MEMORY OF PAUL A.
and I love you and miss you keeping your
I would observe 2nd house rookies at sur- SHAKSTAD—CHIEF HELICOPTER
family in our prayers.
rounding stations, I looked at their perfor-
mance at fires and drills. I would put a bug Paul was a man of many talents, but
Lori McCarthy
in the ear of the Captain at Fire Suppression, truly excelled in the world of aviation. Not
that this rookie would benefit coming to 14’s. only was he an accomplished helicopter pi-
Brian was one of those that impressed us. lot, but also flew corporate jets in his spare
IN MEMORY OF PAUL A. SHAKS-
Brian was a big, strong young man, I watch time. He brought a high level of experience
TAD—CHIEF HELICOPTER
him stripping a roof with my crew, impres- and credibility to Air Operations during his
sive! career. His first Medal of Valor was a swift
This is a hard one for me. “Shaky”
We had a fire in a commercial in the water incident that occurred in the LA riv-
and I were good friends in the drill tower
Goodyear track, the fire was in a sheeted er during the summer of 1983. It was also
(1971). As it worked out…he and I rotated
wall, Brian, Mark Aguirre and Brian Balta the first helicopter river rescue using the on
through the 3 houses (30’s, 14’s, and 15’s) to-
attacked that wall with their axes, it was a board hoist. Recognizing the person need-
gether while on probation. We became quite
50 • July 2023
close. Our 3rd rookie on rotation got fired at
14’s. We thought “Shaky” might get fired at
14’s too. His TFC was a crabby guy who did
not recognize talent when he saw it. I was 22
yrs old, and Paul was 24. I think he actually
took a pay cut to come on the fire dept. He
held a 50 ton marine license…and skippered
sport-fishing boats out of San Pedro (22nd
Street Landing). When we were at 15’s…
Shaky set me up with a girl he knew. It was
the only blind date I ever went on…where
the girl was actually pretty! haha. Although
he was slow talking and slow moving…this
man was an ace. I knew my back was cov- Protect Those
ered when we worked together. Paul, I hope
you came to know Jesus … your old friend. with Special Needs
Ed Sandell
Firefighter Justin Mendence set up a special needs trust to ensure his
son and entire family is taken care of in the best manner possible.
IN MEMORY OF DOUGLAS H.
MC MILLEN—FIREFIGHTER III “You want to think everybody’s going to take care of your kid because
Doug and I were classmates at Drill everybody loves him, but unless you have a plan in place…you’re planning
Tower 40 in the class of 7-7-74 with Captain to fail. Leaving it to chance is not in me and my wife’s vocabulary.”
II Timothy R. De Luca as our Drill Master.
Doug knew the streets of LA Town back-
wards, forwards, and sideways as demon- A Special Needs Trust Helps You:
strated in our many map drills. He also knew
the whereabouts of any donut shop that car- • Set up long-term funding for living expenses & care
ried orange frosted donuts.
Throughout his career and into re- • Determine who will be the primary caregiver
tirement, Doug was flat out a decent human
being with a warm and engaging smile. He • Create an advisory group of experts to help caregivers make
loved to travel, and had a particular interest sound decisions
in visiting all of the Majour League Ball-
parks throughout the nation. He was always • Ensure your child’s assets are protected & well-managed
a great fan of Laurel and Hardy.
Rest easy. 7-7-74 • Ensure your child maintains eligibility for special services

Allen N. Norman “I sleep a little bit easier at night knowing that my son is
set up for his entire life,” Justin said.
IN MEMORY OF LOUIS R.
CONTRERAS—FIREMAN

Louie was my first partner, he pro-

vided great mentorship my first year on the
job. He was an excellent Paramedic but more
than that he was a great person. Louie was
always a gentleman and treated everyone Whether you care for a child or adult with special needs or not,
with respect. I’m so sad to hear he’s gone. everyone should consider setting up an estate plan. Ask for a
Rest in peace my friend. “Getting Started Kit” today by emailing the Relief Association
Development & Marketing Director at donations@lafra.org
Tom Sammartano
or calling (323) 259-5217

July 2023 • 51
 Written | Frank Baker, LAFD retired

Drill Tower, Rookie life in the 50s,

and the two platoon system, Part 4

Pictured are the Pompier Ladder evolutions that

Another ladder no longer in use, but were performed by the recruits in the drill tower.
one we used in the tower was the Pompier.
Totally different than all the other ladders,
it had only one beam with rungs or steps
alternately on either side up the length of
the wooden beam. At the top was a metal
arm that was maybe three feet long and
projected back from and at a right angle to
the beam. The bottom side of the arm had
large “teeth” spaced along its length and
at its end, it hooked down. To put it in use,
the firemen would straddle the window
sill, holding his inside leg tight against
the wall and his outside leg down along
the outside of the building. He would
then position the ladder outside through
the window, raise it up and put the metal
arm through the window opening on the
floor above. The teeth would bite into the
window sill and the hook was “insurance”
in case the teeth slipped, that the ladder
wouldn’t come out of the window. Keep
that bit of information in mind, you’ll find
it of interest soon. Once the ladder was
in place, the firemen would go out of the
window, step onto and climb the pompier
to the floor above. And repeat the process
again until he reached the desired floor. I
don’t remember how long the ladder was,
obviously long enough to reach from one
floor to the next. And I think it weighed
about forty pounds. As I said, the ladder
was no longer used in the field, but was
used in the tower as a confidence builder.
One Monday morning, Captain
Carringer, our drill master, greeted us
sporting a new collection of cuts and
bruises on his face. He told us that on the
previous Friday, he had been drilling the
B-Shift on the Pompier and before letting
52 • July 2023
them use the ladder he demonstrated how
safe it was by swinging the ladder back and
forth across the face of the building, much
like a pendulum of a clock. Remember I
told you earlier that the hook on the end of
the ladder arm was to ensure that the Pom-
pier didn’t come out of the window? Well,
apparently the insurance wasn’t paid up
or maybe he got a littler overzealous, the
teeth and the hook of the ladder arm de-
parted the window sill with Cap clinging
to it. And down they went. Fortunately, he
landed on the rope safety net bellow, but
unfortunately with the 40-pound Pompier
ladder landing on top of him.
Another confidence builder was
jumping from a window of the drill tow-
er into the life net. We were lectured at
length about how important it was to land
correctly in the net. If you landed on your
heels, it pushed your diaphragm up and
could be quite painful, but proper form
was with your body in the shape of a “U”
with your arms and legs extended up, and
land on the small of your back. To prac-
tice the technique, we jumped into the next
from the eight-foot wall that surrounded
the drill tower yard. My first jump from
the wall, I landed on my feet, so I ran to
the back of the line for a second try - same
result. Back in line again, but before I
could make another try, we were told to go
into the tower and get ready to jump from
the window.
We are in line inside the tower now,
waiting to jump into the life net, and it’s
my turn. I climb into the window and wait
for the order to jump. Down below, the
Drillmaster looks up at me and gives the
order: “ready, Jump!” I lean out ready to
leap. But suddenly comes the thought: my
feet aren’t going to come up. I lean back
into the window…big mistake…really
big mistake. Carringer’s voice is boom-
ing through his bullhorn, “Don’t do that
again!” I read the implication of his mes-
sage and step off the sill. I guess it’s the
extra height that does it. My feet came up
and I landed in the net without a problem.
You can see the 50-foot Bangor, the Pom-
pier ladder, and the life net at the LAFD
Historical Society’s Harbor and Holly-
wood museums.

To Be Continued.
July 2023 • 53
54 • July 2023
 LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
May 3, 2023

CALL TO ORDER PRESIDENT’S REPORT cept for no wine tour this year. Employee Benefits Conference on
Sunday, October 1st - Wednesday,
President Chris Stine called the 1) Pension Update: At the last This is a great event, taking place October 4th, 2023 in Boston. Other
Meeting of the Board of Trustees meeting, an ad-hoc committee was May 22nd through May 26th, to see trustees need to let Jim know if they
of the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief established to study and create a and engage with the Relief Associa- will be attending.
Association to order at 9:55 a.m. subsidy formula. Currently, the tion members. Trustees are encour-
commissioners are given discretion aged to attend and let Chris and Jim 2) Board Educational Offsite Top-
ROLL CALL on non-Medicare subsidy increases. know if you will be attending. ics: Jim requested that trustees call,
The feeling is that increases should text or email him with potential
MEMBERS PRESENT: be based on a formula. All the asso- 7) Scott Souter Golf Tournament: topics of discussion for the offsite
Chris Stine, President ciations will be involved in the ad- This will be the final year for this meetings.
Jim Duffy, Vice President hoc committee, to give feedback, tournament. It will take place on
Trustee Frank Aguirre and input on the creation of this for- October 9th at Tijeras Creek Golf 3) LARFPA BBQ Attendance: Jim
Trustee Kenneth Breskin mula so it will make it easier to de- Course. noted that Chris, Kenny, Juan and
Trustee Paul Duke termine how much subsidy money Steve Tufts will attend the BBQ
Trustee Leon Dunn is provided to our pre-Medicare re- 8) Retirement Dinner Attendance: on June 7th, immediately after the
Trustee Cesar S. Garcia tirees. Effective July 1st the Pension With Covid over the last three years, board meeting.
Trustee Jeff Halloran Board just approved 6% increase retirement dinners were off the ta-
Trustee Steve Jones for pre-Medicare retirees. ble as no one was having/hosting EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Trustee Milton Quintana them. These are now coming back REPORT
Trustee Mike Sailhamer 2) Credit Union Shift Calendar: The and being held again. Part of the
Trustee Tyler Tomich credit union will no longer print the trustee responsibilities is to attend 1) Audit: Both phases of the au-
Trustee Juan Albarran – Pension shift calendars. Danny Wu has had the dinners and present the badge. dit have been completed as of last
Todd Layfer - Executive Director two meetings with his committee There are several retirements com- week. We await the report from the
and UFLAC’s assigned commit- ing in the next 1-3 years. auditors detailing any recommen-
MEMBERS ABSENT: tee to discuss options moving for- dations and the results.
Trustee J.D. Fox ward. Currently, the roles have been 9) Credit Union Building Usage:
Trustee Henry Gasbarri separated between the two groups They are using the Relief board 2) FRITS 3.0: The project contin-
Trustee John Jacobsen in taking over the project. Another room for their board meetings. ues to move forward. Todd, Chris,
Trustee John Marasco meeting has been set to go over This was a temporary arrangement; Jim and Bob Dillon continue to
Trustee Brian Wall numbers to determine costs. Danny however, the arrangement will be participate in monthly executive
Trustee Craig White will have an update for the board extended. meetings with Elevation Solutions.
Trustee Danny Wu next month. Everything is still on time and on
Trustee Steve Berkery – Pension 10) LARFPA BBQ: If you are at- budget. Elevation Solutions is fin-
Trustee Steve Tufts – Pension 3) Corntassel Funeral: It was a very tending, please reach out to Jim. ishing up the recruitment module
Liberty Unciano – Controller/Trea- well attended funeral. Brian’s par- The Relief has a table at this event. (Drill Tower) and will start to focus
surer ents were very appreciative of all It is taking place on Wednesday, on the medical module. The weekly
the work the Relief did to help them. June 7th at Almansor Court in Al- buildout sessions meetings are hap-
GUESTS: The Relief and UFLAC agreed to hambra. Attendees will head to the pening twice weekly to stay on the
Garth Flint, Beacon Pointe Advi- cover the food costs for the funeral. event immediately after the board timeline.
sors The Relief continues to work with meeting, also on June 7th.
Brian’s family moving forward. 3) Open Enrollment: The Open En-
INVOCATION & Flag Salute EXECUTIVE SESSION rollment period has closed. We will
4) Open House Honoree: Every get the information on the number
Mike Sailhamer led the invocation. year at Open House someone is Chris Stine entertained a motion of add, number of subtracts and all
Paul Duke led the flag salute. honored. Chris encouraged trustees to move into an Executive Session statistical enrollment data within
to think about and submit names for for members of the board. Frank the next couple of weeks.
RATIFICATION OF ACTION honoree consideration. Aguirre so moved. Kenny Breskin
AND MINUTES seconded. 4) Golf: There was a golf commit-
5) Lane Kemper Softball: Chris tee meeting yesterday. The In-N-
Chris Stine entertained a motion attended along with other trustees. The Board entered into Executive Out truck is coming back, in place
to approve the April 5, 2023 Board There were 28 teams. It was an- Session at 10:10 a.m. The Board of the barbeque. There may be
Meeting Minutes. Mike Sailhamer other great event. The team from adjourned from Executive Session modifications to the parking foot-
so moved. Jeff Halloran seconded. FS 29 won the classic. Keith Bandy at 10:26 a.m. print at Woodland Hills Country
There was no discussion or objec- is passing the torch to Judson “Jud” Club for our event to accommodate
tions. Ream and Chad Corona. Keith was Member updates and a legal matter this change. We are moving for-
recognized at the event for all his were discussed during Executive ward with additional food and drink
Motion carried to approve the hard work over the years. Session. items for the morning arrival prior
April 5, 2023 Board Meeting Min- to teeing off.
utes. 6) Pechanga Reunion: Juan advised VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
the reservations have been closed 5) Hope for Firefighters: The event
for the event. The event will have a 1) 2023 Conferences: All new trust- will take place on Thursday, June
similar schedule as in years past ex- ees are to attend the annual IFEBP 1st. Anyone who knows of poten-
July 2023 • 55
tial sponsors or stations that want the Vice President’s vehicle. There HealthComp. The additional per- by-laws, especially the new trustees,
to participate should notify Juliet was no discussion or objections. sonnel added has helped to decrease and jot down any notes, thoughts or
Brandolino. the speed to answer times. They ideas for discussion at the Board
Motion carried to approve the have been committed to fulfilling Offsite Educational Meetings.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE purchase of the Vice President’s everything they promised when
REPORT vehicle. they came out for the Operational SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
Review meeting to improve the REPORT
1) Beacon Pointe Q1 Investment The committee recommends and I member experience.
Performance Review: Garth Flint so move to pay $2,072.18 for two (2) The exam took place on April 22nd.
our Investment Advisor from Bea- active-duty/line of duty death flags RELIEF COMMITTEE Mike was thankful to have Danny,
con Pointe was present to give the for the department. These are the REPORT Milton, and Steve Berkery along
report and detailed review for the flags used on the crossed aerials and with LAFRA staff who were at the
quarter one investment perfor- would replace the current worn flag Mike Sailhamer presented the fol- event. The winners will be contact-
mance review, through the end of being used. There was no further lowing motion. The committee rec- ed and asked to attend the June 7th
March 31st 2023. discussion or objections. ommends and I so move to pay: board meeting for the check presen-
• The Sick & Injury benefits for tations. They will be asked to bring
The market was up; however, it was Motion carried to pay $2,072.18 Active & Retired in the amount of their school pennants to be placed
volatile. The impact of value versus for two (2) active-duty/line of duty $17,508.56 The Estate Planning on the wall downstairs. Chris re-
growth asset classes was reviewed. death flags for the department. benefit in the amount of $13,956.93 ceived a lot of positive response via
International and bonds were up. • The Life & Accident Withdrawals texts and phone calls from those in
Stocks that pay dividends, as part The committee recommends and of $0 attendance. Congratulations to ev-
of the value camp, were struggling I so move to pay $2,248.05 for the • The Assistance Committee in the eryone on a great job.
a bit due to the competition in the food provided at Firefighter Corn- amount of $4,200.54
market. All of this led to a pretty tassel’s funeral service. The total • The Emergency Advancements in MARKETING & DEVELOP-
solid first quarter. cost will be split with UFLAC, the amount of $9,000 MENT COMMITTEE
with them paying the same amount. • The Widows & Orphans Disabled REPORT
Questions about inflation (getting There was no discussion or objec- Firefighter’s to accept donations in
the rate back down), interest rates, tions. the amount of $3,966 In the absence of Danny Wu, Kenny
were asked and answered. Fixed • The Life and Accident Death Ben- Breskin provided the report. The
income is a little above the bench- Motion carried to pay $2,248.05 efit in the amount of $12,000 Development & Marketing depart-
mark. There are no recommended for the food provided at Firefighter • The Relief Death Benefits in the ment staff is working several differ-
policy or asset allocation changes at Corntassel’s funeral service. amount of $50,000 ent items.
this time.
The committee recommends and I Motion carried to pay the above There is a LA Galaxy fundraiser.
Garth exited the meeting at 10:50 so move to pay $1,557.91 for Honor Relief benefits. Kenny encouraged everyone to
a.m. Guard shirts. There was no discus- push the fundraiser to their stations
sion or objections. Mike Sailhamer read the names of and sections as much as they can.
AUDIT COMMITTEE members who recently passed and The fundraiser is discounted tickets
REPORT Motion carried to pay $1,557.91 asked for a moment of silence from for their July 8th game versus the
for Honor Guard shirts. the Board. Philadelphia Union.
Todd covered this in his Execu-
tive Director Report. We are wait- The committee recommends and MEMORIALS We will be in attendance with the
ing on the results and findings and I so move to pay the usual and Frederick G. Stablein Widows & Orphans van, pop-up
will report back to the board once customary bills in the amount of Harry R. Hopewell tents, and other promotional/mar-
received. $1,357,970.87. There was no discus- Donald W. Ainsworth keting materials. We are working
sion or objections. Charles I. Wallin on setting up things for a tailgate
BUILDING COMMITTEE Fred J. Hawk party. Families and kids are strong-
REPORT Motion carried to pay the usual Donald J. Crockett ly encouraged to attend. The tickets
and customary bills in the amount Kenneth D. Cassidy are at soccer mid-field and are $40
Juan Albarran reported on the en- of $1,357,970.87. Alberto S. De La Pena* each. Tickets are already on sale
ergy benchmark compliance re- Earl G. Watz and posted on both websites and
port. The building scored 87% out MEDICAL COMMITTEE Varrick L. Young shared a little on social. Ad provid-
of 100 and received an “A” grade. REPORT ed to Grapevine. Please encourage
The report will be reviewed for any GRAPEVINE/WEB COMMIT- everyone to buy tickets and attend!
recommendations made and the fi- Frank Aguirre presented the fol- TEE REPORT
nancial feasibility of implementing lowing motion(s). LAFD Wellness Fairs: We’re work-
any recommendations. O’Bryant In the absence of Danny Wu, no re- ing with Member Services staff as
Electrical is working on some of the The committee recommends and port was given. well as Heather Leavitt to make
front lights that need replacing. I so move to approve the medical sure the Relief tents/tables show-
plan bills totaling $1,186,555.57. SECRETARY’S REPORT case all the benefits and services
ADMINISTRATIVE There was no discussion or objec- members recieve. April ordered 3
COMMITTEE REPORT tions. There is nothing to report. different Relief branded promotion-
al items for each fair. We also have
Tyler Tomich presented the follow- Motion carried to approve the BY-LAW COMMITTEE Anthem promotional giveaways;
ing motions. Medical Plan bills totaling REPORT and the reps from VSP, Sharecare
$1,186,555.57. and HealthComp will be attending
The committee recommends and I In the absence of J.D. Fox, Jeff Hal- with additional giveaways and raffle
so move to approve the purchase of Frank provided an update on loran advised everyone to review the prizes, and of course, benefits infor-
56 • July 2023
mation. YouTube: We are creating an ad SETTING OF MEETING 2) John Garnica Jr. Retirement Din-
encouraging all our members and DATES ner will take place on Saturday,
New Videos: There are several new family to subscribe to our Widows June 3rd at The Grand in Long
videos in production. An article & Orphans YouTube Channel. If we 1) LAFD Wellness Fair #1: This Beach from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
marking the anniversary of the L.A. get 1,000 subscribers, we can meet will take place on Wednesday, May
Riots is on the charity site, with the criteria to add a donate button to 10 with the second one on Monday, 3) Shannon K. Saffo Retirement
additional video clips showcasing our YouTube channel/page! Please May 15th. If you are attending on Dinner Dance will take place on
some of the experiences the LAFD each of you subscribe to the Wid- going to help out at the fairs, please Saturday, August 12th at San Pedro
faced. ows & Orphans YouTube channel; let Chris know. The Relief will have Elks Club in San Pedro from 5:00
and share with family, friends. The a booth with several tables for our p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
CPK Fundraiser: The contract is link to it is at the top of wodff.org Member Services staff and vendors
signed and it will happen in the Fall. website. to meet, greet and share information ADJOURNMENT
Just like before, this will be at loca- with LAFD members. The remain-
tions throughout a few states. CPK NEW BUSINESS ing wellness fairs are set to take Chris Stine entertained a motion to
is getting us a flyer so we can pro- place on Wednesday, June 14th, adjourn. Tyler Tomich so moved.
mote it. 1) Car Show: Kenny shared that the Wednesday, June 21st and Monday, Kenny Breskin seconded. There
Car Show will be on September July 10th. was no discussion and no objec-
Golf: Marlene and Juan Carlos are 10th. We will take over lot 13 and tions.
finalizing all the brochures and fly- the Frank Hotchkin lot. There will 2) St. Baldrick’s LAFD/LAPD
ers and Marlene worked with Donor be vendors present; and is open to Event: This annual event has been Motion carried to adjourn. The
Perfect to build this year’s online the public. Valerie Lawrence will scheduled for Saturday, August 5 at Board of Trustees meeting ad-
sign-up forms. Marlene has already be there running the raffle/auction. The Vineyards at Porter Ranch. journed at 11:22 a.m.
secured one new $20,000 sponsor Any good quality raffle/auction
and the returning shirt sponsor. items would be greatly appreciated. The next committee meetings will Chris Stine, President
Diane Vigil will also be present. take place on Wednesday, May
Salute to Firefighters Online auc- Trustees and spouses are encour- 17th. The next board meeting will
tion: April is working hard to solicit aged to attend. be on Wednesday, June 7th.
items for this year. Special thanks to
Jeff Halloran for helping to secure OLD BUSINESS RETIREMENT DINNERS
department “Chiefs” helmets that
we will get signed by the L.A. Gal- There was no old business brought 1) Juan Colson & Damon Lawrence
axy for use in the auction as well as forth. Retirement Celebration will take
the Car Show. place on Saturday, May 20th in Up-
land at 4:00 p.m.

Donations to Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTRACTING DONNA RUGGLES NANCY A. ISHINO-GILMORE

CORPORATION
ALAN T. SCHROEDER EDWARD L. REED
TIMOTHY M. HALLORAN
LESLIE E. POOLE GARY T. SHELFORD
ABRAHAM JOSHUA HESCHEL
DAY SCHOOL RUDY L. MC TEE in memory of LON F. ROBERTS from the
Geoffrey M. Schroeder Antelope Valley Fireman’s
DANIEL LEON Breakfast Club
MICHAEL & JEAN ERLANDSON in
CHARLES M. MOUWEN in honor of memory of Brian Corntassel THE BLACKBAUD GIVING FUND
Brielle Bulmer
PETER P. PFLEGER in memory of KENNETH H. GUNDERMAN
CRAIG S. WILLIAMS Marlene R. Lilly

KIRK P. BINGHAM in memory of CHRISTINE M. BRUMBAUGH

Kenneth W. Blizzard

July 2023 • 57
 CLASSIFIEDS
BEAUTIFUL BIG BEAR CABIN. 294-2953. Email: azmalproper-
Two-story with vaulted ceiling, ties@gmail.com Facebook: The
2BD/1BA . Close to lake, shops, Landmark 511
skiing, and forest. Great deck, lots
of trees, fireplace/wood, cable TV/ GORGEOUS WATERFRONT
WiFi, BBQ, fully equipped except RIVERHOUSE on the lagoon
For advertising information, please contact: linens. 6-person max , pets ok. of the Colorado River for rent.
$150/day, 2-night min. Week rate Family home-5 bedrooms, large
Eric Santiago - (323) 259-5231 - eric@lafra.org available. Contact Donna at (760) bonus room for kids, 4 1/2 baths .
723-1475 or DnBeep@gmail. Sleeps 15. Fully loaded with top of
com. See photos at www.schaf- the line appliances. Private launch
MERCHANDISE Joe Flores, Certified Tax Profes- fercabin.com ramp. No pets. No smoking. No
FOR SALE sional, retired LAFD firefighter/ large parties or events. Contact:
paramedic. Business telephone BIG BEAR RENTAL. 3 bedroom, Gigi (714)454-0922 (Spouse-
2002 HD ROAD KING FF SPE- (818) 340-3575. Cell (818) 521- 3 bath chalet with large loft with LAFD) for special firefighter family
CIAL. 25K miles. New tires. Many 9227 it’s own bathroom in Fawnskin, rates and for snowbirds Check out
extras. Serviced regularly. Great ajstax@hotmall.com Big Bear Lake. Sleeps 10, walking details:
condition. $8400 OBO distance to some of the best hik- https://airbnb.com/h/theriver-
okpauly@hotmail.com KEVIN LOCKHART ROOFING & ing trails in Big Bear, 15 min drive housevacationhome
CONSTRUCTION to Snow Summit and Big Bear
REAL ESTATE Roofing repair and maintenance, Village. Huge back deck area with GRAND CANYON/ WILLIAMS,
FOR SALE construction waterproofing phenomenal views of the lake. ARIZONA. 4 bed,
solutions. Kevin Lockhart 18 A Lots of cooking supplies; instapot, 3 bath Historic Home one
TWO S/B/S GRAVE SITES FOR (661)810-4980 air fryer, and more! Game room block from Route 66. WALK
SALE. Rose Hills Cemetery Whit- lic #536528 with boardgames, pool table, to everything! 8 person MAX.
tier, curbside graves in the Garden foosball and darts. No special events. Gorgeous
of Affection, $9,000 ea., or both MONDAY MORNING TRUST https://abnb.me/24MAsKIuZlb house. Unique property.
for $17,000. Contact: Larry Wilson (714) 929-1040. $595 Full living www.HistoricYellowHouse.
(LAFD retired) @ (951)780-1838. trust packages (trust, will, p.O.A CAMBRIA HAVEN IN THE PARK com
finances/healthcare, d.N.R.). HILL AREA OF CAMBRIA. A Listed on National Register of
REAL ESTATE Bradley Ball - 11801 Pierce St. beautiful studio with one queen Historic Places Grand Canyon
FOR RENT #200 Riverside CA 92505. Riv- bed, perfect for two people to get Railway, Bearizona, Elephant
erside lDA # 000392. I am not an away. Enjoy ocean sounds and Rocks Golf Course. Call
LOVELY 4 BEDROOM, 2 BATH attorney, I can only provide “self- views with a patio and yard for Kerry-Lynn Moede (602) 818-
HOME located on a private, quiet help” services at your specific that small pet. Full size kitchen. 6559 JDMoede@aol.com
street in child friendly neighbor- direction. Close to Moonstone Beach, the
hood in Thousand Oaks. Large Fiscalini Ranch and Cambria’s HAVASU/BOATERS.
yard with patio. Close to shopping, REAL ESTATE & MORTGAGES. West Village. Hearst Castle is 3bdrm(2king,1full) 2bath, turnkey,
public transportation and schools We all know someone in the minutes away. Call Ana 559- w/d, WiFi, Dish, gas bbq,
ranging from Kindergarten through business, that doesn’t mean you 974-2509 for fire family discount 1/2 mile to Windsor launch, cov-
college. Pets OK with deposit. shouldn’t shop. No obligation free pricing. ered gated boat parking,
Contact Kym at frazierkym@ quotes. You work hard for your 3 nites $450, $100 for each addi-
yahoo.com money; keep more of it. Buying, COEUR D’ALENE, ID HOME tional nite- cleaning included, pics
selling, or financing, call me, One story 2 bed, 1.5 bath available. Email:
SERVICES John Sullivan (310) 961-8282. located in quiet neighborhood in rickpuglisi1103@msn.com
West Shores Realty, Inc. DRE the Sanders Beach area. Fully (626) 665-9890
BUSY BEAVER TREE AND #01260041, NMLS #2010982 furnished, wifi, central heating/
LANDSCAPE. Tree trimming ac, laundry. Walking distance to HAVASU LANDING
and removal, stumpgrinding, and VACATION downtown CDA, the lake, parks, 3 Bd, 2 BTH home, sleeps 6-7.
firewood sales. Mixed firewood, RENTALS and multiple bars/restaurants. Gated Community. Fully furnished,
eucalyptus and oak. Delivery No pets, no smoking. Contact pano view of lake. Wi-fi, direct TV,
available or pick up. Licensed and AZ - VACATION RENTALS. Home Andrew at CDArental99@gmail. flat screens and BBQ. Clubhouse,
insured. Dwayne Kastor, FS 63-B - to Spring Training, Barrett Jackson com for questions, availability, pool, spa and rec. center steps
(818) 535-6368. Auto Auction, and Arabian Horse pricing. away. California side of Lake
Show – WestWorld. Two homes. Havasu. Enjoy the casino, two
CRAIG SANFORD HEATING & 1. Walking distance to Sloan Park COLORADO RIVER HOME IN launch ramps or the 12 min cata-
AIR - Free estimates, residen- - Chicago Cubs Spring Training MOOVALYA KEYS. Parker, Az. maran shuttle to London Bridge. No
tial, commercial. Great rates for Fields, 3+2 - Pool - Putting Green 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Sleeps 8, Smoking/Pets. $175 nt. Weekdays,
LAFD and LAPD. Toll free (877) – Mesa @cubbiehousemesaaz 50’dock, gated community. $450/ $225 nt. Fr-Sat. Excl. Holidays. 2
891-1414, (661) 298-3070, FAX 2. Walking distance to Scottsdale night plus fees, 3 night min. nt. min. Cleaning fee of $125. Call
(661) 298-3069. State License No. Stadium and 10 minute drive to okpauly@hotmail.com Tony Wren 760-688-6082 LACoFD
527114 Salt River Talking Stick Fields for questions and pics.
and Tempe Diablo Stadium. 3+1 COZUMEL, MEXICO CONDO
INCOME TAX PREPARATION - Old Town Scottsdale @scotts- Beautiful, large, modern 3 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA HOME.
Tired of paying excessive fees for dale76th bedroom, 3.5 bath condo at The Across the street from Indianapolis
lncome Tax Preparation? A and J’s Call us – Rod, FS-56B or Diana: Landmark, 3800 sq. feet. Sleeps Motor Speedway.
Tax Service has been in business (661)294-0971 to book direct 6, ocean views, steps from beach. 3Bed/2Bath in town of Speedway.
for over 30 years. We offer year- and avoid the short-term rental Smart TV, Wi-Fi, pool, jacuzzi, Walk or bike to Main St.
round friendly service at very af- platform fees. tennis. All master suites with Short drive, 7 miles, to Lucas Oil
fordable prices. We are located on ensuite bathrooms. No smoking. Stadium, Downtown Indy, River-
Ventura Blvd. ln Woodland Hills. Call David (LAFD retired) at 949- front, Museums, Etc. Available

58 • July 2023
most dates except May 20 to 27. Week, Maid $150, Resort TOT fee MAMMOTH CONDO IN SNOW- Nov): $100/night; cleaning: $100.
Call Tina or Craig at 805-377-0686 25%, bring linen, (310) 418-1577, CREEK IV. Super nice 2 bedroom Bobby (310) 350-5552.
or 805-377-3640 daggertooth@aol.com / 2 bathroom located in FAN-
TASTIC Snowcreek IV. *PETS MAMMOTH SNOW CREEK IV.
JUNE LAKE CABIN. 2BR/2BA LAKE HAVASU LANDING RE- WELCOME! King, Double Queen Beautiful 2bd 2ba 1140sqft. Check
cabin with Carson Peak View. SORT BEACHFRONT HOME with bunk, & trundle, Nicely furnished us out at Airbnb.com/h/ourdeer-
Sleeps 8. Within a mile of fishing boat mooring. Swim, ski or fish with high-end appliances. Fully friendsretreat for availability. Email
& skiing. Close to Mammoth and from front yard. 4 bed/2 bath, fully stocked kitchen. Washer/Dryer in us directly for fire family pricing.
Yosemite. Spacious living room, furnished. DirectTV/DVD/WiFi, the unit. Pricing varies by season OurDeerFriend
kitchen, and wood deck. Smart TV pool table, laundry, BBQ. Gated and demand. Exceptional condo! sretreat@gmail.com. Shane
and Wifi. $150/night plus cleaning community with casino, groceries, Goldencreek637@gmail.com, Hirsch(LAFD) 714-803-9324
fee of $125. Email for pictures. marina, launch ramp and off-road 909-576-2025, Website: https://
Brian Smith LAFD (310)872-7311. trails. No pets, no smoking. $350 goldencreek637.wixsite.com/ MAUI, HAWAII VACATION
junecabin52@gmail.com Bowen/Garner email: mysite RENTAL. Kamaole Sands beach
havasulanding27@gmail.com front resort, spacious I bedroom,
LAKE HAVASU AMAZING MAMMOTH CONDO. Updated 2 bath condo #7104 located in
LAKEVIEW POOL HOME. 1800 LAKE HAVASU POOL HOME. 2 bedroom 1 bath old mammoth/ Kihei beautiful beach and garden
sq.ft. built 2018, 3 bed, 2 bath, 1900 sq. ft. remodeled 3 bdrm, eagle lodge area. Sleeps 5. Fully views with park like settings, with
sleeps 8. (King, Queen, Full 3 1/2 baths, sleeps 8. (1 King, equipped kitchen, wifi, pool, spa, pool, jacuzzi and bbq stations
2xTwin). Finished backyard with 2 queens). Backyard with pool, laundry. Walk to restaurants, bars, just outside of relaxing lanai. For
pool and spa. Fully furnished w/ jacuzzi with underwater lights. stores, park and trolly. Winter $175 pictures and rates contact:
linens, WiFi, internet TV, laundry, Fully furnished w/ linens, laundry, summer $130 plus cleaning fee, mauirentalgroups@vtrips.com
large kitchen, BBQ, 2 car garage. WIFI, INTERNET, TVs, BBQ. $150 holiday rates vary, multiple night complex #7104 sleeps up to 4
Quiet neighborhood. 3 miles from weekdays, $250 weekends, $175 discounts. No pets.Contact Will adults with some exceptions for
launch ramp. No pets / no smok- cleaning fee. 2 night minimum. Nevins 26”B” (714) 697-2587 children. Retired firefighter owned
ing. Call Karen (661) 965-0542. No smoking. Call Gabe Moreno or with 10% discount given to all
email: fightin25@yahoo.com MAMMOTH CONDO. Two LAFD firefighters and policemen.
LAKE HAVASU LANDING bedrooms, Large loft. Three full
RESORT. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, LARGE LAKE HAVASU HOME bathrooms. Sleeps 8. Walk to NASHVILLE CONDO. Two bed-
waterfront house, boat, mooring FOR RENT – 5 bedroom, 3 bath, Canyon Lodge. DVD, Cable, Wifi, room condo, sleeps 6, in Down-
out front, fully furnished, laundry, 2900 sqft home with amenities Pool, Spa, Rec. Room, BBQ. town Nashville. Walking distance
gas BBQ, launch ramp, gated com- & pool that easily sleeps 14+ Winter $175 Sun - Thurs $195 Fri to Broadway St, hockey and NFL
munity, grocery store, hardware people. Centrally located, 1 mile /Sat Holiday Periods. Summer stadium. Contact Wayne, LAFD
store. No pets, no smoking. Email from the lake, close to downtown $150 Plus Cleaning. No Smoking @ (805) 796-7863 for availability
Kathy at scarkj@yahoo.com or shops and restaurants. Check or Pets. Call Craig Yoder (909) and price.
call (760) 858-4470 out home at https://www.vrbo. 948-3659.
com/4648549ha PALM DESERT CONDO.Montery
LAKE HAVASU BEAUTY FOR Call Julie 818-268-7906 for special MAMMOTH CONDO AT THE Sands, 3 BD 2 BA, Furnished,
RENT - 3 bdrm, 2 bath, 1600 sq.ft. firefighter family rates. WOODLANDS - Spacious & WiFi, Cable, Pool, Jacuzzi, Ten-
Fully furnished with all ameni- sunny. 2 bedroom, loft, & 2 baths. nis, Sleeps 4, $200 Night, $800
ties- Laundry & BBQ. 13,000 sq.ft. LOG CABIN NEAR JACKSON Sleeps 8. Cable HDTV, DVD, & Week, $3200 Month, Maid $150,
lot. 3 car boat-deep garage. 3 HOLE WY: Close to Snake River, Wi-Fi. Pool, Jacuzzi, & sauna in 12% TOT(STR2019-0002). No
miles from launch ramp. Close to Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, World complex. On shuttle route. No Smoking, (310) 418-1577, dag-
downtown shops & restaurants. Class Skiing. Call (818) 207- smoking & no pets. $160/night gertooth@aol.com
View of the lake. Quiet street in 0811 LAFD Retired. Visit: www. winter, $125/night summer. Plus
good neighborhood. No pets. No aspenhill cleaning and bed tax. Call Terry SHELL VACATION CLUB time-
smoking. Snowbird rates. Call cabin.com for all information. Imlay (949)322-3473 or (949)458- share points for sale! Points allow
Mike (661) 510-6246 0768 for maximum travel flexibility. Stay
MAMMOTH CONDO, La at any Shell Resort or use RCI to
LAKE HAVASU GETAWAY Vista Blanc, Cozy 2 BD 2 BA, MAMMOTH LAKES - One travel the globe with thousands
3 bed, 2 bath, Kitchen, Boat Park- Furnished, WiFi, Cable, Pool, bedroom, extremely charming of options! 8700 annual points
ing, with a AMAZING VIEW of the Spa, BBQ, Sleeps 4, Winter $150, wildflower condo. Full amenities, can be used for accommodations,
lake. located near restaurant’s, Summer $130, Maid $175, 14% close to shuttle. Antiques, art, airfare, rental cars, or cash out.
and the option to use two different TOT(6092), No Smoking, (310) satellite TV, fireplace. Sleeps 4. Take over deed for $10,000 obo!
boat launches both about 1 mile 540-4648, pvignery@aol.com, Winter $110, Summer $85 plus Same point value costs $30k-40k
from house. large fenced in back- (310) 418-1577, daggertooth@ cleaning fees. Call Bill Clark (818) at resort. Maintenance fees are
yard. Small PETS are welcome, aol.com 371-6722 $235 monthly. Vince Nixon—LAFD
NON SMOKER Please. $180. nt. Email: shakesong@aol.com retired 805-585-8808
Weekends $240. Fri-Sat EXCL MAMMOTH CONDO AT MAM-
Holidays. 2 night min. Cleaning MOTH ESTATES. 4BR/3BA, MAMMOTH SEASONS 4 SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Romantic
Fee $125. pics avaialable. Email sleeps 10, fully furnished, 2 CONDO. Cozy 1 bedroom condo Chalet Family getaway. 3 bed/2
rbrianson@hotmail.com call TVs, DVDs, WiFi, towels/linens, with full-size pullout couch and bo- bath plus loft. Sleeps 8–10. Cable
Brian LAFD 714-376-2032 fireplace. Full kitchen. Walk to nus room with twin size bunkbed TV, washer/dryer, microwave,
Gondola Village and shuttle. Com- that comfortably sleeps 4 adults woodburning stove. 7 minutes to
LAKE HAVASU LANDING. plex has pool, spa, sauna, laundry. and 2 children. Conveniently casinos and Heavenly. Located in
TH1-29, Waterfront, 3 BD 3 BA, Winter $355/night, Summer $240/ located 15 min walk between the Tahoe Paradise. $115 per night
Direct-TV, DVD, WiFi, BBQ, night, plus cleaning. Includes city Village and Canyon Lodge at 244 plus cleaning. Call Shawn or Rose
Mooring, Casino, Market, Launch bed tax. No pets, no smoking. Lakeview Blvd. Visit https://www. Agnew at (661) 250-9907 or (661)
Ramp, Marina, Off Road Trails, Dory Jones (310) 918-0631 or seasons4.com/94269/ for pics, 476-6288.
Gated. No Smoking/Pets, $285 Kelly Corcoran (310) 619-5355 amenities, and reviews. $125/
Weekday, $850 Weekend, $1995 night; off-peak (May, June, Oct,

July 2023 • 59
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60 • July 2023
CIRCA 1986. Dean Cathey B/C, Gerald Johnson B/C, Larry King Capt. II, Curtis Marchand FF, Ron Ruddel Capt. I, Tim Denison Eng., John Verdone Eng., Dan Butcher FF, Ron Moore
A/O, Jim Van Dell Eng., Dickey Gilmore FF, Gary Huddleston, David Sloan Staff Assist., John Hagerman FF, Ed Allen B/C, Donald O. Manning Chief Engineer, Tony DiDomenico Capt. PSU.
Photo|Unknown Credit

July 2023 • 61
 Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
7470 N Figueroa Street
Los Angeles CA 90041-1725

T RT URTSURTSUTSS ETS RESVREI VRC I VEC ISEC SE S

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