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Photo Inset: Firefighters in defensive mode on West 30th. Photo | Jacob Terzoli

2 • August 2024
 VOL. XCX AUGUST 2024 NO. 12

• FEATURES •
Hope For Firefighters 2024 • ...........................................06

2024 LAFRA Scholarship • ..........................................10

Letter of Special Commendation

— Florin Sarbu & David Duran • ..................................................13

• CONTENTS •
President’s Message • ...........................................................................05
Battalion News • .....................................................................................15
The Coasters
Pride • ....................................................................................................41
Firefighter Poem • ..................................................................................43
CEO Corner—DROP • ...........................................................................45
The Station Fridge • ..............................................................................46
LAFD Shift Calendar — September • ......................................................47
Memorials • ...........................................................................................48
Retired Guy
Drill Tower • ...........................................................................................49
LAFRA Mailbox • ....................................................................................50
LAFD History
The Alphabet Bomber • ..........................................................................52
Donations • .............................................................................................54
Minutes of the Board of Trustees • ........................................................55
Classifieds • ...........................................................................................58
Tailboard
Oat Mountain • ........................................................................................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 © 2024
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association.
No material may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

August 2024 • 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

Financial guidance from CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Art Sorrentino, Deborah Lew, Mark Khitikian

someone who gets you PHOTOGRAPHERS

Gary Apodaca, David Blaire, Brandon Buckley, Chris Eckenrode, Greg Doyle,
Harry Garvin, Yvonne Griffin, Justin Johnson, Gavin Kaufman, Mike Meadows,
Kyle Rausch, Jacob Salzman, Adam VanGerpen, Rick McClure, Jason Stilwell
Let’s connect to get you where you want to go.
Jennifer M Brown, CFP®, CDFA®, BFA™
LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION
LAFD wife
Financial Consultant | 805-375-3258 Chris Stine .............................................................President
jennifer.brown@thrivent.com Jim Duffy ........................................................Vice-President
connect.thrivent.com/jennifer-brown Jim Dolan, Steve Ruda & Gene Bednarchik.......Community Affairs Liaisons
CA Insurance 0816794
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Brian Wall Frank Aguirre Mike Sailhamer
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) Cesar S. Garcia JD Fox Milton Quintana
owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL
PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with Chris Bustamante Jeff Halloran Paul Duke
plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of Craig White John King Steve Berkery
by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and Danny Wu John Marasco Steven Jones
ongoing certification requirements. 5980702.1 Derwin Pitts Juan Albarran Tim Halloran
Elber Navarro Kenny Breskin 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 Jesus Pasos.........................Chaplain
George A. Negrete..............Chaplain Dan Nakamura......................Chaplain
Daniel Lee............................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
Trevor Inouye • Operations Supervisor.....................(323) 259-5286
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 $8 postpaid. Back issues $10
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. The Fire-
men’s Grapevine uses Chat.openai.com as an editing and sourcing resource. Articles written in this publica-
tion may contain information from such source.

4 • August 2024
 August, a month that calls us to reflect on our journey and set • Are you aware of illnesses and injuries that are considered
intentions for the future. Whether in your personal life or your profes- presumptive?
sional career, take time to embrace change, embrace challenges, and
embrace the extraordinary. I believe the success of LAFRA over the These are some of the common themes that can create delays in
last 117 years has been the adoption of this philosophy. There have obvi- your treatment and care for active and retired members. If you exhaust
ously been many changes over the years that affect how we operate as an all your resources and you are still left with a denial for your injury
organization and the delivery of benefits to our members. The LAFRA or illness, you do have the option to use your private insurance. If you
Board has a culture of change embedded in their DNA that translates choose to use LAFRA for a denied work comp claim, it’s vital that you
to exceptional care and concern for our members. Any large organiza- continue to fight to get your claim approved through the work-comp pro-
tion that serves such a diverse group with high expectations in the areas cess. If you use the LAFRA PPO medical plan for a possible work-comp
of member preferences, competitive demand, fiduciary responsibility, claim, LAFRA needs to be reimbursed for that claim once the claim is
and technological advancements is going to face its share of challenges. approved.
Many times, during the existence of this great organization, LAFRA
has risen to the many challenges it has faced over the years. Within the Why is Workers’ Compensation Recovery for The LAFRA PPO
business of providing benefits and in our personal experiences, we wit- Plan Important?
ness extraordinary events that cannot always be explained and, in some
cases, are hard to accept. Whether the event is perceived as remarkable ◊ Workers’ compensation reimbursements are dollars owed to the plan.
and positive in nature or an event that is more challenging to accept, it’s ◊ Workers’ compensation claims recovery helps lower the overall claims
a reminder there is a bigger plan for all of us. cost.
At the LAFRA June Board meeting, the Scholarship Committee ◊ Lower claims cost helps reduce plan cost and member premiums.
awarded this year’s 2024 Scholarship winners. Carson Fox took first ◊ Member outreach educates members on the importance of filing
place, winning the $25,000 Leo Najarian Memorial Scholarship, and claims.
second was Ashley Ruedy, who was awarded the $15,000 Bill Goss ◊ The Pension Department is invested in the workers’ compensation re-
Scholarship. Quinn Heller, Bodie Wick, and London Steele each earned covery.
the $12,500 Relief Scholarships. This year, we had the opportunity to ◊ Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim - Member Communication
award the Dennis Mendenhall Memorial Scholarship to Julianne Munoz
and Adrian Perez. This scholarship is $25,000 and is awarded to a de- If there is still a question as to whether a claim is work-related or
pendent of a Relief Association member who passed away while serving if a member has not filed a known-related claim, the following member
as an active or retired Los Angeles City Fire Department member. A big outreach is initiated by the TPA (HealthComp):
thank you goes out to Mike Sailhamer, Milt Quintana, Steve Berkery,
Steve Jones, Brian Wall, and Danny Wu for all their hard work to make Step 1: Member Letter - A workers’ compensation letter is
this year successful. Mike Sailhamer (committee chair) and his commit- mailed to the member within 7 business days of determination that a
tee did an amazing job to make this event run smoothly while creating claim has not been filed. The letter encourages the member to file a
a great experience for our firefighters’ kids. A special thanks goes out to claim and provides the contact information for the Medical Liaison and
Vivian Dang, our HR coordinator, who oversaw the application process the HealthComp WC Coordinator.
and logistics for our applicants. Step 2: Member Call - If filing does not occur within 10 business
days from the presumptive letter mail date, the TPA WC Coordinator
WORKERS’ COMPENSATION OVERVIEW AND will contact the member by phone to verify if filing has been completed.
REIMBURSEMENTS TO THE PLAN If the member has not filed a claim, the TPA WC Coordinator will en-
courage the member to initiate filing. If the member indicates the claim
This always seems to be a topic of discussion and a challenging is not work-related, the case is closed.
road to navigate, while many times experiencing resistance trying to get Medical and prescription claims cost is factored into the renewal
treatment and surgery for work comp-related injuries and sicknesses. calculation. Higher claims cost results in higher premiums; therefore,
If you are having challenges getting your work comp injuries or illness workers’ compensation reimbursed claims have a significant impact on
approved, please be sure to ask yourself these questions: maintaining lower premium rates.

• Is your doctor part of the MPN (Medical Providers Network)? Save the Date:
• If you live out of state, are you using a doctor that practices in the state • LAFD Memorial Car Show: 9/8
of CA? • Colorado Springs Memorial: 9/20 to 9/22
• If you are attempting to use an out-of-state doctor, are they familiar
with CA work comp laws? Christopher Stine
• Is your physician familiar with how to document properly and president@lafra.org
thoroughly to expedite approval of treatment? 323.259.5202

August 2024 • 5
 Two years after the pandemic, hope
has unequivocally returned to Los Angeles,
embodied by the Los Angeles Firemen’s
Relief Association’s Annual Hope for Fire-
fighters event. This extraordinary gathering
unites the diverse communities of Los Ange-
les to honor and support the brave men and
women who selflessly serve as firefighters.
Skillfully organized by the Hope Commit-
tee, led by co-chairs Heather Ross and Steve
Robinson, along with the expertise of our
own Relief Association Event Coordinator
Juliet Brandolino, this event showcases the
city’s deep gratitude for the tireless efforts
of its firefighters while fostering a sense of
unity and camaraderie among its residents.
With its rich history, heartwarming atmo-
sphere, and charitable mission, Hope for
Firefighters has become a cherished tradi-
tion celebrated by both firefighters and the
local community.
This year’s event featured live music,
delectable meals prepared by various fire sta-
tions across the city, fire apparatus displays
and demonstrations, LAFD gift merchan-
dise booths, raffle drawings, and thrilling
firefighter muster games. Sponsored teams
competed for trophies and prizes in events
such as the bucket brigade, firefighter suit-
up, and an old-fashioned hose pull contest.
Funds were raised through sponsorships,
meal ticket sales, raffle items, and the sale of
LAFD merchandise.
Hope for Firefighters was established
in 1998 by Paul Linton, then the operations
manager at the Bank of America Plaza, to
support the families of three firefighters who
died in a helicopter crash in Griffith Park.
The event began as a modest barbecue in
downtown Los Angeles but has grown ex-
ponentially over the years, now attracting
thousands of attendees. What started as a
means to provide financial assistance has
evolved into an annual festival that brings
joy to thousands through food, friendship,
and sportsmanship.
The festival atmosphere of Hope for
Firefighters is infectious. The air is filled
with the aroma of delectable food from
various vendors, the sounds of live music,
and the laughter of families enjoying the

6 • August 2024
numerous activities available. Firefight-
ers demonstrate their culinary skills while
collaborating with local businesses to offer
demonstrations, providing a glimpse into
the challenges faced by both past and pres-
ent firefighters.
The streets of downtown Los Ange-
les began to come alive early on the morning
of June 6th as hundreds gathered to set up
the event. City workers and volunteers from
the Relief Association assembled booths, ta-
bles, chairs, and cooking stations. Barbecue
enthusiasts were treated to an array of fan
favorites as multiple stations brought their
culinary skills to the fundraiser. For those
not inclined towards barbecue, options such
as poke bowls and salads were available.
Multiple dessert booths were also present to
satisfy those with a sweet tooth.
With everything set to go, the day’s
events were announced. The Honor Guard
and accompanying single bagpiper, along
with local business team members gathered
around the podium as the national anthem
was sung by Lea Carranza. Channel 5 re-
porter Mary Beth McDade served as co-
anchor of the event, along with the Relief
Association’s own Mike Sailhamer.
This year, a number of important politi-
cians joined in the festivities, speaking to
the thousands in attendance. Thank you
to Mayor Karen Bass and Council Woman
Tracey Park for taking time out of your busy
schedules to attend. Special thanks to LAFD
Widow Heidi Perez for her inspiration to the
crowd of people during Hope as well.
Multiple local businesses participat-
ed in the muster events, with the Brookfield
Properties Team taking the grand prize, fol-
lowed by Muri-Chase Plumbing taking the
second spot, with Rising Realty Partners
place third.
No matter where they placed, all teams
fought hard and earned the title of “Honor-
ary Firefighter” for the day.
As teams from local businesses com-
peted, office workers and supporters gath-
ered around their chosen food booths. Each
participating station gave their all to claim
the title of champion. While only a few could
officially win, it was the opinion of most in

August 2024 • 7
attendance, that all were victors. The award
for Best Entrée went to Station 2 for their
Hot Chicken Sandwich. Assisted by corpo-
rate sponsor Coffman Engineering, the crew
outdid the rest of the crowd with their savory
meal that roasted even the seasoned of pal-
ates. The Best Dessert honor was claimed by
Fire Station 60 for whipping up a scrump-
tious Bomboloni-an Italian doughnut filled
with chocolate crème sprinkled with a gold
flake topping. The crew at FS 60 also brought
in the Rebel Rumble, a classic car group dis-
playing their classic cars for all to enjoy. The
Best Theme award went to Fire Station 29
and corporate sponsor RE Smith Company
for bringing to life Jurassic Park on the
streets of Los Angeles. Special Thanks to
Restaurant Depot and Town & County Rent-
als for all their support and sponsorship. We
hoope the crew at 29s were able to wrangle
in all those dinosaurs by the end of the day.
We extend our gratitude to all partici-
pants, including Stations 1, 2, 9, 10, 11, 15,
21, 27, 38, 39, 69, and 98, as well as represen-
tatives from LAFRA, UFLAC, LARFPA,
BID, IRS Demo, LAFD Widows, and the
always-present LAFD Fire Hogs. President
Jack Wise initially felt apprehensive as the
crowd bypassed their booth. However, once
attendees began sampling the food, word
quickly spread, and soon all the booths were
surrounded by long lines of hungry patrons
eager to taste the delicious entrees and des-
serts.
The Relief’s Eric Santiago once again
executed the crowd-pleasing photo booth;
this year without technical issues. It always
great to see him and his family at the event.
Throughout the day, all joined in to pull in
the crowd to make a forever memory with a
firefighter or two.
Volunteers staffed the auction and ticket
booths, all working diligently to raise funds
for this worthy cause. Though she would
prefer not to be singled out, a well-deserved
thank you goes to Relief Event Coordinator
Juliet Brandolino for orchestrating yet an-
other successful event and fundraiser for the
Relief Association. A heavy praise to Juliet
and the entire Hope for Firefighters Commit-
tee for their outstanding efforts!
While Hope for Firefighters is un-
doubtedly a joyful celebration, its primary
purpose remains charitable. The event
serves as a significant fundraiser for the
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s
Fund, an organization that provides essential
support to the families of fallen or injured
Firefighters. Proceeds from the event go

8 • August 2024
toward assisting these families with medi-
cal expenses, educational scholarships, and
other essential needs.
Throughout the event, various fund-
raising initiatives take place, encouraging at-
tendees to contribute and make a difference.
Raffles, auctions, and donation stations are
strategically set up, allowing individuals to
express their appreciation for Firefighters by
contributing to this worthy cause. The gen-
erosity and support shown by the Los Ange-
les community during Hope for Firefighters
is both inspiring and heartwarming.
The Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief
Association’s Hope for Firefighters event
has become a symbol of unity, gratitude, and
unwavering support for the Firefighters who
put their lives on the line for the city’s safety.
This annual celebration not only serves as a
platform to honor the heroic efforts of these
brave individuals but also as an opportunity
for the community to come together, share
experiences, and build lasting connections.
As Hope for Firefighters continues to
grow and evolve, it remains a testament to
the enduring spirit of Los Angeles—a city
that stands united in its unwavering support
for its Firefighters.

SPONSORS:

• Silver Sponsor – U.S. Bank

• Media Sponsor – Times Media Group

• Muster Game Sponsors – Capital

Group, and Niagara Cares

• Task Force Sponsor – Silverstein

Properties

• Engine Company Sponsors – Four

Hundred South Hope, KONE, The
Location Portal, Emerald City Band,
ECC40, Brookfield Properties, John-
ston and Hutchinson, and UCLA
Health

• Ticket Sponsors – Hotchkis & Wiley,

Four Hundred South Hope, Abri Den-
tal, One Wilshire, Diamond Generat-
ing Corporation

• Los Angeles Supporters – Mayor

Karen Bass, Heather Hutt, Bob Blu-
menfield, Traci Park, Nithya Rayman,
Monica Rodriguez, John Lee

August 2024 • 9
 What inspires you?
I am inspired by other athletes who
have overcome adversity. I respect other
athletes who use their disability as a strength
and not a weakness. I am inspired to get my
education and use it to help others. I would
like to be a role model for other cancer sur-
vivors and show them how much you can do
after beating cancer.
List Any Awards:
• All American para track and field.
• Emerging athlete on the paralympic track
and field team
Name: Adrian Perez accomplishments in school, gymnastics, and • California State Champ 2022 and 2023 para
School Attending: Simp- Girl Scouts. They have shaped me into who I shot put
son University am today and continue to inspire me to reach • Sondheimer Spirit Award Los Angeles
Major: Kinesiology for high goals and big dreams. Times 2022
Career Goals: Sports List Any Awards: How will this scholarship help you?
Medicine Physician • National Honor Society (10th-12th grade) This scholarship will help me tremen-
What inspires you? My • California Scholarship Federation (10th-12th dously. I chose the University of Alabama
dad is my biggest inspira- grade) because they have an outstanding para track
tion • College Board AP Scholar with Honor and field program. With this choice comes
List any awards: Award (July 2023) out-of-state tuition. My parents both work so
• High honor roll all four years of high school • Simi Valley High School Principal’s Rec- hard to help pay for college for my brother
• First Team All-Del Rey League quarterback ognition Letters (February 2021, December and now are working hard to help pay for my
in football 2022) college also. This generous scholarship will
• Del Rey League Champs since 2017, and top • Girl Scouts of America - Silver Award (May help ease the burden on my family fmancial-
11th of quarterbacks competing in Southern 2021) ly. I can’t thank you enough for granting me
Section playoffs • Let’s GO Help Founder recognition (June this scholarship.
• Won the championship in rugby 2023)
How will this scholarship help you? How will this scholarship help you?
This scholarship will help me pursue a Earning a scholarship would be both a Name: London Steele
college education and provide an opportunity symbol and a concrete result of my hard work School Attending: The
to play football in the college level. and achievements throughout high school. Masters University
As I maintain my high academic standards Major: Kinesiology
throughout college and higher education, this Education and Career
Name: Ashley Ruedy financial award will be valuable to my family Goals:
School Attending: College and me because it will support me as I work I would like to get my
of William and Mary towards becoming a Physician Assistant. bachelors in Kinesiology,
Major: Kinesiology (Pre- Since my family will have two kids in college and I am still trying to figure out exactly what
Physician Assistant Path) concurrently, this scholarship will enable I want to do but definitely something with
Career Goals: both my brother and I to successfully pursue being an athletic trainer.
Completion of Master of our dreams and high-reaching career goals. What inspires you?
Physician Assistant Stud- My family has always inspired me to
ies Program and working as an Orthopedic do my best in everything I do and to always
Physician Assistant Name: Carson Fox keep going no matter what. Especially my
What inspires you? School Attending: Univer- dad. He has always worked so hard to provide
My biggest inspiration comes from sity of Alabama for his family and I have never seen him give
my family. For as long as I can remember, my Major: Kinesiology up even when times are hard. He is one of the
parents have always instilled values of hard- Career Goals: hardest workers I know, and I look up to him
work and persistence into my life. Even as my I plan to get my degree for that.
life became busier as I got older, my parents and specialize in sports List Any Awards:
have always supported me and everything medicine or maybe con- I have won 1st team all league in high
I am passionate in. Constantly encouraging tinue on and become a chiropractor. My goal school volleyball, offensive player of the year,
me to work to fulfill my potential, my parents would be to help other amputee athletes like and teachers choice for excelling in American
have been a significant factor in all of my myself History.

10 • August 2024
How will this scholarship help you? fifth place have such an inspiring individual as my dad. I
This will be a huge help in achieving • Highest GPA on the 2023/2024 Surf Team hope to embody the same traits that make him
my goals and allowing me to be able to go Award a strong and influential leader.
to a university that I have been wanting to • Scholar Athlete Award on the Varsity Surf List Any Awards:
attend over the last four years. With this I will Team • National Honor Society 2020-2024
be able to achieve my dream and help others How will this scholarship help you? • California Scholarship Federation 2020
reach their goals in staying healthy and help- The LAFRA Scholarship will help me • 2024 Honor Roll 2020-2024
ing them reach their athletic aspirations. pay for college without taking on significant • Academic Excellence Award 2020-2023
debt and without further affecting my fam- • Scholar Athlete Achievement 2020-2024
ily’s finances. My father’s near-fatal health • Girl Scout Gold Award - June 2023 -
Name: Bodie Wick scare and resulting 50-day hospital stay, awarded by Girl Scouts of California Central
School Attending: San recovery and disability have come at a sub- Coast. Created an Anaphylaxis curriculum
Diego State University stantial cost with many unresolved hospital to educate students about food allergies and
Major: Business Admin- bills and medical conditions that will require recognizing the signs and symptoms of Ana-
istration further medical care. The scholarship will phylaxis. Presented and shared at the ‘Teen
Career Goals: also allow me to put in the maximum effort, Wellness Night’ at the Simi Valley Library
I plan to obtain a business take advantage of every opportunity and and to students at Big Springs Elementary
degree with a concentration obtain as much knowledge as possible. I can- School
in real estate and entrepreneurship. I started a not wait to thrive in the college world and see How will this scholarship help you?
drone business in 2023 focusing on shooting what lies ahead. With the financial assistance this
video and still photography for real estate scholarship provides, I will be able to attend
and sports clients. I have been able to acquire San Diego State University. SDSU has the
consistent and new clients. Eventually I want Name: Quinn Heller most well-renowned and highest-rated Speech
to own and operate a real estate-oriented School Attending: San and Language Science degree program in the
business and also become a firefighter. Diego State University state of California. I can make my dream of
What inspires you? Major: Speech, Language, attending SDSU and living on campus for
My father, retired Los Angeles City and Hearing Science four years a reality. This scholarship will
Fire Captain Bill Wick, inspires me most. Career Goals: help me in earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s
Since I was little, I have looked up to my fa- My career goal is to degree to further my education and prepare
ther, and the job he has done working so hard become a pediatric Speech me for my future career and personal goals.
for our family and the City of Los Angeles. Pathologist. I want to work with elemen-
In August 2023, my father had a near-fatal tary age children to diagnose and treat their
health scare. He suddenly and unexpect- speech and language disorders in order to Name: Julie Munoz
edly developed myocarditis which spiraled communicate more effectively. School Attending: Univer-
into multiple organ failure. He spent 50 days What inspires you? sity of Arizona
in the intensive care units at both UCLA’s I am most inspired by my dad. A Major: Pre-Nursing
Ronald Reagan Hospital and Hoag Hospital Firefighter Paramedic and incredible father, Career Goals:
in Newport Beach. He was unable to walk, he has always been my biggest role model. Graduate as a registered
talk or eat, but stayed positive and optimis- He works hard even when no one is watching, nurse at U of A and become
tic. Watching his positive attitude during his dedicated wholeheartedly to the line of duty a traveling nurse after col-
near-fatal health scare and recovery was en- and the service of his community. He has lege and work in the emergency room.
lightening. He motivates me! I want to make taught me the power of perseverance and grit What inspires you?
him proud! in my everyday life, and that true happiness I am inspired most by the endless pos-
List Any Awards: and fulfillment come from helping others. I sibilities my future will bring me. It motivates
• National Honor Society hope to follow his legacy of service by be- me to work hard in school and to achieve my
• Commendation Award as a debater in the coming a Speech Pathologist for children and life long goals.
Model United Nations class for high achieve- those with cognitive disabilities, providing List Any Awards:
ment “demonstrating leadership, determina- them an outlet to better their communication I have been on honor roll all four
tion, and inclusion” skills that will benefit them now and in the years of high school. Volunteer recognition,
• Sunset Conference All Academic Award future. I have learned the value of serving the received a CNA certification. Received an
• Varsity Golf Team all four years community and others from my dad. My in- award for being proficient in medical termi-
• Scholar Athlete Award all four years volvement in Girl Scouts for the past 13 years nology and physiology and anatomy.
• First Team All-Conference Golf member in and my completion of the Gold, Silver, and How will this scholarship help you?
2023 for the Surf League Bronze Awards has helped me give back to This scholarship will help me focus
• Sunset League All-Star Shortboard Cham- others and make a difference through various on my studies and will relieve a lot of the
pionship 2023/2024 for Varsity Surf Team, volunteer opportunities. I am so grateful to financial burden college will impose on me.

August 2024 • 11
 JOIN CPK IN SUPPORT OF
WIDOWS, ORPHANS &
DISABLED FIREFIGHTER’S FUND
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 &
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, ALL DAY
Show this flyer or mention the organization listed below
on your visit, and California Pizza Kitchen will
DONATE 20% OF ALL FOOD & BEVERAGE SALES
on your check to the organization listed below. Purchases include
dine-in, take-out, catering, and online orders at CPK.com
when you enter PROMO CODE: WODFF at checkout.

VALID AT ALL CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN RESTAURANTS IN

CALIFORNIA, ARIZONA, AND NEVADA.

Visit cpk.com to find a location near you

Fundraiser valid only on the date(s) and at the CPK location(s) identified on this flyer. Only 501c organizations and non-profit schools are eligible to participate
in CPK’s fundraiser program. CPK will donate 20% (twenty percent) of all food and beverage sales to the organization. Tax, gratuity, gift card and retail sales
are excluded from the donation. Valid for dine-in, takeout, online, catering, curbside or delivery orders placed directly with CPK. Not valid for orders placed or
fulfilled through third-party delivery. Void if flyer is distributed in or near restaurant. For more information about the 501c organization participating in the
fundraiser, please contact the organization directly. Not valid at franchise locations in Guam, stadium, university, international, or airport locations.

12 • August 2024
 David Duran, Apparatus O
Fire Station 15, University Villa

CTS team also uses On Se

ection Canines Angele
scenes. These K-9s found
urce and patterns
Letter of Special Commendation
of 11, 2022, the Los Angeles Fire Department their own was down. However, the debris made efforts to free
On September
(LAFD) found themselves confronting a harrowing situation the trapped member extremely difficult. Thinking quickly and
guishing between a Church, a historical landmark and religious strategically, Captain Sarbu, AO Duran, and the other members
at Victory Baptist
a harro
Baptis
chemicalshaventoforassist
the Black community in South Los Angeles. Captain channeled their collective strength into breaking apart and shift- and re
tion of samples Florin
sanctuary, for onlySarbu,
initially encountering light Captain I member to be freed in three minutes and 37 seconds.
Florin Sarbu and his team arrived on the scene and entered the ing the fallen ceiling debris. This coordinated effort enabled the
smoke but quickly entrapped commu
entification. The
discovering a fire blazing in a bathroom on the ground floor. After rescuing the first LAFD member, a second disaster

Drill
ploys an in-house Tower 40, San Pedro
While Sarbu and his team called for reinforcements to as- struck. Another section of the ceiling plummeted to the ground,
sist with interior salvage operations, the roof team reported a ensnaring two additional members. A second Mayday call Captai
growing blaze from the church’s attic. Sarbu rallied resources echoed through the inferno, signaling an urgent need for imme-
or comprehensive
with Apparatus Operator (AO) David Duran to breach the ceiling diate action. AO Duran had the forethought to bring his chain- arrived
ntation, and David
its video- Duran, Apparatus
water into the feat of swiftOperator
and access the attic, and LAFD members went to work carving saw, saving precious seconds in the rescue operation. In another
ventilation holes into the ceiling and discharging thinking and resolute teamwork, AO Duran cut at
sanctu
ware can space.
extract the material, while Captain Sarbu spotted him to prevent any light sm
amaged DVRs. Fire Station 15, University Village/USC
Suddenly, without warning and within seconds, a colos- further injuries to the two trapped members. Prevailing through
sal expanse of the ceiling fell, immediately trapping an LAFD the oppressive heat and Florin Sarbu
acrid smoke, Captain Sarbu and AO Du- a fire b
member beneath its weight. A Mayday call reverberated through ran’s decisive initiative and leadership led to the safe rescue of all
Captain I ground
the chaos, signaling to all surrounding firefighters that one of three ensnared LAFD members.
nique combination
and peace officers, While S
On September 11, 2022, the Los T
rity to carry for rein
Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) C
e warrants, and interio
found themselves confronting o
s. Although the roof te
a harrowing situation at Victory c
p only 0.5% of the from th
Baptist Church, a historical landmark a
ership, this small resour
and religious haven for the Black d
essful in making (AO) D
community in South Los Angeles. e
2022, representing ceiling
b
s of work from the LAFD
Captain Florin Sarbu and his team s
e investigation to carving
arrived on-scene and entered the
erous part of their ceiling
sanctuary, initially only encountering A
ding criminals. the sp
light smoke but quickly discovering m
Florin
Florin Sarbu,SarbuCaptain I a fireDavid blazingDuran, inDuran
a bathroom
Apparatus Operator on the A
David Sudde
Drill Tower 40, San Pedro
Captain I ground floor.
Fire Station 15, University Village/USC p
Apparatus Operator within
t
of the
While Sarbu and his team called
* Thank you to the Los Angeles Fire Foundation for allowing us to reprint this article from the 2023 LAFD Fire Foundation Valor Award Program.
M
August 2024 • 13 trappin
for reinforcements to assist with i
its wei
interior salvage operations, the f
roof team reported a growing blaze h
A May
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14 • August 2024
 Congratulations to Monica and Leo Martinez
(MFC “B” shift) on their new son, Leo Martinez
Engine 14 attacking an auto fire. Jr. Born on 5/11/24 and weighing in at 7lbs. 9
Photo | James Anderson ounces, 20 inches. Welcome to the LAFD family Jr.

On July 9, 2024, LARFPA Director Jim Mateer warmly welcomed Firefighter/Paramedic Daniel Chavez back to work after his two-year fight against colon cancer.

Chavez, a dedicated seven-year veteran, was diagnosed with colon cancer in July 2022, at the age of 38. After undergoing multiple surgeries and rounds of
chemotherapy, he was finally cleared to return to duty. Daniel resumed his responsibilities at FS 2, A-shift.

Director Mateer visited Fire Station 2 with his daughter Victoria, who has been a long-time friend of Daniel. Mateer presented Daniel with four half-gallons of
ice cream as a gift for his “first shift back.” Fire Captain II Todd Cremins hosted the visit, extending a warm welcome.

August 2024 • 15
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16 • August 2024
Companies work hard during a brush fire at the Cahuenga
area brush fire. Photos | Austin Gebhardt

Additional pictures of the fire in the Cahuenga

Pass. Photos | Mike Meadows

August 2024 • 17
 Paid Advertisement:

18 • August 2024
 Firefighters responded to Point Fermin to find one person deceased near the bottom
of the cliffs, and one person in need of medical attention and rescue part-way down.
Firefighters set up a rescue rope system to access, treat, and remove the person.
Photos | Ismael Miranda

ferent counties—all for one common reason:

to say goodbye to one of our own. Chuck was
blessed to have had a local family in the Leona
Valley area take him in, care for him, and al-
low Chuck to mingle with the horses and other
animals on the property. Chuck loved animals.
Chuck had no wife and no children left be-
hind. But he had us, his LAFD family. If you
look through the “Rules and Regulations” and
“Volumes” of the LAFD, you will see no ver-
biage instructing us how, what, or why it is
important, nor any rules suggesting we make
sure we keep the family cohesiveness. That is
because it is up to us to covet, maintain, and
keep the flame of our fire family alive. On this
Hello Brothers and Sisters of the LAFD, treatments, all of which left him feeling less day, we kept that flame going. He wept when I
of himself with every treatment. Chuck finally gave him a huge bear hug and told him I would
On May 11th of this year, ten retired made the very courageous and difficult deci- miss him and that we will still tell jokes in his
members of the LAFD Marine Operations Di- sion to live out whatever days God had left honor to keep his memory alive.
vision reunited to say goodbye to one of our for him, forgoing any more treatments so he Firefighter Charles Simpson passed
longest-standing members. Firefighter Charles could enjoy his last days not nauseous and in a away shortly after this photo was taken. He is
Simpson officially retired after 38 years of “brain fog,” as he stated to me. I could not even the tall one in the Kelly-green sweatshirt.
service and completing all five years of his fathom having to make such a decision in my May you rest in peace, my brother.
D.R.O.P. time. Very shortly after hitting this life. Deep courage and making his peace with
life milestone, he was diagnosed with an un- his maker is as real as it gets in my book. John Michael O’Connor
survivable form of brain cancer. It is fatal in We gathered together, coming in from LAFD Retired
all cases. He went through several stages of all parts—different states, different cities, dif- Peer Support WORKS
August 2024 • 19
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LA City to the rescue. Fire 5 makes a drop near a County LAFD E66 on scene of a previously burned commercial fire
Camp crew at the Post Fire. Photo | Mike Meadows with heavy fire showing on arrival. Photo | Kevin Lumada

5
Single family dwelling on Lev St. in Arleta with
TION a good-going attic fire. Photos | Mike Meadows

August 2024 • 21
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22 • August 2024
AM
AM Firefighters arrived to find a two-story apartment building (site of
previous burns) with fire through the roof. Photos | Ismael Miranda

R
MAX.

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August 2024 • 23
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24 • August 2024
Task Force 64, Engine 57, and Rescue 264 responded to a reported TC on the Northbound 110 Freeway at
Manchester. When firefighters arrived, they found one car partially involved in fire. Photos | Ismael Miranda

August 2024 • 25
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26 • August 2024
 Engine 33’s FF/PM Casey gets a knockdown.
Photo | James Anderson

LAFD Task Force 64 on scene of an auto fire on

the WB 105 Freeway. Photo | Ismael Miranda

TFC Cooper is all smiles at a fire in district. Truck 64 doing what they do best at the
Photo | James Anderson Central Incident. Photo | Jacob Terzoli

August 2024 • 27
 CAPTAIN I,
JOHN JACOBSEN

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28 • August 2024
D
4 Photos: Firefighters found fire at the rear of a single-family home. Thirty-two
LAFD firefighters extinguished the flames in 19 minutes. Two elderly females sustained
minor smoke inhalation and will be transported to the hospital. Photos | Mike Meadows

August 2024 • 29
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30 • August 2024
 Battalion 15 companies work with other agencies during
a weekend brush drill. Photo | Suey Tiengerd

Firefighter Elijah Blue, and his proud father, Engineer Brandon

Blue, during Elijah’s probationary dinner. Photo | Suey Tiengerd

Tradition lives on as Batt 15, EMS 15 Captain Huston Herman

puts on his 33 years of Service Dinner at FS 70…. The crew
and the Department thanks you! Photo | Scott Benton

August 2024 • 31
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 Fill The Boot at The Grove with E43 Capt Byrne
& BN18 BC Tarango. Photo | Ta’Ana Mitchell

Kitchen table talk with Station 34 members, Interns, and AC Carlos FF III Newberry and FF Eccles serving Miracle
Calvillo & Deputy Chief Stephen Gutierrez. Photo | Ta’Ana Mitchell Mile with smiles. Photo | Ta’Ana Mitchell

FF Griffin masks up at an auto fire.

Photo | James Anderson

August 2024 • 33
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34 • August 2024
 Task Force Commander Capt II Alex “Mr. Smiles” Garcia
A fine crew! AO “babyface” Jackson, Engineer Boatman, and Capt I Stephen “Steve” Schaller are inspection-ready.
FF Simiano, FF/PM Jennings and FF Porter Photo | Ta’Ana Mitchell

Battalion 18 Bi-Annual Inspection. Photos | Ta’Ana Mitchell

August 2024 • 35
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36 • August 2024
L

Looks like the LAFD presence is growing on the Central

Coast. Retired members gather for yet another great time
in San Luis Obispo. Look for their ad in the Station Fridge
section of this publication for more info.

We’ll Protect Your Family

While You Protect Ours.
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805-496-4681 Special Duty Captain Terrance Crossen making friends on a SOD day at Station 56.

August 2024 • 37
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38 • August 2024
 RONNIE VILLANUEVA, Chief Deputy
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August 2024 • 39
 IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Our Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial is an annual event that honors the memory of our
brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

FA L L E N F I R E F I G H T E R H O N O R E E S

Keoki Deporter Brian Corntassel Valerie Roberts Dan Ramirez Sean Stilson James Stiglich Richard Tucker

40 • August 2024 I A F F. O R G / F F F M
 Just when you thought it was safe to Is there a chance we can expand the yard to accent the overall look. Talk about a
start surfin’ lessons. Sea otter #841, who’s a Pride celebration to include other categories? proud moment. And then invitin’ neighbors
female, is back and is terrorizin’ the waters For instance, why couldn’t there be “Pride over, to boast about your accomplishments,
of Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz, California. in America’’ month? We all live in this great might inspire them to freshen up their own
Steamer Lane is one of the seaside town’s country that provides many benefits that we all homes. Imagine, this infection might spread
most popular surfin’ sites. Surfers up there enjoy. I know it may not be a popular concept throughout your entire block. How proud
have captured photos and videos of her calmly but when you see what’s goin’ on in other plac- would you be then?
cleanin’ herself while on-top of a surf board es in the world, we have it very good. It may There are endless opportunities with
that she had hijacked from a surfer. Not only not be perfect, but it’s darn close. How about this Pride thing. It could even extend to our
does she sit on the surf board, she also attacks “Car Pride” month? Sure, drive around your pets. There’s no doubt that dogs, cats and
it, chewin’ the edges of the board. neighborhood and show off your new EV. Your even exotic animals can be a big part of our
Otter #841 was born in captivity and is neighbors will appreciate the fact that, not only lives. Some pets are even cherished as much
now six years old. She also has a pup and the is your vehicle quiet, but they won’t be rudely as our own flesh and blood. Ain’t they worth
experts believe her territory is bein’ invaded awaken on a Sunday mornin’ by a loud ob- bein’ recognized for one
and to protect her pup she becomes aggressive noxious car screamin’ down their street. Plus, month out of the year?
toward foreign invaders. you’ll know that your “zero emission” vehicle “Pet Pride” month. Come
The experts say surfers should stay at is helpin’ to save the planet. on, they deserve it.
least 50-feet away from sea otters. My wife How about “Homeowner Pride
loves sea otters and half-kiddingly jokes that Month?” Let’s say you put down new sod on AC
she would like to have one for a pet. I’m not your front and backyard. Maybe you took it a KEEP SMILIN’!
sure where she’s plannin’ to keep it but I know step further by repaintin’ the house and plan- choppedup@att.net
it ain’t goin’ to stay in our bathtub. tin’ vibrant and colorful flowers around your

August 2024 • 41
42 • August 2024
August 2024 • 43
California FALLEN Firefighters Memorial
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2024
The Annual California Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony will be held
at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento.

FA L L E N F I R E F I G H T E R H O N O R E E S

Valerie Roberts Dan Ramirez Sean Stilson Richard Tucker James Stiglich

CAFIREFOUNDATION.ORG/MEMORIAL
44 • August 2024
 Understanding DROP: A Path to Financial
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of the year can help to ensure a smoother transition. President/CEO

*Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (“CFS”), a registered broker-dealer
(Member FINRA/ SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise
federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of
principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. The Credit Union has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit
investment products and services available to credit union members.

**Before deciding whether to retain assets in an employer sponsored plan or roll over to an IRA an investor should consider various
factors including, but not limited to: investment options, ees and expenses, services, withdrawal penalties, protection from creditors
and legal judgments, required minimum distributions and possession of employer stock.

August 2024 • 45
46 • August 2024
 LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION UNITED FIREFIGHTERS OF LOS ANGELES CITY
24|SEPTEMBER 323.259.5200 LAFRA.ORG 213.977.9001 UFLAC.ORG

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 A 2 3 B 4 A 5 C 6 B 7 A

Labor Day (observed)

OFFICES CLOSED

8 C 9 B 10 D 11 C 12 E 13 D 14 F

Patriot Day

15 E 16 D 17 F 18 E 19 G 20 F 21 H
E
N
D

F
L
S
A Fallen Firefighter Memorial
Colorado Springs, CO

22 G 23 I 24 H 25 G 26 I 27 H 28 J

Fall Begins

29 I 30 K DUTY ROSTER AUGUST 2024 OCTOBER 2024

S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
A Platoon 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
B Platoon
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
C Platoon 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
25 26 27 28 29 30 31 27 28 29 30 31

SEPTEMBER

August 2024 • 47
 MEMBERS
CURTIS A. POET, FIREFIGHTER III.
Appointed February 3, 1958. Retired on a disability pension July 28, 1983 from Fire Station 16.
Passed away June 16, 2024.

ALVA G. TEEL, JR., CAPTAIN.

Appointed April 8, 1961. Retired on a disability pension November 3, 1983 from Fire Station 37.
Passed away June 18, 2024.

ELWYN E. MOORE, CAPTAIN.

Appointed April 8, 1961. Retired on a disability pension July 29, 1989 from Fire Station 26.
Passed away June 21, 2024.

LEE R. HOOK, CAPTAIN.

Appointed June 27, 1959. Retired on a disability pension November 19, 1992 from Fire Station 16.
Passed away June 25, 2024.

ROBERT J. DE FEO, ASSISTANT CHIEF.

Appointed February 20, 1960. Retired on a service pension February 21, 2004 from Division 1.
Passed away June 27, 2024.

JESSE CISNEROS, BATTALION CHIEF.

Appointed September 4, 1984. Retired on a service pension September 30, 2020 from Battalion 4-C.
Passed away June 28, 2024.

GLENN C. PARKER, EMGINEER.

Appointed November 1, 1956. Retired on a disability pension March 3, 1988 from Fire Station 23.
Passed away July 4, 2024.

JIMMY R. BRYAN, FIREFIGHTER III.

Appointed February 9, 1963. Retired on a service pension January 13, 2002 from Fire Station 112.
Passed away July 5, 2024.

RICHARD B. MATTHEWS, APPARATUS OPERATOR.

Appointed April 20, 1963. Retired on a service pension June 28, 1992 from Fire Station 80.
Passed away July 6, 2024.

KENNETH M. BRASS, BATTALION CHIEF.

Appointed September 23, 1957. Retired on a service pension July 28, 1985 from Battalion 4.
Passed away July 11, 2024.

GERALD D. ALLINGHAM, CAPTAIN.

Appointed May 12, 1962. Retired on a service pension March 12, 1989 from Fire Station 48.
Passed away July 15, 2024.

FAMILY
Diana L. Arnold, spouse of Daniel W. Arnold, Passed away June 16, 2024.
Daisy L. Grant, surviving spouse of David S. Grant, Passed away June 19, 2024.
Joan E. Randolph, surviving spouse ofhugh C. Randolph, Passed away June 21, 2024.
Mary R. Darr, surviving spouse of Jack D. Darr, Passed away June 24, 2024.
Guadalupe Garcia, surviving spouse of Leonzo Garcia, Passed away July 1, 2024.
Vera C. Catlow, surviving spouse of John D. Catlow, Passed away July 14, 2024.

48 • August 2024
 That was the day, 7/7/1974. Fifty years otherwise. He was a very good man. On our second day, we were loaded
ago, when thirty young men gathered on the Two of the Senior Ambulance Atten- into buses and taken to the coroner’s office to
apron of Old Fire Station 40 on Terminal Is- dants, John Green and Earl Donley, seemed observe autopsies. This was a real eye-opener.
land to begin their LAFD careers as Ambu- to be pleasant and helpful people. The third That trip caused one person to quit. Of the
lance Drivers. Nobody, especially those of us one, Shorty Nine, was different. In a cowboy thirty of us who began the class, only fifteen
who had been in the military, wanted to be movie, he would be the guy dressed in black graduated. One of us dropped out for medi-
late for the first day of the Fourth Ambulance with two guns on his hips, and he was willing cal reasons, but he was recycled into the next
Drivers Training Academy. to use them. He demonstrated that to us soon class. Two of us have died.
They called it “The Drill Tower” be- and often. The classroom was in the dorm. The
cause there was a rich history of LAFD re- tables were lined up in long rows, facing the THE CLASS OF 7/7/74
cruit training facilities being named that. As instructor and the blackboard.
we learned, tradition is, and was, a big part of One morning, Shorty came into the In alphabetical order, here are the sur-
the history of the LAFD. That tradition was room, and in a corner of the blackboard, he vivors of the class of 7/7/74:
not going to be broken yet. Some of us had drew two small crosses and then he left. We
military backgrounds, some with aerospace had no idea. About 30 minutes later, Shorty • FF Glen Allen died in a roof collapse in 2011.
backgrounds. One of us was a barber, another came back into the room and began to pace • Ambulance Driver Steve Ballentine
a zoo guard. Some came from private ambu- up and down the rows. We knew better than • Gerardo Berrocal
lance companies. It was a very interesting mix to turn around, but we could feel his presence • Eng. Ron Berry
of backgrounds. behind us. Eventually, he stopped behind one • Paramedic Captain Jim Black
When the instructors arrived and or- of us, and he stood there for several seconds. • Paramedic Craig Hansen
dered us inside, we followed like sheep be- By this time, we had a feeling that he was the • Ambulance Driver Denis Jackson
cause we didn’t know any better. The instruc- executioner. Whoever he was standing behind • Deputy Chief Dennis Keane
tors were Captain II Timothy De Luca and would begin to sweat. Then, without another • Paramedic Captain Steven Lilienthal
Senior Ambulance Attendants Arlyn “Shorty” word, he would tap whoever was sitting next • Paramedic Jack Liskin
Nine, John Green, and Earl Donley. Shorty to the poor guy he was behind on the shoul- • Ambulance Driver Doug McMillen, de-
was the boss, and we quickly found out that der. You would hear him say, “Get your books ceased 2023
he wanted things done a certain way, and if and come with me.” That was the last time we • Paramedic Dave Monette
we did something different, we heard about it. would ever see him. • Battalion Chief Allen Norman
The word “please” didn’t seem to be in his vo- I would be remiss in writing this if I • Paramedic Arthur Sorrentino
cabulary. didn’t mention the odors we endured. FS40 • FF Patrick Walcott
Then the Drill Master, Capt. De Luca, was located on Terminal Island, very close to *Voluntarily left the Fire Department before
came out and spoke to us. He outlined what the Star Kist tuna processing facility. The odor they were eligible for retirement
was expected of us and told us that failure to coming from that place was so bad it would
meet the requirements would be cause for dis- knock the buzzards off a garbage scow. I like I would like to thank Alan Norman
missal. We were appropriately scared. Howev- tuna sandwiches on onion rolls. I ate them for his assistance in identifying several of the
er, those of us who had a military background several times a week. I called it “Fire One for people in the photo.
quickly saw through his tough guy posture. Effect.” A couple of guys ate by themselves.
We eventually called him “Duke,” like John They had enough tuna odor to last a lifetime. Art Sorrentino
Wayne, but never to his face. He was a wan- Nobody ralphed, but there were a few close Daoldwestsidekid@Yahoo.com
nabe tough guy, and we did nothing to hint calls.

CLASS PHOTO - L to R, FRONT ROW: Senior Ambulance Attendant Arlyn “Shorty” Nine, Fire Commissioner Beaubien, Deputy Chief
Kenneth R. Long, Steve Lilienthal, Pat Walcott, Denis Jackson, Jack Liskin, Alan Norman, Gerardo Berrocal, Doug McMillen, Senior Ambulance
Attendant John Green, Captain II Timothy De Luca. L to R, BACK ROW: Unknown, Dr. Richard Scott, Medical Director, Dennis Keane,
Ron Berry, Dave Monette, Steve Ballentine, Jim Black, Glen Allen, Craig Hansen, Art Sorrentino, Senior Ambulance Attendant Earl Donley.

August 2024 • 49
 pull up, because there were always at least 3
golden retrievers in their vehicle. May you
rejoice in eternity with the Lord and once
again with Carol.

Bud Molle

IN MEMORY OF CLARENCE R.
LINDSEY JR.—ENGINEER
IN MEMORY OF ELWYN E. and it was a textbook operation. I don’t know
MOORE—CAPTAIN what was funnier watching him running up
Jan Bernard and I worked together
to the rig or yelling at Cardo Gallegos for not
with Ben Lindsey at Engine 108 in the mid
I worked with Captain Moore at Fire moving his gear over for him in the morn-
70’s. Why we two new guys on the job trans-
Stations 10, 2 and in Battalion 3. He was ing. Tommy was a stud fireman but also a
ferred up on the hill early in our careers, well
my mentor, great motivator and most of respected Comrade. I am glad I was able to
for me, it just happened. I’m glad I did, as it
all a great storyteller. My favorite and best learn and be around him for a short time.
turned out we met up with an engineer that
assignment was FS 2 I can honestly say I Rest in Peace Tommy!!!
turned out to be a peach of a man and gentle-
looked forward going to work for Captain
man, that was Ben. Together we experienced
Moore. Rest In Peace my friend. Phil Dominguez
responding at night in total darkness out of
a barn at the Old F.S. 108. Months later we
John Quintana
moved to our “new quarters”, F.S. 108, less
IN MEMORY OF NELSON E.
than a stone’s throw away from the old barn.
STRANGE—FIREFIGHTER III
Ben, Jan and I hammered nails together at
IN MEMORY OF ANTON J.
one time, Jan was our boss. To Ben’s family
FELANDO—FIREMAN Ed Strange or “Strange Eddie” took
my Condolences and a heartfelt thanks for
the dictum of the “engine house being your
sharing him with us.
I was saddened to hear of the loss of second home” to heart. In the evening it was
Anton, I Had the pleasure of knowing and not unheard of to witness Ed strolling into
Tom Guzman
working with him on the job and the water- the TV Room resplendently attired in a robe
front. Another one of Pedro’s finest is gone, or smoking jacket while enjoying his eve-
but will be remembered, RIP Anton ning pipe. Take note that his robe was not on
IN MEMORY OF GEORGE L.
the schlock rack of a warehouse clothier, but
VARNUM—ENGINEER
Gary S. Carr was resplendent with his monogram. He was
one class act and a true practitioner of his
I worked with george at old 61’s and
craft.
really learned a lot from this man! He was
IN MEMORY OF THOMAS J. Rest well my “not off the rack” col-
the consument engineer in all areas! I remen-
KENYON—FIREFIGHTER III league.
ember the one thing thar stands out the most
was that everytime we got a new captain on
I had only heard of the legend that
any shift, he would wait till the captain was
was now assigned to Fire Station 2 from FS IN MEMORY OF JOHN C. BARNES—
alone in the office and, as there was a pole
14 as a boot Engineer in Battalion 7. The sto- APPARATUS OPERATOR
hole there, he would come down and land on
ries were true as I remember getting a sod
his butt on purpose, get up, dust himself off
day on the coveted E202 which was a show- Another good friend gone! I met John
and walk out! Meanwhile the captain would
piece in the Battalion at the time. As I recall in a grocery store in Hamilton, Montana. We
sit there stund and yelling you all right ….
an early morning structure fire went down had never crossed paths on the job. I was in
Was really funny to watch.
on Caesar Chavez and I had no inside man a check out line and noticed a LAFD ball
on the pump. As I pulled away Tommy came cap on the man ahead of me in line. Soon
Gary Klasse
running out and was yelling at me to stop as found out he retired way ahead of me, and of
he jumped on the rig. He then said give me course we shared some mutual friends. As a
your turnouts as he grabbed my coat from young guy on the job, he had been assigned
IN MEMORY OF PAUL R. OLSEN—
the floorboard stick shift on the 84 Seagrave. with Gary Cramer at 22’s. John was in his
FIRE INSPECTOR
When he asked for my boots, I said I me second career as a Ravalli County Sheriff. I
wearing them. He grabbed my helmet and I always addressed John as “Officer” Barnes.
I never got to work with Paul, but he
witnessed him go into the structure fire in Over the years, we would get together with
was one of the lay ministers at Trinity Lu-
sweats and tennis shoes. He pulled his col- our wives for lunch at various local spots.
theran Church in San Pedro.
lar up and went to work. The fire went out, It was always a sight to see John and Carol
I attended mid-month communion
50 • August 2024
service at Trinity Lutheran with my wife
Karen during our courtship and marriage.
I was encouraged by Paul’s devotion to Je-
sus and service to all the community in San
Pedro. I later promoted to Inspector and his
position at Building Standards Unit I’m sure
was a reflection of his dedication and con-
cern for the business sector of LA City.
My condolences to Paul’s family.
Well done, good and faithful servant
of Christ.

James Jure
Protect Those
IN MEMORY OF THOMAS E.
BALTZER—ENGINEER
with Special Needs
Balls was an old friend of my par- Firefighter Justin Mendence set up a special needs trust to ensure his
ents. At an anniversary party some wrap-
son and entire family is taken care of in the best manner possible.
ping paper got caught up in the candles on
the table. Almost every drink and glass of “You want to think everybody’s going to take care of your kid because
water was tossed across the table putting out
the “major” conflagration. Someone asked everybody loves him, but unless you have a plan in place…you’re planning
Tom and I why we didn’t try and help and do to fail. Leaving it to chance is not in me and my wife’s vocabulary.”
something. Tom without skipping a beat said
“I wasn’t about to waste a perfectly good
drink”. And camping we always had the big- A Special Needs Trust Helps You:
gest bon fire!
• Set up long-term funding for living expenses & care
Chris Segovia
• Determine who will be the primary caregiver

IN MEMORY OF GARY E. RUM- • Create an advisory group of experts to help caregivers make
MELL—BATTALION CHIEF sound decisions
My favorite guy to run into at antique • Ensure your child’s assets are protected & well-managed
shows and swap meets. A wealth of historic
information. To Margie, and the Rummell • Ensure your child maintains eligibility for special services
family; our condolences.
“I sleep a little bit easier at night knowing that my son is
Larry and Ceci Hoerner
set up for his entire life,” Justin said.
DEAR LAFRA,

I would like to thank you for the gen-

erous scholarship that you have gifted me.
I cannot fully express my tremendous grati-
tude in words. Please know that I will put it
to good use in my educational endeavors and Whether you care for a child or adult with special needs or not,
will continue to work toward accomplishing everyone should consider setting up an estate plan. Ask for a
my goals. “Getting Started Kit” today by emailing the Relief Association
Development & Marketing Director at donations@lafra.org
With Gratitude,
or calling (323) 259-5217
Quinn Heller

August 2024 • 51
 Photos and information submitted by Don Nash II, LAFD Retired

“A” is for Airport. The Alphabet Bomber’s origins, actions,

and the day he blew up a terminal at LAX. Part One.

This August marks the 50th anni-

versary of the bombing at the Los Angeles
International Airport on August 6, 1974.
Terrorism has been around since the dawn
of humanity. And this cancer in our society
can originate from many different origins,
situations, feelings, and ideologies. And its
delivery system can occur on vastly differ-
ent scales. One such case is that of a lone
wolf. An immigrant from the former Yugo-
slavia, Muharem Kurbegovic.

BACKGROUND

Kurbegovic was born in Sarajevo

in 1943. He studied engineering in Europe
before moving to the United States in 1967.
California back in those days had a very
robust aerospace industry. Muharem found
work as an engineer within the Los Angeles
metro area. During this time, the Vietnam
War was going on. He faked being a mute
by communicating through written notes at
work to avoid the draft. Kurbegovic spent
his spare time at taxi dance halls where he
was arrested in March 1971 and charged
with performing a lewd act in the restroom
by an undercover LAPD officer.
He represented himself during the
trial and was successfully acquitted by a
jury. However, the record of the arrest still
plagued him. He was later fired from his
job, and was unable to get the permits from
the city of Los Angeles to open his own
dance hall he pursued as a business venture.
It also potentially affected his citizenship,
stoking fears of being deported. Being un-
employed for a year didn’t help either. From
that point on, Muharem Kurbegovic became
enraged.
He later landed another engineering
job at a company called Dynatech. It was
there where he had access to the chemicals
and materials he needed to begin his reign
of terror. Muharem reapplied for the taxi

52 • August 2024
dance hall permits and was denied once
again. This resulted in a personal vendetta
against the judge who presided over his tri-
al, and two of the police commissioners who
denied the permits. In the early morning
of November 9, 1973, the residences of the
judge and commissioners were set ablaze.
The fires were limited to the outside of the
structures, minor damage, and none of the
occupants were injured.
In 1974, things were beginning to
escalate. Muharem Kurbegovic started us-
ing an alias, Esak Rasim. As the city of
Los Angeles was still reeling from the SLA
Shootout (see May’s Grapevine article), he
attempted to car bomb one of the police
commissioners in mid-June, 1974 but the
device he planted instead set the car on fire
after the commissioner arrived home and
left the vehicle. Kurbegovic also mailed
nine postcards to each of the U.S. Supreme
Court Justices. The letters were intercepted
by the postmaster in Palm Springs. A can-
celling machine broke some of the tiny vials
of chemicals that he placed under the 11-
cent stamps on the cards. Muharem claimed
to be a part of the SLA when he called ra-
dio station KFWB and identified himself
as Esak Rasim, threatening to set off three
bombs in the L.A. Metro area. In honor of
the five SLA Members killed in the shoot-
out with LAPD SWAT on May 17. He later
followed through setting fire to three apart-
ment buildings in Marina Del Rey and Santa
Monica on July 4, 1974.

The LAX incident

Kurbegovic arrived at the Los Ange-

les International Airport on the morning of
August 6 and went to the international ter-
minal. He placed a device disguised as a
package inside a coin operated locker 20 feet
from the Pan Am ticket counter and walked
away. Various reports mentioned there were
approximately 100-300 passengers and
employees in the immediate area. At 8:10
AM, the device detonated. The blast tore
out sections of the concrete wall behind the
lockers, hurled some of the lockers through
the lobby, ripped into the ceiling, shred-
ding baggage and blew out the glass win-
dows of the terminal. Victims were thrown
about like rag dolls. Survivors described it
as a large bang with a fierce blast of wind.
Complete silence for a few moments, then
screaming and yelling from the injured and
their loved ones searching for them.

To Be Continued.

August 2024 • 53
 Donations to Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund

BPX ENERGY JAMES D. DOWNEN in honor of RICHARD J. ERQUIAGA in honor

John W. Nash of Robert J. De Feo
ALFRED LEROY TRUST WM
NC-PHILANTHROPIC MONICA GANZ MG GARY T. SHELFORD from the
CONSULTING for the Firehouse Cafe Breakfast Klatch
NICK ZEUG from LAFD Car Show
your Nationwide Life Insurance- GARY T. SHELFORD from the
Retirement Account TOPANGA’S FINEST, INC. for the Firehouse Cafe Breakfast Klatch
LAFD Car Show
ALFRED LEROY TRUST WM ANSELMO GARRIDO in honor of
NC-PHILANTHROPIC KATHERINE J. MUNOZ for the Dennis L. Coville and
Golf Ball Drop Robert J. De Feo
BIG LEAGUE DREAM CHINO
HILLS, LLC from the Lane CHRISTY AND THOMAS AMERICA’S CHARITIES
Kemper Softball Classic GUYOVICH for the
Golf Ball Drop DANIEL G. BUTCHER from the
STRAUSSNER & SHERMAN for Golf Ball Drop
the LAFD Car Show FIRE STATION #93 from the
Fire Extinguisher Fund JEFFREY S. SILVA from the
RICHARD J. BALZANO for the Golf Ball Drop
Golf Ball Drop RICHARD J. ERQUIAGA in honor
of Jesse Cisneros DAVID AARON
FIRE STATION #98 from the
Fire Extinguisher Fund

DONNA L. STRICKLAND for the

Golf Ball Drop

JOHN L. QUINTANAR in honor of

Elwyn E. Moore Turning their individual passion into action, the members of the Eternal Flame Society
are helping our friends and comrades overcome unexpected tragedies and challenges.

By including a gift in their will or trust to your Widows, Orphans & Disabled
STEVEN J. BERKERY from your Firefighter’s Fund, these special donors are making an investment in our
Corporate Secretary Payment firefighter family.

These bequests come in all shapes and sizes, including:

JOHN L. PECEL in honor of • A specific dollar amount
• A percentage of the estate
Robert J. De Feo • A “residual” gift (whatever is left over after other bequests are distributed)

JOHN L. PECEL in honor of

Simply tell your attorney the details of the gift you wish to leave to your Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund,
a non-profit charity, tax ID #95-6205446, serving our LAFD families for more than 116 years.
Jesse Cisneros
Join these extraordinary members of the Eternal Flame Society by including a gift in your estate plan and contacting
Relief Association Development & Marketing Director Marlene Casillas at (323) 259-5217 or mcasillas@lafra.org.
AMERICA’S CHARITIES

54 • August 2024
 LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
June 5, 2024

CALL TO ORDER the May 1, 2024 Board Meeting Minutes. da. The purpose of the offsite is to discuss
Frank Aguirre so moved. Juan Albarran sec- things like long-term goals, bylaws, policies,
President Chris Stine called the Meeting of onded. There was no discussion or objections. succession planning, staffing, best practices,
the Board of Trustees of the Los Angeles processes, etc. For this year, there will be two
Firemen’s Relief Association to order at 10:42 Motion carried to approve the May 1, 2024 presentations; one by Ian Bennet on the PSOB
a.m. Board Meeting Minutes. benefit and the other from Heather Leavitt on
worker’s compensation.
ROLL CALL PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Valerie Lawrence Retirement: Valerie will
MEMBERS PRESENT: Scholarship Winners: The scholarship recipi- be retiring as of October 31, 2024. Chris,
Chris Stine, President ents and their family members were present Todd, and Vivian Dang will be putting to-
Jim Duffy, Vice President to receive their scholarship checks and take gether a plan for her replacement.
Trustee Frank Aguirre photographs with the board members. The
Trustee Chris Bustamante winners were as follows: Pechanga Reunion: It was another great
Trustee J.D. Fox • The Leo K. Najarian Memorial Scholarship event, getting better and better each year. All
Trustee Cesar S. Garcia of $25,000 - Winner: Carson Fox the retired trustees were working hard and
Trustee Jeff Halloran • The Bill Goss Scholarship of $15,000 - Win- handling a multitude of requests and tasks.
Trustee Tim Halloran ner: Ashley Ruedy (unable to attend the meet- It was well attended, most of the RV spots
Trustee Steve Jones ing) sold out and people had a good time. Nine (9)
Trustee Elber Navarro • Three (3) Relief Scholarship awards of vendors showed up and attended to members
Trustee Derwin Pitts $12,500 - Winners: Quinn Heller (unable to questions. Marlene Casillas and a video crew
Trustee Tyler Tomich attend the meeting); Bodie Wick, and London were present doing interviews.
Trustee Brian Wall Steele
Trustee Danny Wu • Dennis Mendenhall Memorial Scholarship Open Enrollment: Overall, there were 128
Trustee Juan Albarran – Pension of $25,000 – Winners: Adrian Perez (Fallen people who joined the plan; 17 left the plan;
Trustee Steve Berkery – Pension FF: Jose M. Perez) and Julianne Munoz (Fall- which netted 111 new belly buttons on the Re-
Trustee Kenneth Breskin – Pension en FF: Henry Munoz) lief plan.These are very good numbers.
Todd Layfer - Executive Director
Liberty Unciano – Controller/Treasurer Jamie Colvert, a representative with Niagara Open House Nominee: The board briefly
Cares, a new Relief sponsor for the Hope for discussed nominees for Open House. Nomi-
MEMBERS ABSENT: Firefighters Event, was also on hand for the nated names will be discussed further and
Trustee Milton Quintana presentation of the scholarship winners. After voted on at a future meeting.
Trustee Mike Sailhamer all the checks were awarded, she spoke briefly
Trustee Paul Duke about herself and Niagara’s sponsorship of UFLAC Update: Chris attended their gen-
Trustee Craig White Widows & Orphans. eral membership meeting. They are looking
Trustee John King into the helmet situation and may be consider-
Trustee John Marasco Pension Update: All are pleased to have the ing a replacement. The Standards of Coverage
subsidy work completed. Next is commis- report came back stating a need for 54 new
GUESTS: sioner elections. A Fire Retiree spot is up for fire stations, based on the call load. To make
2024 Scholarship Recipients & their families election this year. Keep an eye out for news on these changes, a bond would need to be put
Jamie Colvert, Niagara Bottling Company their elections cycle. out to raise the funds. Realistically, the pro-
(Niagara Cares) cess may take about 2 years or so and not all
Meeting Attendance: Chris reminded the the money raised may go towards additional
INVOCATION & FLAG SALUTE board they are to inform he and Jim in ad- fire stations. There will be more to come as
vance if they cannot attend a committee, the situation progresses.
Chris Bustamante led the invocation. Tyler board, or other special meeting. This helps to
Tomich led the flag salute. ensure that association business gets done. FITON: Overall, FITON is good and people
are happy with it. Chris reported on receiv-
RATIFICATION OF ACTION Board Educational Offsite: Chris will send ing notice from a fire station(s) about a vendor
AND MINUTES out the information to the board. stopping by and offering free ice baths in re-
turn for firefighters signing up for a member-
Chris Stine entertained a motion to approve Jim and Todd are working on the final agen- ship with that vendor (gym/ice bath facility).
August 2024 • 55
Members were concerned that this was not a Hope Street. Those working the event are to The committee recommends and I so move to
legitimate offer or affiliated with FITON. The meet in the Bank of America building audi- enter into a three-year contract with ABM for
facility is located in Santa Monica. FITON torium for staging at 9:30am. Every feasible HVAC maintenance at the annual costs noted
has been advised of these occurrences and effort to cut costs and to raise additional rev- in the quote. There was no further discussion
will investigate accordingly. FITON is pulling enue have been put into place. It should be a on objections.
some analytics to see how many people are great event.
actually signing up, where they live in prox- Motion carried to enter into a three-year
imity to this place to see, etc. The potential FireForce: Training with staff and key de- contract with ABM for HVAC maintenance
negative impact of signing up, the number of partments is happening this week. We are at the annual costs noted in the quote.
credits applied (about 85 for this facility) and targeting to go live on Monday, July 22nd.
its impact on Relief usage, (increased) pricing The Elevations Solutions team is here in the Juan also reported on the 2016 LA ordinance
and contract renewal, when due, were noted. offices providing the training and will return put in to review water efficiency use in build-
for the go live date/week. ings. It’s called the Los Angeles EBEWE and
At this time, there has been no determination may be part of the green initiative. An offer
about capping the number of gyms members New Executive Assistant: April Hood will has already been submitted to the Relief to
can have a membership to attend. It will take be transitioning to the Executive Assistant address this at a cost of $8K. Derwin Pitts is
more time, usage and data analysis to have position. Approximately 175 resumes were looking into this further. and will report back
a detailed discussion to determine if/when received and reviewed by Vivian. The top 5 to the board.
should a cap would necessary. candidates were interviewed accordingly. An
email to the staff will be sent with the an- ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
EXECUTIVE SESSION nouncement. REPORT

Chris Stine entertained a motion to move into Obviously, it creates an opening in the Devel- Tyler Tomich presented the following mo-
an Executive Session for voting members of opment & Marketing area. Marlene is aware tions.
the board. Juan Albarran so moved. Frank of the change. April will start transitioning in
Aguirre seconded. July, but she’ll be doing both jobs for a while The committee recommends and I so move
until a suitable replacement is found. to pay the usual and customary bills in the
The Board entered into Executive Session at amount of $1,657,035.32. There was no dis-
11:02 a.m. The Board adjourned from Execu- Business Insurance Renewals: Todd, Chris cussion or objections.
tive Session at 11:58 a.m. and Liberty will meet with Robyn Hastings,
who took Cindy Ritter’s place. The renewals Motion carried to pay the usual and cus-
Member updates were discussed in Executive will come to the July board meeting for ap- tomary bills in the amount of $1,657,035.32.
Session. proval.
MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT
VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT INVESTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Frank Aguirre presented the following
2024 Conferences: Everyone except for Jim, There was nothing to report. motion(s).
Frank and Chris Bustamante are attending
the IFEBP conference in November. It takes AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT The committee recommends and I so move to
place in San Diego from Saturday, November approve the medical plan bills totaling
9th (travel day) through Wednesday, Novem- There was nothing to report. $1,436,547.56. There was no discussion or ob-
ber 13th. There will be more details to come jections.
as we move closer to the conference date. BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT
Motion carried to approve the medical plan
Board Offsite Agenda: Jim already request- HVAC Maintenance Contract: The old AC bills totaling $1,436,547.56.
ed agenda items and possible topics of discus- system in the Grapevine/Events office area is
sion from board members. He will finalize the not working properly. Several fixes have been RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT
agenda on this Friday so please submit items unsuccessfully applied. The recommendation
of interest that you want to be considered at is for a new system. Quotes were received Steve Berkery presented the following mo-
offsite by that date. Jim will review the items and reviewed with ABM coming out with the tions. The committee recommends and I so
with Todd for agenda finalization. preferred quote. They are well known in the move to pay:
industry. The quote totals are $14,660 (YR 1), • The Sick & Injury benefits for Active & Re-
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT $15,393 (YR 2), and $16,163 (YR 3), roughly tired in the amount of $44,251.23
$45K for three years. This is on par with what • The Estate Planning benefit in the amount
Hope for Firefighters: The event is happen- the Relief is paying now. of $10,774.50
ing tomorrow, June 6th, in Downtown LA on • The Life & Accident Withdrawals of $0

56 • August 2024
• The Assistance Committee in the amount of er Content: In the interest of time, Danny Mesa Street in San Pedro Historic District
$24,845.86 copied and pasted all the video links to the as First Responders Public Safety Square, in
• The Emergency Advancements in the trustees via emails. This includes the main memory and dedication of LAFD Firefighter
amount of $12,748.94 Hope for Firefighters, 3 YouTube shorts on Benjamin Pinel and all fallen first responders.
• The Widows & Orphans Disabled Firefight- Hope and a video about the LAFD Dozer. His sister has been a supporter of Widows &
er’s Fund to accept donations in the amount of The dozer video will be highlighted soon on Orphans, hosting fundraisers at her business,
$127,369.42 the website in coordination with a social me- and would be honored to have Relief trustees
• The Life and Accident Death Benefit in the dia push. attend.
amount of $0 The Relief Death Benefits in the
amount of $15,000 Trustees are reminded they will be contacted NEW BUSINESS
about a profile on them for our website, news-
The increase in donations for Widows & Or- letter and social media contact and are ad- There was no new business discussed at this
phans is representative of monies received vised to respond accordingly. meeting.
from the oil well royalties.
Motion carried to pay the above Relief ben- Hope for Firefighters: Juan Carlos is doing OLD BUSINESS
efits. all the maps/menus, signage, sponsor banners,
and all the digital advertising for the business- There was no old business discussed at this
Steve Berkery read the names of members es in downtown LA (posted in their elevators meeting.
who recently passed and asked for a moment and other common areas).
of silence from the Board. SETTING OF MEETING DATES
Toluca Lake Pancake Breakfast: This event
MEMORIALS was held on Fire Service Day. Thank you to Hope for Firefighters DTLA: The event will
Fred Chovil Steve Ruda for representing Widows & Or- take place on Thursday, June 6th.
William J Sneeringer phans; and to April and the Vehling family
George W Freeman for selling off merchandise as part of the on- FireForce Training for Trustees: Training
going Fire Sale. A big check presentation will for trustees who are committee chairs and
GRAPEVINE/WEB COMMITTEE be planned once the totals from the event are co-chairs, along with the President and Vice
REPORT tabulated. President will take place on Wednesday, June
19th.
John Hicks is looking for more writers for the Car Show: Sign-ups are coming in steadily.
magazine. Please share any recommended The 2024 Car Show will be Sunday, Septem- The next committee meetings will take place
names or have those persons contact John di- ber 8th. Kenny needs trustee volunteers for on Wednesday, June 26th. The next board
rectly. All else is going well. the event. Vendors and vehicles are still being meeting will be on Wednesday, July 10th.
accepted.
SECRETARY’S REPORT RETIREMENT DINNERS
Golf: Digital sponsorship brochures are live
There was nothing to report. on the website. The online registration forms Noe A. Lopez, Sr. – Saturday, August 10th at
for sponsors and the discounted firefighter Elk’s Lodge No. 966 – San Pedro 13:00-17:00
BY-LAW COMMITTEE REPORT rate are also live on the website. Sign-ups
are already coming in. Marlene is approach- ADJOURNMENT
There was nothing to report today. Items will ing longtime sponsors about increasing their
be discussed at the Board Offsite. sponsorship dollars; as she does every year. Chris Stine entertained a motion to adjourn.
Steve Berkery so moved. Frank Aguirre sec-
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE Online Auction: The online auction is being onded. There was no discussion and no objec-
REPORT eliminated. However, we still want the Wine tions.
Wagon from the trustees for special limited
The scholarships were awarded and every- opportunities; as well as utilizing items al- Motion carried to adjourn. The Board of
thing went well. An outside discussion for ready received to make money via different Trustees meeting adjourned at 12:19 p.m.
changing the essay portion from handwrit- avenues, bringing in funds with far less labor.
ten to computer typed would be necessary to Chris confirmed we are trying to shift our fo- Chris Stine, President
implement that change. cus to more Corporate Sponsors to bring the
corporate sponsorship levels up; and go out
MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT and get new corporate sponsors.
COMMITTEE REPORT
Trustees Needed: On June 15th, Council-
Videos/Web Articles/Newsletter and Oth- member Tim McOsker is dedicating 7th &

August 2024 • 57
 CLASSIFIEDS
WiFi. No pets. No smoking. No and lakes.
parties. $250 per night, $300 per Questions: mattydspence@
night summer (Memorial through gmail.com
Labor Day, 3 night minimum sum- visit: https://bit.ly/MammothK10
mer weekends) $300 cleaning.
Text Laraine Enderle for availabil- GORGEOUS WATERFRONT
ity and photos (818)421-7163. RIVERHOUSE on the lagoon
For advertising information, please contact: of the Colorado River for rent.
Eric Santiago - (323) 259-5231 - eric@lafra.org BIG BEAR RENTAL. 3 bedroom, Family home-5 bedrooms, large
3 bath chalet with large loft with bonus room for kids, 4 1/2 baths .
it’s own bathroom in Fawnskin, Sleeps 15. Fully loaded with top of
Big Bear Lake. Sleeps 10, walking the line appliances. Private launch
REAL ESTATE paramedic. Business telephone distance to some of the best hik- ramp. No pets. No smoking. No
FOR RENT (818) 340-3575. Cell (818) 521- ing trails in Big Bear, 15 min drive large parties or events. Contact:
9227. ajstax@hotmall.com to Snow Summit and Big Bear Gigi (714)454-0922 (Spouse-
THOUSAND OAKS, Wildwood Village. Huge back deck area with LAFD) for special firefighter family
Neighborhood. 1BD/1BA ADU KEVIN LOCKHART ROOFING & phenomenal views of the lake. rates and for snowbirds Check out
new build, detached, furnished. CONSTRUCTION. Roofing repair Lots of cooking supplies; instapot, details:
Private, gated yard, W/D in unit, all and maintenance, construction air fryer, and more! Game room https://airbnb.com/h/theriver-
new appliances, plantation shut- waterproofing solutions. Kevin with boardgames, pool table, housevacationhome
ters, driveway parking, utilities/ Lockhart 18-A (661)810-4980 foosball and darts.
wifi included. Pet care incl (dog lic #536528 https://abnb.me/24MAsKIuZlb GRAND CANYON/ WILLIAMS,
walking, feeding, etc …while on ARIZONA. 4 bed,
duty), beautiful hiking, biking VACATION CLASS A 28FT EASY TO DRIVE 3 bath Historic Home one
trails just steps away. Golf/tennis RENTALS RV RENTAL: 2021 FREEDOM block from Route 66. WALK
nearby $2,500/mo+dep. https:// TRAVELER. Spacious with four to everything! 8 person MAX.
www.furnishedfinder.com/prop- AZ - VACATION RENTALS. Home beds and two slide outs. Sleeps No special events. Gorgeous
erty/672687_1 to Spring Training, Barrett Jackson six. One queen in back, full bed house. Unique property.
Keith, LAFD retired-(805)750-7221 Auto Auction, and Arabian Horse under cab and two more. Binder www.HistoricYellowHouse.
Show – WestWorld. Two homes. needed for Insurance. Text John com
REAL ESTATE 1. Walking distance to Sloan Park at (805) 407-6373 for further Listed on National Register of
FOR SALE - Chicago Cubs Spring Training information or questions Historic Places Grand Canyon
Fields, 3+2 - Pool - Putting Green Email: nsatutor@gmail.com Railway, Bearizona, Elephant
TWO S/B/S GRAVE SITES FOR – Mesa @cubbiehousemesaaz Rocks Golf Course. Call
SALE. Rose Hills Cemetery Whit- 2. Walking distance to Scottsdale COEUR D’ALENE, ID HOME Kerry-Lynn Moede (602) 818-
tier, curbside graves in the Garden Stadium and 10 minute drive to One story 2 bed, 1.5 bath 6559 JDMoede@aol.com
of Affection, $9,000 ea., or both Salt River Talking Stick Fields located in quiet neighborhood in
for $17,000. Contact: Larry Wilson and Tempe Diablo Stadium. 3+1 the Sanders Beach area. Fully HAVASU/BOATERS.
(LAFD retired) @ (951)780-1838. - Old Town Scottsdale @scotts- furnished, wifi, central heating/ 3bdrm(2king,1full) 2bath, turnkey,
dale76th ac, laundry. Walking distance to w/d, WiFi, Dish, gas bbq,
PIERCE BROTHERS VALLEY Call us – Rod, FS-56B or Diana: downtown CDA, the lake, parks, 1/2 mile to Windsor launch, cov-
OAKS MEMORIAL PARK WEST- (661)294-0971 to book direct and multiple bars/restaurants. ered gated boat parking,
LAKE VILLAGE. Oak Knoll Mau- and avoid the short-term rental No pets, no smoking. Contact 3 nites $450, $100 for each addi-
soleum Court 11 #101 & 102 D. 2 platform fees. Andrew at CDArental99@gmail. tional nite- cleaning included, pics
Single Crypt spaces side by side com for questions, availability, available. Email:
on the most desirable level. Also, 2 BEACH COTTAGE AT SILVER pricing. rickpuglisi1103@msn.com
ground plots next to creek and oak STRAND, OXNARD. 2 BR/2 bath. (626) 665-9890
tree. Call (208) 818-5122 Sleeps 6. W/D in unit. Outdoor COLORADO RIVER HOME IN
Pizza oven, bbq, indoor/outdoor MOOVALYA KEYS. Parker, Az. HAVASU LANDING
SERVICES games, etc. 6 houses from the 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Sleeps 8, 3 Bd, 2 BTH home, sleeps 6-7.
beach. Walking distance to local 50’dock, gated community. $450/ Gated Community. Fully furnished,
BUSY BEAVER TREE AND restaurants, market, and tavern. night plus fees, 3 night min. pano view of lake. Wi-fi, direct TV,
LANDSCAPE. Tree trimming Quiet, beautiful neighborhood near okpauly@hotmail.com flat screens and BBQ. Clubhouse,
and removal, stumpgrinding, and Channel Islands and downtown pool, spa and rec. center steps
firewood sales. Mixed firewood, Ventura. Endless beach sports COZUMEL, MEXICO CONDO away. California side of Lake
eucalyptus and oak. Delivery and activities. Special Firefighter Beautiful, large, modern 3 Havasu. Enjoy the casino, two
available or pick up. Licensed and rate. Lisa Gillis (562) 787-1940 bedroom, 3.5 bath condo at The launch ramps or the 12 min cata-
insured. Dwayne Kastor, FS 63-B - Landmark, 3800 sq. feet. Sleeps maran shuttle to London Bridge. No
(818) 535-6368. BEAUTIFUL BIG BEAR CABIN. 6, ocean views, steps from beach. Smoking/Pets. $175 nt. Weekdays,
Two-story with vaulted ceiling, Smart TV, Wi-Fi, pool, jacuzzi, $225 nt. Fr-Sat. Excl. Holidays. 2
CRAIG SANFORD HEATING & 2BD/1BA . Close to lake, shops, tennis. All master suites with nt. min. Cleaning fee of $125. Call
AIR - Free estimates, residen- skiing, and forest. Great deck, lots ensuite bathrooms. No smoking. Tony Wren 760-688-6082 LACoFD
tial, commercial. Great rates for of trees, fireplace/wood, cable TV/ Call David (LAFD retired) at 949- for questions and pics.
LAFD and LAPD. Toll free (877) WiFi, BBQ, fully equipped except 294-2953. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA HOME.
891-1414, (661) 298-3070, FAX linens. 6-person max , pets ok. Email: azmalproperties@gmail. Across the street from Indianapolis
(661) 298-3069. State License No. $150/day, 2-night min. Week rate com Motor Speedway.
527114 available. Contact Donna at (760) Facebook: The Landmark 511 3Bed/2Bath in town of Speedway.
723-1475 or DnBeep@gmail. Walk or bike to Main St.
INCOME TAX PREPARATION com. See photos at www.schaf- COME TO MAMMOTH. Newly Short drive, 7 miles, to Lucas Oil
Tired of paying excessive fees for fercabin.com renovated, studio-loft. Beauti- Stadium, Downtown Indy, River-
lncome Tax Preparation? A and J’s ful, top-floor unit. 2 full baths, front, Museums, Etc. Available
Tax Service has been in business BEAUTIFUL VENTURA COUN- fully-stocked kitchen, cozy patio most dates except May 20 to 27.
for over 30 years. We offer year- TY BEACH HOUSE. Two-story facing the woods, plenty of natural Call Tina or Craig at 805-377-0686
round friendly service at very af- home with water views. 3BD/3BA, light. Pool, hot tub, dry sauna and or 805-377-3640
fordable prices. We are located on sleeps 8 in the quiet neighbor- laundry are steps away. Mid-town,
Ventura Blvd. ln Woodland Hills. hood of La Conchita.5 minute convenient and just steps away JUNE LAKE CABIN. 2BR/2BA
Joe Flores, Certified Tax Profes- walk to the beach. Garage, gas from the shuttle for snow, trails cabin with Carson Peak View.
sional, retired LAFD firefighter/ fire pit, BBQ, beach gear, laundry,
58 • August 2024
Sleeps 8. Within a mile of fishing store. No pets, no smoking. Email equipped kitchen, wifi, pool, spa, com Shane Hirsch (LAFD)
& skiing. Close to Mammoth and Kathy at scarkj@yahoo.com or laundry. Walk to restaurants, bars, (714) 803-9324
Yosemite. Spacious living room, call (760) 858-4470 stores, park and trolly. Winter $175
kitchen, and wood deck. Smart TV summer $130 plus cleaning fee, MAUI, HAWAII VACATION
and Wifi. $200/night plus cleaning LAKE HAVASU POOL HOME. holiday rates vary, multiple night RENTAL. Kamaole Sands beach
fee of $125. Email for pictures. 1900 sq. ft. remodeled 3 bdrm, discounts. No pets.Contact Will front resort, spacious I bedroom,
Brian Smith LAFD (310)872-7311. 3 1/2 baths, sleeps 8. (1 King, Nevins 26”B” (714) 697-2587 2 bath condo #7104 located in
junecabin52@gmail.com 2 queens). Backyard with pool, Kihei beautiful beach and garden
jacuzzi with underwater lights. MAMMOTH CONDO. Two views with park like settings, with
LAKE HAVASU AMAZING Fully furnished w/ linens, laundry, bedrooms, Large loft. Three full pool, jacuzzi and bbq stations
LAKEVIEW POOL HOME. 1800 WIFI, INTERNET, TVs, BBQ. bathrooms. Sleeps 8. Walk to just outside of relaxing lanai. For
sq.ft. built 2018, 3 bed, 2 bath, $150 weekdays, $250 week- Canyon Lodge. DVD, Cable, Wifi, pictures and rates contact:
sleeps 8. (King, Queen, Full ends, $175 cleaning fee. 2 night Pool, Spa, Rec. Room, BBQ. mauirentalgroups@vtrips.com
2xTwin). Finished backyard with minimum. No smoking. Call Gabe Winter $175 Sun - Thurs $195 Fri complex #7104 sleeps up to 4
pool and spa. Fully furnished w/ Moreno at 714-724-5556 or email: /Sat Holiday Periods. Summer adults with some exceptions for
linens, WiFi, internet TV, laundry, fightin25@yahoo.com $150 Plus Cleaning. No Smoking children. Retired firefighter owned
large kitchen, BBQ, 2 car garage. or Pets. Call Craig Yoder (909) with 10% discount given to all
Quiet neighborhood. 3 miles from LARGE LAKE HAVASU HOME 948-3659. LAFD firefighters and policemen.
launch ramp. No pets / no smok- FOR RENT – 5 bedroom, 3 bath,
ing. Call Karen (661) 965-0542. 2900 sqft home with amenities MAMMOTH CONDO AT THE NASHVILLE CONDO. Two bed-
& pool that easily sleeps 14+ WOODLANDS - Spacious & room condo, sleeps 6, in Down-
LAKE HAVASU BEAUTY FOR people. Centrally located, 1 mile sunny. 2 bedroom, loft, & 2 baths. town Nashville. Walking distance
RENT - 3 bdrm, 2 bath, 1600 sq.ft. from the lake, close to downtown Sleeps 8. Cable HDTV, DVD, & to Broadway St, hockey and NFL
Fully furnished with all ameni- shops and restaurants. Check Wi-Fi. Pool, Jacuzzi, & sauna in stadium. Contact Wayne, LAFD
ties- Laundry & BBQ. 13,000 sq.ft. out home at https://www.vrbo. complex. On shuttle route. No @ (805) 796-7863 for availability
lot. 3 car boat-deep garage. 3 com/4648549ha smoking & no pets. $160/night and price.
miles from launch ramp. Close to Call Julie 818-268-7906 for special winter, $125/night summer. Plus
downtown shops & restaurants. firefighter family rates. cleaning and bed tax. Call Terry SHELL VACATION CLUB time-
View of the lake. Quiet street in Imlay (949)322-3473 or (949)458- share points for sale! Points allow
good neighborhood. No pets. No LOG CABIN NEAR JACKSON 0768 for maximum travel flexibility. Stay
smoking. Snowbird rates. Call HOLE WY: Close to Snake River, at any Shell Resort or use RCI to
Mike (661) 510-6246 Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, World MAMMOTH LAKES - One travel the globe with thousands
Class Skiing. Call (818) 207- bedroom, extremely charming of options! 8700 annual points
LAKE HAVASU GETAWAY 0811 LAFD Retired. Visit: www. wildflower condo. Full amenities, can be used for accommodations,
3 bed, 2 bath, Kitchen, Boat Park- aspenhill close to shuttle. Antiques, art, airfare, rental cars, or cash out.
ing, with a AMAZING VIEW of the cabin.com for all information. satellite TV, fireplace. Sleeps 4. Take over deed for $10,000 obo!
lake. located near restaurant’s, Winter $110, Summer $85 plus Same point value costs $30k-40k
and the option to use two different MAMMOTH CONDO AT MAM- cleaning fees. Call Bill Clark (818) at resort. Maintenance fees are
boat launches both about 1 mile MOTH ESTATES. 4BR/3BA, 371-6722 $235 monthly. Vince Nixon—LAFD
from house. large fenced in back- sleeps 10, fully furnished, 2 Email: shakesong@aol.com retired 805-585-8808
yard. Small PETS are welcome, TVs, DVDs, WiFi, towels/linens,
NON SMOKER Please. $180. nt. fireplace. Full kitchen. Walk to MAMMOTH SEASONS 4 RIVERFRONT IN BITTERROOT
Weekends $240. Fri-Sat EXCL Gondola Village and shuttle. Com- CONDO. Cozy 1 bedroom condo VALLEY, MT. New custom 2/2 in
Holidays. 2 night min. Cleaning plex has pool, spa, sauna, laundry. with full-size pullout couch and bo- Darby. Fish from deck! Leather
Fee $125. pics avaialable. Email Winter $404/night, Summer $292/ nus room with twin size bunkbed furn. Brand new appliances. Out-
rbrianson@hotmail.com call night, plus cleaning. Includes city that comfortably sleeps 4 adults door entertaining. Fly fishing, ATV
Brian LAFD 714-376-2032 bed tax. No pets, no smoking. and 2 children. Conveniently trails, hiking.Traeger/Blackstone.
Dory Jones (541) 218-6443 or located 15 min walk between the Outdoor pool table. Wi-Fi, cable.
LAKE HAVASU LANDING. Kelly Corcoran (310) 619-5355 Village and Canyon Lodge at 244 Laundry. 1 min. from where they
TH1-29, Waterfront, 3 BD 3 BA, Lakeview Blvd. Visit https://www. film “Yellowstone.” May – Sept.
Direct-TV, DVD, WiFi, BBQ, MAMMOTH CONDO.10min walk seasons4.com/94269/ for pics, Daughter of fallen firefighter.
Mooring, Casino, Market, Launch to Village 1bd+loft, 2ba, sleeps 6, amenities, and reviews. $125/ www.bitterrootriverhouse.com
Ramp, Marina, Off Road Trails, in unit pvt dry sauna, garage park- night; off-peak (May, June, Oct, or call (406) 274-7670
Gated. No Smoking/Pets, $285 ing, WiFi, Smart TVs, balcony with Nov): $100/night; cleaning: $100.
Weekday, $850 Weekend, $1995 view, spa, pool. Fire Dept rates Bobby (310) 350-5552. SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Romantic
Week, Maid $150, Resort TOT fee available. David Jaureguy, LAFD, Chalet Family getaway. 3 bed/2
25%, bring linen, (310) 418-1577, (818)266-9844 MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET: bath plus loft. Sleeps 8–10. Cable
daggertooth@aol.com bigwoodtreetops@gmail.com Studio/Loft, 2 bath, King bed, TV, washer/dryer, microwave,
sleeps 4. Full kitchen, WiFi,TV, woodburning stove. 7 minutes to
LAKE HAVASU LANDING RE- MAMMOTH CONDO IN SNOW- DVD, HDMI input Garage parking. casinos and Heavenly. Located in
SORT BEACHFRONT HOME with CREEK IV. Super nice 2 bedroom Walk to Canyon Lodge. Ski back Tahoe Paradise. $125 per night
boat mooring. Swim, ski or fish / 2 bathroom located in FAN- trail. 2 night minimum. No pets/ plus cleaning. Call Shawn (661)
from front yard. 4 bed/2 bath, fully TASTIC Snowcreek IV. *PETS smoking. Oct-April $150/nite, May- 476-6288.
furnished. DirectTV/DVD/WiFi, WELCOME! King, Double Queen Sept $100/nite. Plus $155 cleaning
pool table, laundry, BBQ. Gated bunk, & trundle, Nicely furnished & linens. Jeff & Lisa Moir. LAFD
community with casino, groceries, with high-end appliances. Fully ret (661) 254-5788
marina, launch ramp and off-road stocked kitchen. Washer/Dryer in
trails. No pets, no smoking. $350 the unit. Pricing varies by season MAMMOTH SNOW CREEK IV.
Bowen/Garner email: and demand. Exceptional condo! beautiful, full remodel 2b/2ba
havasulanding27@gmail.com Goldencreek637@gmail.com, 1King, 1Queen, +couch to queen. For advertising,
909-576-2025, Website: https:// Sleeps 4-6. Fully stocked open
LAKE HAVASU LANDING goldencreek637.wixsite.com/ kitchen, large smart TVs, jacuzzi.
RESORT. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, mysite Bottom floor next to parking. No
email: eric@lafra.org
waterfront house, boat, mooring smoking/no pets. www.airbnb.
out front, fully furnished, laundry, MAMMOTH CONDO. Updated com/h/ourdeerfriendsretreat
gas BBQ, launch ramp, gated com- 2 bedroom 1 bath old mammoth/ Text or email for fire rates.
munity, grocery store, hardware eagle lodge area. Sleeps 5. Fully Ourdeerfriendsretreat@gmail.

August 2024 • 59
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60 • August 2024
 OAT MOUNTAIN
What is Now Known as Porter Ranch

In 1968, a team of Texas oil well firefighters led by the legendary Paul (Red) Adair arrived at Oat Mountain to assist in extinguishing an oil well fire in
what is now known as Porter Ranch, California. With the support of the LAFD, the blaze was brought under control after six grueling days. The photos depict a
nighttime view of the fire, with LAFD Captain Dave Busing overseeing operations in the foreground, while Red Adair, clad in a red jumpsuit, discusses with another
LAFD Captain in the background. Also captured is Firefighter George Demott in silver gear, with Red Adair and his crew visible in the background. Special thanks
to the Demott family for sharing these photos.

August 2024 • 61
 Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
7470 N Figueroa Street
Los Angeles CA 90041-1725

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products
products andandandservices
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(“CFS”),
(“CFS”), aa registered
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(Member
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