November 2014

New Club Benefit
Now You Can Payroll Deduct

Your Purchases!
UCTED
PAYROLL DNoED
Interest & No Fees
The Club has joined forces with PayCheck Direct
to bring you affordable shopping through the
convenience of payroll deduction.
Buy brand name computers, appliances, TVs,
electronics, and thousands of products through
the ease of payroll deduction without any interest
payments or fees.
For More Information,

please contact:
Arlene Herrero
(800) 464-0452 x 103
aherrero@cityemployeesclub.com
Member Eligibility:
1. You must be an active member of the Club in good standings with at least 6 months of payroll deduction.
2. You must be an active or retired City or DWP employee.
3. You must be 18 years of age.
4. You must not have any outstanding balances on previous purchase programs.
PayCheck Direct is currently not available to LA County, State of CA, or LAUSD Club members.
Enroll today at CityEmployeesClub.com
Saturday, december 6 th , 2014

12pm - 4pm
This year we honor the work

and dedication of
LA Firemens Relief Association
815 Colorado Blvd. - 4th floor

Los Angeles CA 90041
contact:
jbrandolino@lafra.org -- 323.259.5215
2 November 2014
30
VOL. XCI
NOVEMBER 2014
FEATURES
Fun on the Fairways
Spending the day on the fairways for a good cause,

firefighters, their sponsors and guests all got together
for the 17th Annual LAFD Invitational Golf Tournament
at Mountain Gate Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06
9/11 Remembrance Ceremonies
To mark the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Los Angeles

held its own remembrance ceremonies at Old 27s, new 88s
and the Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center .. . . . . . . . . 14
Annual Hogs Breath BBQ
50 motorcycles roared into the Long Beach Police

Officers Assn Park to begin an afternoon of comradery,
good food, tall tales and most importantly - the Hogs Breath
Biker Games! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Follow us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/firemensgrapevine
Notice: Production of The Firemens Grapevine magazine is very expensive, and while your dues
serve to underwrite a portion of the magazines 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 2014
NO. 03
CONTENTS
Presidents Message ................................................................................05
Kings Hockey Fest
Firefighters feed hungry hockey fans ....................................................13
Battalion News ..........................................................................................16
Retired Guys ...........................................................................................27
Department in Action ................................................................................28
LAFD Handball
Annual 3-Wall Invitational Tournament ..................................................33
Kitchen Table Wisdom
Coordinating multi-company ventilation operations .................................34
Retirement Dinner Announcements ........................................................38
Retirement Dinners
Bassanio Peters ....................................................................................39
Ed Tapia .................................................................................................41
Station Fridge ...........................................................................................40
Dollars & Sense
Financial tips for the holiday shopping ..................................................43
Mailbox .....................................................................................................46
Memorials .................................................................................................49
LAFD History
The 1939 Gray Building Fire ....................................................................51
Minutes of the Board of Trustees ..............................................................54
Classifieds ................................................................................................57
Tailboard ................................................................................................61
On the cover: Wharf Fire, Wilmington

Photo by: Martin Nate Rawner
Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association.

No material may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.
November 2014 3
FIREMENS GRAPEVINE
owned and published by the
Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association

815 Colorado Blvd, 4th Floor, Los angeles CA 90041
EDITORIAL STAFF
Dave Wagner Editor..........................................................editor@lafra.org
Eric Santiago Creative Editor.....................................esantiago@lafra.org
Juan-Carlos Snchez Project Coordinator................jcsanchez@lafra.org
David Vienna Web/Social Media Editor...........................dvienna@lafra.org
DisplayAdvertising....................................(323) 259-5200 ext. 231, 232, 260
PSOs
Katherine Main, Brian Humphrey, Erik Scott
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Jody Houser, Michael Stefano, Monte Egherman, Steve Ruda
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ryan Babroff, David Blaire, Doc DeMulle, Greg Doyle, Harry Garvin,
Steve Gentry, Juan Guerra, Brian Haimer, Gavin Kaufman, Ryan Ling, Rick McClure,
Mike Meadows, Lloyd Payne, Jeff Zimmerman, Yvonne Griffin, Laura Lichter.
LOS ANGELES FIREMENS RELIEF ASSOCIATION
Juan Albarran........................................................President
Robert Steinbacher .......................................Vice-President
Andrew Kuljis ........................................................Secretary
Barry Hedberg
Chris Hart
Chris Stine
Craig White
David Lowe
David Ortiz
David Peters
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Doak Smith
Frank Hernandez
Gene Bednarchik
James E. Coburn
Jeff Cawdrey
Mark Akahoshi
Rick Godinez
Steve Berkery
Steve Ruda
Steve Tufts
Steven Domanski
Tim Larson
Tyler Tomich
CHAPLAINS
To contact a chaplain,
Please call Senior Chaplain Rick Godinez at (661) 904-3050
or the MFC Floor Captain at (213) 576-8920
Greg W. Gibson...................Chaplain
Danny Leon..........................Chaplain
George A. Negrete...............Chaplain
Aquil F. Basheer..................Chaplain
Tim Werle............................Chaplain
Hershy Z. Ten.......................Chaplain
Roger Fowble.....................Chaplain
Mark R. Woolf.....................Chaplain
Jesus Pasos.........................Chaplain
Craig Poulson.....................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
Becky Valverde Human Resources Administrator.....(323) 259-5247
Liberty Unciano Controller/Treasurer...................(323) 259-5225
Bob Dillon Operations Manager..............................(323) 259-5233
Marlene Casillas Development & Marketing Director(323) 259-5217
Ana Salazar Member Services Coordinator.............(323) 259-5223
HealthSCOPE Benefits
Claims & Benefit Information...................................(866) 99-LAFRA

THE FIREMENS GRAPEVINE (USPS 191-060) is published monthly by the Los Angeles Firemens
Relief Association, 815 Colorado Blvd. 4th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90041. Annual $24 Subscription
included with Association membership; Non-members: $36. Single issues $3 postpaid. Back issues $6
postpaid. Periodicals postage paid at Los Angeles, CA and at additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send
address changes to: THE FIREMENS 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, 232 or 260. 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 Firemens Relief Association.
4 November 2014
ello again. November is now upon us and 2014 is rapidly drawing to an end. The end of the year brings reminders to pay close attention to your mailbox. We are sending material that is very important to our Medical Plan members
and in particular to the prescription drug benefit. At this point
you should have received our open enrollment material which is a
great resource of information about your Medical Plan. Included
you will find summaries of the changes to the prescription drug
program. The prescription drug program is going through some
changes for the better. Do not throw away any material from
LAFRA save it for future reference. And just a reminder - if
you do not want to make any Medical Plan changes for you or
your family - you need not do anything . . . period. Some of you
(mostly Medicare eligible) will be receiving new cards from us
which will allow you to access these enhancements.

The other items that are being mailed out to you are election materials and bylaw changes.

If you have any questions, please check the website prior
to calling us. Your answer will most likely be found there. You
can also check some of the other goings-on with your Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association.

This months issue of the Grapevine has stories about some
of the great events sponsored and attended by LAFRA. These
events showcase the efforts of staff, members, volunteers and our
supporters. This culminated last month in the 2014 Golf Tournament. The event received rave reviews and appears to have surpassed prior fundraising efforts. Thanks go out to all involved.
We hope to see you again next year!

This is a save the date notice - on December 6, 2014, we
will be honoring Ray Mayo at our Open House. Bring a friend
and your appetite. This will be our last Open House at this location . . . next year on Fig!

By the time you receive this issue we will have started
work on your new building at 7470 N. Figueroa Ave. The 1st
floor will have a tenant throughout the construction process. We
look forward to working with the tenant in a positive and constructive relationship.

On a serious note, we had another reminder this month of
the importance of having your affairs in order. The Relief Association provides a $600 benefit to assist you in preparing your trust.
It does not matter if you are 27 or 107, you need to help yourself
by preparing your trust. This will allow whomever you choose
to make the important decisions for you should you become incapacitated. Your trust will include the much needed power of
attorney and advanced medical directives.

Pictured below is surviving LAFD spouse Venita Picinich
. . . at 107 she knows the importance of thoroughly reading all
LAFRA material. This letter prompted great questions from the
oldest surviving member of the Los Angeles Fire and Police Pension Plan.

Take care of each other.
Juan Albarran
(323) 259-5200
president@lafra.org
Venita reads her mail from LAFRA
November 2014 5
6 November 2014
Awards Dinner Sponsor
othings better than a spending the day on the fairway. Well,

nothing except spending the day on the fairway for a good cause.
Thats just what firefighters, sponsors and guests did during the
annual LAFD Invitational at MountainGate Country Club.

The perfect weather set the tone as attendees gathered expectantly for the Golf Ball Drop. Relief President Juan Albarran said, The
ball drop is my favorite because there is so much anticipation by all
involved. And after the balls hit the green, four lucky winners were
identified: A.J. Brandenstein scored $2,500 cash (then donated it back to
the charity); Gary Klasse nabbed a 3-Day Baja Mexico Cruise for Two
(from Montrose Travel); Ivan Carmona landed an HDTV (from Symons
Capital Management); and Don Gibson netted an Apple iPad (from Hart,
Mieras & Morris, Inc.).

Then, players took to their carts for the shotgun start. And disproving the old adage golf is a good walk spoiled, the teams thoroughly enjoyed the game and camaraderie. Breaking only for lunch provided
by In-N-Out, the teams battled for the top prizes (and bragging rights).
In the end, however, only a few could be named champs:
1st Place (53) - Douglas Buchanan, Don Gibson, Kevin Reilly,
Gary Sherman
2nd Place (55 *Tied) - Roger Camunas, Kelly Faulkner,
Sherri Tetachuk, Mike Waters
2nd Place (55 *Tied) - Kevin Wright, Terrance Manning,
Gary Gatena, Dale Gant
3rd Place (56) - Ivan Carmona, Timothy Halloran, William James,
Gabriel Lopez
4th Place (57) - Joseph Castro, Gary Klasse, Dennis Klasse,
Mark Zizi
Major Emergency Sponsors
November 2014 7

But, those werent the only winners. Individual golfers vied for
special titles. After the cards were tallied and the dust had settled, these
folks earned some unique accolades:
Hustle Hole: Gary Klasse, Dennis Klasse, Mark Zizi and Joe Castro
Guess the Distance of your Drive: Mel Keefer Guess: 250/
Actual: 249
Closest to the Pin: Raul Cabrera
Longest Drive Mens: Tyler Tomich
Longest Drive Womens: Kim Kouwabunpat
Putting Contest: Tim Sweeney

Later, at the evening reception, the silent auction wowed attendees this year with unique items ranging from a sweet Les Paul guitar
to exciting vacation packages. The laughter continued through dinner
which was courtesy of the Ben B. & Joyce E. Eisenberg Foundationas
the awards were handed out and winning bidders collected their items.
Shirt Sponsor
8 November 2014

Mike Camello, Arturo Jacinto and Gary Klasse really went above
and beyond in obtaining new sponsors for the tournament, making sure
the event outdid previous years. And things went off without a hitch
thanks to Major Emergency Sponsors Bradawn Insurance Services, Inc;
HealthSCOPE Benefits; and Lewis, Marenstein, Wicke, Sherwin & Lee,
LLP. And shirt sponsor Kevin Wright of Morgan Stanley made sure everyone looked dapper. Overall, this years event broke records across the
boardfrom the number of sponsors to participants who signed up at
the special firefighter rate. All of those factors helped boost auction totals
and make the entire event an overwhelming success.

Albarran remarked, The culmination of hard work by staff, volunteers, trustees, MountainGate and our golfers allows us to showcase
what group momentum can accomplish. We hope to see you out on the
course again next year for another round of golf and good times.
Greater Alarm Sponsors
November 2014 9
Ivan Carmona
HDTV Winner
Don Gibson
iPad Mini Winner
Additional Sponsors
Beacon Pointe Advisors, LLC
Andorra Investments
City National Bank
DCC, Inc.
Fisher Investments
HAR-BRO
Harding Loevner, LP
Northern Trust Company
PS Medical Supplies
RCP Advisors, LLC
Prime Source Mortgage
Recovery Associates
Robert F. Meth, M.D., A Medical
Corporation
10 November 2014
SA Recycling
Professional Advisory Service - Mike Waters
Whitemore/Wirenetics
Lazard Asset Management
Capri Capital Partners, LLC
Burchfield Group
Fire Axe, Inc.
Kings Care Foundation
Klausner, Kaufman, Jensen & Levinson
Alexander Latteri, M.D.
Lazaro V. Alonso, A Medical Group
Richard Rosenberg, M.D. Inc.
US Bank - Institutional Trust & Custody
VSP
Vista Ford
Harley Davidson of Glendale
Cosmopolitan Travel
Montrose Travel
Symons Capital Management
Law Offices of Hart, Mieras
& Morris
Firemens Brew
Flowers by Tomlinson
Sam Brown Shields
Dee Sign
Collective Color
Subway
Hula Girl
Anheuser Busch
Joe Brandolino
s in previous years, the 2014 LAFD

Invitational golf tournament was followed by an auction full of amazing
items to help raise money for the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemans Fund. The auction
was a huge success, raising more than $20,000.

Rather than having separate silent and
live auctions, this year saw a change in the
usual format and all of the items were available in the silent auction. The Big Ticket
table showcased some of the most impressive
items, including a Les Paul guitar and a 12-foot
paddleboard. Golf vacations, tickets to sporting events, alcohol gift baskets, and childrens
items perfect for the upcoming holidays were
also big draws for bidders.

The most unique items on hand were
six custom-designed fire helmets each painted
by a different local artist. One of the contributions even came from Star Wars actor Billy Dee
Williams. The helmets drew a lot of attention

from attendees and there were even requests
from several artists to contribute a helmet for
next years event.

Auction bidders included longtime
sponsors and new, firefighters and volunteers.
There were many happy winners who took

home a wide range of items at the end of the
day. We thank everyone who donated items
and who placed bids at the auction. We look
forward to an even bigger and better auction at
next years tournament.
First Alarm Sponsors
November 2014 11
12 November 2014
Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association Medical Plan may

cover this examination. Contact your plan provider to verify.
Paid Advertisement:
os Angeles Kings Hockey Fest, which

began in 2009 as an annual festival
celebrating the game of hockey has become a popular event among Kings fans. This
years event took place on Sept. 14, 2014. It
was not only a great opportunity to hang out
with fellow Kings fans, but a chance to meet
some of the players, and it also serves as a reminder that the upcoming season is not too far
away. Held at Staples Center for the past three
seasons, this year, it moved back to Toyota
Sports Center, the Kings practice facility in El
Segundo.

Doors opened at 7 a.m. and fans were
lined up to have their photo taken with the
Stanley Cup. Out early also were LAFD firehouse cook teams who were on scene to feed
the hungry crowd. Fire Station 88, with Mike
Finger, RJ Kilpatrick, Ty Baker and Kevin
Ellidge, repeated their award-winning pulled

pork and mac & cheese. 23s, with Bill Bringas at the helm and assisted by Dave Moorman (59s), Carlos Mejia (87s), Art Perez and
Don Welcker (23s), and friend Eric Robidoux
whipped up breakfast burritos. Pancakes and
sausage were prepared by the team from FS
10 under Jeff Cawdrey and Tyler Tomich, with
help from Dave Kohl, Geoff Lite, Steve Cowels, and Jeffs son, Kyle. Part-time fire captain and chef extraordinaire Mark Curry, with
help from Greg Pascolla (80s), Craig Nielson
(92s), Jeff Haas (97s), and brother Dan (93s)
barbecued baby back pork ribs with coleslaw.

LAFRA vice president Bob Steinbacher
took the podium and the mic to present Kings
general manager Dean Lombardi with a special
engraved axe (donated by Fire Axe, Inc.). Bob
thanked Dean and the Kings for the generous
and continued support of the Widows, Orphans

and Disabled Firemens Fund.

Following Hockey Fest, the LA Kings
Alumni Team took on the Russian Stars team.
Players from the Kings team included: Luc Robitaille, Nelson Emerson, Craig Johnson, Mike
Donnelly, Jim Fox, Daryl Evans, Ron Duguay,
Charlie Simmer, Rob Blake, Sean ODonnell,
Jaroslav Modry, Mike OConnell and Jamie
Storr, with Honorary Coaches Rogie Vachon
and Glen Murray. Players from the Russian
Stars team included: Alexey Yashin, Slava Fetisov, Alexei Kasatonov, Val Bure, Pavel Bure,
Darius Kasparitis, Vladie Malakhov, Alex
Kovalev, Andrei Kovalenko, and Tony Esposito. LAFRAs Widows, Orphans and Disabled
Firemens Fund has been slated to receive the
gate from this game.
November 2014 13
os Angeles held its own remembrance

ceremonies to mark the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. In Hollywood,
a ceremony commenced at 0700 hours at the
LAFD Museum and Fallen Firefighter Memorial. In the evening, a similar ceremony was
held at Fire Station 88. A 23-ton nearly 22-foot
tall steel column, once part of the lobby structure from the World Trade Center in New York,
served as a fitting backdrop for the National
Day of Service and Remembrance ceremony
held at the Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training
Center.

A retired New York City Fire Department lieutenant who lost his son in the tragedy
gave the keynote address at FHMTC.

Thirteen years ago, I lost my son, firefighter Gary Geidel, along with 11 other members of Rescue Company 1, Lt. Paul Geidel
said. A total of 343 firefighters were lost that
day, along with thousands of innocent people.
I spent eight and a half months digging at
Ground Zero, first on the pile, and then in the
pit.

The remains of his son were never recovered.

Mayor Eric Garcetti, Fire Chief Ralph
Terrazas and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck also
spoke at the 10 a.m. ceremony. Chief Terrazas
said, Thirteen years after our nation was attacked, the events of September 11, 2001, may
14 November 2014
be fading in the minds of many Americans. But

for those of us who spend our lives in the service of others; be it in the fire service, law enforcement, or the military, the memories of the
terrorist attacks that took so many lives remain
fresh.

There is a distinct feeling you get as a
firefighter just a few times in your career. Its
the feeling of arriving at the scene of an incident and your sixth sense telling you this one is
going to be dangerous and you might not make
it home. I have no doubt the men and women
who responded to the World Trade Center that
day had that same feeling as they got off their
rigs and out of their patrol cars. They had that
feeling and they went ahead anyway; many of
them to a certain death.

On a day we gather to remember we
should also pledge to serve in whatever meaningful way we can. For in service we can find
resiliency. The section of the fallen World
Trade Center that stands here in memory and
tribute of that horrible day is also a symbol of
resiliency. It is a reminder that Americans will
remember, rebuild, and continue to serve their
country in times of need and in times of crisis.
The LAFD will also continue to serve; to be
there whenever Angelenos call us; and to never
forget the ultimate sacrifices that were made on
September 11, 2001.

November 2014 15
FS49 - Well, its diver time again, and theres

been a lot of face slappin, foot stoppin, screamin, and some meowin to get these guys
all tuned up to SEAL TEAM 6 standards.
Seal Training isnt for everyone, only a few
survive. When your instructors have names
like,ICEMAN Teeter, MANIAC Meiche,
KENNETH Mason, McGOOGLE McKee,
TIGER Malafonte, and the one and only,
HARD HAT Serpa, THATS ONE HECK OF
A LINE-UP! Well see who makes the cut in
the next Grapevine.
FS 85 - Word has it that theres a new way to
handle a personnel problem. The Capt 2 brings
a set of boxing gloves to line up, and if you do it
again they will TAKE IT TO THE COURT!
Well one member, Ole Richie Ill go stretch
out Capt Valens, jumps at the chance! Everyone runs outside in amazement to support their
new found hero. BETS WHERE PLACED,
SIDES WERE CHOSEN, T-SHIRTS WERE
MADE, The OLD VETERANO looks at all his
supporters and says, GUESS WHAT GUYS!
WE DONT HAVE A COURT! I GUESS I
SHOWED HIM! FS 2, if you have a court,
WATCH OUT!
Firefighters quenched a small fire in a grease duct at Folliero Pizza

on No Figueroa St. on 9/7/14. Photo by Rick McClure, EPN
Everyone knows that the Battalion News is filled with exaggerations, innuendos, and outright lies, but every once in a while, not
only do we get things right, we have proof!
We would like to congratulate everyone on

the recent captains exam. The front page was
full of Batt 6 candidates. Kudos goes to Ciro
Di Scala again for being # 1 for a second time,
with Tim Wuerfel coming in a close second.
Word has it that Rik G STRING Lestelle did
back flips when he saw the list. (I thought that
thing on Tims shoulders was just a hat rack.)
That will be the last time ole G STRING (thats
another story) will ask ole Timmy to come to
his kids birthday party and blow up air balloons. GOOD JOB TIM.
FS 36 - The medics at 36s that were left out
of the big Harbor Dock fire would like to give
a BIG THANKS A LOT to everyone who
16 November 2014
fought the fire and left their turnouts (some

with linings separated, some not separated,
some labeled with names, some without, and
some turnout pants with the boots still in them)
to be laundered in the clarifier. There were so
many turnouts DUMPED at FS 36, someone
thought they were at Turnout World at S&M.
Maybe we should just call FS 36 Moms because isnt that where you take your laundry to
be cleaned?
FS38 - Another studier earned the nickname of
MAGNUM 357. In fact, hes earned a few
names here in Batt 6. He was knighted SIR
TALKS-A-LOT, WOODY, OLE SPEED,
BEST PARAMEDIC ON THE LAFD - JUST
ASK HIM, just to name a few. Why Magnum 357? Lets just say that number blew a
big hole in his plans. Hey Woody, first time in
the Grapevine, that will be a cut gallon for the
boys.
FS 112 - Theres nothing like being on the ball

when it comes to boat maintenance. Ole JP
Adagio is one guy who likes to Git er Dun at
all costs. Ole JP calls up 49s to rustle up Ole
Dave TIGER Malafronte to grab his supplies
to help complete Boat 2 annual maintenance.
Well, word has it that it takes a three-foot
cheater bar and a couple of filter wrenches to
put Boat 4s filters on Boat 2, because they put
filters with the wrong part number on Boat 2s
engines. Word has it that JP looked like Popeye when he was done. Whats the old saying?
With a big enough hammer and torch, you can
make ANYTHING work. JP was last seen
meditating at a designated meditating area in
the station.
harborrats6@yahoo.com
FS 49 members with Fire Chief the day after the big fire
Firefighters extricated one adult male from this T/A on Olympic Blvd on 9/5/14.
Photos by Rick McClure, EPN
November 2014 17
ANDORRA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
is a Registered Investment Advisor providing independent

investment management and financial planning services.
WHAT WE DO
We are investment counselors and
wealth managers.
As a Registered Investment Advisor, we utilize Charles Schwabs
Self Directed Brokerage Option
through the citys Deferred Compensation Plan. This allows our
clients to keep their funds within
the citys Deferred Compensation
Plan while having an independent
advisor oversee their assets.
For more information on using a financial advisor on Charles Schwabs
institutional platform, please visit:
www.riastandsforyou.com
OUR GOAL
Paid Advertisement:
To be your Deferred Comp and

DROP financial advisor. We strive
to grow our clients assets by effectively reducing overall risk through
strategic asset allocation and a disciplined investment process that is
always tailored to each clients risk
profile and investment objectives.
18 November 2014
CHOOSING A FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Our interests are clearly aligned with our clients, prudently
growing your assets. We gladly accept the role of acting as a fiduciary. When choosing an investment advisor make sure that the
individual or firm you are considering will accept the fiduciary
designation and is a Registered Investment Advisor
Total Independence We are client focused and completely
independent, which means we do not have an interest in advocating a particular broker or investment companys products. We
actively seek out investments from a very broad opportunity set
that will best serve our clients interest.
We do not suffer from what industry observers have dubbed
agency issues. These issues arise when the investment advisors
interests are not aligned with those of their clients. Being independent means we are not beholden to an overgrown financial
firm that is incentivized to sell its own products to clients.
For more information on choosing an investment advisor, visit:
www.sec.gov/investor/pubs.invadisers.htm
CONTACT KURT STABEL, ACTIVE LAFD MEMBER

Kurt is the founder of Andorra Investment Management, Inc. and a
graduate of USC with a B.S. in business. He annually attends numerous
conferences on financial management, has previously managed over
$600 million in client assets for another investment advisor, is the
past elected police & fire representative board member for L.A. Citys
Deferred Compensation Plan and has served on the board of many
charitable organizations.
Office Address:
Office Phone:
Office Fax:
5941 Naples Plaza

Long Beach, CA 90803
562.433.1400
Email:
562.683.2683
Web:
kurt@ai-mgmt.com
www.ai-mgmt.com
Civilians rescued the driver from this burning pick-up on the N/B 5 freeway at Sheldon.
Photos by Mike Meadows
On 9/14/14, RA898 found a vehicle over the side of the 210 fwy.
November 2014 19
Greetings from the Battalion that never sleeps!

Let me start out with the words, Never
Forget. These are the words that we use to remind ourselves of what happened on September 11, 2001. Never Forget - These are the
words we say when we speak of the 343 brothers and sisters that lost their lives that fateful
day, and the many that have died since then
due to the unseen diseases and injuries they got
from working on or around the pile. Never
Forget - The words we use to remember the
day that any and all firefighters became nationally recognized and associated with that brave
group of heroes. When the fire service as a
whole was resurrected and put on a pedestal due
to the actions of those heroes that were rushing
in to save innocent victims. Unfortunately, this
September 11th we chose to use, Already Forgotten . . . There are many ceremonies set up
for members off duty to attend, but what about
those that are scheduled to work? Just 1-2 short
years ago we would have had a line-up on the
front apron in uniforms and dress caps. Metro
would have rung down all of the stations of the
LAFD to allow the members on duty an opportunity to show the community, FDNY, and each
other that we have not forgotten. One minute
of silence for each of the towers that fell. This
year - nothing. Maybe next year we can Remember Again......

Congrats to those that recently attended
CORE - charm school or captains class. I hear
it got interesting during some of the phases
including network staffing, radio communications, hiring procedures, and breathers. Not
interesting because it was interesting, but
interesting because of the things that our future leaders were doing. Good luck to all that
have bugles in their future and for some, good
luck to those that will be under those who have
bugles in their future...

Congratulations to EIT Todd Cremins
and his wife Kelsey who welcomed their first
child, daughter Kennedy Taylor Cremins, into
Battalion 13. Everybody is home and doing
well!

Apparently one of the guys over at 64s
has an extremely exquisite palate. So refined
that hes able to taste the difference in hot sauces and was willing to prove to everybody his
capabilities. Now if you know anything about
the combination of the words fire service
and challenge, then you know its about to
be game on. After a few minutes of quarreling
at the dinner table with words like, theres no
way, I bet you cant, and Id really like to
see you try, it was off to the trial area. The maitre d set up six sauces, along with six separate
spoons, and stale graham crackers to cleanse
the palate. The sauces ranged from the normal
20 November 2014
Tapatio and Cholula, to the zesty Sriracha and

Chipotle Tabasco. As our connoisseur began,
he slowly lifted each spoonful of sauce to enjoy
the bouquet and smell the sweet and spicy
notes. Our expert then swirled the sauce
around on the spoon to notice the legs and
narrow his decision on each choice. After that,
he carefully placed each spoonful in his mouth
to enjoy the flavor and mentally noted where it
sat on his palate, and any aftertaste. After a few
seconds and a thoughtful answer, our expert
assuredly told the scribe which sauce it was.
When all six were finished, our champion was
sure that he had put himself among the worlds
top Hot Sauce Champions and would definitely be awaiting his trophy and membership
card. As the scribe tallied up the hits, the awaiting crowd was both anxious and nervous for
our aficionado. Silence please! This just in . .
. with a score of five . . . incorrect answers, our
new Hot Sauce Remedial Candidate is none
other than FF Newon. Whaaaatt?? Waaaa!t
Waaaaaahhhhh?!? Oh well, I hear that the next
day was a bit uncomfortable for him, but the
good news is that next month is the Guess
which brand of rotten tortilla that has been sitting in the bread cabinet for three weeks contest. Good luck FF Newon! Moving on . . .

During a normal crazy day in Batt 13,
there was both OCEP and fit testing, which require multiple company closures and intense
planning by our EITs. This ensures that everyone gets to their proper location in time to
relieve other members. The good thing is that
if you missed fit testing in the morning, you
could go after lunch. It was LF 33s turn to help
out the Battalion and assist in staffing other
apparatus for OCEP training. LF 33 closed
at 0730 to allow time to get everyone to their
locations and start OCEP at 0800. But as they
say, theres always one. As a leader and play
caller, your team always follows your example.
The captain on the truck loves football analogies, so here goes! The QB lines up behind the
center, starts to read the defense and notices a
gap downfield. Knowing that he could exploit

that gap later in the game and score a touchdown to help his team win, he instead decides
to call an audible and try to get it done now. His
team is ready at their own one yard line and the
ball is hiked. The QB takes the snap, rolls into
the pocket, lets the ball loose downfield, sprints
under the thrown ball and amazingly catches
his own pass at the other teams one yard line
and lands in the end-zone for a TD . . . only to
be called back for a holding penalty and a delay of game. Turns out that instead of relieving
their crews, the QB took his crew to facepiece
testing which delayed the whole morning and
instead of getting to OCEP at 0800, it was more
like 0930. Nothing like leading by example . . .
just sayin...

Over at 57s, they have a new hybrid
tool called the stair-chair gurney. Apparently, when you already have a patient on your
regular gurney and another incident happens
at the same address, you can now use the
lesser-known-but-almost-equally-effective-at
rolling-a-patient-but-not-so-good-for-loading
stair chair as gurney #2. This also works well
for an ALS ambulance to multi-multi-task and
take both an ALS and a BLS patient in the back
of one ALS ambulance. Talk about efficiency nice work Engine and RA 57! If I were you Id
put a patent on this technique. Just the story I
heard.

OK, thats all Ive got! Keep taking
care of one another. Stay safe and remember
that 2+2 makes sense, play nice, know your audience, get a cool nickname, figure out which
formula to use before the media gets ahold of
it, you get out what you put in, FI-1, read
the label, if youre tired sleep in, when in need
of a driver call an already overworked 800 to
do your job, watch out for irony, dont fumble
Tradition, take 1st relief so you can go back to
sleep, never Stand By, check boxes for politics always beat common sense, when you have
the opportunity to do the right thing, take the
EIT spot instead!, a # makes everything seem
64s hot sauce challenge
much nicer, if it rains and you dont feel like doing your job, just journalize it, when you need
to go to the DMV,wear your uniform, when
on-scene of a traffic accident, wait 45 minutes
to ask if everybody is ok and see where that
gets you!, show up late to your own ceremony,
a bad idea is still a BAD idea, water drops for
all brush, call out an already overworked 800
to keep your shield available, answer only a
text instead of a phone call if what youre about
to do is the wrong thing, house dues gets what
house dues wants, cucumber and squash is the
newest trend in water, and finally, beware of
your perception even if youre doing a good
thing. Glad to see that some of you are following my advice! Keep sending your stories to
wattsfire@gmail.com
Welcome Kennedy Taylor Cremins!
While responding emergency, RA 846 was involved in a serious injury accident at Western
Ave and 59th St on 9/2/14.
Photos by Jeff Zimmerman, EPN
November 2014 21
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22 November 2014

The guys at Fire Station 97 went the extra mile for this Annual Inspection and, as the
photos show, they earned some bragging rights.
The added touches show the pride they have in
their firehouse, their company and the community.

The fuel pump art was designed by
Bob Sanchez. He made the decals for the pump
himself. The mailbox was designed by Rick
Larson, and Jeff Hass spearheaded the fire hydrant base for the flagpole. Everyone at the firehouse had a hand in going above and beyond
this year and the chiefs were very impressed
with all the hard work.
On 9/18/14, Engine 89 handled a well involved Nissan at Morella Ave & Blythe St.
Firefighters rescued a dog from a
structure fire on Whitsett Ave. The
animal recovered nicely.
November 2014 23
Paid Advertisement:
A police officer was injured when his cruiser was

struck from behind by a DUI driver on Hayvenhurst
Ave on 9/8/14. Photos by Rick McClure, EPN

Well hello everyone! I know its been
a long time since youve heard from me. Been
out of town and the stories . . . well, I havent
received any until now.

Okay, youre on the RA and its been a
long day and night, and things seem to be a blur
around 0300 hrs. So you go on a run and pick
up a patient, grab your equipment and head to
the hospital, get out the rig, open the doors and
there is the patient but . . . NO ATTENDANT
. . . WHAT THE?????? WAIT A MINUTE.
Thats right he drove to the hospital without his
partner. Well couldnt the attendant just get on
the radio and say, hey you forgot something?
Oh! I forgot to tell you he didnt bring his radio
in on the call. Wait, it gets better. The attendant
got a ride to the hospital with a family member
of the patient. WOW!! Well, a few lessons to be
learned here.

Now lets go over to 94s. Come to
work in the morning and the pump is going
down to the shops for repair, OK, no biggie,
you got this. Drive to the shops, give the rig
to the mechanic, you take off and try to find
some extra equipment for the station, like
24 November 2014
any good engineer. Well a little later you hear

Light Force 1 roll out, then more companies go
rolling by and you began to wonder wheres
my rig? Then you find out that your pump was
involved in a major traffic accident where they
had to cut somebody out of their car. Would
love to hear that phone call back to the station.
Hey Capt, you wont believe what just happen.

Another thing, if you havent been to
94s lately, they have on display a banger.
For you younger members, thats a 50 extension ladder, a really nice display. Old school
stuff.
new addition to the Worcester family
Paid Advertisement:
On 9/1/14, firefighters extinguished

this outside fire at 10339 Zelzah Ave.

Okay, on a lighter note, baby news outta 58s. Warren Worcester and his wife Ashley
have a new addition to the family, Wyatt Bentley Worcester, born 6/29/2014, at 7lbs, 11oz.
and 21 inches.

At last, Im done. This I my last entry
into the Grapevine writing arena. Its been fun
and exhausting at times but very entertaining.
Now if anyone would like to take on the position please let me know and I can put you in
contact with the Grapevine editor (editor@
lafra.org). I want to thank you all for the stories
and laughs, and Ill be looking forward to seeing some great stories or lies in the future.
Be Safe
T 94 overhauls the roof after a fire

at 1829 W 49th St on 10/4/14.
Send your stories and photos directly to your Battalion News writer
or to the editor at editor@lafra.org
November 2014 25
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26 November 2014
d like to have a few extra bucks in my

pocket each month. My pension check is
OK, I just wished it was more OK. You
know, a few extra trips to Vegas, Hawaii or
even a trip to Europe could be easily funded
with more income. I guess disposable income is the term Im lookin for.

So how do I go about gettin this disposable income? Well, tattoos seem to be the
hot ticket right now and with everyone from
sports stars to bad-to-the-bone-bikers gettin
inked from head to toe, I figure startin up
my own tattoo parlor would help elevate my
income level to at least that of a retired Captain
II.

Ill also have to have a name that people will immediately recognize and remember.
Here are some names Im considerin: 1. THIS
IS GOIN TO HURT tattoos 2. THERES NO
MORE SPACE LEFT ON YOUR BODY tattoos 3. YOU WANT TO PUT IT WHERE?
tattoos and 4. WHY? tattoos.

I want my tattoo shop to attract the
well-to-do crowd, yet I dont want to discourage or chase away those that sleep under
the stars. Know what I mean? And I want to
be in a good location. No dark alley or dimly lit
rat infested street. I want my shop to be located
somewhere like on Rodeo Drive. Well, maybe
not that exclusive, but somewhere that would
put peoples minds at ease, like next to one of
them fancy coffee joints, where they would be
at ease puttin a foot in the door . . . or even an
arm!

And I also want to encourage the tattoo
experience for families as well. Sure, bring the
kids down and let them watch Mom and Dad

add another sentence, picture or oriental design
to their neck, leg or ankle. Those kids will be
future business for me, because sooner or later,
those youngsters will want what Mom and Dad
have.

The only hurdle I see for myself is the
fact that Im no artist. I can barely draw stick
people and my trees look like something Van
Gogh painted on one of his bad days. I also
want to keep my overhead at a minimum,
which means I aint goin to be hirin a real tattoo artist. Im also not goin to hire any of my
kin. That might give my shop a bad name!

Anyway, most of the tattoos Ive seen
look like ancient hieroglyphics, with lots of
color and no logical reason for their placement

on a human body.

So, with that bein said, theres absolutely no reason why my tattoo shop wont be a
huge success!
COWBOY HUMOR
Three cowboys were seated around the campfire out
on the lonesome prairie. It
was a night of bravado, rot
gut whiskey and tall tales.
Frank, the hand from Wyoming said, I must be the
strongest, meanest, toughest
cowboy there is. Why, just
the other day, a bull got loose in the corral and
gored six men before I wrestled it to the ground
by the horns with my bare hands.

Snake River Ben, from Idaho, couldnt
stand to be bested. Thats nothin. I was
walkin down the trail yesterday and a 15 foot
diamondback rattler slid out from under a rock
and made a move for me. I grabbed that creature with my bare hands, bit off its head and
sucked the poison down in one gulp. I didnt
even get a belly ache.

Ol Red River Rick, the cowboy from
Montana remained silent, slowly stirrin the
campfire coals with his bare foot.
KEEP SMILIN!
AC
choppedup@att.net
Paid Advertisements:
November 2014 27
GREATER ALARM COMMERCIAL

NoHo Arts District
On September 29, 2014, firefighters took just 40 minutes to

control this greater alarm blaze in a one story commercial at
11121 Weddington Street. The building was vacant and was
reported to have been a recording studio.
28 November 2014
STRUCTURE FIRE
North Hollywood
14 companies worked in 106.5 degree heat on a two-story apartment house at 11560 Friar Street with a well involved attic fire.
There was a partial structure collapse that injured one firefighter.
Firefighters were rotated every 15 minutes due to the brutal heat
and hydrated as they were watched closely by EMS.
November 2014 29
MAJOR EMERGENCY WHARF FIRE

Wilmington
Photos by Steve Gentry, Yvonne Griffin,

Martin Nate Rawner, Gene Blevins, Chris Conkle
30 November 2014
Companies were called at 6:41 PM on September 22, 2014, to 802 S Fries Ave in Wilmington to find fire billowing from under a 150 foot
wharf. An aggressive fire attack was mounted by LAFDs fire boats as divers entered the dark waters to assault the blaze from below the
pier.
Due to the scope of the incident a unified command with Port Police, Coast Guard, and the Long Beach F.D. was established. During the
firefight two large cargo ships were moved to a safe location as a precaution. Over 170 firefighters contained the bulk of the fire in just
under two hours. The stubborn hard to reach fire smoldered for hours and firefighters continue to work through the night.
The cause of this fire remains under active investigation by the Arson Section.
November 2014 31
Los Angeles City Firefighters Golf Club

2015 Golf Club Membership

This information notice is directed to prospective new members, active or retired L.
A. City firefighters, who would like to join our golf club. Applications for membership will
be accepted from September 1st through December 1st, 2014. The dues for the membership are $75.00 per year. This will entitle the member to participate in all LAFD Golf Club
functions, which includes 2 to 3 one-day tournaments per month, 2 major tournaments (the
Memorial Club Championship in April and the Partners Championship at the Singing
Hills at Sycuan Resort in September, and 4 Southern California Firefighters Golf Association major tournaments (Palm Springs in March, Primm Resort (Nevada) in May, Lake
Tahoe in August, and Pebble Beach in November). It will also establish a handicap index
with the Southern California Golf Association.

The LAFD Golf Club welcomes players of all levels. From scratch to 36 handicappers we want you to come out and play.

To apply, please send a check for $75.00 made out to the LAFD Golf Club. Or
register at our website at: http://www.lafdgc.com

Click on the new member link and fill out the application. The information will
be forwarded to me for processing. If you decide to use regular mail please include a
short note with your present assignment, home address, phone number, email address, your
member number and club name (if a member of another club), and any scorecards from the
last six months to establish a starting handicap. Mail this information to:
Noel Murchet
16301 Gentry Lane, Huntington Beach, Ca. 92647
Cell: (714) 330-3477 Email: murchet@earthlink.net
32 November 2014
n Saturday, September 13, 2014,

LAFD Handball hosted the Annual
3-Wall Invitational Tournament, and
911 Memorial. The event this year featured
all of the traditions that both participants and
spectators have come to expect and look forward to. The LAFD Color Guard presented the
colors as Celine Smith and Olivia Ortiz lead the
pledge of allegiance for the 5th year in a row.
Gedina Bergstrom from the City Employees
Club sang the National Anthem and Deputy
Chief Joe Castro provided opening remarks in
memory of the brave 343 FDNY firefighters
who made the ultimate sacrifice on September
11, 2001.

Sponsors for the event were UFLAC,
United States Handball Association, West
Coast Handball, Southern California Handball
Association, BAMKO, and the City Employees Club. Special thanks go to Captain Colin
Smith, his wife Marcella and their daughters
Celine and Cathlan for coordinating the food
and running the tournament. Commissioner
Chris Yokoyama was in CORE during the week
leading up to the tournament and had to rely on

these great volunteers to make things happen.
Special thanks to Inspector Jerry Travins for
picking up the shirts and backpacks and delivering them to the beach.

Fire Station 63 did an outstanding job
of cleaning the courts and bleachers on Friday,
and as usual they participated in the opening
ceremony, which provides official LAFD representation for the civilians present.

This tournament is now
one of the most popular in Southern California, and it drew some
of the top handball players in the
area. There were four skill levels
available for play: Open, A,
B, and C. Chris Yokoyama
and Roy Harvey defeated Joe
Castro and Mario Rueda in the
A final. All other divisions
were dominated by more experienced players from the Southern
California handball community.
LAFD players, start training for
next year, we need to win more divisions in our

own tournament. This is the second year in a
row that LAFD only won one out of four divisions.

The Annual Fall Singles Handball
Tournament begins on November 1, 2014 with
the finals on December 11th at Fire Station 92.
A Champs
November 2014 33
If I cannot accomplish this then my

focus is no longer
ventilation, but the
safety of my crew.
With multiple
trucks assigned to
the roof, its imperative they work together and not hinder one anothers
operation. The goal
is to manage the
operation to ensure
firefighter safety
and
operational
effectiveness. Put
your ego and feelings aside, and coordinate your collective efforts.
n this edition of KTW Captains Willahan,

Thompson and Martinez discuss (1) the difficulties in coordinating multi-truck ventilation operations, and (2) an officers dilemma
in guiding a member through the promotional
process.

Operational Question: When in charge of a multicompany ventilation operation, how do you ensure the efforts of the vent teams are coordinated
and complying with your direction?
CII Ken Willahan, FS26-C: Ultimately, there
can only be one officer in charge of ventilation.
Although the first officer to the roof is most
often in charge, should the initial officer not
have the necessary ventilation experience, they
should consider relinquishing command to a
more experienced officer.

If roof operations begin to deteriorate
or a vent teams safety becomes compromised,
officers from the 2nd or 3rd truck should prepare to take command. Likewise, the initial officer in charge of the roof should be open to
tactical input from the officers assisting them.

One of my biggest errors was not recognizing deteriorating roof conditions and failing
to direct tactical change. If multiple trucks on
the roof are not coordinating their efforts then
its my responsibility redirect these companies.
34 November 2014
CII Mark Martinez, FS61-C: A strong working relationship among neighboring companies
is essential if you are to function effectively on
the fireground. Knowing the operational expectations of surrounding companies through
multi-co training and dialogue will go a long
way in avoiding conflicts on Game Day.

When managing any ventilation operation you must first and foremost, TAKE
CHARGE. By taking charge you avoid trucks
operating independent of one another as well as
compromising the collective effort. Remember,
coordinated operations have the inherent risk
of deteriorating quickly without good communication.

Here are some thoughts to consider: ensure tactics are clearly understood; ensure vent
plan is communicated to I/C; clarify your plan
(offensive or defensive); communicate what
you need, but not how to do it; communicate
face-to-face if possible; be open to input from
other companies; work smart and work together.

The bottom-line know your job. If
youre in charge of ventilation and member
safety, then take this responsibility seriously.
You must halt any operation that is hampering
operational effectiveness or member safety;
stop it cold . . . no questions asked.
CI Eric Thompson, FS98-A: When truck cos

perform independent of one another their ventilation efforts can be counterproductive and
unsafe. A multi-company ventilation effort
should therefore start long before the incident
by discussing tactics with neighboring officers
and A/Os. These pre-incident discussions reveal company SOGs as well as the tactical expectations.

When multiple trucks are operating on
a roof, communication is key; a face-to-face
is the preferred method. Sometimes a vent team
cannot adjust to the efforts already in place or
may have simply misunderstood your direction
to them. When this occurs, safety is now paramount.

If another truck is operating independent of your direction, immediately determine
if your escape routes have been compromised.
Then determine if your direction to them was
clear - simply restating your objectives might
be all it takes. When roof operations become
unsafe as a result of a lack of coordination, consider retreating to a safe zone until a safer and
more effective operation can be restored.
Leadership Question: How do you address a member when theyve expressed a desire to promote
before you feel they are ready for that position?
CI Eric Thompson, FS98A: Remember is that
its not our place to prevent or hinder any member from promoting. Regardless of our opinion,
everything should be done to ensure this persons success. Be honest regarding what skills
and knowledge you feel they are lacking as
well as any other traits you feel need adjusting.

Periodically place them in the hot
seat to reinforce their strong points as well
as to identify any flaws. This is the best way
to actually gauge their performance level. The
bulk of our learning does not result from doing
things right the first time - we must learn for
our errors to improve at out craft.

Mentoring in this manner provides
valuable technical and personal insight while
identifying areas needing improvement. This
process will teach members about themselves
and whether they are actually ready for the position. When this member promotes, you need
to make sure you have given them all your
knowledge, skills and experience as this will
also reflect on your character and leadership.
CII Mark Martinez, FS61-C: Every member

has a fundamental right to promote. Along with
this right comes an enormous responsibility,
and that is determining the right time to promote. The obvious risk of promoting too soon
is the destructiveness created when holding a
rank beyond ones competency level.

When making a decision to enter into
the promotional process several factors should
be considered: position desired; experience
level; areas worked; what firefighters/officers
has the member has been mentored by; etc.

By delaying an early promotion, members will set themselves up for future success
by increasing their operational wisdom and
maturity. Some of the benefits of delaying a
promotion are increased operational experience, tactical knowledge, credibility, maturity,
and work location diversity.

The testing process doesnt determine
whos ready for a particular position; that is
the responsibility of each member. Contrary
to popular belief, promoting is NOT a race to
the top. Members cannot indiscriminately cut
corners in preparing for or deciding when to
promote as the lives of co-workers could be at
risk by the decisions they make.
CII Ken Willahan, FS26-C: Im not only
responsible for identifying the strengths and
weaknesses of my command, but I must also
encourage my people to use their strengths to
their advantage during the promotional process. That said, Im also responsible for pointing out areas of their performance in need of
improvement should a particular promotion be
their goal.

I routinely preach; Learn the job, and
the test will come easy. If I sense one of my
members is not operationally sound or mature
enough to take on a particular position, then its
my responsibility to be honest with them. I will
not hesitate recommending they wait until they
have acquired a more appropriate background
or experience level.

I have also found that by placing members in a controlled drill-type setting they can
usually assess whether or not they are ready.
Following the success or failure of these training exercises, well have an honest discussion
to address my concerns. I have found that being
open and honest with respect to my crews performance is not always easy, but in the end it
will most often serve them and the LAFD well.
If I handwrite a will,
isnt that good enough?
Anyone can write out a will, but
> it is subject to probate court's validation
> if assets exceed $150,000 your beneficiaries face
greater financial fees and penalties
> if NOT done properly, the will may be deemed invalid
In next months article Captains Mike Tombrello, Denise Jones and Jeff Amberian will
discuss (1) the importance of a fire attack hoselay, and (2) how to challenge and better develop rated members through training exercises.
The views expressed here do not necessarily
reflect those of LAFRA or the LAFD
Create an estate plan

Ask for a Getting Started Kit
Email MCasillas@lafra.org or call (323) 259-5217
Marlene Casillas, Relief Association Development & Marketing Director
November 2014 35
Fire Station 39 opened July 25, 1939.

All previously assigned members to
Fire Station 39 (active or retired) are
welcome to attend this Alumni BBQ to
honor The Hub and to see old friends.
Attention retired members:

We strongly encourage your participation in this event, so call your buddies!
We want to see whats new and share
your stories of the good ole days.
Please bring old photos of your time at
Fire Station 39.
Lunch will be provided.
Date: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014

Time: 1100 to 1600 hrs.
All proceeds benefit the
Place: Fire Station 39

Price: Retired - FREE
Active - $5 at the door
RSVP: (818) 756-8639
36 November 2014
n the morning of September 13, 2014, friend of the Fire Hogs

Darrell Smith arrived early to the Long Beach Police Officers
Assn Park to prepare his legendary feast. Darrell had to get an
early start as the meats had to be smoked just right and for a long time.
Using his culinary skills, he had to prepare a BBQ of succulent pulled
pork, beef brisket, chicken, and juicy pork sausage, all rounded out by
beans and slaw for a crowd of over 90 LAFD/LACoFD Fire Hogs (more
on that later!), family and friends. Of course all of this would be washed
down with plenty of the finest libations too!

As if on cue the annual Hogs Breath BBQ got off to a roaring
start as more than 50 motorcycles pulled into the parking lot to begin an
afternoon of comradery, good food, tall tales and most importantly the
Hogs Breath Biker Games!

Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas arrived on his own black with flames
(what else?) Dyna Wide Glide and thanked the Fire Hogs for all the
charitable work they do on behalf of others and especially the Relief
Associations Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemens Fund. Last year
the Fire Hogs provided $5000 and are on record to do the same this year.

Besides the BBQ, the afternoon kicked off with great tunes provided by the LAFDs own Ryan Viducic (FS 63s) and his band Purple
Sugar. We were fortunate to have Ryan as his band is very popular at
many South Bay music venues including The House of Blues, Anaheim!
Ryan and his band rocked the crowed all afternoon.

Another surprise of the afternoon was the introduction of the new
LACoFD chapter of Fire Hogs! LAFD Fire Hogs President Jack Wise
took to the mike to introduce and present the new colors to the latest
chapter of Fire Hogs to the surprise and cheers of the crowd. The new
LACoFD Fire Hogs include: Al Bustillos, Matt Gill, Shawn Grizzard,
Howard Spinrad, Rich Gonzales, Wayne Habell, John Galiher and Justin
Kalnas, (son of our own LAFD Fire Hog Ted Kalnas.) Congrats to our
new chapter of Fire Hogs!

Intermixed throughout the afternoon, the Fire Hog Biker Games
provided the crowd with hours of laughter and pleasure. The Master of
Ceremonies presiding over these games is our Sgt of Arms, Pete Goff.
When you put Pete and a bullhorn together you know you are going to
have a lot of fun. The four events: Slow drag race, Keg push, Potato harvest and Hot Dog bite, proved to be the most competitive and hilarious
in years as participants demonstrated their riding prowess in events that
can only be described as FUN! Many past and returning champions lost
to the younger and much more nimble riders. Congratulations to all the
winners!

After the games, the Purple Sugar rocked the crowd into the early
evening. From the event it was back to the hotel to change and then off
to watch the UFC fights at a nearby bar and a quick bite of dinner. Well,
this part proved to be interesting as the nearby bar was well over 20 miles
away and there was some confusion as to what time the fights were starting. Anyway, as we finally pulled up to this dive bar that was packed to
the rafters, we had no problem getting in as the final decision was just
announced, much to the chagrin of our party that had just made the trek,
and the crowd bailed out. In true Fire Hog fashion, we all made the most
out of the reruns, the libations, and the fact that we traveled so far to miss
the fights!

What a great event! Thanks to Taylor Gaskins and his crew for
organizing and rolling this event out again, Darrell Smith and his BBQ
crew for once again providing the very best in BBQ, and Pete Goff and
his crew for ensuring the biker games where carried off with hardly a
mishap. Most importantly, thanks to all that attended and helped out to
make this event a success!!

There are many more rides coming up! You dont have to be a
Fire Hog to participate. All you need is a willingness to have fun! Come
on out to see what this is all about. Events are posted on our website
www.firehogs.org.

Apply for an account to be e-mailed notifications of upcoming
rides. Members wishing to join the Fire Hogs can contact any of the
Board members from our website.

As a National organization, we are also accepting applications
for new Fire Hog chapters from riders from other agencies. Contact any
Board member from our website

Join us on facebook @Fire Hogs M/C. Like our Facebook page
@ L.A.F.D. Fire Hogs.
November 2014 37
DANIEL MATTERA, Captain I, FS 109-C

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2014
Old FIre Station 27s Fire Museum
1355 North Cahuenga Blvd, Hollywood CA
Social Hour: 11:30 AM
Luncheon: 12:30 PM
Taco Bar, Beer, Wine, Soft Drinks

$10 per person includes tax, tip & gift
Call FS 109 - (310) 476-0272 or
sschrobs@frontiernet.net
CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
800.332.BUGS
www.EcoLaTermite.com
38 November 2014
n Saturday, August 30, 2014, Captain II Bassanio Peters was

joined by 350 of his closest friends for a night that will be remembered by all who attended. The committee anticipated a
large turnout and reserved a room that would accommodate up to 300
people. Unfortunately there were 307 people paid in advance a week before the dinner. An estimated 40 or 50 people showed up without a reservation, so they entertained themselves in the bar during dinner and joined
the standing room only crowd for the awards, speeches and dancing.

Captain Peters grew up in the community of Watts, and spent a
considerable portion of his distinguished career working in South Los
Angeles. He maintained strong ties to the community, which resulted in
as many civilians as Firefighters attending his dinner. There were guests
from 5 States in attendance, with one couple traveling from Florida.

It was my (Roy Harvey) pleasure to serve as the master of ceremonies for my partner in crime of so many years in Battalion 13 and at
Fire Station 64 specifically. The evening started with standard banquet
food of chicken or salmon. There was a slide show with both career
and personal pictures on display throughout dinner. A delicious cake and
cupcake table for desert provided the final touch.

Retired Fire Chief Douglas Barry started the evening with the
Retirement Certificate from the Fire Commission, there were all the normal presentations from CSFA, UFLAC, with the most heartfelt coming from Assistant Chief Kwame Cooper and retired Captain Addison
Birdine who met Bassanio when he was their peer group instructor in
the infamous class of December 1980. Retired Fire Chief James Featherstone presented the retirement badge.

On a more personal note, Kevin Johnson presented a set of custom made dominoes with Solo engraved on the back of each bone,
from four of his closest friends. Artist and Captain Dwayne Golden presented a portrait of Captain Peters with his likeness from each decade
of his career. The crew of Fire Station 63 made a commemorative video
with memories and best wishes from friends and co-workers, one of the
many highlights of the evening.

After the Fire Department business was done, Battalion Chief
Armando Hogan started the open mic segment by attempting to clean
up a factual story told earlier in the program by the mc. Finally a host
of co-workers, family and friends took the mic and praised Bassanio for
his compassion and dependability. The couple from Florida performed
a flute solo and poem. Dave Burwell and Billy Barnes made the most
memorable comments of the night (If you werent there, ask somebody.).
Bassanio Peters IIIs comments were a great tribute to his Father. Karen
Peters also known as Ms. K took the mic and read a poem that she wrote
for her husband.

Finally, after 35-1/2 years of service, Captain II Bassanio Peters
Jr. took the mic and expressed his appreciation for all in attendance. As
usual, his comments were perfect for the occasion. He was the most senior African-American Captain on the LAFD for the last six months of
his career, and he passed a symbolic rung to Captain Walter Duffy before
the dancing began.
November 2014 39
40 November 2014
n September 6, 2014, approximately

130 guests attended the retirement dinner in honor of A/O Eddie Tapia and
his 37 years of dedicated service to the citizens of LA. This wasnt your average, run of
the mill dinner and thats probably because Ed
and his fellow firefighters didnt have anything
to do with planning the event! His beautiful
wife Melodie planned the entire evening and
got started on it a year in advance. Mel wanted
something different and special, and she more
than succeeded. As a matter of fact, many of
Eds old retired friends received a flyer in the
mail to Save the Date last year. Now thats a
planning coordinator.

The dinner was held in the Romanesque
Room at Castle Green Caters in the heart of old
town Pasadena. If youve never heard of it, neither had I. It was once part of the Green Hotel
and Apartments built in 1896. Classic architecture and the perfect setting for a classic retirement dinner. The dinner started at 1630 hours
(told you it was different) with cocktails and
hors doeuvres in the outside foyer and patio.
Oh, did I mention that Ed had a Hosted Bar?
For you not familiar with that term, that means
that Ed paid for all the drinks . . . all night long.
Not necessarily a good thing when dealing with
firemen, but then again if you missed it, too
bad! Nice touch Ed.

There was a variety of guests that came
to honor Eds career. Among them were several
members of Eds family including his oldest
sister Mary and husband Ed; sister Betty Dowling with sons Erik and Kevin; sister-in-law
Sherri Weimer with nieces Stacy and Mandy;
sons Robert with fianc Janelle and Justin with
wife Erin; daughter Miranda with husband
Kevin; and aunt & uncle Donna and Denny
Strong (LAFD Ret.). One of the highlights of
the evening was a DVD presentation by Eds
brother Bob, sharing a story about a wildfire
that ravaged their ranch when Ed was about 14.
It was that night that Ed declared that he was
going to be a fireman. Bob shared how proud
he was of his brother sticking to his dreams and

his commitment to serving others.

Other notables from the (long) past
that attended the dinner were the likes of Tom
Rorhback, Ron McIntyre, Dick Christman,
Jesse Pasos, Bob DeFeo, John White and many
other broken (not you Jesse) handballers from
the good old days! Many of Eds former coworkers from his days at Fire Stations 17, 92,
4 and 20 were also there in tribute, including
two very special guests: Betsy Petersen, widow
of John Cap Pete Petersen, and her daughter
Kathy. Ed was Cap Petes A/O at FS 20 and
drove him during his final years of a 50 year
career.

The dinners M/C was the Master of
MCs, Steve Voice of the LAFD Ruda, who
did his usual smooth and eloquent job. The
first person Steve called on was none other
than John White for the invocation. Prior to
his prayer, John told a story of working with
Ed and a hillside fire in 20s district that Ed
somehow managed to get his aerial ladder into
a very precarious position. Following John was
a good friend and champion handball player
Jesse Pasos, who presented Ed with a Hawaiian lei specially made by the Ray Mayo family.
The special leis are normally made for occasions like weddings, births, christenings, etc. I
guess Eds retirement dinner fit into that category? Bob DeFeo presented Ed with his Retirement Badge and spoke of working around
Ed when he was assigned to Batt 11 and Div
1. He also mentioned something about making
an occasional Short Stop with Ed to discuss
Department policy and procedure?!

Kim Ingram got up and referred to
a long list of notes that reminded him of the
many great times they had together while at
4s. Sounds like they might of had too good of a
time! Ed Gomez, Eddies long time relief at FS
20, presented the Certificate of Appreciation
and shared a couple of stories. Since they both
drove captains by the name of John (Petersen
& Nuttman), they would tell John stories at
relief and have both captains wondering which

one they were talking about!

I presented Eddie with the prestigious
Personal Record Book and took the liberty of
sharing a few of the interesting facts found in
the 120 page document, most notably that 16
of those pages were for Leaves - Off Duty.
Guess when youre a Truckee for over 24 years
it takes a toll on the old body! Using simple
math, Ed was off a total of over three years! It
was a pleasure to work with Ed on the Squad at
FS 4 in the good old days when the Squads
first-in encompassed about half the City.

Next up was Larry Loom-Up Schneider (Smoke Showing was also in attendance)
who presented the City Service Pin with three
large diamonds valued at $25k apiece. At least
thats what they told Larry when he received
his five diamonds! Larry first met Ed when he
was a rookie at FS 17. He stated that he could
see early on that Ed was going to be a keeper.

Ted Nonini, good friend and UFLAC
Board Member extraordinaire presented Ed
with his UFLAC axe plaque. Ted said that he
really didnt want to present the plaque, but
everyone responsible for the presentation were
no-shows. Thanks for filling in Ted.

When it was time for the guest of honor
to speak, he had a table cleared off and in traditional style (for a rookie) stood on it for his
final farewell. He graciously thanked everyone
for coming and each of the firefighters in attendance for being directly responsible for molding him into the fireman he became. In fact, he
thanked them several times over and it was one
of the few times I found Ed to be at a loss for
words! Most of all he thanked his wife for her
continued support and being responsible for the
dinners success.

Without a doubt Mel, it was a great evening, dinner and party. Did I mention that Ed
and Melodie had an Open Bar?

Heres to a long and healthy retirement
Ed & Melodie, youve earned it!!!!
November 2014 41
The Relief PPO Medical Plan covers your

Yearly Hearing Test at 100% when
you use in-network providers.
Consult your personal
physician about scheduling
your appointment today
*Plan coverage as of 7-1-14; all benefits subject to change.
42 November 2014
by Mike Mastro, President/CEO

Firefighters First Credit Union
lack Friday and Cyber Monday mark

the first official days of the holiday
shopping season. Retailers see these
sales events as their best opportunity to boost
slumping sales. Consumers see it as their best
hope to find great deals. To help keep the holiday frenzy in check, Id like to share some financial tips.
Tip 1: Holiday planning can save a lot

You say it every year after the holidays
- Next year, Im going to spend less. Its easy
to get carried away, but its just as easy to stay
financially fit during the busiest shopping season of the year. The last thing youd want to do
is to be paying for expenses well into the new
year.
Make a realistic list Take note of all of your
holiday expenses. Consider more than just
presents: include travel, parties, gift wrapping,
decorations, and entertaining.
Having a well-thought-out list will help prevent getting caught up in the holiday frenzy.
Create a budget Review your list to figure
reasonable costs for each item to determine
your overall budget. Add it up and really give
it some thought as to what you can afford. Prioritize your list and think where you might cut
back.
Stick to the budget Making a budget is not
valuable unless you use it.
Start early Waiting until the last minute can
increase stress and provoke expensive impulse
shopping.
Tip 2: Know when to use debit versus credit

Credit cards are the most convenient
source of purchasing power. Yet, we must be
reminded to use credit sensibly. Know your
limits. If youre carrying a big balance on your
credit cards, think back to Tip 1.

Nevertheless, Ive been asked, Whats
really the difference between using DEBIT and
CREDIT. Choose DEBIT and enter your PIN

when you want cash back with your check card.
When choosing this option, funds are withdrawn from your account immediately. Choose
CREDIT and sign for your transaction when
you dont need cash back and youll be protected from unauthorized transactions through
Visas Zero Liability program. This applies to
both your debit and credit cards.
Tip 3: Lessons learned from Target and
Home Depot

With the Target, Home Depot, and other
retailer data compromises over the past year, it
has been necessary for financial institutions
to act quickly to prevent fraud on member accounts. This included calling members, sending
out urgent letters and emails, and also issuing
replacement cards. However, when your contact information is outdated, they cant reach
you.

How can you help? Be sure to update
contact information best contact phone number, mailing address, and email address on all
of your accounts. Most companies will allow
you to do this online.
Tip 4: Monitor holiday spending; protect
your cards from fraud

Track spending with a mobile app or
through online banking. You can see a history
of account transactions and even transfer funds
while youre on the go.

To help protect you from fraud, we
strongly urge you to sign up for text alerts to
monitor your account activity. You will receive
a text alert* to your smart phone/tablet if there
is suspicious activity. It is important to enroll
both credit and debit cards for this service.

You can also set up account alerts to be
notified when a payment is due, direct deposits
post, when an account balance reaches a specific amount, and more. Generally, these alerts
can be sent via email or text message. Most
financial institutions offer this service through

their online banking or account management
portal.
Tip 5: Open a holiday helper savings
account

A Holiday Helper savings account is
a simple way to set aside money for the holidays. Perhaps the best way to fund this account
is through payroll distribution or automatic
transfer. Just think of all of those trips to Starbucks . . . take that money and put it aside in
your Holiday Helper. Small, recurring deposits
add up and before you know it youll have a
pocketbook full of cash for holiday shopping
instead of a mailbox full of bills afterward.
Your Credit Union is here to help

Whatever may be on your gift-giving
list, your Credit Union can help. From Visa
credit cards to vehicle loans, we can help you
bring joy to the holidays, while keeping the jingle in your pocket with cash-back or rewards.
Remember, with your Platinum Visa or CPF
Visa, youll earn reward points redeemable for
travel, gas cards, hotel stays, gift cards, and
more.

The more business we do together as a
Fire Family, the greater the financial reward
will be for all members!
Happy Holidays!
Mike Mastro
Material provided is for your information and convenience only.
*Standard text messaging rates may apply. Consult your cellular
service provider for details.
November 2014 43
Paid Advertisement
44 November 2014
Sunday, December 7, 2014

11:00 am to 4:00 pm
The Annual Holiday Celebration
The Sportsmens Lodge
12833 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA 91604
Deadline for Reservations:

November 26, 2014
The Holiday Celebration
hosted by the Los Angeles Retired
Fire & Police Association.
Members and their families only.
Valet parking entrance located
off of Coldwater Canyon.
All reservations must be

received by mail on or before
the deadline date.
For parties of 8-12:
Please remit one check for
full payment.
Table location will be assigned.
Sorry, no refunds.
Tickets will be available for
pick up at the door.
Please contact the Association if you have any questions:
Toll Free: (888) 288-5073 or Email us at larfpa@pacbell.net

___________________________________________________________________________
Please return this section with your payment of $10.00 per person to:
LARFPA, 9521 Las Tunas Drive, Ste. #4, Temple City, CA 91780
Name:____________________________________________ Phone:____________________
Number of Adults:______ Children:______ Amount Enclosed:______ Check Number:______
Please specify if you are Fire:_______ Police:_______
Please select your entre options below (1 per person):
Steak with mushroom sauce:____ Lemon herb chicken:____ Vegetarian:____ Childrens meal:____
There will be no refunds given. Please send your reservation in by November 26, 2014
November 2014 45
Send your letters & comments to the editor at: editor@lafra.org

Dearest Andy,

A mere thank you seems so inadequate
to express the way I feel about your
assistance and support in the past, present,
and (likely) the future. My daughter,
Summer, and I will make every effort to
offer our gratitude in person at the open
house. As an added thank you, the gorgeous
red and white floral arrangement was
absolutely stunning.
To Chaplain Greg Gibson, my pillar
of strength, literally and figuratively, a
resounding thank you. He grounded
us before the services with his advice,
encompassing the big things and the little
things (cloth hanky better than Kleenex great tip!). He presided over Ricks services
with ease and elegance, lent me his strength
during the uphill climb to his graveside
prayer, and brought my attention to special
moments/visions that would otherwise
have been missed.
To the men at 69s, I cant begin to
express my thankfulness for your presence
behind me in the chapel. When I saw the
truck and chiefs vehicle it filled my heart
to overflowing for your tribute to a man
46 November 2014
who thoroughly enjoyed being a fireman,

and whose family loved and admired the
department. Your presence provided us
with a visage to carry in our memories into
the future, something so very special that
we will never experience again. We are
eternally in your debt.
Ricks Hog
To the firemen, active and retired, who
attended Ricks memorial services - please
know our gratitude for your journey to
Conejo Mountain to honor Rick. It was
great to see you! Wish we had more time...
Finally, to John Keys - bless your heart!
Summer was so tickled to visit with Donald
Duck again. We were honored that you
were able to play at Ricks service. It was
a no-brainer in planning because Rick had

been emphatic (many times) about having
you and your bagpipes at his services. The
chaplain and I were a bit winded from the
climb up the hill to graveside, but you
played the entire way!
In the last few years of Ricks retirement,
he was a kinder, sweeter, and more
thoughtful man than ever before (he told me
it was his waning testosterone levels :-). He
had become my safe harbor, and we wanted
to reunite under one larger roof, hobble
around together in old age togetherness,
re-tell our story of 44 years, plant kisses
on grandchildren, and annoy our adult
children with our wisdom. He left much
too soon, but Ill be forever thankful that
we had found each other again, even for
a short time. Rick had suffered with PTSD
as a result of Vietnam, but when it came to
claiming a benefit, he felt there were more
needy men who deserved it. He was like
that. The fire department provided Rick with
a great sense of purpose and brotherhood
that he so desperately needed. I cant say
which was greater - what he received from
the department or what he gave. But this is
for certain, there was never any question
that he had made the best career choice.
And I cant emphasize too much that my
children and I benefitted immensely from
our lives as a fire dept. family.
If one should happen to be in the
Camarillo area, please stop by to say hi
to Rick. We chose his final resting place
for its panoramic views - he wanted all
of us to enjoy visitations. His stone will

be emblazoned with the shield, other
affiliations, and a photo of the handsome
devil that he was.
Sincerely grateful,
Jo, Michael, Sean, and Summer Matthes
Newbury Park, CA
Good morning Craig, Tim, Peter and
Bob,
Today is 3 months to the day and time
since Brian passed away and I wanted to
send you all a note of Thanks that comes
from my heart.
It was 3 months ago that I met each of
you and each of you were there everyday
to help get myself and our family through
the most difficult time in our lives. You held
our hands and you guided us through the
decisions that had to be made.
Peter, you flew with me to Colton and
you were there right next to me when I was
told that my Brian was gone.... you picked
me up off of the floor and help me walk
through that horrendous day. You flew with
me to pick up the girls as I silently agonized
knowing that their Daddy was gone. Thank
you!
Tim, you were there to pray with me that
day at the hospital and to help me rely on
my faith for what was ahead. You were here
at the house for the kids with magic tricks
and laughs for the family. Thank you!
Bob, you were with me at the hospital
to make decisions and at home each day
after that. You were there at the cemetery
to make choices on Brians final resting
place and his headstone. You reassured me
that we would be ok and you cracked jokes
when things were getting tuff. Thank you!
Craig, you guided me through difficult
decisions and lead me when struggles arose.

Your delicate way of solving the struggles
was amazing. Our private conversations
and prayers meant so much to me. Thank
you!
To all of you, I know that this was
a collective effort with a massive
amount detail! Thank you Peter for the
arrangements for the service to be at Air
Opts and all of the heart touching tributes!
Thank you Tim for the beautiful eulogy and
tribute to Brians life! Thank you Craig for
the beautiful service and tribute to Brians
fire department life! Thank you Bob for
all of the details which were massive that
made Brians passing, service and the
future details for our family so beautiful
and smooth!
The road the last 3 months has been
heartbreaking but I must trust God and
know he has a plan for myself and the girls.
I am telling myself I have made it 3 months
and I will make it another 3 months. I know
that this is only possible by the grace and
love of God.
Again, from the very bottom of my heart,
Thank You ((Hugs))
Dear Sirs:
Cheryl Smith-Lee
Santa Clarita, CA
Hello Juan,
Dear Andy,
Please accept the enclosed donation in
memory of our dear friend Bev Harris, wife
of retired fireman F.E. Harris. Thank you
for all the hard work and assistance you
provide the fire family. We really appreciate
all of you.
I read in the Mailbox about Don

Beavers passing. I knew Don from being
in the CSFA and the LA City contingent
for a while. Beaver as he was known,
was a fun guy and loving husband of Chris
Beaver. I wish to make a contribution in his
memory.
Sincerely,
John Adams
Camarillo, CA
To LA Fire Widows and Orphans,
Charlie McCown was the maternal
grandfather to our mutual grandchildren.
We thought of him as a good and loving
grandfather who was a positive influence.
We will miss him.
Donald and Majorie Olson
Sun City West, AZ
The breakfast gang got together again

and a god time was had by all. We miss
you too by the way. Collected $71 from the
guys to give to you. Thank you so much for
putting the notice in the Grapevine. Thanks
for all you do.
Happy motoring,
Jim (Gillum)
Newbury Park, CA
Richard Sully and Peggy Sullivan

LAFD retired
Carson City, NV
November 2014 47
2014 FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR

On December 3, 2014, the Los Angeles City Firefighters Association will vote on this years 2014 Firefighter of the Year.
This honor of distinction and recognition is given to a member of any rank, who, not by any single act, has distinguished him/
herself as one of outstanding character, dedication, and loyalty to the Department, the Fire Service, and to the citizens of the
community.
To be eligible for consideration, nominees must have been an active LAFD member for at least one day during the
nominating year, and a member of the California State Firefighters Association/Los Angeles City Firefighters Association.

Candidates will be judged on an overall career and life that exemplifies the best qualities of those who are honored to be part
of the fire service.

If you know of such a person, and would like to nominate him/her for this prestigious award, submit your application NO
LATER than December 1, 2014, to any one of the nominating committee members listed below. The nomination must include the
nominees name, rank, assignment and a statement of why the member should receive the award. Photos and other documentation
may also be submitted.

Please attend the Los Angeles City Firefighters Association meeting on December 3, 2014 at 0830 Hours, Fire Station
59 Training classroom, 11505 Olympic Blvd. and present your nomination IN PERSON. All Los Angeles City Firefighters
Association members are welcome, and encouraged to attend the meeting and presentations, and to show support for the
individuals being nominated.

Presentations may be subject to time limits depending on the number of nominations received in order to provide fairness to
all nominees. These time limits will be announced prior to the start of the December 3, 2014 membership meeting and will be
strictly enforced. The nominee cannot be present during the meeting.

The election will be held in closed executive session following the nominations, and only members of the Los Angeles City
Firefighters Association Board will vote.

REMINDER, APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 1, 2014.

Following personal notification of the winner by the Vice President, public announcement will be made by Department teletype.
2014 FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR NOMINATING COMMITTEE
James S. Dolan, (562) 400-1298
48 November 2014
George James, (661) 433-4679
Adam VanGerpen, (818) 486-9939
MEMBERS
Loren A. Illengo, Fireman.
Appointed May 19, 1958.
Retired on a service pension August 22, 1988 from S&M. Passed away July 2, 2014.
Roy B. Swanhart, Engineer.
Appointed January 25, 1949.
Retired on a service pension September 30, 1971 from FS 86. Passed away September 10, 2014.
Roy W. Kline, Captain.
Retired on a service pension June 1, 1975 from FS 12-A. Passed away September 13, 2014.
Roger T. Hirdler, Engineer.
Appointed February 4, 1961.
Retired on a disability pension September 17, 1981 from FS 25-A. Passed away September 17, 2014.
Jerry R. Johns, Firefighter II.
Retired on a service pension February 1, 1987 from S&M. Passed away September 27, 2014.
Keith A. Wilson, Deputy Chief.
Appointed July 2, 1951.
Retired on a service pension March 1, 1977 from LAFD HQ. Passed away September 28, 2014.
Dennis D. Thorn, Captain.
Appointed March 1, 1979.
Retired on a disability pension January 12, 1995 from FS 5-B. Passed away October 5, 2014.
Laura M. Harrison, Fire Inspector I.
Appointed March 16, 1948.
Retired on a service pension June 30, 1978 from FPB. Passed away October 5, 2014.
Edward M. Holland, Engineer.
Appointed April 20, 1963.
Retired on a disability pension August 20, 1980 from FS 103. Passed away October 7, 2014.
FAMILY
Thelma Dreher, surviving spouse of Edward J. Dreher, passed away September 9, 2014.
Beatrice Rogers, surviving spouse of Edward S. Rogers, passed away September 25, 2014.
Verla S. Converse, surviving spouse of oran W. Converse, passed away September 28, 2014.
Barbara Nelson, surviving spouse of Willis R. Nelson, passed away October 3, 2014.
November 2014 49
Future and
Current Paramedics:
YOU should be HERE.
Paramedic Education course starts January 2015 Application & entrance exam deadline is July 25th
Current Paramedics:
PARAMEDIC REFRESHER/California Paramedic Transition
Course is Nov 17-20, 2014. Registration now open.
Other courses for EMTs & Paramedics:

Paramedic Prep, PHTLS, ACLS, PALS, EMT Recert,
1 12-Lead EKG with STEMI, on-line EMT, and more.
UCLA Center for Prehospital Care
10990 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1450, Los Angeles 90024
310-267-5959/ e-mail: cpc@mednet.ucla.edu
www.cpc.mednet.ucla.edu
50 November 2014
Submitted by Frank Borden Director of Operations, LAFDHS
LAFD History - Time of Remembrance
he month of November is one of those

times during the year that brings back
many memories for me. I was appointed
to the LAFD on November 7, 1959 and started
the Drill Tower with a great group of guys and
on November 6, 1961 went to the Bel Air Fire
on Engine 92. November was also a month that
had a tragic fire losing two LAFD Firemen at
the Gray Building in downtown LA.
THE GRAY BUILDING FIRE

OF 1939
By George Smokey Bass

Box 15 Club of Los Angeles
(Rest in Peace Smokey Bass His story was
written in 1989)

This month marks the 50th anniversary
of the infamous Gray Building fire which occurred on Monday afternoon, November 6,
1939. This fire in the downtown commercial
district gave the LAFD its first opportunity to
mobilize and demonstrate to the citizens of LA
and to the fire service nationally, its new heavy
duty and innovative manifold wagons, duplex
pumpers, water tower/truck combination and
all metal one hundred foot hydraulic aerial ladder. This heavy duty apparatus was equipped
with windshields and completely enclosed
crew cabs, a bucket tiller seat with windshield
and tilt wheel, and the latest Mars figure-eight
warning lights. All of these rigs were equipped
with the powerful American LaFrance or SeaEngine 3s Duplex Pump (in cross walk),
pumping to Engine 3 (wagon battery in operation). Lower in the photo is Engine 5 (wagon
battery in operation) next to Truck 3.
grave V-12 engines, the duplex pumpers each

having two V-12 motors and all boasted of all
wheel braking systems, including the trailer
wheels on the water tower truck and the tractor
drawn aerial.

The manifold wagons were equipped
with the largest monitors ever mounted on land
apparatus. Monitor tip sizes ranged from 1 3/4
inches to 3 1/2 inches, the 3 1/2 tip being capable of 3500 gpm at 80 pounds nozzle pressure.
Each manifold wagon carried 1000 feet of 3 1/2
hose in a split conventional hose bed and 1000
feet of 2 1/2 in a transverse bed, an innovation
that did not reappear on LAFD equipment until
the purchase of the 1948 Mack high pressure
wagons.
The Tragedy

Tragically, this fire also caused the in
line of duty deaths of two fire fighters: Firefighter Joseph W. Kacl of Truck 3, and Auto
Fireman John C. Hough of Engine 3.

The Gray Building fire was first reported to the Westlake Signal Office by telephone, but unfortunately, the address given
was 3336 South Broadway, several miles south
of the fire. A few minutes later, at 2:03 p.m.,
Street Box 1133, at Third and Broadway was
pulled by someone seeing smoke coming from
the Gray Building at 336 South Broadway. Engines 3, 4, 5, 16, Trucks 3 and 4, Salvage 3, and
Rescue 23, along with Acting Battalion Chief
MacDougall in the buggy for Battalion 1, were
dispatched.

Heavy smoke was coming from the second and third floor windows as Engine 3, commanded by Capt. Jones, turned south on Broadway from Third Street. There was no doubt in
anyones minds that they had a working fire.

Capt. Jones spotted the duplex pumper
on a double four hydrant almost across the
street from the Gray Building. Two 3 1/2 lines
were laid by the manifold wagon as the rig was
spotted on the streetcar tracks in the center of
Broadway. Truck 3 took a position in the center
of the street, just ahead of Engine 3s wagon
and raised their new 100 foot metal aerial to
the roof of the fire building. Truck 3 also threw
their two 35 foot extensions to the original fire
floor for access and hand line advancement.

Engine 5, the second manifold wagon and duplex pumper, under the command
of Capt. Zink, took a double four hydrant at
Fourth and Broadway, and laid two 3 1/2 lines
to a position in line with Engine 3s wagon. As
the fire progressed, both Engine 3 and Engine
5s monitors were used to great advantage to
knock down the fire on the second, third, fourth
and fifth floors, as recorded in many photos, including the cover of shot of the November 15,
1939 edition of The Grapevine.

Engine 16 also arrived on the Broadway side along with Salvage 3. Salvage 3
started salvage work on the ground floor and
Engine 16 assisted with hose lines from Engine
3s wagon. The manifold wagons and duplex
Searchers for Joseph W. Kacl buried in the
wreckage of the Gray building, hear the ominous sounds of upper floors giving away.
November 2014 51
pumpers were doing what they were designed

for: supplying large volumes of water and lots
of hose for other companies to use.

Engine 4 (Capt. Kaplan) and Truck 4
(Capt. Fishburn) spotted heavy smoke coming
from the rear of the fire building. Engine 4 laid
into the rear of the fire with their dual carrier,
reducing their 3 1/2 inch line to two working 2
1/2 inch hand lines. The truck raised their 85
foot wood aerial to the roof of the four-story
Trustee Building, immediately south of the
Gray Building. The members of Truck 4 were
credited with saving many lives of the employees of the fire building and exposures who were
trapped on the fire escapes and upper floors of
the three buildings.

Despite the aggressive attack by the
first alarm units, the fire spread from the second floor, the floor of origin, through the fifth,
or top floor.

At 2:18 p.m., three additional engine
companies were requested for a second alarm.
Engine 24, 28 and 58 were the three additional
companies responding to Acting Assistant
Chief Rothermels (Division One) request.

Fire Chief Ralph J. Scott took command of the fire and special called Engine 23
to the Spring Street side of the fire at 2:50 p.m.
because of the heavy fire condition on all floors
at the rear of the building. This was the third of
the manifold/duplex companies carrying large
diameter hose and a large volume monitor
which was definitely needed by this time. Engine 23s monitor, however, was not doing the
job of knocking the fire down on the fourth and
fifth floors. Chief Scott special called Water
Tower Truck 24 to the Spring Street side of the
Gray Building fire at 3:03 p.m. The 2 1/4 tip on
Truck 24s tower made good penetration and
knock down of the fire involving the fourth and
fifth floors. Portable monitors (Morse Deluge
Water Tower Truck 24 on the Spring Street
side of the Gray Building fire. This 1938
American LaFrance Water Tower now sits in
the backyard of FS 88 slowly deteriorating.
52 November 2014
Sets) and 2 1/2 inch hand lines operating from

the roofs of the four-story Trustee Building on
the south and the Rude Building on the north
were definitely reaching the fire burning deep
inside the center of the fifth floor.
Firefighter Deaths

During this massive attack on the Gray
Building fire, two structural failures occurred.
First, the second floor where the fire supposedly started, collapsed without warning, carrying Firefighter Joseph W. Kacl, who was on
the nozzle, to his ultimate death in the rubble
of the first and second floors. As the collapse
of the second floor became evident, his fellow
firefighters on the hose line and others attempted to rescue Firefighter Kacl from this pile of
burning rubble. As rescue attempts were being
carried out, noises from the upper floors gave
warning and a second, this time major collapse
occurred, bringing the fifth, fourth, and third
floors. Firefighter Kacls body was recovered
from the ruins shortly after midnight, the morning of Tuesday, November 7.

Auto Fireman John C. Hough of Engine 3, who was Chief Rothermels driver for
the day, was struck in the head by falling debris
during rescue operations. He later succumbed
to injuries, passing away on December 12,
1939.

As a youngster of eight years, I had the
opportunity to witness the Gray Building fire,
and the tremendous effort put forth by men and
equipment to control a major fire in the downtown area. I remember quite clearly the sound
of the duplex pumpers, their two V-12 LaFrance motors working with a thunderous noise.
To top it off, the latest and most modern water
tower ever built was in action at the
same fire for the first time.
THE BEL AIR FIRE

On November 6, 1961, 38
years after the Gray Building fire,
the LAFD had a major conflagration
know as the Bel Air fire.

On November 6, 1961, I was
a two year Fireman working at FS 92
on Pico Blvd. in West Los Angeles.
We had a beautiful 1958 Seagrave
engine, shop #60013 at the time. It
was already warm that morning with
a Santa Ana wind blowing from the
north east. One of those days when
you knew you were going to have
some action. We were about to have
our 8 a.m. lineup at the front of the
apparatus floor when we looked up
and saw the huge loom-up coming
from the Santa Monica Mountains
right in front of us. We didnt wait for
the dispatch as Captain Jack Skinner
told us to suit up and respond. Engineer Gene Hoppy Hopkins started
the rig as Vince Cortazzo, Bill Ste-
phens, and I jumped on the tailboard for one

of the most memorable shifts we ever had on
the department. Fireman Jack Holman would
respond and join up with us later. This was the
day of the Bel Air fire. As we approached the
fire we encountered the fire blowing horizontally across the road in front of us. The rig stopped
as we watched from the tailboard Capt. Skinner and Engineer Hopkins (both experienced
veterans of the LAFD) discussing a plan. The
plan was to drive through the fire which we did.
When we got out the other side our hose had
dozens of small smoldering burn holes from
the embers and my dungaree pants leg was on
fire. The fire was moving very fast when we
met the chief on the ridge and it seemed like
night as the sun was covered by heavy black
smoke. We were told to try to get ahead of the
fire and protect the structures the majority of
which had wood shingle roofs and were burning blocks at a time. Many of the streets had
no water so we used our tank and a few times
our axe and hayward to pull burning shingles
from the roofs that had just ignited. We traveled
from block to block and house to house using
the hit and run technique saving many homes
from total destruction.

Engine 92 was at the corner of Roscomare and Anzio Road. A beautiful home with a
wood shake roof that had just taken off. The
roof was ablaze. I advanced a one and a half
inch line into the home, and was in the attic, attempting to save the interior of the home. Engineer Hopkins, who was out with the rig, noticed
the roof was starting to weaken and rushed inside, telling me to get out. As we made our way
Engine 92 on Roscomere Rd. taken
by Fireman Frank Manwarren, LAFD
photographer on Nov. 6th.
This is the same house when I

visited in Nov. 2006.
through the hallway to the outside, part of the

roof collapsed into the structure. A big chandelier fell right between us. It was a close call,
but only one of many that we and other firemen would face throughout the day and night. I
have always owed Hoppy a great debt of gratitude for getting me out of the house.

A few years ago, after an article in the
LA Times was written about the fire by Cecilia
Rasmussen, I received a call from Rob Barry,
who lived in the house Engine 92 was trying
to save on Roscomere. He invited me to meet
his family and to see the house 45 years later.
It was amazing! For one thing we saved more
of the house than I thought. Robs father had
the house rebuilt with minor modifications and
it looked much the same as it must have before
the fire hit it. Robs brother and mother were
there. They all had unbelievable stories to tell
of what they went through. Next November,
I would like to see Old Engine 92 and maybe
Hoppy Hopkins with Engine 92, Shop
# 60013 - 47 years after the Bel Air Fire.
new Engine 92 parked in front on the house for

the 53rd anniversary of the fire.

On a sad note, Engineer Hoppy Hopkins who retired as a Captain II, passed away
in his 90s still playing golf. He had led a long
and rewarding life.

The Bel Air-Brentwood conflagration
would become the worst conflagration in the
Citys history and ranked 5th in American history with more than 484 homes and 21 other
structures destroyed within 6 hours. The fire
perimeter was 19 miles involving over 15,000
acres and a loss of $25 million (1961 dollars).

The LAFD Historical Society has the
original Engine 92, the 1958 Seagrave that
Hoppy Hopkins drove to the fire. I took Hoppy
to see his old rig and he told me that when he
was moving the rig at the fire by himself, a hot
power line fell on the front of the rig. He knew
not to get out so he drove through the wire as
it arced and sparked. He showed me the crease
on the front of the rig that is still there today
as a mark of the battle. Retired engineers Mark
Howell and Tim Griffin have been
working on this rig and soon you
will see it in running condition and
on display at the Harbor Fire Museum in San Pedro.
and test pilot of the newest tactical fighter aircraft - the F35B. Major Richard Rusnok flies
these planes at Edwards Air Force Base where
he lives with his family. He is an Annapolis
graduate and at the top of the ladder for pilots.
He also likes fire engines. It was a true pleasure
to meet him and his family. He will be the guest
speaker at the Marine Corps Birthday on November 10th at the Hollywood Fire Museum. I
am sure he will have some interesting things to
talk about. Marines and friends of the Corps are
all invited to attend. Sgt. Major Bill Staples and
Master Sgt. Dave Navarro do a great job organizing the event and putting on the ceremony.
There is S.O.S for breakfast.
MARINE CORPS
BIRTHDAY

In March we had a young
family of five come into the Harbor
Museum for a tour. We found out
that the husband and father of three
children was a Marine Corps Major
Marine Corps Major Richard

Rusnok in his F35B.
Calendar for November 2014
LAFDHS Planned Events 2014
December
Hollywood Christmas Parade
December TBD
HS Annual Holiday Party, Sat. 12/13

The Hollywood Museum is located in Old
Fire Station 27 at 1355 No. Cahuenga, Hollywood,
CA 90028. The Harbor Museum is located in San
Pedro City Hall at 638 S. Beacon St., San Pedro CA
90731.

Anyone interested in joining our great cause
by becoming a member, or volunteering to work, or
make a donation of money or an LAFD item may contact us by mail:
LAFDHS Museum & Memorial
1355 No. Cahuenga Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Phone: 323 464 2727. But remember we are currently
staffed part time, so leave a message and we will return your call. The fax number is 323-464-7401. Our
E-mail is: LAFDHS27@aol.com. Web site at www.
lafdmuseum.org. If you want to look at some great
LAFD history check www.lafire.com. and check the
LAFD web site for information and events at www.
LAFD.org. We look forward to hearing from you and
seeing you at the Museum.
All of our LAFDHS members, guests and

friends are invited to attend our monthly
Meetings at the Museum.
The Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society

is a non-profit 501 (C) (3) organization.
PRESERVE, EDUCATE,
MEMORIALIZE
November 2014 53
LOS ANGELES FIREMENS RELIEF ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

September 3, 2014
CALL TO ORDER
objections.
VICE PRESIDENT REPORT
President Juan Albarran called the meeting

of the Board of Trustees of the Los Angeles
Firemens Relief Association to order at
10:22a.m.
Motion carried to ratify and dispense with the

reading of the minutes of the Board of Trustees
held August 6, 2014.
PRESIDENT REPORT
1) Bob Steinbacher referred to the upcoming

L.A. Kings Fest on September 14th and thanked
all the Trustees and fire stations helping with
the event. He indicated that all the food sales
will be donated to WODFF.
1) Juan Albarran asked the Board for

nominations for President and Vice President
for 2015.
2) Bob Steinbacher referred to the Sacramento

Memorial on October 11th and asked if anyone
was interested in attending.
Juan Albarran entertained a motion to approve

the nominations of Juan Albarran for president
and Bob Steinbacher for vice president. Craig
White so moved. David Lowe seconded. There
was no discussion or objections.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS REPORT
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Juan Albarran, President
Robert Steinbacher, Vice President
Andrew Kuljis, Secretary
Trustee James Coburn
Trustee Jeff Cawdrey
Trustee Tyler Tomich
Trustee Francisco Hernandez
Trustee David Peters
Trustee Steve Ruda
Trustee Rick Godinez
Trustee Craig White
Trustee David Ortiz
Trustee Gene Bednarchik
Trustee Steve Berkery
Trustee Steven Domanski
Trustee Doak Smith
Trustee Mark Akahoshi
Trustee David Lowe Pension
Liberty Unciano Controller-Treasurer
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Trustee Steve Tufts (Excused)
Trustee Chris Hart (Excused)
Trustee Barry Hedberg Pension (Excused)
Trustee Chris Stine (Excused)
Trustee Tim Larson Pension (Excused)
Todd Layfer - Executive Director (Excused)
GUESTS:
David Wagner, Grapevine Editor
INVOCATION & Flag Salute
Rick Godinez led the invocation. Steve Ruda
led the flag salute.
RATIFICATION OF MINUTES
Juan Albarran entertained a motion to ratify
and dispense with the reading of the minutes
of the Board of Trustees meeting held August
6, 2014. David Lowe so moved. Craig White
seconded. There was no further discussion or
54 November 2014
Motion carried to approve nominations

of Juan Albarran for president and Bob
Steinbacher for vice president.
2) Juan Albarran provided an update on the
7470 Figueroa building and mentioned that
as of September 1st, LAFRA has taken over
management of the building. He indicated we
have gotten the fire clearance through plan
check. He stated that we should have clearances
for everything else by next week and indicated
that he will report back with the results.
3) Juan Albarran asked the Board to decide on
the nominee for the Open House event. After
a vote of the Board, it was decided that Ray
Mayo will be honored at this years open house.
4) Juan Albarran addressed the Board on giving
the president an opportunity to work one day
in the field at a fire station. He asked if they
would consider making a change to the Policy
Manual and allow one Saturday per month
when the vice president is available. After
much discussion of coverage, David Peters
motioned to move the issue of the ability of
president working SOD to the Administrative
Committee. Gene Bednarchik seconded. There
Motion carried to move the issue of the
ability of president working SOD to the
Administrative Committee.
Bob Steinbacher reported on the Golf

Tournament for Todd Layfer and stated that
they are now fully booked with players. He
stated that at the next committee meeting, he
and Marlene will match players.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Steve Domanski reported that the global
real estate search is on because they will be
terminating EII. He also stated that as soon as
they approve the Large and Small Cap, they
will rebalance the portfolio.
The committee recommends and I so move to
terminate manager, EII Global Property Fund.
James Coburn so moved. Craig White seconded.
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to terminate manager EII
Global Property Fund.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
REPORT
Jeff Cawdrey presented the following motions.
pay the usual and customary bills in the amount
of $1,079,823.67. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to pay the usual and customary
bills in the amount of $1,079,823.67.
The committee recommends and I so move
to pay the professional fees in the amount
of $175,662.83. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to pay the professional fees in

the amount of $175,662.83.
to approve $4,000 in start-up money for the
L.A. Kings Fest. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to approve $4,000 in start-up
money for the L.A. Kings Fest.
MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT
David Peters presented the following motion.
accept the applications to the Medical Plan.
There was no discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to accept all applications to
the Medical Plan.
RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT
James Coburn presented the following motion.
pay:
The Sick & Injury benefits in the amount of
$23,627.72,
The Estate Planning benefit in the amount of
$3,600,
The Life & Accident Death Benefit in the
amount of $12,000
The Relief Death Benefits in the amount of
$18,000.
Motion carried to pay the above Relief
benefits.
James Coburn read the names of members who
recently passed and asked for a moment of
silence from the Board.
MEMORIALS
Daniel J. Mc Mahon
Loren A. Illengo
Donald E. Beaver
Thomas M. Burroughs
ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
James Coburn presented the following motions.
to accept the donations in the amount of

$70,269.58 to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled
Firemens Fund. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to accept the donations in the
amount of $70,269.58 to the Widows, Orphans
& Disabled Firemens Fund.
approve the financial assistance applications for
surviving spouses, active and retired members.
Motion carried to approve the financial
assistance applications for surviving spouses,
active and retired members.
to approve an additional $5,500 for an active
duty death. Steve Domanski so moved. Doak
Smith seconded. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to approve an additional
$5,500 for an active duty death.
EMERGENCY ADVANCEMENTS
James Coburn presented the following motion.
to approve the emergency advancement
applications for active and retired members.
Motion carried to approve the emergency
advancement applications for active and
retired members.
GRAPEVINE/WEB REPORT
Juan Albarran reported that there had been an
error in the last months Grapevine issue with a
donation in memory of a member that has not
passed away. He indicated that they will resolve
the issue by developing additional options for
the donation file in the system.
SECRETARYS REPORT
Andy Kuljis reported that California Elections
has submitted their proposal for the upcoming
elections. Juan Albarran stated that the Group
3 Trustees were up for this years election.
He also indicated that those Trustees need to
submit their intent to run by October 15th.
BYLAWS COMMITTEE REPORT

David Lowe presented the following motion.
to approve the proposed Bylaw changes for
election. He stated that this Bylaw change
reflects a change in Trustee vacancies. There
Motion carried to approve the proposed Bylaw
changes for election.
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT
Rick Godinez reported that they will be making
some changes under the application submission
process as well as changes on how they notify
the winners.
SETTING OF DATES
1) Over the Line Tournament September 3rd
2) L.A. Kings Hockey Fest September 14th
3) Colorado Springs Memorial
September 18th 21st
4) LAFD Invitational Golf Tournament
September 22nd
5) SIIA Conference Arizona October 5 7
6) LAFD Firefighter Memorial October 11th
7) IFEBP Annual Conference (Boston)
October 12th 15th
8) Mayo Classic October 22nd
9) LAFRA Open House December 6th
RETIREMENT DINNERS

1) Ed Tapia September 6th Castle
Catering Pasadena
2) Matthew Powell September 13th
Dalmatian Amer. Club
3) Jim Eberle & Dave Rowley
September 26th 94th Aero Squadron
4) Jorge Ostrovsky October 4th Jorges House
5) Raul Miranda October 18th
The Odyssey Restaurant
ADJOURNMENT
Juan Albarran entertained a motion to adjourn.
Doak Smith moved. Craig White seconded.
There was no discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to adjourn. The Board of
Trustees meeting adjourned at 12:16 p.m.

Juan Albarran, President
November 2014 55
Donations to Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemens Fund

October 2014
EDNA LOU RICHARDS/THOMAS RICHARDS

in memory of Burt T. Richards &
William W. Richards
SAM & ALICE DIANNITO in gratitude for the
DME & Andy Kuljis
FIRE STATION NO. 66 from the Fire
Extinguisher Fund
RICHARD E. FOX in memory of Tom Burroughs
RICHARD C. SULLIVAN in memory of
Beverly Harris
CHARLES L. MACKIE in memory of Lynn Israel,
wife of LAFD retired Dan Israel
J H MADDEN in memory of Regina
Mather Brymer
OSCAR GUTIERREZ
EDWARD L. REED in memory of Carol Reed
from Kay Wilinski
JOHN F. FLYNN
LYLE E. HALL
SILAS CLARKE JR. in memory of Donald Beaver
LINDA MCCOMB in memory of Irene Englund
GREGORY E. NEWLAND in memory of
Richard W. Matthes
STEVE A. SCHULZ in memory of
Richard Matthes
CARLOS M. CALVILLO
DOROTHY L. RUBINO in memory of my husband
Tom Rubino
JAMES E. GILLUM from the Simi Valley
Breakfast Club
VINCE & MICHELLE MARZO in memory of
Carol Reed, wife of retired Captain Ed Reed
BLANCHE HOFFMAN in memory of
Gertrude Kubernick
mail:
P.O. Box 41903
Los Angeles CA
90041
MARION TRIFFON in memory of Beverly Harris

DONALD E. OLSON in memory of
Charlie McCown
ALBERT ABEL
56 November 2014
phone:
(800) 244-3439
visit:
www.LAFRA.org
CLASSIFIEDS
For advertising information, please contact:
Eric Santiago - (323) 259-5231 - eric@lafra.org
Dave Wagner - editor@lafra.org
MERCHANDISE
FOR SALE
1966 V8 RED MUSTANG COUPE
(GT Clone). Rangoon red paint,
beautiful body. Only some minor
interior work needed. Runs great.
3 speed auto. $10K obo. San Diego
area. Christina Hanson (805) 2526050 or email:
christinahanson66@yahoo.com
FIAT COLLECTORS. Check this out.
1977 Fiat X19 Bertone convertible
stored for years. New tires less than
80,000 miles looks and runs good.
Needs smog, pump and bracket for
California driving. $4500 OBO. (760)
878-2269 (Independence CA). Leave
message. Sorry no agents.
PROJECT CARS. 1940 Ford 2-door
and 4-door sedans. 1939 deluxe
2-door sedan. 1941 Ford 123 inch
wheelbase railway express agency
truck. 1954 mercury hardtop, 1957
Ford hardtop. 1961 T-Bird convertible.
Miscellaneous parts and sheet metal.
Contact Jim McPherson LAFD retired
(805) 501-8102 or email
jimmymac567@charter.net
REAL ESTATE
FOR SALE
ALASKA - EXCITING AND ENCHANTING. Vacation home on the
Kenai river in soldotna. 3 furnished
dwellings to entertain your friends or
rent. Spectacular views watch the
northern. Lights dance before your
eyes from the main cabin on winter
nights. Catch your limit of world class
salmon (kings, sockeye & coho).
Summer thru fall. Cross country ski,
snow machine, dog mush from your
own property. Winter thru spring. So
very much more. $335,000. (360)
797-3366 - Ask for Jeanne.
https://www.flickr.com/photos
/127395141@N08
GREAT GOLF COURSE LOT. Golf
cart, Park model, fully furnished.
Patio, palm trees, winter paradise,
55+ RV park. 120 miles east of Palm
Springs on I-10. LAFD widow - needs
to sell. (541) 643-5634. $62,000.
GREAT HOME in gated neighborhood on Lake Hartwell, South Carolina. Located in a gated neighborhood, has a dock in place on deep
water. Home features five bedrooms
and five bathrooms with master on

main. Kitchen has granite countertops
and stainless steel appliances. There
are two decks on that is screened in.
There is an additional 2300 square
feet in basement partially finished.
Easy walk to lake. $649,900. 105
Chapelwood Drive, Anderson, South
Carolina. www.callelizabeth.com
SERVICES
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CRAIG SANFORD HEATING & AIR
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LAPD. Toll free (877) 891-1414, (661)
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FIRE FAMILY ESTATE SALES Call
us when a loved one passes, moves
to a nursing facility or downsizes. Our
professional staff can handle every
aspect of estate liquidation. We have
worked with many fire families and
are here to help. Rebecca Martin,
LAFD wife (818) 216-3637 www.
firefamilyestatesales.com
911 CALL ELIZABETH

WILLAHAN (LAFD wife) for any real
estate needs. Donation to fire-related
organizations and/or help with some
escrow fees with every closed sale!
Specializing in Orange County, parts
of Los Angeles/Riverside Counties.
Lender information available. Century
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Call or text. CA Lic # 807078.
Bonded & insured
www.firemanlandscape.com
ALTERNATIVE & TRADITIONAL

Termite & Pest Control - ECOLA
Ecological Solutions. Smart choices,
simple solutions. Problem solved.
Call for FREE termite estimate or pest
quotes over the phone - escrow and
inspections excluded. Fireman wife
Sue Fries - Termite Lady.
(818) 652-7171.
termitelady@ecolatermite.com
FIREMAN WHOLESALE NURSERY

& ROCK YARD. All your landscape
materials @ wholesale prices. Trees
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www.firemanwholesalenursery.
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BUSY BEAVER TREE AND LANDSCAPE. Tree trimming and removal,

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Mixed firewood, eucalyptus and oak.
Delivery available or pick up. Licensed and insured. Dwayne Kastor,
FS 63-B - (818) 535-6368.
CALIFORNIA FIREARMS
DEALER - DOJRS background
checks, FFL transfers, handgun
safety certificate, consignment sales,
gun registration and personal transfers. Personal firearms instructor,
tactical casualty management and
gunsmithing. All handguns and long
guns must be listed on the California
DOJ for sale roster. Call Bill Evans active LAFD (714) 330-9825 email:
firehousegunz@gmail.com
COMPLETE DRYWALL SERVICE.
New construction and remodel.
Acoustic ceiling removal. Spray texture and hand textures. Greg Avery
(805) 320-8311 or Mark Avery (805)
551-6041.
COUNSELING SERVICES. Licensed
Clinical Psychologist Dr. Susan Purrington specializes in anxiety, depres-
GARAGE DOOR INSTALLATION

& SERVICE. Garage doors and openers. Need to replace your broken
springs? or does your door need
repair, even replaced? We do it all
from new product to repairing old. Call
(661) 860-4563 Grassroots Garage
Doors, Inc. Lic# 950020. Son of 35
year veteran fireman.
REAL ESTATE SERVICES. Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Moorpark,
Simi Valley, Camarillo, Ventura and
the San Fernando Valley. Homes,
lots, commercial and investment
properties. Over 20 years experience.
Please call me with your real estate
questions and also request your activity reports for your area. Mike Rhodes
- Prudential California Realty. Realtor
- BRE License 0177388. LAFD
retired. Cell (805) 501-6044. Email:
2MikeRhodes@gmail.com
TAX ALERT FOR FIREFIGHTERS.
Dont lose thousands of dollars during
your professional career to taxes!
Let HEWITT FINANCIAL GROUP
prepare your tax return. We specialize
in tax preparation and financial planning for firefighters. We offer a FREE
REVIEW of your last three years of

tax returns. Call us today at (800)
573-4829 or visit us at
www.hewittfinancial.com
WINDOWS & PATIO DOORS - vinyl
replacement windows & Patio doors. I
also carry aluminum, wood and entry
door systems. Rick Brandelli, Capt.
LACoFD, FS 8-C (800) 667-6676.
www.GeeWindows.com
VACATION
RENTALS
BIG BEAR CABIN - All season,
restful views from decks. Two story,
sleeps 6, half mile to lake, two plus
miles to slopes. Fireplace/Wood,
cable TV/DVD/VCR. Full kitchen,
completely furnished except linens.
Pets ok. $100/$110 (two day minimum). $550/$650 a week, Beep or
Donna Schaffer 1+(760) 723-1475.
www.schaffercabin.com
BIG BEAR CABIN. 2 bedroom, 2
bath, 2 story. Sleeps 6-8. About 6
miles from ski slopes & lake. Fireplace/
wood, cable, full kitchen - furnished.
$100 per night M - Th. $110 per night
F-Sun. Weekly available. Sheri (909)
851-1094 or (760) 948-2844.
BIG BEAR LAKES FINEST- Deluxe
lakeside townhouse, 2 bedrooms,
3 baths, 2 cable TVs, HBO, DVD,
WiFi, 2 wood burning fireplaces,
laundry room, tennis court, indoor
pool, sauna, spa, boat dock. Fully
equipped, including all linens. Sleeps
6. 310-541-8311 or email: nmbigbear@gmail.com
BIG BEAR CABIN - Sugarloaf - Cozy
upgraded 2 bedroom cabin. Sleeps
8. Fireplace, deck, Wifi - internet and
cable TV. On a large lot with sled hill.
Fully furnished except linens. $125
Winter $100 summer. Details and
availability, Call/text/email Jessica
(949) 874-5294
sugarloafcabin@cox.net sugarloafcabin.com
CARPINTERIA BEACH CONDO.
2 bedroom, 2 bath. Three blocks
to beach, five blocks to downtown.
Sleeps 8 - Monthly rentals only - completely furnished - cable + WiFi. (vrbo.
com - 603800 - search). Jill Johns
(805) 490-8196.
CATALINA BEACH
COTTAGE - 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, one
block to beach, view, fully equipped
housekeeping unit. Marci (818) 3476783 or Clarence (310) 510-2721.
DESERT CONDOS, RANCHO
MIRAGE (near Palm Springs). 2 bed,
2 bath. Fully furnished condo, TV,
internet, pools and spas. Gated community from $115/night. 3 bed from
$125/night. No smoking. Barbara
(626) 798-2484.
November 2014 57
FABULOUS CAYUCOS
BEACH CONDO. 180-degree ocean
front view, 1 bedroom, 1 1/4 bath,
living room, sofa bed, outdoor patio
ocean front view. Morro Bay/ Hearst
Castle, Central California Area. Steps
to beach and fishing pier. Nearby public golf & tennis. Weekly or monthly.
Contact Sondra (818) 985-9066.
JUNE LAKE CABIN - 2BR/2BA
cabin with Carson Peak view. Close
to fishing & skiing. Furnished, wood
deck, equipped kitchen, wood burning
stove, tree swing, cable /DVD/phone.
Garage/ample parking. $95/night
plus cleaning fee. Email for pictures.
Jeff Easton 93-A (805) 217-5602.
junebound@gmail.com
LAKE ARROWHEAD BLUE JAY
CABIN. Charming 2-story with creek,
large deck, two baths, complete kitchen, TV/VCR/DVD, fireplace, washer
& dryer. Walk to Blue Jay Village.
Sleeps 8. $90/night. NO PETS! Bruce
or Sue Froude, (805) 498-8542.
LAKE HAVASU LANDING-Waterfront, steps to the water. Boat mooring out front, off-road desert behind
house. 3 bed/3 bath, fully furnished w/
linens. Direct TV/DVR, BBQ, Casino,
Grocery/Meat Market, Launch Ramp,
Marina with Boat House, Gated Community. No pets/smoking. $350 Dan
Cook 310 418 1577.
LAKE HAVASU BEAUTY FOR
RENT - 3 bdrm, 2 bath, 1600 sq.ft.
Fully furnished with all amenitiesLaundry & BBQ. 13,000 sq.ft. lot. 3
car boat-deep garage. 3 miles from
launch ramp. Close to downtown
shops & restaurants. View of the lake.
Quiet street in good neighborhood.
No pets. No smoking. Snowbird rates.
Call Mike (661) 510-6246
LAKE NACIMIENTO. Oak Shores
gated community. 3 bedroom, 2 1/2
bath, large loft. 3minute drive to main
marina in Oak Shores. Large flat
driveway. Fully equipped kitchen,
BBQ, washer/dryer, TV/DVD. No
cable. No pets/smoking. $185/night.
3 night minimum. Call Ben (805)
444-2264.
MAMMOTH - 1 bedroom Summit
condo, sleeps 6. Convenient underground garage parking. Jacuzzis,
gym (pool/tennis in summertime),
shuttle right outside! Across from
Eagle Lodge, Winter $110 per night,
Summer $80 per night plus $65
cleaning fee and 13% tax. All linens
included. Drew or Nancy Oliphant
(661) 513-2000 or email: mammoth241@aol.com
MAMMOTH CONDO. 1 Bed/ 1.25
Bath sierra manors condo. In town,
on shuttle route. Sleeps 4 easily. Pets
OK. Fully furnished with new furniture/
HDTV/WIFI Woodburning fireplace.
Hot Tub, sauna, W/D in complex. Reduced rates for FFs starting @100/nt
oldtownmammothcondo.ownernet-
58 November 2014
works.com
mammothmtncondo@yahoo.com
Ryan (310) 717 8483 for more info/
rates
MAMMOTH CONDO. 2 bedroom, 2
bath, sleeps 6. Near Canyon Lodge.
Newly remodeled recreation room
with pool and spa. Laundy facilities,
condo has been beautifully remodeled. Photos available on website.
Winter - $300 per night, Summer
- $150 per night. $150 cleaning fee.
Call for holiday terms and pricing.
Joseph Angiuli (626) 497-5083.
www.discoveryfour.com
MAMMOTH CONDO - CHAMONIX.
2 bedroom & large loft, 3 full baths,
sleeps 8. 5 minute walk to Canyon
Lodge. Fully furnished, TVs, VCR/
DVD, pool, spa, rec room, sauna, linens included. Winter $175 weekdays,
$195-weekends/holidays; summer
$125, plus cleaning. No smoking; no
pets. Craig Yoder (909) 948-3659.
MAMMOTH CONDO Cozy 2 bedrooms, 2 bath. Fully furnished, WIFI,
3 TVs, pool, spa, walk to shuttle, Old
Mammoth area. Winter $115, Summer $90, plus cleaning fee $139 and
14% city tax. Includes linens. No pets,
no smoking. Call (310) 540-4648.
MAMMOTH CONDO - 2 bdrm, 2
bath, 2 TVs, phone, garage, pool,
jacuzzi, fully furnished - exept linens.
Near shuttle/chair 15. Winter $125/
night. Weekends and Holidays $110
midweek. Summer $95/night. $495/
week. No smoking. No pets. Jim
Johnson (818) 992-7564, FS 80C.
MAMMOTH CONDO AT MAMMOTH
ESTATES, 4BR/3BA, sleeps 10, fully
furnished, 2 TVs, DVDs, WiFi, towels/
linens, fireplace. Full kitchen. Walk to
Gondola Village and shuttle. Complex
has pool, spa, sauna, laundry. Winter
$335/night, Summer $215/night, plus
cleaning. Includes city bed tax. No
pets, no smoking. Dory Jones (310)
918-0631 or Kelly Corcoran (310)
619-5355
MAMMOTH CONDO rental. Large
2bed/2bath winterset condo. Fully furnished, across from Vons, on shuttle
route, easily sleeps 8. Hot tub, heated
pool, sauna, full size in unit W/D
HDTV/WiFi throughout, woodburning
fireplace, pets OK FIREFIGHTER
DISCOUNTS, rates from $150/night
facebook.com/mammothmtncondo@yahoo.com
Ryan @ (310) 717-8483
MAMMOTH CONDO - Sierra Manors
Sleeps 7. 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath. Fully
furnished except linens. 2 TVs/VCR/
DVD, stereo/CD. Dishwasher, microwave, sauna, jacuzzi, pool. No smoking/No Pets. Shuttle at door. Winter
$155/night, Summer $100/night, Plus
$80 cleaning fee and City Bed Tax.
Brian & Karen Salvage LAFD Retired
(805) 499-7752.
MAMMOTH LAKES - One bedroom,

extremely charming wildflower condo.
Full amenities, close to shuttle.
Antiques, art, satellite TV, fireplace.
Sleeps 4. Winter $110, Summer $85
plus cleaning fees. Call Bill Clark
(818) 371-6722
Email: shakesong@aol.com
MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET:
Studio/loft, 2 bath, king bed, sleeps 4.
Full kitchen, TV, VCR, DVD. Garage
parking. Walk to Canyon Lodge. Ski
back wall. 2 night minimum. Winter
$100/nite, $126 Fri, Sat & Holidays.
Summer $50/nite. Plus $95 cleaning
& linens. Jeff & Lisa Moir. LAFD Air
Ops (661) 254-5788.
MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET: Walk
to Canyon Lodge. Studio loft sleeps
4. Queen beds, full kitchen, 2 baths,
garage parking, TV, VCR, DVD.
Winter Sun-Thurs $100.nite; Fri & Sat
$115/nite plus cleaning fee $100. Non
smoking complex. Joel Parker, LAFD
retired.
email: cat25sailor@juno.com or
(213) 399-6534.
MAUI BEACH FRONT CONDO ON
NAPILI BAY - 50 from water. Studios
and 1 bedroom. Luxury furnishings +
full kitchen. All the amenities! Mauis
best snorkeling/beach. All island
activities & Kapalua within 4 minutes.
5-day minimum, from $150 per night
(regularly $310/night). Call Sherrie or Bill for info/reservations (805)
530-0007 or email: pmimaui@aol.
com or visit:
www.napilibaymaui.com
MAMMOTH CONDO NEXT TO THE
GONDOLA VILLAGE Fully furnished, three bedroom, two bath with
towels and linens, newly remodeled
kitchen, internet and cable TV, pool
and Jacuzzi. Walk to the gondola,
shops, restaurants and ski in on
the new comeback trail. Parking at
the front door. Winter: $250/night.
Summer $150/night. Holidays $300/
night. Cleaning is included. Call Mike
Whitehouse, Retired, 805-987-6122,
email: btkwhitey@yahoo.com
or Bruce Galien, Retired, 661-6457448, email: luvbaja2@aol.com
MAUI CONDO 1 AND 2 BEDROOMS. Centrally located on beautiful Maalaea Bay. Excellent swimming
and snorkeling; white sandy beach.
Minutes from golf, tennis, fishing,
shopping, airport and resort areas.
Marsha Smith or Jeanne McJannet. Toll free (800) 367-6084. www.
maalaeabay.com
MAUIS MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACH
- Napili Bay. Beautiful furnished condo
that sleeps 4. Lanai/balcony, full kitchen, king bed, flat screen TVs/DVD,
ACs free WiFi (internet), complimentary maid service, complimentary coffee every morning and breakfast on
Fridays. Special firefighters discount
- Best value in West Maui! Nice pool
& BBQ area - Close to beach! (800)
336-2185 www.napilivillage.com
Don Sprenger - retired LAFD (949)
548-5659
MONTANA ROCKY MT. FRONT
GETAWAY - 80 miles south of Glacier
Natl Park, in the foothills of the
Rockies, mountain and canyon views.
1,000s of miles of trailheads, fishing,
etc. 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath, dining,
living, kitchen & washer/dryer. SatTV,
wireless internet. $125.00 night +
cleaning. Call Dan (805) 279-8143 or
www.VRBO.com (#494959)
PALACE RESORTS ALL INCLUSIVE. Cancun, Riviera Maya, Isla
Mujeres, Cozumel - Exclusive
member service and treatment. Visit
palaceresorts.com to view various
resorts and amenities. Price is for one
week, two persons, any day travel
and includes airport transportation,
massages and two tours. Price varies
by season. John @ (626) 757-5341
or jgonzlz@hotmail.com
PALM DESERT-3 bed/2bath, one
level. New re-model, fully furnished w/
linens. Cable TV/DVR, Private Patio,
BBQ, Laundry, Garage, Gated Community, two (Pools, Jacuzzis, Tennis
Courts). Near College of the Desert.
$175 Dan Cook 310 418 1577.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Romantic
Chalet Family getaway. 3 bed/2 bath
plus loft. Sleeps 810. Cable TV,
washer/dryer, microwave, woodburning stove. 7 minutes to casinos and
Heavenly. Located in Tahoe Paradise.
$105 per night plus cleaning. Call
Shawn or Rose Agnew at (661) 2509907 or (661) 476-6288.
VACATION
VEHICLES
MOTOR HOMES FOR RENT:
Several 2006 Class A 32 Foot Motor
Homes, with Double Slide Outs, Fully
Loaded, Free Housekeeping Kit,
Camping Kit, Discount Prices Starting
at $150.00 to $180.00 per night. Serving family & friends of LAPD , LASD,
IPD, OXPD, OX Fire, LA CO., LA City,
Ski Clubs ask for our 25% off weekly
rental rates. Visit us at www.so-calrv.
com or call 661-714-7689 or 661297-2398. ALSO AVAILABLE BIG
BEAR CABINS, 3 bedroom 2 bath
with pool tables & spas. PLEASE
CALL FOR MORE DETAILS.
WANTED
WANTED. License plate frame from
1986 Centennial Fire Department.
Call Blacky Blackwell (661) 268-0040
For advertising information, please contact:

Eric Santiago - (323) 259-5231 - eric@lafra.org
or visit our website at www.lafra.org/advertising
Deal direct with authorized Factory Dealers

Offering members of the Los Angeles Fire Department
Courteous, Ethical, and Special Consideration in the purchase of your new car.
GALPIN FORD
#1 Volume Ford Dealer in the world for 20

consecutive years!
Lincoln / Mercury / Honda / Mazda /

Volvo / Ford / Jaguar / Lotus / Aston
Martin / Spyker / Galpin Auto Sports
For special pricing contact
Terry MillerFleet Sales & Leasing
15505 Roscoe Blvd
North Hills CA 91343
818-797-3800 l www.galpin.com
1.800.GO.GALPIN
HAMER TOYOTA, INC.

Camry / Celica / Corolla / Tundra
Tacoma / Sienna / Supra / Solara
11041 Sepulveda Blvd
Mission Hills CA
Ask for Steve DensonFleet Mgr
steve@hamertoyota.com
818-365-9621
Specializing in hassle-free car buying
HONDA OF HOLLYWOOD
Honda - Sales and Leasing
Large Selection of Used Vehicles
6511 Santa Monica Blvd
Hollywood CA
Ask for Dave Erickson
323-466-3251 l Fax: 323-462-0187
DaveE@hondaofhollywood.com
GOUDY HONDA
Auto Leasing & Fleet Sales Since 1989
Fastest Growing Dealer in the Nation
1400 W Main St, Alhambra CA 91801
Eddie WangFleet & Lease Mgr
626-300-4222 l 800-423-1114
November 2014 59
Shop online at Amazon and support your

Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemens Fund with
Its the Amazon you know

supporting a cause you care about.
Visit remensrelief.org/amazon to learn more.
60 November 2014
The Donckels LAFD Adventure

Louie and Marie Donckels were married in 1937, and in order to provide for the growing family, Louie joined the LAFD. He was stationed
at 27s during the war and the kids remember Mom driving them to the firehouse the day WWII ended.

Louie later bought a house that sat in the way of the new Hollywood Freeway, moving the structure and the family to the country in
Sepulveda. He then transferred to 39s to be closer to home and his 15 children.

Gerald, the oldest, followed Dad onto the job in 1960. He was the TFC at 15s during the 84 Olympics. Louie Jr. joined the LAFD 1969
and retired in 2000. Ray came on the job in 1971 and won the Medal of Valor for his actions during a Sepulveda Basin flood. Doug, the baby of
the family, joined the Department in 1981 and retired in October of this year. It is the first time in 72 years that there is no Donckels on the LAFD.
Pictured: Louie Donckels, Sr. (far left) straddles the line at a warehouse fire in No. Hollywood.
November 2014 61
Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association

815 Colorado Blvd FL 4
Los Angeles CA 90041-1745

November 2014

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November 2014

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New Club Benefit

Now You Can Payroll Deduct

For More Information,

Enroll today at CityEmployeesClub.com

Saturday, december 6 th , 2014

This year we honor the work

LA Firemens Relief Association

815 Colorado Blvd. - 4th floor

Spending the day on the fairways for a good cause,

9/11 Remembrance Ceremonies

To mark the 13th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Los Angeles

Annual Hogs Breath BBQ

50 motorcycles roared into the Long Beach Police

On the cover: Wharf Fire, Wilmington

Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association.

Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association

Katherine Main, Brian Humphrey, Erik Scott

Experts in Residential and Commercial

Mike Mastro, Frank Borden, David Vienna,

LOS ANGELES FIREMENS RELIEF ASSOCIATION

Claims & Benefit Information...................................(866) 99-LAFRA

Venita reads her mail from LAFRA

Awards Dinner Sponsor

othings better than a spending the day on the fairway. Well,

Major Emergency Sponsors

Greater Alarm Sponsors

s in previous years, the 2014 LAFD

Williams. The helmets drew a lot of attention

There were many happy winners who took

First Alarm Sponsors

Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association Medical Plan may

os Angeles Kings Hockey Fest, which

Ellidge, repeated their award-winning pulled

and continued support of the Widows, Orphans

os Angeles held its own remembrance

be fading in the minds of many Americans. But

FS49 - Well, its diver time again, and theres

Firefighters quenched a small fire in a grease duct at Folliero Pizza

We would like to congratulate everyone on

fought the fire and left their turnouts (some

FS 112 - Theres nothing like being on the ball

ANDORRA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

is a Registered Investment Advisor providing independent

To be your Deferred Comp and

CHOOSING A FINANCIAL ADVISOR

CONTACT KURT STABEL, ACTIVE LAFD MEMBER

5941 Naples Plaza

Greetings from the Battalion that never sleeps!

Tapatio and Cholula, to the zesty Sriracha and

gap downfield. Knowing that he could exploit

64s hot sauce challenge

Welcome Kennedy Taylor Cremins!

Our Mission Statement:

Its not just about the return on investments,

1120 West Avenue M-4, Palmdale

A police officer was injured when his cruiser was

any good engineer. Well a little later you hear

new addition to the Worcester family

On 9/1/14, firefighters extinguished

T 94 overhauls the roof after a fire

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY.

d like to have a few extra bucks in my

kids down and let them watch Mom and Dad

color and no logical reason for their placement

GREATER ALARM COMMERCIAL

Photos by Rick McClure, EPN

On September 29, 2014, firefighters took just 40 minutes to