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n
n SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2019 | B SHIFT
y
s
DOWNTOWN L.A.
JW Marriott @ L.A. Live | 900 West Olympic Blvd.
s
g 5 PM | COCKTAILS (CASH BAR)
et COCKTAIL ATTIRE 6:30 PM | DINNER
1 This is an ADULTS ONLY event. 7 PM - 12 AM | DANCING

INDIVIDUAL $95 COUPLE $180

FIRE STATION TABLES AVAILABLE
FOR 10 $850 FOR 12 $1020

EVENT CONTACT JULIET BRANDOLINO

(323) 259-5215 JBRANDOLINO@LAFRA.ORG

This event is open to all LAFD Firefighters, LA Firemen's Relief Association members & affiliated LAFD personnel.
 On the cover: Physical Rescue - By Zak Holman

Photo Inset: Brush Fire - Sepulveda Basin - By Mike Meadows

2 • September 2019
 VOL. XCVI SEPTEMBER 2019 NO. 1

• FEATURES •
Emotional Intelligence 3
Tips for Managing your LAFD Maverick • ....................................07

Medal of Valor
LAFD Heroes Rise to the Occasion in the Desert • ...................... 08

LAFD Helicopter Pilot Mentoring Program

Learn What it Takes to be Part of the Elite Team • .........................11

• CONTENTS •
President’s Message • ............................................................................05
Battalion News • ....................................................................................13
The Retired Guys • …………..……..…..….…..…..….…..…..…..…..…….35
Home Stay
Open Your Heart and House to a Visitor • .............................................37
Solar Safety for Firefighters
The Myths and the Facts • ......................................................................38
The Price to Pay for Seniority
Can you Afford It? • ..............................................................................40
Terrence O’Connell Retirement • ...........................................................43
Station Fridge • ......................................................................................44
Retirement Dinners • ……………………………………………………….45
Memorials • ...........................................................................................46
Housewives of the LAFD
Are you Prepared for the Big One? • ...................................................47
Mailbox • ...............................................................................................48
LAFD History
September 11th—Never Forget • ..........................................................51
Minutes of the Board of Trustees • .....................................................54
Classifieds • ...........................................................................................57
Tailboard
Fire Station 75 • ....................................................................................60

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

COPYRIGHT © 2019
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association.
No material may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

September 2019 • 3
 FIREMEN’S GRAPEVINE
In Appreciation of
owned and published by the
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
7470 N Figueroa Street, Los angeles CA 90041
Our Firefighters
EDITORIAL STAFF
Dave Wagner • Managing Editor..........................................editor@lafra.org
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$35.00 Display Advertising.................................................(323) 259-5200 ext. 231

PSO’s
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
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2476 S Atlantic Blvd PHOTOGRAPHERS

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Tel (323) 780-1650 LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION

Robert Steinbacher................................................President
Jeff Cawdrey .................................................Vice-President
Isaac Burks, Jim Dolan & Steve Ruda ................Community Affairs Liaisons

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chris Stine Gene Bednarchik Mike Sailhamer
Craig White Henry Gasbarri Rich Moody
Business hours: Danny Wu Jim Duffy Rick Godinez
8-5:30pm Monday-Friday David Peters Joe Vigil Steve Berkery
Doak Smith John Jacobsen Tim Freeman Jr.
8:30-2pm Saturday Frank Aguirre Juan Albarran Tim Larson
(Note: Arrive 30 minutes before closing) Gayle Sonoda Kenny Breskin Tyler Tomich

CHAPLAINS
To contact a chaplain, please call Senior Chaplain Rick Godinez at
(213) 797-2404 or the MFC Floor Captain at (213) 576-8920
Greg W. Gibson...................Chaplain Hershy Z. Ten.......................Chaplain
Danny Leon..........................Chaplain Roger Fowble.....................Chaplain
George A. Negrete...............Chaplain Mark R. Woolf.....................Chaplain
Aquil F. Basheer..................Chaplain Jesus Pasos.........................Chaplain
Tim Werle............................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
Victoria Conwell • Human Resources Director..........(323) 259-5247
Liberty Unciano • Controller/Treasurer..................(323) 259-5225
Bob Dillon • Operations Manager.............................(323) 259-5233
Marlene Casillas • Development & Marketing Director(323) 259-5217
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HealthSCOPE Benefits
Claims & Benefit Information...................................(866) 99-LAFRA
THE FIREMEN’S GRAPEVINE (USPS 191-060) is published monthly by the Los Angeles Firemen’s
Relief Association, 7470 N Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, Cal­i­for­nia 90041. Annual $48 Subscription
included with Association mem­ber­ship; Non-members: $48. Single issues $4 postpaid. Back issues $7
postpaid. Pe­ri­od­i­cals post­age paid at Los Angeles, CA and at additional mailing office. POST­MAS­TER: Send
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views of the Los An­ge­les City Fire De­part­ment or the Los An­ge­les Firemen’s Relief Association.

4 • September 2019
A
s I look back at my message from last September, I am ter time to join. Cost is down and benefits are up—including a
reminded of what 9/11 means to me and my family, and free gym membership through our New Wellness Program. This
also to my co-workers. I realize that the date has be- includes eligible LAFRA PPO as well as Kaiser Medical Plans
come more than just a series of numbers or a simple date on a members.
calendar. Instead, it’s a reminder of what others have sacrificed PLAY BALL—softball that is, at this year’s Dave Moor-
for our freedom. Just as our grandparents and maybe our parents man—It’s All Good—Over the Line Tournament which will be
experienced December 7th, 1941, we must never take for granted held on October 2nd. Bring you glove, balls, and team spirit for
that the freedoms that reign for us come at a high cost—one that a great time of camaraderie and sportsmanship. See the ad for
many of our own have paid for with their own lives. 9/11. Always additional information on the event on page 14 of this edition.
Remember-Never Forget.
On September 21, 2019, three more of our brothers’ names SAVE THE DATES
will be added to the Wall in Colorado Springs, CO as the IAFF • IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial – Sept 21
honors and remember those who have fallen in the line of duty. A • LAFD Invitational Golf Tournament – Sept 23
contingent of LAFRA Trustees, along with our own Family Sup- • California Fallen Firefighter Memorial – Sept 28
port Group, will be traveling with the families who members will • LAFD Fallen Firefighters Memorial – Oct 12
be honored on the Wall this year. May they travel safe and know • LAFRA Open House Party – Nov 2
that our thoughts and prayers are with them. • LAFRA Holiday Party – Dec 7
Another date to remember is September 28, 2019. On this
day, the 17th Annual California Firefighters Memorial will be Be safe and kind to each other!
held in Sacramento, California. This is an astonishing memorial
that portrays the courage of the profession and the sorrow felt
when firefighters fall in the line of duty. Can’t travel that far? Join Robert D. Steinbacher
us at the LA Fire Museum in Hollywood on Oct 12th for their president@lafra.org
touching annual tribute to our fallen members. If you have the 323.259.5200
time, we encourage you to participate in one or both events.
Up for a game of golf? Join us on September 23, 2019 at
the MountainGate Country Club for a fun round of golf and a
charitable fundraiser for the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Fire-
fighter’s Fund. If you haven’t already, purchase your golf balls for
the big Golf Ball Drop for a chance to win some fabulous prizes.
Yes, it’s only September, but an early reminder to save the
date for our annual Open House event on November 2nd. This
year’s honoree is our own Rick Godinez. Take the time to eat a
great meal, take a tour of the Relief Association headquarters,
while at the same time paying tribute to one of our own.
Keep an eye out in late September for your open enroll- LAFRA Trustee Mike Sailhamer, LAFRA President Bob Steinbacher, and LAFRA Trustee
ment packets for our medical plans. There has never been a bet- Tim Freeman attended last year’s IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Colorado.

September 2019 • 5
 n
Los A
CH
EC
Paid Advertisement

o
to

su

Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association Medical Plan may cover this examination.
6 • September 2019 Contact your plan provider to verify.
 ire De
les F p
e
ng
ar
tm
Los A
Leadership
ent
Adapted for the Grapevine by Alicia Iwakiri, from
Academy an LAFDLA presentation by Isaac Yang, Redondo
Beach Division Chief
Leaders with high emotional intelligence, or
CH
OR
EQ, are loyal to the people that they lead and help
EC
them get to where they want or need to be. Now that
O
K
D
YO E we have walked through all the components of EQ,
U H
R E G O AT T let’s look at a case study on the popular film Top
Gun where the leader displays high levels of EQ to
rehabilitate his talented but deviant subordinate.
Hopefully you’ve seen the film, but if you
haven’t Top Gun is about a hotshot fighter pilot,
Maverick, who is sent to train at the Top Gun Naval
Fighter Weapons School. Here his reckless attitude,
“Are you
arrogance, and deviance puts him at odds with other
pilots as he competes to be the top fighter pilot. At
Top Gun, Maverick meets Viper, his commander
and instructor, who helps him become a fighter pilot
willing to
despite his shortcomings.
In the first ten minutes of the film, Maverick
performs extraordinary feats like fighting off enemy
MiG’s and leading a fellow fighter pilot to safety;
take risks
however, he does these things while disobeying his
commanding officer’s orders. Maverick, while ex-
tremely talented, is arrogant, deviant, and pompous,
not someone you would not want to see in the work-
at your
place, in the Navy, or on the LAFD. If he was your
supervisory responsibility, how would you guide
this man to some degree of professional develop-
own expense
ment?
Through the lens of EQ, Maverick’s per-
sonal competence displays the following:
• Self-awareness - He is too confident, verging
to the benefit
dangerously close to arrogance. He is reactive
to situations instead of responding to them.
• Self-regulation - He consistently fractures
policies.
of your
• Motivation - It is unclear what his drive is
when he pushed the boundaries by performing
amazing feats and consistently fracturing poli-
cies. It may be rooted in a deeper insecurity.
subordinates?”
Are these attributes found in some members
of the Department? Are these members simply dis-
missed because they appear too difficult to manage?
Can they be guided to their true potential?
Not long into the film we meet Commander
Viper. When Viper is introduced on the first day
of flight school, it is clear that he is in charge. He
didn’t feel the need to shout about his pedigree and
accomplishments, he was the alpha and no one ques-
• WHERE: The Frank Hotchkin Memorial tioned it. Throughout the film, Viper is stern, stoic,
and nonnegotiable. When Maverick deviates, Viper
Training Center simply states the expectations, his actions, and dis-
• COST: At the present time there is no cost misses him without making it personal.
to attend the LAFD Leadership Academy When we make it personal it’s because we
are reacting instead of responding. When we react
• QUESTIONS: Jason Powell, Captain I, In- we get a JADAS response from those we are try-
Service Training Section at (213) 893-9838 ing to influence. JADAS stands for justify, attack,
or lafdla@lacity.org deny, apathy, and self-pity. They either justify their
actions, attack you, deny what they have done, be-
come apathetic to the situation, or display self-pity
for their actions. When you talk to someone and they
react with any one of these categories, then whatever
you’re saying isn’t working. Leaders fail when they
can’t make an adjustment when they hit JADAS. In
the film, Maverick consistently gave smart JADAS
responses to everyone . . . everyone except Viper.
Another character who exemplified EQ
when it came to dealing with Maverick was his best
friend and radar intercept officer Goose. His was
peer to peer leadership. When Maverick went too
far pushing the boundaries, he put himself at Mav-
erick’s level, creating a safe place for Maverick to
give a conscious response and an accountable apol-
ogy. Goose was compelling and purposeful in his
communication, and gave Maverick an awareness
and understanding of the dangerous situation they
were putting themselves into by constantly deviat-
ing. Unfortunately, Goose doesn’t survive to the end
of the movie, but his death was a turning point for
Maverick to either pull himself together or drop out
of the program.
After Goose’s death, Viper was there for
Maverick when he needed a guiding hand. When
Maverick was in the midst of guilt for Goose’s death
and debating on quitting Top Gun, Viper told him,
“I’m not gonna sit here and blow sunshine up your
ass, Lieutenant. A good pilot is compelled to always
evaluate what’s happened, so he can apply what is
learned.” Maverick had profound highs and lows
in his career, relationships, and life, and this is ex-
actly what he needed to hear at the time. Also, this
is exactly what Viper implemented in his own in-
teractions with Maverick, using his experiences and
understanding to shepherd him.
Through the lens of EQ, Viper’s social com-
petence shows the following:
• Empathy - He understood the personal and
professional turmoil Maverick was going
through and was responsive to Maverick’s
needs. He was invested in Maverick’s well-
being.
• Social Skills - He was always clear in his
communication to Maverick, and knew how to
talk to him in a way that would get through to
him. He was able to influence Maverick to
better himself. Viper not only consistently
expected great things out of Maverick, but
would remind him of the parameters.
Viper never gave up, never lost his temper,
and took the time to guide Maverick. He was loyal
to Maverick by taking the risk of investing time and
energy in him, and taking responsibility for him
when he deviated. Are you willing to take risks at
your own expense to make someone else whole? As
a leader, how are you empathetic and committed to
those who need you most?
If you haven’t seen the movie, I hope this
article inclines you to watch it despite the minor
spoilers. You can see for yourself a compelling and
entertaining illustration of leading with EQ.
September 2019 • 7

O
n the night of October 1, 2017, a ter-
rorist opened fire on a crowd of con-
certgoers at the Route 91 Harvest
music festival on the Las Vegas Strip. He
killed 58 people and wounded 422. Among
the crowd of panicked onlookers, however,
arose heroes from all walks of life—seven of
those were active LAFD members that went
above and beyond the call of duty that night.
For such, they were presented with the De-
partment’s highest honor—The Medal of
Valor. Here are their stories.
Captain Ted Kalnas was among those
at the Las Vegas Harvest Festival Concert.
“We heard. . . fireworks,” he said, thinking the
sound was part of the show at first, until wit-
nessing people drop to the ground around him.
Kalnas quickly began to guide those around
him to safety. The closest cover they could
get to quickly was the VIP grandstands, about
twenty yards away. Even under the grand-
stands, they were still being shot at. It was dark
and they couldn’t see, but didn’t want to turn
on flashlights. They knew that people around
them were hurt, and that several were killed.
When the shooting subsided, the group moved
on until finding a multi-casualty staging area.
There, many of the people bandaging and tri-
aging were concertgoers themselves. Kalnas’
girlfriend, Vedamay Bradford, a registered
8 • September 2019
nurse, began to
administer first
aid, with Kalnas
helping as well.
Paramedics
were being held
outside. Kalnas
said, “If it wasn’t
for a half dozen
of us who were
bandaging, tap-
ing, and start-
ing IV’s, there
would be a lot more dead. It was a freak cir-
cumstance. No paramedics were coming in.
We couldn’t leave all those people. We knew
the risks, but we stayed.”
Captain Brett Kearns was approxi-
mately fifty yards behind center stage, when he
saw people running towards him, many of them
falling and getting trampled. At first, he thought
they were panicking for no reason. With the
second volley of shots, Kearns realized there
was a shooter. A small group of young girls in
front of him were crying and screaming, and he
shouted at them to lie on the ground. An older
gentleman near him said he was shot. Kearns
went to him, lifted his shirt and found a hole in
his right flank. “I reassured him that he would
be fine, but we eventually would need to exit
the area. I had
to continue to
yell at the young
girls to stay
down and cover
their heads. This
is one of the
hardest things
for me, looking
back, because
I can’t imagine
how scared they
were.” Estimat-
ing the timing of the volleys of shots, Kearns
soon led his group to cover. Captain Kearns
overcame his own fear to guide others to safe-
ty, and his quick thinking and leadership saved
many lives.
When Firefighter/Paramedic Mi-
chael Mandahl and his girlfriend initially
heard the first shots ring out, they didn’t recog-
nize it as gunfire. As the second volley erupt-
ed, they were immediately trampled by people
sprinting for the exits. Bullets from automatic
gunfire were striking the bleachers, signposts,
and people running. During a break in the gun-
fire, Mandahl and his group ran to the now-
abandoned vendor and food truck area, where
they came across a makeshift triage zone.
Mandahl immediately set to work, providing
CPR to a male victim until he was transported
away in a wheel-
barrow. The fire-
fighter/paramed-
ic then turned
his attention to
other seriously
injured and criti-
cal patients, as-
sisting others
with care. Ac-
cording to wit-
nesses, “While
others were run-
ning away from the bullets hailing down on us,
Michael ran into the hailstorm to help others.”
Firefighter/Paramedic Mandahl stated, “That
was absolutely the craziest day of my life. I just
pray that I was able to make a difference.”
Engineer Robert Hays, his wife, and
some friends were enjoying the music in Las
Vegas. They had just left the grassy area and
were entering the VIP Lounge when they heard
a series of pops, followed by semi-automatic
gunfire. After moving his wife and friends to
safer cover, Hays returned to the lawn. He saw
a young woman who had been shot in the head.
A young man was with her. With gunfire still
striking around them, Hays and the man car-
ried the woman to the VIP tent, which Hays be-
lieved would be a safe triage area. As he passed
his wife and realized she was still in danger,
he shouted to her to get out. It would be six
hours before they would see each other again. center. As he countered a group of their friends. Cresta led a
Hays eventually teamed up with a young EMT returned to the group of six women and another man out of the
named Jano who offered to help. They worked gate where he venue, while helping others in the crowd who
together for the next few hours. After the local had exited, he were being trampled. “As first responders, we
police and fire department arrived and deter- found approxi- are trained to help, organize, triage, and care
mined the shooter was down, Hays insisted on mately twenty for victims in need,” Firefighter Cresta says,
staying to re-check casualties and help clear victims on the in retrospect. “We haven’t been trained to be
the area. “I was sidewalk, each victims ourselves. Knowing what I know now,
very impressed with a variety of I realize there have been many occasions in
with the amount gunshot wounds. which I could have done more to help others.”
of people who He triaged pa- He continues, “It will take time to recover and
were helping tients, adjusted heal, but we are taking the correct steps to do
others — people tourniquets, and so.”
don’t do what commandeered personal vehicles to transport
we do for a liv- patients. “I am truly grateful for my experi- Firefighter Nicholas Shrode attended
ing,” he recalled. ence with the LAFD, as I feel it kept me calm the concert with his family. When they real-
“It was a tough through this event and hopefully allowed me to ized the shooting was real, they ran for cover
night, and I feel help save lives.” under the stage. Shrode was separated from his
like I did the family in the confusion. Realizing he couldn’t
best I could to Firefighter Anthony Cresta found find his family, he tried to help others in all
help people. Unfortunately, I came across too himself a victim in need of protecting himself the panic. He came upon a group of three girls,
many victims who were already gone. I was and his girlfriend, Taylor. Like many concert- one with a gunshot wound to her upper leg.
just doing my job — the one I’ve done with the goers, he didn’t identify the initial “pops” he He made a tour-
LAFD for the past twenty-nine years.” heard as gunfire. But when the crowd began niquet with a
to race for the exits and one victim fell to the pair of shorts to
Firefighter Darin Crandell was 100 ground, he realized a shooting was underway. help control the
feet from his group of friends when repetitive Cresta and Taylor first ran to a concession stand bleeding. Even-
and consistent gunfire began striking members behind them, tually he found
in the audience. As the gunfire slowed, Cran- lying on the his father, with
dell made his way to assist various victims. ground behind the two quickly
The first was a woman in her mid-twenties a large rolling finding another
with a gunshot wound to her upper back area. trash can. After victim. The two
Confirming that it was an entrance wound, he the first volley carried an in-
saw that she had severely labored breathing of shots, they jured man to the
and needed immediate transport to a hospital. could hear the triage area. They
As there were no ambulances available, Cran- snaps of nearby repletely went back into harm’s way looking
dell and a bystander loaded the young woman bullets land- for victims to assist. Once they were convinced
into a nearby vehicle, giving instructions to the ing. Adrenaline that they had done all they could, they attempt-
driver to transport her to the nearest trauma rushing, they en- ed to reunite with the rest of their family.

September 2019 • 9
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10 • September 2019
T
he Los Angeles City Fire Department
best exemplifies the term, “The Ameri-
can Dream.” Where else can a person
with a high school diploma go from student, to
firefighter, engineer, captain, chief, to PILOT.
Okay, the ranks may be a little out of order per
the Department’s organizational chart, but in
terms of best jobs, I think I may have this one
correct. Flying a helicopter, soaring through the
clouds at high speed, without one car blocking
your way to an incident, sounds pretty good to
me.
The road to the position of pilot,
though, is not an easy one. In the past, in order
to achieve the required qualifications (includ-
ing flight experience) to be eligible to enter
the LAFD Pilot Program, a personal financial
commitment of nearly $100,000 was required.
Yet, even with the personal commitment of
getting your helicopter pilot license and put-
ting in the required flight time prior to entering
the program, the strict rigors of the program
still produced an extremely high washout rate.
Enter the LAFD Helicopter Pilot Men-
toring Program. The mentoring program,
coupled with LAPD Flight School, allows an
LAFD pilot trainee candidate to receive lim-
ited flight instruction with an LAFD flight
instructor. This opportunity exposes qualified
trainee candidates to Air Operations’ flight
training expectations. The usual flights allow
the candidate to practice takeoff and landing
operations, exposure to normal and steep traf-
fic patterns, practice acceleration/decelera-
tions, learn to execute precise turns at extreme
degrees, hovering, and limited auto rotation
training, and limited emergency procedures—
all executed the LAFD way. What is the dif-
ference from regular flying, you ask? Flying is
flying, right? You couldn’t be more wrong in
your thinking. Regular pilots don’t fly in ex-
treme weather, nor do they fly into a fire storm,
drop hundreds of gallons of water, and then
repeat that madness over and over. Flying a
LAFD helicopter is more than just flying—it’s
a way of life and life saving all rolled up in a
truly committed individual with a love for fly-
ing.
One such person is Pilot II Cherif
Amin. Even at a young age, Cherif had a
dream of flying. Day after day he would watch
as military flights of C-130 aircraft flew over
his home in the San Fernando Valley, fueling
his imagination and planting the seed of being
a pilot one day himself. At age 34, Cherif be-
came an LA City Firefighter, obtaining the title
of Firefighter/Paramedic two years later. He
continued to study and train, honing his skills
as a firefighter and paramedic, and obtained
certifications whenever possible. It wouldn’t be
until age 42, though, that his dream of flight
would be realized.
On August 8, 2011, Cherif climbed on-
board a 2-seat, Model R22 helicopter and was
lifted into his future. His first flight was far
from ideal. The older copter spewed exhaust
into the cabin, and the motion made him air-
sick. Still, Cherif endured and after his fourth
flight, he was able to adapt to his new sur-
roundings. Three months later he had his pri-
vate helicopter pilot license. He eventually at-
tained his flight instructor license and began to
build his flight experience by teaching others
to fly. On December 26, 2012, Cherif entered
the LAFD Helicopter Pilot Candidate Mentor-
ing Program, and the rest is now history.
Many have had similar dreams as
Amin, but most have gone unrealized. Even
with the Department’s mentoring program, the
rigors of the position of a LAFD pilot prove too
challenging for most. Just to apply, a member
must have four years on the job and a minimum
of 100 hours of flight time. Then comes a thor-
ough flight medical, the civil service process,
including an interview before being placed on
an eligibility list. From there, a 3-Whole Score
whittles down the remaining candidates. The
lucky minority will then move on to a 2-week
stent at LAPD Ground School. If successful
there and a position is available, the title of Pi-
lot I will be confirmed upon them and then the
real work begins—LAPD’s flight school. The
length of time for this training varies, usually
around 8-12 months. If, or when, the candidate
successfully passes this portion, they return to
FS 114 to get their helitack certs (150 hours),
followed by 200 hours of flight training, such
as mountain flying, water dropping, and Night-
Sun operations. The Pilot I must successfully
pass 11 check rides, the last being a final check
ride. From there, the candidate is presented
with silver wings and the title of Pilot II.
The position of pilot on the LAFD is
an honored one. Thanks to the Helicopter Pi-
lot Mentoring Program, many more candidates
will attain that goal. Those who are selected
will risk their lives on a daily basis doing what
they have worked so hard for but love so much
to do.
September 2019 • 11
 f A s s o c .
i r e m en ’s Relie
ur LA F
Yo

Honoring the work & dedication of

Chaplain & Relief Trustee,
CAPTAIN II, RICK GODINEZ

7470 N. FIGUEROA ST. SATURDAY

Los Angeles, CA 90041 November 2, 2019 / C Shift

NO RSVP REQUIRED TIME: 12- 4 PM

12 • September 2019

Good Morning, boys and girls. First
off, I’d like to begin by making up for last
month. Not many of you readers have sent in
your stories, so I’ll just be going off what I
hear through the “Grapevine.”
Let’s begin this article with a wel-
come, not to the battalion, but to this earth. I
received an email from a member of the Bat-
talion 13 family and couldn’t be happier to in-
troduce to you a newborn. Everyone welcome,
Y
t
Daniel Roman promo dinner and speech at FS 3
Trent Donald Cremins, born May 8, 2019, son
of CII Todd (64-B) and Kelsey Cremins, and
in the picture (See Batt 13 News), big sister
Kennedy. Congratulations Kelsey and Todd
and for reaching out for me for this introduc-
tion. I’m honored!
With promotion from firefighter to
captain, after putting on his promotional
dinner and inspiring speech, I’d like to say
congrats to Daniel Roman. He went from
former football player calling plays in the
field, to now calling orders on the fireground.
Good luck out there Daniel - way to show FS
3-A spirit. Speaking of Fire Station 3, they
also put on an awareness battalion drill for all
the different USAR disciplines. It was a hot
day of drilling and instructing, but thankfully
everyone has made it out alive.
In other news, there have been a lot of
fires lately in the DTLA area. Battalion 1 sure
knows how to handle business and puts the
professional in Professional Firefighter!
Regarding news around the battalion, please
feel free to send me your stories or maybe top-
ics you all would like to be discussed. Send to
batt1kitchentabletalk@gmail.com
CD signing out!
Auto in a DTLA parking structure on
7/13/19. LAFD photo by Harry Garvin
FS 3 drill the battalion on USAR
September 2019 • 13
 WED, OCTOBER 2nd, 2019 (A SHIFT)
CHECK IN - 8AM GAME STARTS - 9AM

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ORDER TODAY!
CALL SEAN MILLETT
At (805) 717-0618
or FS 11 - C Platoon
14 • September 2019
X.
TF 63 handles a small structure on
7/8/19. Photo by James Hedlund-Kaiser

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September 2019 • 15
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16 • September 2019
Development & Marketing / Attn: M. Casillas
PO Box 41903 - Los Angeles, CA 90041

(323) 259-5217 mcasillas@lafra.org

 Jason Getchius at 27’s with Chief Hogan,
promoting to Capt II at FS 11-B

7/20/19. The LAFD mop up after a grass fire

in the San Pedro Area. Photo by Harry Garvin

September 2019 • 17
g
 Paid Advertisement

18 • September 2019
FF/Rescue Diver John Torres retires
after 38 years of service from Boat 5.

The crew at 23’s flies a flag in memory of retired

engineer, Donald Welcker. Photo by Josh Burton

September 2019 • 19
 For more Information visit LAFRA www.lafra.org click calendar
Any questions please email FamilySupportCoordinators@lafra.org or call Valerie or Diane 1-323-259-5277.

20 • September 2019
 Rollover with extrication on the 405
at Roscoe Bl. Photo by Zak Holman

The crew at FS 39-C getting comfortable in

their new quarters. Photo by David Blaire

September 2019 • 21
 7/08/19. Firefighters take control of a fast-moving
fire off the 405 Fwy. Photo by Rick McClure

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22 • September 2019
 Trench collapse in Encino on
7/3/19. Photo by Rick McClure

On 8/1/19 in North Hills, Engine 90 controls a

fire in a Honda Accord. Photos by Rick McClure

7/16/19. LAFD firefighters worked quickly to cut the doors/roof

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September 2019 • 23
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24 • September 2019
 TF 11 regroups after a Westlake district
structure fire. Photo by Cody Eitner

LAFD responded to a traffic collision requiring

physical extrication. Photo by Jacob Salzman

77’s, 74’s and 24’s at Camp Louis Roth.

Photo by David DeMulle’

September 2019 • 25
 07/17/19. Auto fire with a magnesium
explosion. Photo by Rick McClure

Extrication on the 5 fwy on 7/17/19. Photo by Chris Eckenrode

7/08/19. Brush fire in the Lake View

Terrace Area. Photo by Rick McClure

26 • September 2019
Auto vs pedestrian at Oro Vista & Foothill
Bl on 7/12/19. Photo by David DeMulle’

7/24/19. FF’s responded to a truck that

drove off the road. Photo by Zak Holman

September 2019 • 27
 E-91 puts the finishing touches on On 7/25, FF’s found a motorhome and 2 sheds
an auto-fire. Photo by Rick McClure well-involved with fire. Photo by Rick McClure

7/11/19. A LAFD member retrieves an abandoned dirt bike 7-21-19. E89 handles a well-involved Toy-
in hope of discovering owners ID. Photo by Brandon Buckley ota in Sun Valley. Photo by Rick McClure

28 • September 2019
 Structure fire at 1825 W 24th St. on
7/14/19. Photo by Yvonne Griffin

Engine 65 handles an early morning vehi-

cle fire on 7/4/19. James Hedlund-Kaiser

Welcome Trent Donald Cremins, born May 8, 2019, son of Todd Engine 33 with an auto on 5/11/19.
(64-B) and Kelsey, and in the photo, big sister Kennedy Photo by James Hedlund-Kaiser

September 2019 • 29
 On 7/15/19, two car T/A with one person
trapped. Photo by Jacob Salzman

On 7/8/19, Engine 107 makes quick work

of an auto fire. Photo by Jacob Salzman

On 7/9/19, Engine 70 handles an auto fire in the

10830 blk of Reseda Blvd. Photo by Jacob Salzman

30 • September 2019
One acre of brush on Shoshone St in Granada
Hills on 7/18/19. Photo by Mike Meadows

E-96 responded to an auto fire on

Devonshire St. Photo by Jacob Salzman

Firefighters from 87’s attack an

auto fire. Photo by Shane Salzman

September 2019 • 31
 Attic fire on Blythe St on 8/1/19.
LAFD photo by Shawn Kelley

7/4/19. LA City, County, and Ventura County joined forc- Multiple LAFD members resuscitate a large dog rescued from
es to stop a brush fire in Bell Cyn. Photo by Rick McClure a SF in the 5900 blk of Topeka Ave. Photo by Andrew Wordin

32 • September 2019
7/01/19, Fire makes a waterdrop during a brush The Fire Chief gives Actor Rob Lowe tips
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September 2019 • 33
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34 • September 2019 (323) 259-5215

RIZE
S
eptember 10, 2001 was a “B” shift day.
There was nothing special happening that
day, and FS 93 had a pretty good night.
Shortly before 0630, on the morning
of September 11, OCD woke up the entire De-
partment and announced that because of “the
incident in New York” the entire off-going pla-
toon was being recalled. What the heck could
an incident in New York have to do with us?
We all got out of bed and went to the
kitchen for our morning coffee, just in time to
see the second plane hit the World Trade Cen-
ter. That’s when most of us understood why we
were being recalled.
In 1990, Ken Burns produced a multi-
episode television show simply entitled “The
Civil War.” It was a documentary about the
War shown in a way that held your attention,
from the first day of the War, to Gettysburg,
all the way to Lee’s surrender to Grant at Ap-
pomattox Court House. If you like history, it’s
available on line. It’s well worth watching.
There was a short segment, less than
four minutes long, in one of the episodes that
had an effect on me then, and still does today,
every time I hear it. It is the “Ashokan Fare-
well,” which is a letter from Union Army Ma-
jor Sullivan Ballou, to his wife, written before
he goes into battle. It is a very emotional letter.
The narrator deserves a lot of credit for pre-
senting it the way he does.
In spite of having been written one hun-
dred and fifty-eight years ago, it is still appro-
priate today. You can listen to it on YouTube at
the following web address, https:// www.you-
tube.com/watch?v=1VK1KcZoDu0. It’s well
worth listening to.
This Civil War
farewell letter, very
succinctly reminds me
of the 343 New York
Firefighters, 60 New
York Police Officers,
eight private EMT’s
and one New York
Fire Patrolman who
were killed in the first
several minutes after
the World Trade Cen-
ter was hit by the ter-
rorists. In addition to
the casualties in New
York, there were also
hundreds killed in
Washington D.C. and
Shanksville, PA. Only
none of those killed on 9/11 were able to send
farewell wishes to their loved ones - in letters
or otherwise.
This was the first time, since the War
of 1812, that Washington D.C. was attacked. In
1814, British forces entered Washington D.C.
and burned the White House and the Capitol
building.
Today, almost twenty years later, the
9/11 attacks are still taking toll on America’s
first responders. It’s impossible to know how
many first responders from all over the country
will eventually become ill from the dust and
debris that they worked in while they worked
on what was euphemistically called “The Pile.”
In addition to the first responders in New York,
thousands of other people were killed when the
towers collapsed. And according to the Officer
Down Memorial Page (ODMP.org), there have
been dozens more deaths caused by the attacks
on 9/11.
The LAFD sent multiple teams
throughout the ordeal in New York. Unfortu-
nately, we have already lost one member, Para-
medic Wendy Cummings. Wendy died from
lung cancer that was related to her time in New
York.
There have also been numerous injuries
and illnesses that have been determined to have
been caused as a result of exposure to various
substances in and around the debris from the
fallen towers. I have verified this information
with several sources, all of whom were actively
engaged in the work in New York. These sourc-
es were retired Paramedic Wendy Cummings,
whom I visited while she was at UCLA and the
City of Hope, retired Captain II Rick Denning,
retired Paramedic/Captain I Linda Ullum, and
retired Paramedic/Dog Handler Deresa Teller.
Thanks to you all for being my fact checkers.
If I missed someone it was strictly an oversight
on my part.
Just last month, on July 29, 2019, an
extension of the September 11 Victims Com-
pensation Fund bill was passed and signed into
law. According to the Los Angeles Times and
NBC, “The new legislation authorizes funding
through the year 2092, effectively making it
permanent.”
This is terrific news for the people who
have been sickened or died as a result of the
9/11 attack. It is something that our families,
hopefully, will never have to experience.
To quote Dave Lowe, “Never Forget.”
If you have any questions or comments
you can contact me at: Daoldwestsidekid@
yahoo.com
Art Sorrentino
Notice About Not
Receiving Notices
Question: What if I am not re-
ceiving Death Notices in my e-mail,
when I used to receive them all the
time? We get this question all the
time, so I will try to answer the ques-
tion and provide a solution at the same
time.
The most likely explanation is
that the Death Notice e-mails are go-
ing to your spam file due to an update
of your computer’s operating system.
Try to ‘whitelist’ our address (ending
in @lafra.org) so that your computer
will recognize it as friendly and not a
spam.
Sometimes the problem is on
our end. If that’s the case, just send
me an e-mail (jdolan@lafra.org) and
I will update our database.
I hope this process will cor-
rect any problems and everyone that
wants to receive our Death Notices will
receive them in the future.
Fraternally,
Jim Dolan
Community Affairs Liaison
September 2019 • 35

For more information, please contact Mike Alder (951)972-7878
or email: aldergolfer@gmail.com
Register online: www.insidethecommandpost.com
36 • September 2019
What Is The...
Extinguisher
Fund?
The brain child of Ted Bailie, retired from the
LAFD and LAFRA, your station’s Extinguisher Fund is
a simple way to collect donations for the Widows, Or-
phans and Disabled Firefighters’ Fund. Ted saw the
accumulation of change that the cook dumped into
the mess fund box each shift and had a better idea.
If this change was instead collected for the WODFF he
figured it could really add up. With an average of 50
cents per day per station, in a year there would be...
well, you can do the math!
So take your turn in the cooking rotation and
remember to drop all your change into your station’s
extinguisher. There should be one in every firehouse.
And any loose change in your pockets, any that you
find in the TV chairs, or hoarded in the “ashtray” of
your vehicle can be thrown in for good measure.
The Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighters’
Fund is the heart of the Relief Association. This fund
provides assistance to our firefighters and families
who are faced with personal difficulties and tragedies.
Donations are the sole means of support for this Fund.
Firefighters risk their lives to protect the com-
munity on a daily basis. Thus, they and their fami-
lies can be comforted in knowing that the “Fire
Department Family,” supported by the Widows, Or-
phans & Disabled Firefighters’ Fund, is there for them
in times of need.
H
ave you or your child ever been an
exchange student? Maybe your fam-
ily has hosted a visitor from Europe,
Asia, Africa, Australia or another foreign land.
It’s quite rewarding and usually a treat for all
involved in the cultural exchange. Well, oppor-
tunity is knocking right now.
In 2014, the LAFD hosted ten young
students from Berlin, Germany. They all came
as an organized group and were all Berlin Fire
Cadets. Today some of those cadets are now
bonified fire personnel with The Berliner Fire
Department. The experience that they received
here was very valuable in their efforts to gain
employment there.
Paid Advertisement:
The LAFD families that hosted the
visitors all had kids about the same age as the
Germans. At the end of their stay, these stu-
dents had acquired new friends, tons of fun and
a renewed respect for the LAFD and Ameri-
can lifestyle. Needless to say, there were some
tears as they prepared to go back home, and
today many of them remain in contact with
their new American friends. Prior to leaving
Los Angeles, the Consulate General of Ger-
many to Los Angeles, gave the host families
a huge fete’, and thanked everyone involved
in this exchange. There were local dignitaries,
politicians and even Chief Terrazas was pres-
ent, to salute the families with thank you’s and
certificates for all.
Today, I am in search of one interested
family or active firefighter to open their home
to one male teenage Berlin Fire Cadet in Oc-
tober 2019, for a short two-week period. The
selected family or fire department person will
have the freedom to organize any and all activ-
ities with the visitor. If you want to be compen-
sated for the visit, that can be arranged. Please
contact me soon if you are interested.
Sincerely,
Isaac Burks, Community Affairs Liaison
213 2106730
323 2595298
iburks@att.net
September 2019 • 37
 M
ost of the renewable energy market
is geared towards “grid-tied” sys-
tems where the homeowner sells
electricity to the utility when there’s extra be-
ing produced. These systems don’t run at be-
nign car battery voltage anymore but are pump-
ing power at up to 600-volts DC whenever the
sun is shining! It’s extremely important for
firefighters and their commanders to be able to
identify homes with solar electric (photovoltaic
or PV) systems and understand how these sys-
tems work.
Much inaccurate information about PV
and firefighter safety has been published on the
internet recently, even to the point of recom-
mendations to “let it burn” if solar panels are
spotted on a roof. As a firefighter and renew-
able energy consultant, I hope to set the record
straight.

THE BASIC ISSUES

Flat panels on roofs, poles, and racks
are not always electrical. They could be pro-
viding room lighting, hot air, hot water, or elec-
tricity; and multiple types of panels could be
combined in one installation.
If there is a solar electric system in-
volved, “pulling the meter” will only kill power
coming in from the utility grid. Other circuits
may remain live, such as household circuits if
the system has battery backup, an auto-start
gasoline generator, or when the sun is shining
and charging the PV circuits. Multiple discon-
nects for various parts of the system are very
common.
In 2014, new requirements were imple-
mented for Rapid Shutdown Systems (RSS)
for rooftop PV arrays that allow emergency
responders to shut down an entire rooftop PV
array with a single readily accessible switch
from the ground near the main electrical ser-
vice entrance.
All Rapid Shutdown Systems must be
labeled as follows:
“Putting a foot, axe or saw into
a 600-volt DC solar array during
daylight hours is a very bad idea!”
38 • September 2019

The NEC 2014 requirements said that
the system must reduce voltage from the array
to 10 Volts DC within 10 seconds, outside of a
10-foot perimeter on the roof and within five
feet of entering a building. When first imple-
mented, there was controversy about where the
switch and label should be placed, scarcity of
the required equipment, and lack of inspec-
tor experience with the new requirements, so
many AHJs delayed implementing RSS for a
year or more.
NEC 2017 brought many clarifications
to RSS, including that it is not required on un-
occupied structures, reducing the perimeter to
only one foot from the array, and raising the
allowed voltage under the array to 80 Volts DC
in 30 seconds. Because some of these systems
were installed during the delay period, there
are two different stickers that must be used.
The red one to the left is for NEC 2014 com-
pliant systems, the yellow one to the right for
NEC 2017 compliant systems (Photo 2). Other
labels that are now required include marking
all conduit carrying DC wires from a PV ar-
ray with this sticker at multiple, highly visible
locations on the roof, sides of structures, and
inside, directly on the conduit (Photo 3).
A hot stick will not detect live DC volt-
age; these work only with AC.
Roof access may be limited by solar
panels of any type. While some areas have
local ordinances requiring setbacks and path-
ways, others do not or the system may have
been grandfathered in. The roof areas on which
you can walk or cut into for ventilation may be
very limited. Putting a foot or ventilation saw
into a 600-volt DC solar array during daylight
hours is dangerous!
Setbacks to PV arrays are covered by
the International Fire Code. They are intend-
ed to provide roof access and escape routes
for firefighters who may need to ventilate the
structure. In general, you can expect 36 inches
of clear space from the peak of the roof and at
least one 36-inch-wide access pathway on the
street/driveway side of the building to the side
of the array, which cannot be in front of a door
or window. Commercial installations require
even wider access pathways.
Because structure rooflines have be-
come so complicated in recent years, the IFC
grants fire AHJs permission to approve smaller
setbacks if the PV system designer can prove
other easy means of roof access.
Roof-mounted systems of any type
are fragile and will not support the weight of
firefighters or equipment. They are also very
expensive, and damage should be avoided if
possible during unknown or minor incidents,
such as a possible chimney fire.
Renewable energy system components
and disconnects may not be properly labeled,
or you may not be familiar with what the labels
mean.
Large backup battery banks may or
may not be included and can pose chemical
hazards (sulphuric acid), explosion hazards
(hydrogen gas), and electrical hazards (power-
ing household circuits even after you pulled the
main meter).
Solar electric systems pose significant
firefighter hazards, but note that “solar shin-
gles” may be hard to spot. Lots of pipes and a
few thin wires indicate a solar hot water or hot
air system with low-power electrical controls.
Wires in conduit with no pipes indicate solar
electric.
Locate the central electrical system
control panel if you need to disconnect cir-
cuits. All renewable energy systems are con-
trolled from a central point. There may be
other breakers that disconnect individual parts
of the system, but these could be located out-
doors or on the roof. Battery banks are always
located near this control point and may be the
cause of smoke or a smoke smell in the first
place.
Assume every electrical circuit is live
even if you have pulled the main meter and
shut off visible breakers. When the sun is shin-
ing, dangerous DC voltage is still being gener-
ated in the PV panels. The only way to elimi-
nate this is to cover all panels with an opaque
tarp. Note that scene lighting is not powerful
enough to generate dangerous voltage from a
PV array but lightning may be. If the home has
battery backup, household AC circuits may be
live at any time.
Do not step on or cut into PV panels
during roof ventilation, especially during day-
light. Find another place to ventilate, if pos-
sible, or change your attack strategy. After
dark, only non-lethal battery voltage may still
be present in wires leading to panels and any-
where in the system (if you did not locate the
proper breakers to stop it).
Watch for changing conditions: for ex-
ample, during salvage operations after dark,
wires damaged during an attic fire may become
live as sun hits the PV panels in the morning,
and their melted insulation could make metal
conduit live too.
Many renewable energy system install-
ers now keep a 24/7/365 emergency contact
number, so incident commanders can get a
technician on scene ASAP to disconnect cir-
cuits if needed.
The many code improvements in the
last few years have made a very positive im-
pact on firefighter safety when operating near
solar power systems. But always remember the
basics:
•Perform a 360-degree walk-around by experi-
enced personnel to identify and communicate
possible hazards.
•Always assume that any electrical equipment
and conduit is live. Don’t cut into it for any rea-
son.
•Hosing down a burning PV array is most like-
ly harmless. See the IAFF class for distances
and voltages. Hosing down an electrical box
(gray, sometimes with red switch handle) can
be deadly; the outdoor rating does not cover
fire hose streams.
•Your hot stick does not detect DC voltage,
only AC. You can’t rely on it for most PV in-
stallations.
•Remember that legacy solar equipment may
be in place, with faded or non-existent labeling
and outdated protection systems.
•Locate, open, and secure any grid and solar
disconnects you can find.
•Be aware of possible changing conditions at
all times. A nighttime attic fire underneath a
PV array could change drastically when the
sun comes up.
Since 1991, Dan Fink has lived off
the grid in Northern Colorado. He began his
career in the solar industry in 1994 and was
a firefighter for the Rist Canyon Volunteer
Fire Department. He was the lead professor of
solar energy technology at the Ecotech Insti-
tute in Aurora.
September 2019 • 39
M
ost people involved in workers’ com-
pensation understand cumulative
trauma - wear-and-tear work injuries
resulting from years of repetitive motion and/
or exposure to harmful environment. Yet many
policy makers and workers don’t have a grasp
on the importance of cumulative trauma claims
to employees and their families, especially for
our first responders. The call is getting louder
from some who want to eliminate these wear-
and-tear types of claims in the name of cost
savings, leaving little protection for workers
when they need it most.
Imagine working hard for years prepar-
ing for the day you want to retire. You pass pro-
bation, gain professional credibility, dedicate
your time, provide for your families, and put
your health second. You’ve ignored countless
bumps and bruises and powered through pain,
saying nothing.
Working through pain is a badge of
honor for many public safety workers, espe-
cially those who earn seniority and credibil-
ity with their service. You’ve burned through
dozens of shoes, worn out many more gloves,
and yet you can’t remember a day when you
had a work accident, and your reputation for
reliability is untarnished. After years of pow-
ering through the physical punishment the job
brings, your back, knees, hands, and shoulders
are aching more and more, and you finally de-
cide that you need to get help.
You ask your employer for medical
treatment, but your claim is denied because
your injury was not caused by a specific ac-
cident. Your claim is denied even though you
have hard-earned seniority for years of ser-
vice. Employers, particularly public agencies,

“There’s a call to
eliminate cumulative are constantly arguing for the elimination of
cumulative trauma claims. Here is a sample of
trauma claims, leaving the people they would hurt most in doing so.
George Jones was a 28-year veteran
little protection for SoCal police officer whose career ended much
sooner than he expected. Like many veteran
ment could not keep him in a modified job and
he was let go.
Like so many other cops, throughout
his career George suffered minor injuries that
often only required first aid, a few days off here
and there, and he was back on the job. George

the first responders employees, George’s career was forced to end

prematurely because he could no longer per-
filed about two dozen minor injury reports
throughout his years on the force.
form the daily tasks required of his job. In his And like so many workers, over the
who need it the most...” case, he could no longer sit and stand for long
periods, lift heavy objects or run. His depart-
span of his career, George’s job took its toll.
One of his primary complaints of injury was

40 • September 2019

to his lower back which became increasingly
worse with constant pain. George’s repeated
lower back injuries now blended into one long
stream of pain and disability. His quality of life
at work and at home was diminishing.
Despite his love of the job and need to
support his family, George ended his career re-
luctantly; he had a goal of several more years
of service and was in line for promotion. His
plan for life after law enforcement included
many outdoor activities like hiking, camping
By Robert Sherwin of Lewis, Marenstein, Wicke,
Sherwin & Lee, along with David Dugan, Esq. and
Steve Scardino, Esq. on behalf of the California
Applicants’ Attorneys Association
and sports activities with his
wife, children and grand-
children.
John Doe -who requested
to have his real name with-
held for legal reasons - is a
veteran firefighter. He holds
the rank of battalion chief
having served 31 years with
his department. He and his
wife of 30 years have two
children and a new grand-
child. John always planned
to work as a firefighter for
a full 35 years, retire with a
regular service pension and
enjoy his retirement with his
family.
After years of performing
arduous firefighting work
on a repetitive basis, John
is now paying the price for
being a dedicated public
servant. He has undergone
two neck surgeries to repair
herniated discs and recently
underwent a complicated
and painful lower back sur-
gery that will leave him with
limited ability to lift over 20
pounds. He has injured both
knees on the job and has
now developed significant
arthritis that will eventually
require total knee replace-
ments.
These are examples of
cumulative and continuous
trauma. For 60 years, Cali-
fornia law has recognized
the cumulative effects of the
stress and strains of employ-
ment on its workers.
In Chief John’s case, it’s a
result of 31 years of wearing turnout gear and
equipment (including his helmet) that weighs
well over 80 lbs. Wearing that gear while en-
gaged in stair and ladder climbing, heavy lift-
ing and carrying has placed undue stress on
his spine and knees, forcing him into an early
and unwanted disability retirement. More im-
portantly, the effects of his cumulative trauma
injury will rob Chief John of his golden years
with his family.
For George and the many working Cal-
ifornians who, through no fault of their own,
lose their jobs to disability late in their careers,
it means being thrown into economic uncer-
tainty and facing retirement having to learn
to exist in a lesser quality of life than he and
his family had planned. However, George does
have some peace of mind knowing that he has
workers’ compensation coverage to support his
continuing and most-likely lifetime medical
care needs. Without medical care, George, like
so many, would be in a world of hurt.
Both Chief John and George have paid
the price for being senior public safety officers.
They’re now eligible for workers’ compensa-
tion for the effects of their cumulative trauma
injuries. They will never get back that which
has been taken from them, namely, their health
and quality of life.
Some of the power players in employ-
ment and in the workers’ compensation insur-
ance industry would like to take away or se-
verely limit wear-and-tear cumulative trauma
injuries. Their motivation to eliminate these
types of claims is plain and simple: to save
money by not paying claims. Imagine getting
to the finish line years before your expected
retirement date, they’re fighting your pension,
there is no savings, no safety net and no recog-
nition for your service.
Chief John, George and others like
them gave a lifetime to their department. They
should now be compensated for everything
that was taken from them. We can’t let insur-
ers or anyone else take away the safety net for
cumulative trauma. Eliminating such claims
would be wrong and immoral. Let’s work to-
gether to ensure that never happens.
September 2019 • 41
 2019 FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR

On December 4, 2019, the Los Angeles City Firefighter’s Association will vote on this year’s “2019 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 Firefighter’s 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 2, 2019, 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 Firefighter’s Association meeting on December 4, 2019 at 0830 Hours, Fire Station 59 Training
classroom, 11505 Olympic Blvd. and present your nomination IN PERSON. All Los Angeles City Firefighter’s 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 nomi-
nees. These time limits will be announced prior to the start of the December 4, 2019 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 Firefighter’s
Association Board will vote.

Reminder, applications must be submitted no later than December 2, 2019.

Following personal notification of the winner by the Vice President, public announcement will be made by Department teletype.

2019 FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR NOMINATING COMMITTEE

David Frelinger, (310) 951-1240
George James, (661) 433-4679
Brian Geiger, (562) 833-2796

2019 FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR

NOMINATION FORM

DATE:____________________

NOMINEE’S NAME: ____________________________________________________________________________

ASSIGNMENT:______________________ PHONE:__________________________________ RANK:___________________

NARRATIVE OF WHY THE NOMINEE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR THE 2019 FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR.
(Include Department, Community, Church, etc. work) (Attachments are encouraged)

NOMINATOR’S NAME:_______________________________________ PHONE:____________________________________

42 • September 2019
O
n Thursday, June 27, 2019 more than 125 family members, co-
workers and friends gathered at the San Antonio Winery in hon-
or of Inspector II Terrence O’Connell who retired after 38 years
of dedicated service to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The lunch started off with an invocation by Inspector II John
Conneally, a co-worker of Terry’s, who kept the mood light with his
comedic version of the Firefighter’s Prayer. Captain Chris Mittino was
the Master of Ceremonies who did an outstanding job keeping the event
moving.
The first presentation was given by Jim Dolan from LAFRA who
presented Terry with his Gold Retirement Badg,e followed by Captain
David Sifuentes on behalf of UFLAC who presented Terry with his Re-
tirement Ring. Sifuentes spoke of the close relationship they shared in
the Hydrants and Access Unit. Hani Malki, Senior Fire Protection En-
gineer from FDS presented Terry with his 35 Year Pin, one diamond
for each 10 years of service, followed by Captain Dwayne Laurent from
FDS who presented Terry with his Certificate of Retirement, signed by
Fire Chief Terrazas. Chief Pat Hayden presented Terry with a Retire-
ment Certificate and a Personalized Glass Flame Keepsake on behalf of
the Fire Marshal’s Office. Chief Hayden spoke on the time that he and
Terry shared working together. Terry was the Peer Group Instructor for
Chief Hayden’s class as well as a personal mentor when he went through
the Drill Tower. Things got a little emotional when Chief Hayden said
if it had not been for Terry, he did not know if he could have made it
through the Drill Tower.
A few of the gifts that were presented by Inspector II Robert
Duff & Inspector II John Conneally were an old 1935 blueprint of a
Double 4x4 Fire Hydrant that was etched onto metal and framed, an old
Spanner and a new EZ Spanner which is the brainchild of 18 year LAFD
veteran Engineer Dennis Garrison. There were two beautiful cakes, one
of which read “Trash out & Terry Who.” There were numerous other
gifts both heartfelt and extremely funny.
It was a fabulous event for one who is well-respected, liked and
loved for his knowledge, experience and sense of humor. For all the
members past and present that worked with you Terry, we wish you a
long, healthy and happy retirement. Good luck and God bless you and
your family.
September 2019 • 43
44 • September 2019
 JOHN B. HICKS, FF, FS 114-C

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2019

Fire Station 114 (Air-Ops)

16617 Arminta Street, Van Nuys CA

Luncheon - 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Taco Truck - No cost

RSVP to jh1429@yahoo.com
Call FS 114 (818) 756-8635 for more info
RSVP by October 16, 2019

September 2019 • 45
 MEMBERS
Richard J. Harward, Fireman.
Appointed September 23, 1957.
Retired on a disability pension February 1, 1973 from FS 61-C.
Passed away July 14, 2019.

William R. Majek, Engineer.

Appointed April 17, 1971.
Retired on a service pension February 11, 1993 from FS 43-B.
Passed away July 15, 2019.

Rex H. Shepherd, Firefighter II.

Appointed September 1, 1962.
Retired on a disability pension November 1, 1976 from FS 95-B.
Passed away July 20, 2019.

Robert P. Lutz, Captain II.

Appointed January 8, 1942.
Retired on a service pension April 1, 1972 from FS 58.
Passed away July 29, 2019.

Michael DeLaBarcena, Firefighter III.

Appointed February 28, 1978.
Retired on a service pension April 30, 2010 from FS 8-B.
Passed away August 11, 2019.

John A. Nuttman, Captain II.

Appointed April 18, 1959.
Retired on a service pension July 7, 1997 from FS 20.
Passed away August 14, 2019.

FAMILY
Rose A. Ortega, surviving spouse of Servando A. Ortega, passed away July 24, 2019.

46 • September 2019
Y
our nerves may still be rockin’ and rol-
lin’ after experiencing the 7.1 Southern “It’s not easy to comfort our children, settle our
California earthquake in July. Some
of us wives were left very shaken, especially own nerves and carry on when our firefighter
those with fire spouses at work at the time of
the shakers. It’s not an easy thing to comfort
spouses are away for days during an emergency.”
our children and attempt to settle our own
nerves at the same time.
Are you aware that in an event of a major
catastrophe, all fire department personnel will
be placed on department-wide recall? What
does this mean? In short, in the event of a
department-wide recall, all off-duty members
will need to report to work as soon as possible,
and those on duty, will remain on duty until the
emergency is under control.
One fire family shared of their experience
from the 1994 Northridge Earthquake—they
were shaken out of bed by the event. They
watched as flashes of light illuminated the
sky across the Valley from their home as an
Edison sub-station exploded and plunged their
house and entire neighborhood into darkness.
With only their nerves frayed, the husband/
firefighter went right into action and secured
his home, took his wife to nearby family and
reported to work—he wouldn’t see them for
three day after. Though the firefighter’s wife
was well aware of her husband’s responsibili-
ties, and knew what her husband had to do,
she nevertheless still felt alone and abandoned.
Thankfully, they got through it and are here to
share their experience.
It takes a special spouse to manage things
alone when theses unfortunate events arise. I
take the recent earthquake as a wakeup call
and reminder that I always need to be pre- 6. Get a list of neighbors phone #’s. If you Important facts to know in major emer-
pared—day or night! There are many prepara- don’t know your neighbors, here is your gencies….
tions to take into account. Here is a list of a excuse. • Markets will be cleared out quickly or
few: 7. If it matters to you, look into earthquake closed
insurance • ATM’s will be emptied out or be out of
1. Get educated on how to/when to turn off 8. If at all possible, have an out-of-state service
utilities contact • Good luck on trying to get gas
2. Always keep extra water in your house 9. Keep some cash on hand. ATM, credit • Texting may be available, but calling on
hold supplies card readers, and such don’t work without cell or landlines may not available
3. Keep a nonperishable food supply in a electricity.
secured area. Enough for up to 3-5 days The LAFD has just published a new
4. Keep working flashlights near beds and Lastly, make some time to take inven- Emergency Preparedness Guide for 2019. It’s
throughout the house tory of important items and create a list of a very comprehensive document that’s easy to
5. Keep gas tanks filled when possible but what is needed. As one concerned fire spouse use and packed with loads of useful informa-
always maintain a minimum of a half a to another, always be prepared, and don’t be tion. You can download it from https://www.
tank caught off guard! cert-la.com/EmergPrepBooklet.pdf

September 2019 • 47

DEAR DIANE,
I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to
get the birthday card from all of you at Family
Support. I still miss being around the Fire De-
partment and read the Grapevine every month.
You all do a good job there taking care of all
the families and I appreciate your good work. I
have meant to send money to you all, so I hope
this helps. Could I dedicate this to my husband,
Pat Tierney, and just say, “You are still my
hero, Pat.”
Jean Tierney
IN MEMORY OF GENE
GALLAGHER—CAPTAIN I
Gene and I came on the FD together.
I can still hear him call cadence while we
marched around Drill Tower 89. We also were
partners on RA 27 for a little more than one
year back in 1981. We laughed a lot and won-
dered how we got into this mess. A great group
of people like Glen Smith, Gary Sidel, Capt
Nip, Capt Palace, Horwedel, and Jeff Taylor,
just to name a few. Gene was just a few months
older than me when we joined the FD. Thirty
years old was the limit then. It was a pleasure
working with you my old friend.
IN MEMORY OF JOHN ADAMS—BAT-
TALION CHIEF
John was my Captain and then my BC
for several assignments. I worked directly for
him more than any other officer on the FD. He
always treated me fairly and there was always a
lot of laughs! One time I invited him for an aba-
48 • September 2019
lone lunch at FS 105. He was late getting there
and I decided to fry up a piece of an old cham-
ois in place of a slice of abalone. I breaded it
and put it on the grill as he arrived. The look
on his face while trying to cut that was price-
less! He did get his ab and was grateful for the
invitation.
As things happen, John’s son, Ron
Adams, lives here in Smith Valley, NV. A few
years ago, while John was here visiting, several
of us retirees hosted a luncheon for him at our
local Mexican restaurant. He was most taken
by everyone’s kindness.
RIP John.
James Kinniger
IN MEMORY OF DON C.
WELCKER—ENGINEER
We were so saddened to hear of Don’s
passing. We had the privilege of being neigh-
bors of Don and Sandy Welcker, in Simi Valley.
This was before Don was on the job. Don was
always willing to help anyone who needed it. It
didn’t matter if he was in the middle of some-
thing- he would drop what he was doing to help
you out. He was one of the most genuine, gra-
cious people I have ever met. When he started
talking about the fire department, we were ex-
cited because we knew he would make an ex-
cellent firefighter. We know Don is in the pres-
ence of Jesus, his Savior, which brings great
comfort. We are praying that God will continue
to uplift and comfort Sandy and the girls, today
and in the days ahead.
With much love, Jim and Jody Wolfe
IN MEMORY OF ROBERT H.
SETTERBERG—CAPTAIN I
Remembering all the fun times from
Simi Valley in our early career days. From the
many odd jobs we did, to the trips water skiing.
Thanks, my friend for the memories,
friendship and adventures!
Best to Donna and family!
Dick Alder
DEAR DIANE AND VALERIE,
Thank you so much for your kind
thoughts and love put into words. They are
more comforting than I can say. The enclosed
picture was taken over a year ago. We are truly
blessed and thankful for the Los Angeles Fire-
men’s Relief Association for never forgetting
their own.
Blessings to you
MaryAnn Miller
IN MEMORY OF DONALD C.
WELCKER—ENGINEER
Don was a solid Engineer, and highly
respected all-around good guy. Though I was
never assigned with him, I knew of his fine rep-
utation, and had the pleasure to work with Don
for a short time at the US&R Unit in 2011. He
was one of my best “Light-duty Guys” to come
through there. Very reliable and conscientious.
My sincerest condolences to his family. Rest in
Peace Don, you will not be forgotten.
Raul Miranda
IN MEMORY OF THOMAS C.
TOLMAN—ASSISTANT CHIEF
Tom Tolman was the “House Mother”
in my rookie class—August, 1964. He instruct-
ed the Engine classes, Pete Pleick handled the
Truck Co. material. Both were demanding but
fair, and had a sense of humor also. My father
worked at E-62 back then; Tom Tolman lived
in that district and knew my dad. I think he was
giving my dad some reports on my progress as
the class went along. Tom was a good officer
and a good friend for many years. Shortly be-
fore he retired, we met in the Division I office
to discuss the forthcoming captain’s interview
– a big help! Well Done, Sir!
R.I.P. my friend.

Frank B. David, Jr.

IN MEMORY OF HOMER M.
MILLER—CAPTAIN I

Homer was a true professional and

gentleman. I worked with him many years in
the Fire Prevention Bureau. He was also very
FiremensRelief.org
active with the Fire Prevention Officer’s Sec-
tion of Cal Chief’s Association. Homer rep-
resented the L.A. City Fire Department with
pride and professionalism. I feel privileged to
at your fingertips
have known him. May he rest in peace.
Find Relief PPO Medical Plan details
Ed Stephens
Access Relief member benefits and services
IN MEMORY OF HOMER M. View the Firemen’s Grapevine Magazine
MILLER—CAPTAIN I
Check out upcoming events
Homer was a mainstay in the 1970’s to
80’s Southern California fire prevention devel-
opment of what we have today. He and a few
others like Ed Stephens were credible mentors
not only for fire prevention but how to be a fire
prevention captain. Thank you, Captain Miller.

John Kitchens

IN MEMORY OF DON C.
WELCKER—ENGINEER

Don was not only one of nicest guys at

23’s but also one the hardest working. He al-
ways made it a pleasure to come to work. My
thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Rest
in peace my friend. Vaya con dios.

Mark Gozawa

September 2019 • 49
50 • September 2019

LAFD HISTORY – NEVER FORGET – 9/11/2001
The 9-11 Terrorist Attack on the USA
Frank’s Note:
Many members of the LAFD were not
on the job 18 years ago when the US was at-
tacked by terrorists on 9-11-2001. Many of
those members of the new rookie classes were
probably in grade school when it occurred. We
must not forget the loss of 3,000 people and
those 343 members of the FDNY who sacri-
ficed their lives for others. On a personal note
I lost a very good friend at the incident. Bat-
talion Chief Ray Downey was killed at the
command post in the tower collapse. He was
a national expert in Urban Search & Rescue
and a true friend. We taught US&R together
and worked on the National Response system
with FEMA to get the program started.
Some of our retired members and some
active responded to New Your City to help
in the rescue and support operations with
our Urban Search & Rescue Team and CIST
teams. Our Department has had a motto since
2001 – “Never Forget.” The LAFD must be
vigilant and ready to respond 24/7.
Today there are many first respond-
ers who are suffering from illnesses related to
their exposure at the incident and many have
died from cancer and other life threatening
problems. Their continued support is critical.
SOME OF THE STORY OF EVENTS:
Early on the morning of September 11,
2001, 19 hijackers took control of four com-
mercial airliners (two Boeing 757 and two
Boeing 767) en route to California (three
headed to LAX in Los Angeles, and one to San
Francisco) after takeoffs from Boston, Massa-
chusetts; Newark, New Jersey; and Washing-
ton, D.C Large planes with long flights were
selected for hijacking because they would be
heavily fueled.
The four flights were:
• American Airlines Flight 11: Left
Boston’s Logan Airport at 7:59 a.m. en
route to Los Angeles with a crew of 11 and
76 passengers, not including five hijack-
ers. The hijackers flew the plane into the
North Tower of the World Trade Center at
8:46 a.m.
Submitted by Frank Borden • Director of Operations, LAFDHS
• United Airlines Flight 175: Left Logan 911 operators who received calls from individ-
Airport at 8:14 a.m. en route to Los Ange- uals inside the tower were not well informed
les with a crew of nine and 51 passengers, of the situation as it rapidly unfolded and as
not including five hijackers. The hijack- a result, told callers not to descend the tower
ers flew the plane into the South Tower of on their own. 630 people died in that tower,
the World Trade Center at 9:03 a.m. fewer than half the number killed in the North
• American Airlines Flight 77: Left Wash- Tower. Casualties in the South Tower were sig-
ington Dulles International Airport in nificantly reduced by some occupants deciding
Virginia at 8:20 a.m. en route to Los to start evacuating as soon as the North Tower
Angeles with a crew of six and 53 passen- was struck.
gers, not including five hijackers. The
hijackers flew the plane into the Pentagon
at 9:37 a.m.
• United Airlines Flight 93: Left Newark
International Airport at 8:42 a.m. en route
to San Francisco, with a crew of seven and
33 passengers, not including four hijack-
ers. As passengers attempted to subdue the
hijackers, the aircraft crashed into the
ground near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, at
10:03 a.m.
CASUALTIES
The attacks resulted in the deaths of
2,996 people, including the 19 hijackers and
2,977 victims. The victims included 246 on
the four planes (from which there were no sur-
vivors), 2,606 in New York City in the towers
and on the ground, and 125 at the Pentagon.
Nearly all of the victims were civilians; 55
military personnel were among those killed at
the Pentagon.
Assistant Chef. looking
More than 90% of the workers and
at the burning towers.
visitors who died in the towers had been at or
above the points of impact. In the North Tower,
1,355 people at or above the point of impact
were trapped and died of smoke inhalation, fell
or jumped from the tower to escape the smoke
and flames, or were killed in the building’s
eventual collapse. The destruction of all three
staircases in the tower when Flight 11 hit made
it impossible for anyone above the impact zone
to escape. 107 people below the point of impact
died as well.
In the South Tower, one stairwell (A),
was left intact after Flight 175 hit, allowing 14
people located on the floors of impact (includ-
ing one man who saw the plane coming at him)
and four more from the floors above to escape.
Never Forget.
September 2019 • 51
 At least 200 people fell or jumped to
their deaths from the burning towers (as ex-
emplified in the photograph The Falling Man),
landing on the streets and rooftops of adjacent
buildings hundreds of feet below. Some oc-
cupants of each tower above the point of im-
pact made their way toward the roof in hope
of helicopter rescue, but the roof access doors
were locked. No plan existed for helicopter res-
cues, and the combination of roof equipment
and thick smoke and intense heat prevented
helicopters from approaching. A total of 411
emergency workers died as they tried to res-
cue people and fight fires. The New York City
Fire Department (FDNY) lost 340 firefight-
ers, a chaplain, and two paramedics. The New
York City Police Department (NYPD) lost 23
officers. The Port Authority Police Department
lost 37 officers. Eight emergency medical tech-
nicians (EMTs) and paramedics from private
emergency medical services units were killed.
Cantor Fitzgerald L.P., an investment
bank on the 101st–105th floors of the North
Tower, lost 658 employees, considerably more
than any other employer. Marsh Inc., located
immediately below Cantor Fitzgerald on floors
93–100, lost 358 employees, and 175 employ-
ees of Aon Corporation were also killed. The
National Institute of Standards and Technol-
ogy (NIST) estimated that about 17,400 civil-
ians were in the World Trade Center complex
at the time of the attacks. Turnstile counts from
the Port Authority suggest 14,154 people were
FDNY Firefighter.
A view from the
Brooklyn Bridge.
52 • September 2019
typically in the Twin Towers by 8:45 a.m. The
vast majority of people below the impact zone
safely evacuated the buildings. More than 90
countries lost citizens in the attacks on the
World Trade Center.
RESCUE EFFORTS
The New York City Fire Department
deployed 200 units (half of the department) to
the site. Their efforts were supplemented by
numerous off-duty firefighters and emergency
medical technicians. The New York City Po-
lice Department sent Emergency Service Units
and other police personnel, and deployed its
aviation unit. Once on the scene, the FDNY,
NYPD, and Port Authority police did not coor-
dinate efforts and performed redundant search-
es for civilians. As conditions deteriorated, the
NYPD aviation unit relayed information to
police commanders, who issued orders for its
personnel to evacuate the towers; most NYPD
officers were able to safely evacuate before the
buildings collapsed. With separate command
posts set up and incompatible radio communi-
cations between the agencies, warnings were
not passed along to FDNY commanders.
After the first tower collapsed, FDNY
commanders issued evacuation warnings;
however, due to technical difficulties with mal-
functioning radio repeater systems, many fire-
fighters never heard the evacuation orders. 9-1-
1 dispatchers also received information from
callers that was not passed along to command-
FDNY Firefighter on
crushed Engine
ers on the scene. Within hours of the attack,
a substantial search and rescue operation was
launched. After months of around-the-clock
operations, the World Trade Center site was
cleared by the end of May 2002.
LAFD Response: September 11, 2001
reinvigorated America’s gratitude for all fire-
fighters’ efforts. In response to the terrorist
attacks that destroyed the World Trade Center,
FEMA activated and deployed the Los Ange-
les City Fire Department CA-TF 1 (California
Urban Search & Rescue Task Force 1) with 70
members and a Critical Incident Stress Man-
agement Team (CISM). The military aircraft
transporting our US&R team was the first
aircraft in the sky after the attack. Their mis-
sion included search and rescue, body extrica-
tion, and assistance in the use of canine search
teams. In addition, many LAFD members
responded on their own to assist their FDNY
brothers. The CISM mission evolved into a
completely unprecedented Firefighter Assis-
tance Program, which was delivered at and
near ground zero as well as at various FDNY
Fire Stations and other sites. Working with
many other agencies for the first-time, FEMA
honored the combined efforts by making the
teams the first FEMA sponsored program in
the history of CISM. Several LAFD Officers
were also sent as a part of the Incident Support
Team for the Task forces sent to the disaster
The information above was obtained
from a variety of sources on the internet.
The 9-11 Museum display with
Ladder 3. A graphic display.
LAFD FIRE CHIEF – CHIEF ENGINEER
RALPH J. SCOTT
Many of you may wonder why Old
Fireboat 2 was named after one of our Fire
Chiefs. Here is the story. Ralph J. Scott was
appointed to the Fire Department in 1905, be-
came a Lieutenant in 1909, Captain in 1913,
Acting Battalion Chief and then to the rank of
Battalion Chief, a rank which he held for one
day before being appointed Chief Engineer the
same year, July 18, 1919.
He started on a Department having
163 horses and saw the entire department go
to motorized apparatus. As a man of great vi-
sion he would go on to form the LAFD Fire
College for advanced training of department
members. Chief Scott was 34 years old when
appointed Chief Engineer; he was single and
lived with his mother and sister. Shortly af-
ter being appointed Chief Engineer he married
Adeline Haas and for seven years they lived in
the Chief’s quarters on the third floor of En-
gine 23. Mrs. Adeline Haas Scott was the only
wife of a Chief Engineer to live in the Chief’s
quarters.
When Chief Scott was appointed the
City of Los Angeles was 400 square miles and
had a population of 850,000. The LAFD had
57 pieces of equipment and 725 firemen. The
Department averaged 3,000 fires per years with
a loss of $1,600,000. Chief Scott was the lon-
gest serving Chief Engineer, serving from July
18, 1919 to April 1, 1940. During his tenure
the City of Los Angeles absorbed the City of
Venice in 1925, expanding the area of the City
to 418.85 square miles This added two engine
companies and one truck company to the appa-
ratus inventory as well as twenty-nine men in-
cluding one Captain, 4 Lieutenants, eight Auto years of service. During his tenure in office, he
Firemen and sixteen Firemen. Retired Chief established many functions in the Department
Engineer Ralph J. Scott passed away at the age which came as innovations and remained as
of 74 on September 17, 1958. fixtures. These included the LAFD Fire Col-
Chief Engineer Ralph J. Scott attained lege, the super pumper concept of a manifold
his high office July 18, 1919, during the closing wagon and pump, the construction and launch-
of one epoch and the dawning of another. The ing of the most modern fireboat of its time in
battle of a decade over the question of horse 1925. Fireboat 2 served the Port of Los Ange-
versus automotive power had finally been les for 78 years. A record for a fireboat and for
settled in favor of the latter. The Fire Depart- an LAFD response vehicle of any kind. Both
ment rode on the crest of universal prosperity. Fireboat 2, the Department’s largest, and Fire-
Salary raises were obtained without difficulty boat 3, the Department’s smallest, were pur-
through the City authorities, and when the lat- chased during Chief Scott’s career as leader
ter failed, the people of the City authorized of the L.A.F.D. Mrs. Ralph J. Scott took part
further increases through initiative ordinance. in the ceremony, as Fire Boat 2 was given her
A succeeding bond issue built a new fire boat husband’s fine name.
(Fireboat Number 2 in 1925). The pension The Boat became a National Historic
system was improved by direct action of the Landmark, a City of Los Angeles Cultural
people. Alert to these trends of the times, Chief Heritage Monument, and is listed on the Na-
Scott overlooked no opportunity to take ad- tional register of Historic Places It should be
vantage of them for the upgrading of the Fire fully restored by the beginning of 2020. Re-
Department, and it a short span of years be- stored and preserved by the LAFD Historical
came known as one of the most progressive fire Society volunteers with support from the Port
chiefs of the Nation. of LA. We plan to open it next year as a mu-
By vigorously proclaiming his devotion seum.
to the welfare of Departmental personnel, he
rapidly built up a reputation as a leader. He was Frank’s Note:
heroic in stature and in the eyes of his men. His Look for the October Issue of the
domination of Departmental policy was com- Grapevine for the story of the restoration of
plete and unquestioned. If Chief Scott was in the LAFD Bell 47 Helicopter completed by re-
favor of a proposition, its success was a practi- tired LAFD Pilot Jeff Moir.
cal certainty. If he was convinced as to its wis-
dom and practicability, no one had the temerity
to push a matter further
Chief Scott became president of the
International Fire Chief’s association in 1929.
This is the highest honor that can be conferred
on a fire chief. Local honor has been heaped
before this office
was given to him.
He has served
as president of
the California Chief Engineer Ralph J. Scott.
association and
also the Pacific
coast association.
Most of the men
under him, from
the deputy chief
and 10 assistant Old Fireboat 2 in the “Shipyard”
chefs to the fire- 2019 with our volunteer restoration
men, engineers crew going aboard to start work.
and auto firemen,
realize that they
have in their ex-
Chief Scott’s name on
ecutive a man
the stern of Fireboat 2.
who tries to give
them every op-
portunity to forge
ahead and better
themselves.
Chief Scott
closed a brilliant
Fire Department
career after 35
September 2019 • 53
 LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
July 10, 2019
CALL TO ORDER
President Bob Steinbacher called the
Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Los
Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association to
order at 9:42 a.m.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: donation checks.
Bob Steinbacher, President
Jeff Cawdrey, Vice President
Trustee Frank Aguirre
Trustee Gene Bednarchik
Trustee Kenneth Breskin
Trustee Henry Gasbarri
Trustee Rick Godinez
Trustee Steve Berkery
Trustee Tim Freeman
Trustee Danny Wu
Trustee John Jacobsen
Trustee Jim Duffy
Trustee Craig White
Trustee David Peters
Trustee Mike Sailhamer.
Trustee Doak Smith – Pension
Todd Layfer - Executive Director
Liberty Unciano – Controller-Treasurer
MEMBERS ABSENT: The Board entered into Executive Session at
Trustee Joe Vigil
Trustee Richard Moody
Trustee Gayle Sonoda
Trustee Tyler Tomich
Trustee Chris Stine
Trustee Juan Albarran - Pension
Trustee Tim Larson – Pension
GUESTS: 6) Todd Layfer informed the Board that we
Dave Wagner, Grapevine Editor
Stephen Ruda, Community Liaison
INVOCATION & Flag Salute
Rick Godinez led the invocation. Danny Wu
led the flag salute.
RATIFICATION OF MINUTES
Bob Steinbacher entertained a motion
to ratify and approve the Board Meeting
Minutes of June 5, 2019. Craig White
moved. Steve Berkery seconded. There was
no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the Board
Meeting Minutes of June 5, 2019.
54 • September 2019
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
1) Bob Steinbacher provided an update on
the Pension Dept. meeting and discussion of
contracts between the associations.
2) Bob Steinbacher referred to this year’s
Open House and asked the Board to consider
nominees to be honored.
Steve Berkery nominated Rick Godinez
as this year’s Open House Honoree. Craig
White seconded. There was no discussion or
objections.
The Board agreed to honor Rick Godinez as
the Open House Honoree for 2019.
3) Bob Steinbacher referred to the Board
Offsite and asked Trustees to let him know
if they would like a hotel room and how they
would like to help at the golf tournament
the next day. He indicated that he will be
creating an agenda of items to discuss and
asked them to let him know if they have any
matters discussion.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
10:30 a.m.
The Board adjourned from Executive session
at 10:45 a.m.
Member updates were discussed during
Executive Session. No actions were taken.
VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
1) Jeff Cawdrey referred to the Annual
IFEBP Conference and indicated that he
would be making hotel reservations and
registering those interested in attending.
2) Jeff Cawdrey referred to the upcoming
Colorado Springs Memorial on September
19 – 22 and asked those attending if they
had already made their travel arrangements.
3) Jeff Cawdrey referred to the Policy Book
and indicated that there was some language
that needed to be updated to reflect the
recent change to the Bylaws. He indicated
that the language change pertained to Relief
benefits not paid.
David Peters motioned to approve the
Policy Book language changes pertaining
to benefits not paid. Craig White seconded.
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the Policy Book
language changes pertaining to benefits
not paid.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
1) Todd Layfer referred to Hope for
Firefighters and indicated that they are still
going through expenses and waiting for
2) Todd Layfer referred to the Golf
Tournament and indicated that this year
we will be trying an online auction option.
Participants will sign in online and be able
to place bids on items. Marlene will conduct
a demo of the software at September Board
meeting.
3) Todd Layfer indicated that the insurance
renewals had been presented and approve by
the Administrative Committee. He indicated
that there was an overall decrease by $2,000
in premiums from last year. He also reported
that insurance costs have dropped by $20K
since 2014. The insurance renewals were
approved without objection.
4) Todd Layfer referred to the PCORI Tax
payment of $32,428.20 and indicated that
this may be the last year to pay this tax
related to Obamacare (ACA).
5) Todd Layfer referred to the Medicare
Informational Seminar on June 26th and
indicated that it was successful and well
attended.
are going through website security changes
relating to access to Board minutes and the
SPD.
7) Todd Layfer indicated that they are
currently doing an accounting recruitment
for an account payable person. He indicated
that since the type and timing of reports
to the Pension Department has changed, it
requires us to staff differently.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
REPORT
John Jacobsen presented the following
motion.
The committee recommends and I so
move to invest funds into Southwest Value
Partners XX Fund. There was no discussion
or objections.
Motion carried to move funds into
Southwest Value Partners XX Fund.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
REPORT
Frank Aguirre presented the following
motions.
The committee recommends and I so move
to pay the usual and customary bills in the
amount of $1,023.931.35. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the usual and
customary bills in the amount of
$1,023.931.35.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve up to $900 for the Firefighter’s
Quest Charity Golf Tournament. There was
no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve $900 for
the Firefighter’s Quest Charity Golf
Tournament.
The committee recommends and I so move
to purchase a table up to $500 for the L.A.
Retired Fire & Police Assoc. Christmas
celebration. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to purchase a table up to
$500 for the L.A. Retired Fire & Police
Christmas celebration.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve up to $10K to purchase a trailer
for LAFRA. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to approve up to $10K to
purchase a trailer for LAFRA.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve up to $4K for a storage container
to be stored at FS 87. There was no discussion
or objections.
Motion carried to approve up to $4K for a
storage container to be stored at FS 87.
MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT
Frank Aguirre presented the following
motion.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve the prescription benefit totaling
$1,530,643.21. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to approve the prescription
benefit totaling $1,530,643.21.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve contracting with HealthComp
as the new TPA effective January 1, 2020.
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve contracting
with HealthComp as the new TPA effective
January 1, 2020.
RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT
Steve Berkery presented the following
motion.
The committee recommends and I so move
to pay:
The Sick & Injury benefits in the amount of
$22,530.25
The Estate Planning benefit in the amount
of $9,999
The Relief Death Benefits in the amount of
$5,000
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the above Relief
benefits.
Steve Berkery read the names of members
who recently passed and asked for a moment
of silence from the Board.
MEMORIALS
Billy D. Christian
Robert D. Crook
ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
Steve Berkery presented the following
motions.
The committee recommends and I so move
to accept the donations in the amount of
$18,581.38 to the Widows, Orphans &
Disabled Firemen’s Fund. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to accept the donations in
the amount of $18,581.38 to the Widows,
Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
The committee recommends and I so
move to approve the financial assistance
applications for surviving spouses, active and
retired members. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to approve the financial
assistance applications for surviving
spouses, active and retired members.
ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE
REPORT
The committee recommends and I so move
to advance funds for both active and retired
members. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to advance funds for both
active and retired members.
GRAPEVINE/WEB REPORT
Danny Wu indicated that John Hicks has
completed his editorial classes and will
replace Dave Wagner in January 2020 as the
editor of the Grapevine.
MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT
REPORT
Rick Godinez referred to the CPK fundraiser
and indicated that it was a huge success and
raised over $8K. He indicated that CPK has
expressed interest in making this an annual
event.
SETTING OF DATES
1) Trustee Board Offsite – September 22nd
2) LAFD Invitational Golf Tourn. –
September 23rd
3) LAFRA Dinner Dance – December 7th
RETIREMENT DINNERS
1) Marcus Lidy – Saturday, July 20th A @
Brouwerij West Brewery (Burks)
2) Jose Silva – Sunday, July 28th C @ Fire
Station 108 (Steinbacher)
3) Doug Weber – Wednesday, July 31st A @
Huntington Bay Club (White)
4) David Rejino – Tuesday, August 6th C
@ Walnut Grove at Tierra Rejada Farms
(Gasbarri)
5) David Bowdre – Saturday, August 17th B
@ Marina Del Rey Marriott (Burks)
6) Bob Decuir – Saturday, August 24th C @
Greg’s Garage (Godinez)
ADJOURNMENT
Bob Steinbacher entertained a motion to
adjourn. Gene Bednarchik so moved. Craig
White seconded. There was no discussion
and no objections.
Motion carried to adjourn. The Board of
Trustees meeting adjourned at 11:41 a.m.
Bob Steinbacher, President
September 2019 • 55
 Donations to Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund - August 2019

VALLEY TRAFFIC ADVISORY COUNCIL from the JOE N. KEETON in memory of William Horton
Car Show Event
LON F. ROBERTS from the Antelope Valley Firemen’s
JAVIER ASCARRUNZ Breakfast Club

GARY B. KLASSE in memory of Mary Klasse CAROLYN RUSSELL

JANE H. HORTON in memory of William Horton SCOTT BURNS in memory of Bill Horton

FIDELITY CHARITABLE in memory of Gene Miller CLAUDIO LOPEZ in memory of Mary Klasse

MARY JEAN MURPHY ROBERT C. KLOPFENSTEIN from the Retired LAFD Kern
County Breakfast Club
PAULA J. MEIER
OLIVIER AUBERGER
FIRE STATION NO. 2 from the Fire Extiguisher Fund
DEBORAH BONINO-WHITNEY in memory of Mary Klasse
JAMES L. STIGLICH in memory of Don Welcker
GORDON CLARIDGE in memory of Mary Klasse
SUSAN E. PIERE
RUTH EDDY & KATHY CHASSEE EDDY in memory of
JANET LORIN in memory of Mary Klasse Don Welcker

JEFFREY CHECK in memory of Mary Klasse MALEN JACOBS in honor of Bill Sommers

JANICE BOURDON BOB LEDESMA in memory of Don Welcker

CHRISTINE M. BRUMBAUGH KATRINA LUNDGREN in memory of Mary Klasse

BRUCE R. DODD JOYCE MATSUBARA in honor of Gary Matsubara

GARY T. SHELFORD from the Simi Breakfast Klatch JOYCE MATSUBARA in memory of Grace Martinez

FIRE STATION NO. 114 from the Fire Extinguisher Fund LARRY & MICHELLE MC ANDRESS in memory of
Mary Klasse
FIRE STATION NO. 98 from the Fire Extinguisher Fund
BRAD & BARB RICHARDSON in memory of Mary Klasse
DANA G. MC LORN in memory of Leory J. Lucas
WESLEY SHUNDO in memory of Mary Klasse
M E HAMMON in memory of Mary Klasse
JANE ZAMBRESKY in memory of Mary Klasse
DIANE EGGERS in memory of Mary Klasse

56 • September 2019
 CLASSIFIEDS
For advertising information, please contact:
Eric Santiago - (323) 259-5231 - eric@lafra.org
MERCHANDISE
FOR SALE
1990 FORESTER I/O BOW
RIDER. 18ft one owner ga-
raged since new, tandem axle,
detachable tongue, 4.3 liter V6
175 hp, $3,500 call Dave Allen
818-631-5295 in Carlsbad
2003 FLEETWOOD SOUTH-
WIND. 32 foot with double
slide. Low miles. Well main-
tained. $33K.
bsteinbacher@lafra.org
2013 WINNEBAGO VISTA
27N Class A motorhome,
Ford V-10 gas, Koni shocks,
heavy-duty anti-way bar, Tru-
Steer, sleeps 4, generator, air
conditioning/heat, full galley,
front and rear entertainment
system, immaculate, 18,000
miles, $49,000, Rich Griffin,
LAFD retired, 909 992 9163.
REAL ESTATE
FOR SALE
HAVASU DREAM HOME.
Lakeside of hwy, near launch
ramp. 3bd/2ba. 2351 sq.
ft. Solar heated pool - lake
views. Live where you play!
Georgeann Hoover AZ/CA
broker. (310) 890-1562. email:
georgeannsellshavasu.com
HOUSEBOAT ON LAKE
POWELL. “Timeshare”
2009 75’X16’/ 2 plus weeks
per year. It can easily sleep
20 plus. It has 2 full-sized
refrigerators, 2 freezers, 2
barbercues. Upper deck is half
covered & has electric winch.
A GREAT BOAT! Priced to sell
fast. $7000 firm. LAFD retired.
(818) 523-7499 or email:
glenshorey@att.net
READY TO LEAVE CALI-
FORNIA? Five acre lot in
quiet Gardnerville, Nv. Enjoy
country living only 3 1/2 miles
from town and only 20 minutes
to Lake Tahoe. Best part No
State Income Tax and No
$5.00 per gallon gasoline.
Level lot on paved road with
underground Electric, Gas,
Cable TV and Phone on
property. Access to BLM land
for off road riding, wheeling or
equestrian use. Excellent re-
tirement community close to all
amenities. $364,000 contact
Bill Waite (Retired LAFD) 775-
782-8016, Cell 760-937-1950
or wrwaite@frontier.com
SERVICES
BUSY BEAVER TREE AND
LANDSCAPE. Tree trimming
and removal, stumpgrinding,
and firewood sales. Mixed
firewood, eucalyptus and oak.
Delivery available or pick up.
Licensed and insured. Dwayne
Kastor, FS 63-B - (818) 535-
6368.
CRAIG SANFORD HEAT-
ING & AIR - Free estimates,
residential, commercial. Great
rates for LAFD and LAPD.
Toll free (877) 891-1414,
(661) 298-3070, FAX (661)
298-3069. State License No.
527114
FIRE FAMILY ESTATE
SALES – Call us when a loved
one passes, moves to a nurs-
ing facility or downsizes. Our
professional staff can handle
every aspect of estate liquida-
tion. We have worked with
many fire families and are here
to help. Rebecca Martin, (818)
216-3637
www.firefamilyestatesales.
com
SOUTHBAY EXPOSURE
PHOTOGRAPHY
Professional photography
services for all wedding, fam-
ily, student, lifestyle, sports or
events. Serving Southern
Calif and destinations beyond.
Member of Pro Photographers
of Calif.Aerial photo and video
also available. FAA certified.
SouthbayExposure.com  217-5602.
(800) 448-0788
Tony Senior LAFD retired
VACATION
RENTALS
AWESOME BIG BEAR- 50
yards from Snow Summitt
chair lifts: 3 bdrm, 2 bath. 4
cable TVs, WiFi, BBQ, Fire-
place, washer/dryer. Includes
linens, sleeps 8. Summer: 2
nite min. $150/ N weekends;
$125/Mon-Thurs. plus $75
cleaning fee. Contact Ron
(626) 833-3437 or email:
espinoza.ron@gmail.com
BIG BEAR - Beautiful decked
2 story cabin. 2 bedroom, 1
bath. Sleeps six. Pets OK.
Near lake, slopes, shopping.
Fireplace/wood, cable/WiFi.
Fully furnished except linens.
Winter $120/$700. Summer
$110/$600. 2 night minimum.
Call Donna/Beep (760)723-
1475.
www.schaffercabin.com
HAVASU/BOATERS.
3bdrm(2king,1full) 2bath, turn-
key, w/d, WiFi, Dish, gas bbq,
1/2 mile to Windsor launch,
covered gated boat parking,
3 nites $450, $100 for each
additional nite- cleaning in-
cluded, pics available. Email:
rickpuglisi1103@msn.com
(626) 665-9890
INDIANAPOLIS INDIANA
HOME. Across the street from
Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
3Bed/2Bath in town of Speed-
way. Walk or bike to Main St.
Short drive, 7 miles, to Lucas
Oil Stadium,Downtown Indy,
Riverfront, Museums, Etc.
Available most dates except
May 20 to 27. Call Tina or
Craig at 805/377-0686 or
805/377-3640
JUNE LAKE CABIN -
2BR/2BA cabin with Carson
Peak view. Close to fishing &
skiing. Furnished, wood deck,
equipped kitchen, wood burn-
ing stove, tree swing, cable /
DVD/phone. Garage/ample
parking. $100/night plus clean-
ing fee. Email for pictures. Jeff
Easton LAFD retired (805)
junebound@gmail.com
LAKE HAVASU AMAZING
LAKEVIEW HOME. 1800 sq.ft.
new construction, 3 bed, 2
bath, sleeps 8. (King, Queen,
Full 2xTwin). Fully furnished w/
linens, cable TV, laundry, large
kitchen, BBQ, 2 car garage.
3 miles from launch ramp. No
pets / no smoking. Call Karen
(661) 965-0542.
LAKE HAVASU BEAUTY
FOR RENT - 3 bdrm, 2 bath,
1600 sq.ft. Fully furnished
with all amenities- Laundry &
BBQ. 13,000 sq.ft. lot. 3 car
boat-deep garage. 3 miles
from launch ramp. Close to
downtown shops & restau-
rants. View of the lake. Quiet
street in good neighborhood.
No pets. No smoking. Snow-
bird rates. Call Mike (661)
510-6246
LAKE HAVASU 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 Communi-
ty. No pets/smoking. $350 Dan
Cook (310) 418-1577.
LAKE HAVASU HOME FOR
RENT- 3 BED/2 BATH, Fur-
nished Modern Home, Sleeps
9. 2 Car Garage, Covered
Boat Parking . Laundry, BBQ,
TVs, Cable. Quiet Cul-De-
Sac Street. 3 miles to London
Bridge, located near Golf
Course. Lake View. No pets,
No Smoking.
Summer/Winter/Snowbird/
Holiday Rates. Cleaning Fee
included. Call John (323)449-
4473
September 2019 • 57
LAKE HAVASU LANDING
RESORT. 3 bedroom, 2 bath,
waterfront house, boat, moor-
ing out front, fully furnished,
laundry, gas BBQ, launch
ramp, gated community, gro-
cery store, hardware store. No
pets, no smoking. Email Kathy
at scarkj@yahoo.com or call
(760) 858-4470
LARGE LAKE HAVASU
HOME FOR RENT – 5
bedroom, 3 bath, 2900 sqft
home with amenities & pool
that easily sleeps 14+ people.
Centrally located, 1 mile from
the lake, close to downtown
shops and restaurants. Check
out home at
https://www.vrbo.
com/4648549ha
Call Julie 818-268-7906 for
special firefighter family rates.
LAKE HAVASU LANDING
RESORT BEACHFRONT
HOME with boat mooring.
Swim, ski or fish from front
yard. 4 bed/2 bath, fully fur-
nished. DirectTV/DVD/WiFi,
pool table, laundry, BBQ.
Gated community with casino,
groceries, marina, launch ramp
and off-road trails. No pets, no
smoking. $350 Bowen/Garner
email:
havasulanding27@gmail.
com
LOG CABIN NEAR JACK-
SON HOLE WY: Close to
Snake River, Grand Tetons,
Yellowstone, World Class Ski-
ing. Call (818) 207-0811 LAFD
Retired. Visit: www.aspenhill
cabin.com for all information.
MAMMOTH - 1 bedroom Sum-
mit condo, sleeps 6. Conve-
nient 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 mammoth241@
aol.com
MAMMOTH CONDO Cozy
2 bedrooms, 2 bath. Fully
furnished, WIFI, 3 TV’s, pool,
58 • September 2019
spa, walk to shuttle, Old
Mammoth area. Winter $115,
Summer $90, plus cleaning
fee $139 and 14% city tax.
Includes linens. No smoking.
Call (310) 540-4648 or (310)
418-1577.
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. Up-
dated 2 bedroom 1 bath old
mammoth/ eagle lodge area.
Sleeps 6. Fully equipped
kitchen, wifi, pool, spa, laun-
dry. Walk to restaurants, bars,
stores, park and trolly. Winter
$150 summer $130 plus clean-
ing fee, holiday rates vary,
multiple night discounts. No
pets.Contact Will Nevins 26”B”
(714) 697-2587
MAMMOTH CONDO NEXT
TO THE GONDOLA VIL-
LAGE – Fully furnished, three
bedroom, two bath with towels
and linens, internet cable TV,
pool and Jacuzzi. Walk to
the gondola, shops, restau-
rants and ski in on the new
comeback trail. Parking at the
front door. 2018/19 RATES:
Winter: $275/night. Summer
$175/night. Holidays $325/
night. Cleaning is included.
Mike Whitehouse, Retired,
email: btkwhitey@yahoo.com
or Bruce Galien, Retired, 661-
645-7448, email: luvbaja2@
aol.com
MAMMOTH LAKES - One
bedroom, extremely charming
wildflower condo. Full ameni-
ties, close to shuttle. Antiques,
art, satellite TV, fireplace.
Sleeps 4. Winter $110, Sum-
mer $85 plus cleaning fees.
Call Bill Clark (818) 371-6722
Email: shakesong@aol.com
MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET: MOTORHOMES
Studio/loft, 2 bath, king bed,
FOR RENT
sleeps 4. Full kitchen, TV,
VCR, DVD. Garage parking.
Walk to Canyon Lodge. Ski MOTORHOMES FOR RENT.
back trail. 2 night minimum. Several Class C’s & Class
Winter $100/nite, $125 Fri, Sat A’s for rent. Serving family
& Holidays. Summer $60/nite. and friends for over 15 years.
Plus $120 cleaning & linens. LAFD, LASD, IPD, OXPD, OX-
Jeff & Lisa Moir (661) 254- FIRE, LACO, LACITY, LACITY
5788. SKI CLUB. Visit us at www.
so-calrv.com or call (661)
MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET: 297-2398 ask for Jeff. Make
Walk to Canyon Lodge. Studio money with your motorhomes
loft sleeps 4. Queen beds, full to offset your payment. We
kitchen, 2 baths, garage park- sub-lease RV’s!
ing, TV, VCR, DVD. Winter
Sun-Thurs $100.nite; Fri & Sat
$115/nite plus cleaning fee
$100. Non smoking complex.
Joel Parker, LAFD retired.
email: cat25sailor@gmail.
com or (213) 399-6534.
MAUI’S MOST BEAUTIFUL
BEACH - Napili Bay. Beautiful
furnished condo that sleeps
4. Lanai/balcony, full kitchen,
king bed, flat screen TV’s/ For
DVD, AC’s free WiFi (internet),
complimentary maid service,
complimentary coffee every
advertising
morning and breakfast on
Fridays. Special firefighters’ information,
discount - Best value in West
Maui! Nice pool & BBQ area -
Close to beach! (800) 336-
please
2185 www.napilivillage.com
Don Sprenger - retired LAFD contact:
(949) 929-0989
NASHVILLE CONDO. Two
bedroom condo, sleeps 6, in
Downtown Nashville. Walk- Eric Santiago
ing distance to Broadway St,
hockey and NFL stadium.
Contact Wayne, LAFD @ (323) 259-5231
(805) 796-7863 for availability
and price. or
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
Romantic Chalet Family email:
getaway. 3 bed/2 bath plus
loft. Sleeps 8–10. Cable TV, eric@lafra.org
washer/dryer, microwave,
woodburning stove. 7 minutes
to casinos and Heavenly.
Located in Tahoe Paradise.
$115 per night plus cleaning.
Call Shawn or Rose Agnew
at (661) 250-9907 or (661)
476-6288.
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September 2019 • 59
 Fire Station 75

Lane Kemper and crew circa 1993. Photo by David Blaire

Task Force 75 & R875 circa 1993. Photo by David Blaire First operating 800 in the City—RA 875. Circa 1989 Photo by David Blaire

Present Day Crew. Photo by Rick McClure

60 • September 2019
September 2019 • 61
 Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
7470 N Figueroa Street
Los Angeles CA 90041-1725

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