Paid Advertisement:

We have devoted ourselves Workers’ Compensation

and our staff to providing Employment Litigation
the highest level of personal Personal Injury
services to our clients Disability Retirements

Please contact our firm for Located in the Van Nuys

a free consultation Historic Library Building
Phone (818) 788 1700 14555 Sylvan Street
Fax (818) 788 1705 Van Nuys, California 91411

Making a false or fraudulent workers’ compensation claim is a felony subject to up to five years in prison or a fine up to
$50,000 or double the value of the fraud, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and fine
n
n
I G A N PACKAGE
MULL DED!
y
MON. SEPT. 21, 2020 INCL
U
s

s
g
et
1
LIMITED SPOTS!
FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED
Benefiting Your

MOUNTAINGATE COUNTRY CLUB | 12445 MOUNTAINGATE DRIVE | LA | CA 90049

9AM - 10:30AM | REGISTRATION/PUTTING CONTEST
10:30AM | OPENING CEREMONY
10:45AM | GOLF BALL DROP
11AM | SHOTGUN START - COCKTAIL RECEPTION, AWARDS DINNER
& ONLINE AUCTION FINAL BIDS & PICK UP FOLLOWING GOLF

DOWNLOAD SIGN UP FORM AT MAIL FORM WITH PAYMENT TO:

[Link]/golf
L.A. FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION
Development & Marketing / Attn: M. Casillas
PO Box 41903 - Los Angeles, CA 90041

NO REFUNDS AFTER AUGUST 1 (unless event is canceled due to COVID-19) (323) 259-5217 mcasillas@[Link]
 On the cover: Structure fire on Main Street - Photo | James Hedlund-Kaiser

Photo Inset: Early Morning Blaze Destroys North Hollywood Business. Photo | Chris Eckenrode

2 • June 2020
 VOL. XCVI JUNE 2020 NO. 10

• FEATURES •
Leadership Academy
Adult Development Theory II • ......................................................07

Fishing the LAFD Way

FF Bill Siemantel is Hooked • ........................................................ 08

Unmanned, but not Outgunned

A Safer Workplace for Firefighters • .............................................. 10

COVID 19 and Work Comp

Are You Covered? • ....................................................................... 12

• CONTENTS •
President’s Message • ..............................................................................5
Battalion News • ......................................................................................15
Retirement Dinners • ……………………………………………………….36
Captain II Gary Smith Retires • ..............................................................37
Captain I Chuck Garcia Celebrates Retirement • ...................................38
Retired Guys
Take Out Chicken • .............................................................................39
The Station Fridge • ...............................................................................40
A Hero in Every Sense of the Word!
Captain II Robert Lutz • .....................................................................41
Show Your LAFD Family Pride (EXTENDED) • ………………………….43
Mirror Mirror
See How Observant You Are • ...........................................................45
The Coasters - Steppin’ Into the Future • ............................................47
Memorials • ...........................................................................................48
Housewives of the LAFD
Social Distancing • ............................................................................49
LAFRA Mail • ..........................................................................................50
LAFD History
Old Fireboat 2 Restoration • .............................................................52
Minutes of the Board of Trustees • .....................................................55
Classifieds • ...........................................................................................58
Tailboard - St. Joseph’s Church Fire • .......................................................61

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

COPYRIGHT © 2020
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association.
No material may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

June 2020 • 3
 FIREMEN’S GRAPEVINE
owned and published by the
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
7470 N Figueroa Street, Los angeles CA 90041

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

PSO’s
Nicholas Prange, Margaret Stewart, Brian Humphrey

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

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

LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION

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

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

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

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

LAFRA MANAGEMENT
Todd Layfer • Executive Director..............................(323) 259-5243
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
Ana Salazar • Member Services Coordinator............(323) 259-5223

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

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

4 • June 2020
L
ast month, my article focused on LAFRA operations input on how members can be better served in their time
and the amazing work our employees are continu- of need. Commissioner Buzzell was at the forefront of this
ing to do for the membership. As I write this article, change and we should all appreciate the effort. Check the
it is 5-1-2020, so this statement is NOT belated: Happy LAFPP Board Agenda for April 16th, 2020, under item #A3
Mother’s Day to all you Mom’s out there, especially my for more info.
Mom (and my Wife) as she has always been there for me. When the news is all doom and gloom, as it has been
Additionally, in this June article, I would like to wish all since the outbreak of the Coronavirus, it’s hard for even the
you Dad’s a Happy Father’s Day and thank my father for most optimistic among us to stay positive. We know that
his continued support and guidance. I am fortunate to have we need to take this virus seriously, and that it’s capable
parents that have guided me down the correct path, and I of causing severe illness, death, and significant changes to
am forever grateful of the values they raised me on. In these how we live and work. It could even cripple the economy,
times of quarantine, we should be spending as much time as which is all that is covered on local and national news.
possible with our loved ones, watching over our FAMILY, Those thoughts can be counterproductive. Instead, let’s try
and I hope that you are all well and able to do so. Happy to focus on the positive and get hope from our past resil-
Mother’s and Father’s Day to ALL! ience so that we have the energy needed to get through this
We have just completed our Open Enrollment period pandemic. Instead of focusing on bottled water, paper tow-
in April for coverage effective on July 1, 2020. Thank you els, or toilet paper, try and pay attention to positive items
to all that participated and filled out and sent back your up- that are low on inventory such as bicycles, exercise equip-
dated beneficiary forms. Please take the time to update or ment, and sporting goods. I have witnessed more families
handle your will or trust and utilize your one-time benefit spending time together riding bikes, and walking their
that LAFRA provides for you as a member. Listen up, all dogs, fathers and sons playing catch, and neighbors turning
you retirees out there, a survey was sent out to all of you their garage and driveway into a cross fit arena. I have also
and we would appreciate your input on how you feel about witnessed pop-up church services in the street while neigh-
your LAFRA benefits and member outreach. Please take bors maintain their social distancing and good people help-
the time and respond and answer in a timely fashion to help ing the elderly. I think we can all agree that traffic and air
us improve and further the Association. The term of the Los quality are amazing; it is almost like we are in a small rural
Angeles Fire and Police Pension Board’s Fire Department town….ALMOST! Just remember that you can always get
Retired Member is ending on June 30, 2020. An election a glass of water out of your filtered refrigerator and maybe
was held on March 31, 2020, for this position. A candidate even dry your hands with an actual towel. An old coach of
must receive the majority of all votes cast in order to win mine use to say, “P A C E: Positive Attitude Changes Ev-
the election. Incumbent Commissioner Ken Buzzell re- erything!
ceived 97.04 percent of the vote and will serve the term of
office from July 1, 2020 until June 30, 2025. Congratula- Be safe out there!
tions, Ken! 150 250 350
The Los Angeles Fire and Police Pensions recently
made a significant change in the way they process final
benefit payments for deceased plan members and surviv-
ing spouse/domestic partner benefits. I won’t go into details Jeff J. Cawdrey
right now, however, I want to applaud the change in policy 323.259.5202
by the LAFPP Board, and appreciate the staff asking for president@[Link]

June 2020 • 5
 n
Los A
CH
EC
Paid Advertisement
“
liv

pl
o
do
go

Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association Medical Plan may cover this examination.
6 • June 2020 Contact your plan provider to verify.
 ire De
les F p
e
ng

ar
tm
Los A

Leadership

ent
By Alicia Iwakiri, adapted from the LAFDLA presentation of Anthony-Paul Diaz
Academy

T
oday’s workplace is intergenerational. our lives are spent at work we are simultane-
CH

OR
People must work together and lead ously going through life stages, family, friends,
others that are older, younger, different, health, and so on; therefore, where we are in
EC

K
D

YO E and unique from themselves. Studies reveal life affects and alters our motivations to work.
U H
R E G O AT T that people raised in different generations have Certainly, we all come for money, but
unique reference points to defining personal in public service there is a limitation to your
well-being, productivity, happiness, and suc- salaries that is defined by contracts or unions,
cess, which in turn shapes their approaches to- so money may not be the only factor. There has
wards work, relationships, and learning. Adult to be other reasons for choosing your profes-
Development Theory is a tool to help you un- sion and coming to work every day. New en-

“In our own

derstand yourself and your experiences while trants to the workforce are taught to think and
having an understanding of the types of people respond differently than those in the middle or
you work with and individuals you are called to end of their careers, but they also have differ-
lead. So how are you going to take your knowl- ing motivating factors.

lives, as much
edge and understanding of Adult Development When you first join an organization,
Theory to lead your team and achieve your generally everyone is the same age, meaning
team’s goals? you are in the same transitional life stage, and
It starts with you. Do you know where has the same desires. For example, when you

as we try to
you are in life? You cannot be a good leader to a first joined the academy most people were
diverse, intergenerational team without know- probably around 22 – 28 years old or “enter-
ing where you are. When you look at your life ing adult world.” These individuals, like you,
do you ever wonder, “How did I get here?” If were probably figuring our his or her next

plan and chart

you remember the song “Once in a Lifetime,” path, deciding where they wanted to live, and
David Byrne asked himself that same question, for the first time truly making their own deci-
“How did I get here?” In the song, he is at a sions without their parents. This environment,
sudden realization that maybe he is establish- surrounded by people in the same life stage as

our course, it
ing a niche or settling down in life. Suddenly I you, is a unique subset. It is comfortable here
have this automobile, wife, house, and how did because you are all going through the same
this happen? structured environment; however, when you
In our own lives, as much as we try to leave this environment, get the job, and join a

doesn’t always
plan and chart our course, it doesn’t always go department the bubble opens up, and you are
as planned. How are we supposed to know as among a sea of people in different life stages
18-year-old kids what we want to do for the rest that are older, younger, have children, don’t
of our lives? I need to go to college and be done have children, etc. Some individuals may be
at this point, own a car at this age, be married “settling down” and looking for promotional

go as planned.” by this age, have kids, and then I will be happy.

Well sometimes that plan happens exactly the
way you want and you won’t be singing “Once
opportunities, while others may be in “middle
life transition” and questioning their life choic-
es. So now, you are called to lead this sea of
In a Lifetime,” but often it doesn’t. “How did I individuals who may be nothing like you; how
get here?” Often we are surprised with life in do you do that?
both good and bad ways, but are you taking the Once you know where you are, you
time to reflect and analyze where you are and must do the same with every individual in your
where you want to go? team. Your team is a collection of unique indi-
So how does all of this affect your viduals whose generational differences shape
• WHERE: The Frank Hotchkin Memorial work? Our work is actually a huge part of our the way he or she approaches work, relation-
lives. The first question that leads off any so- ships, and learning, and without truly knowing
Training Center
cial event or cocktail party is, “What do you everyone in your team, how will you be able to
• COST: At the present time there is no cost do?” It’s our careers that shape us, because we grow them and utilize their unique skillsets?
to attend the LAFD Leadership Academy spend the majority of our time at work. Our You must lead in an intentional way, and uti-
• QUESTIONS: Jason Powell, Captain I, In- mornings are rushed as we are getting ready or lizing your knowledge of Adult Development
Service Training Section at (213) 893-9838 getting others ready to be out the door. We are Theory with yourself and your team is a good
or lafdla@[Link] at work for 8, 10, or 12 hours, and then back way to ensure you and your team will not fail.
home for a bit, and then asleep. As most of
June 2020 • 7
O
n October 18 and 19, 2019, 46 of the finest high school and
college anglers from 44 states gathered at The Willows Club
in Priest River, Idaho for the inaugural Big Bass Zone Junior
Championship presented by Bassmaster. The single fish format event
embodied grassroots fishing at its finest. It didn’t matter if the partici-
pants fished from shore, float tube, kayak, or boat; the opportunity to
compete on a national stage was equal for all.
None of this would have been possible without the hard work
and dedication formulated by the tournament organizer, Bill Siemantel.
Assigned to Fire Station 114 on the “A” shift, Bill worked tirelessly day
and night organizing the event to highlight a sport he truly loves. A Particpants from the event show off their
Firefighter Bill Siemantel. A.K.A Mr. BZZ awarded to them to Bethel University.
champion angler himself, Bill built a solid foundation for a successful
tournament by surrounding himself with an excellent team of people,
including members from our own LAFD Swift Rescue Team who vol-
unteered their time and a large number of generous donors to make sure
the seemingly impossible was smoothly executed.
“I just wanted it to be all about our future, the youth,” replied
Firefighter Siemantel when asked about his role in developing the event.
“My goal was to do something special and try to give back to the next
generation of anglers and their families. Bill was able to put together
$140,000.00 in college scholarships to Bethel University, trips for the
kids from Anglers Inn International, along with a thousand dollars in Tournament organizer Bill Siemantel
prizes. Months of long hours and a lot of hard work went into planning and his family. (L to R) daughters Hailey Aiden Elmore-2019 Big Bass J
the logistical challenge. Luckily, it all paid off as the 2019 BBZ JC event & Kailyn, Bill, and his wife Lisa. Champion. 5.90 lbs. Largemouth b
was executed nearly flawlessly by all involved”.

FAMILY

The parents of these young anglers and the support they provide
was recognized, making this a true family event. Based on the smiles
and comments from parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, and friends,
it’s hard to tell who enjoyed the event more.
Tournament Weigh-Master, Tony McCalmant, and Master of Ceremo-
nies, Mike Whitlow, looked on as Aiden Elmore (AJ Max) displayed
his winning catch: a beautiful 5.90-pound largemouth bass. Regardless
of one’s experience and familiarity with modern bass boats, the playing
field was leveled, and the tournament rules ensured fairness.
The barriers of competing brands that traditionally ruled who fished in
what bass tournaments were removed, allowing for the industry support
and sponsorship for the BBZ JC to be unprecedented. Competing manu-
facturers provided just under $400,000.00, another industry first. Bass
Cat Boats’ Sales and Marketing VIP Dallas Hodges attended to present
the champion with the Bass Cat “Margay” boat package valued at over
$30,000.00.

APPRECIATION

Congratulations to all of the competitors, their families, and

friends. Regardless of where each individual finished in this event, it
is hard to view any of the participants as anything less than champi-

8 • June 2020
 ons. These individuals fished throughout the year, competing in their
individual states to qualify for the finals in Idaho. I know Bill wanted
to thank everyone who worked tirelessly together to make this tourna-
ment a great success. He especially wanted to thank the members of the
LAFD who volunteered their skills and took time out of their personal
lives to come to the event to ensure the safety of the kids and their family
members. Bill also wanted to recognize all of the sponsors. Their sup-
port and generosity went above and beyond measures and was greatly
appreciated by him. Another group of people that Bill wanted to recog-
nize were the Boat Captains; without them and their boats, this tourna-
from the event show off their scholarships Aiden Elmore showing off the win- ment wouldn’t have been possible.
them to Bethel University. ning fish—5.90 lbs. Largemouth Bass Bill didn’t really want his part of the story told, but we felt it was
important to recognize and give credit where credit was due. Hopefully,
this fine example of selfless commitment will inspire others in the future
to step out of their comfort zones and into a role of leadership and follow
Bill’s example.
Bill also produced a fishing show from the event. To watch the
2019 BBZ JC fishing show and look behind the scene to see the impact
this event had on these anglers and families, you can go to [Link]
[Link]

PARTICIPANTS:
n Elmore-2019 Big Bass Junior 2nd place finisher, Yeej Moua of
pion. 5.90 lbs. Largemouth bass Montana 5.50 lbs. Smallmouth Bass Alabama – Brennen Howard, Arizona – Bryce Drake, Arkansas –
Hayden Adams, California – Jed Dickerson, Colorado – Alec Castre-
jon, Connecticut – Dylan Napoleone, Delaware – John Cooper, Florida
– Colton Smith, Idaho – Nathanial Kimberling, Illinois – Trey Mckin-
ney, Indiana – Colsyn Head, Iowa – Kyle Barr, Kansas – Cody Stegman,
Kentucky – Will Carnes, Louisianna – Bryant Martin, Maryland – Car-
son Forrester, Michigan – Remington Barkley, Minnesota – Tyler Bahr,
Mississippi – Garrett McWilliams, Missouri – Zak Hobbs, Montana –
Yeej Moua, Nevada – Carter Doren, New Hampshire – Dylan Gardner,
New Jersey – Aiden Elmore, New Mexico – Adam Condito, New York
– Nicholas Sanderson, North Carolina – Nathan Canaday, North Dakota
– Colton Blomberg, Ohio – Samuel Louw, Oklahoma – Will Bryan, Or-
egon – Noah Fertick, Oregon (Tie) – Michael Postlewait, Pennsylvania
– Austin Aikins, South Carolina – Evan Cain, South Dakota – Tyler Dar-
ling, Tennessee – Banks Shaw, Texas – Hunter Muncrief, Utah – Cricket
Coates, Virginia – Colin Bennett, Washington – Blake Williams, Wyo-
ming – Katy Carey, Wyoming (Tie) – Jack Harpole, California – Hunter
Cannon B.A.S.S., Oregon – Joshua Buller B.A.S.S., Michigan – Mitch
Straffon, B.A.S.S – Bassin, Kansas – Parker Still Bassin.

The BBZ JC Swift Water Rescue Team (Pic 4)

Captain Tim Foor Firefighter, Captain Thomas Henzgen, Paramedic

Geoffrey Balchowsky, Apparatus Operator Brandon Charbonnet, Ap-
paratus Operator Brian Labrie. The Los Angeles City Fire Department
46 champions surround Bill and surprised guest speaker— is the Big Bass Zone Junior Championship Sentinels.
Professional Bass Tournament Angler Brandon Palaniuk

June 2020 • 9
K
ansas City, Missouri, predawn, 1988. A fire involving a pick-up truck is reported at 3:40
a.m. on a highway construction site along U.S. Highway 71 and 87th Street. Pumper
41, from the Bannister Road fire station, is the first on scene.
10 • June 2020
 Upon the arrival of Pumper 41 at 3:47 one of the first municipal fire departments in
a.m., a secondary fire was spotted involving
two tractor trailers; assistance was radioed
“If purchased, the the US to possess this specialized asset. With
unsurpassed mobility and maximum standoff
in. Within five minutes Pumper 30 arrived to
address the situation. By this time Pumper 41
LAFD would be one distances for the safety of LAFD firefighters,
the department is currently considering two
had extinguished the fire involving the pick- of the first municipal models developed by Howe and Howe: Ther-
up truck and quickly traveled to assist in the mite RS1-T4 and Thermite RS3-T2.
secondary fire. A security guard on the scene fire departments in Thermite RS1-T4 weighs in at 1,600
of the pick-up truck fire cautioned Pumper 41 pounds and is durable enough to travel into
not to get too close to the trailers since the the US to possess this extremely high temperatures. Aluminum and
construction area housed explosives for blast-
ing away limestone in order to make way for specialized asset.” steel make up the body of the powerful 44 x
77.25 x 64-inch-high fire terminating appara-
the new Bruce R. Watkins Memorial Drive. At tus and has the ability to travel at a maximum
4:04 a.m., a firefighter on the scene radioed in speed of 6 mph and climb steep slopes while
to his Battalion Chief that explosions had oc- considered either too dangerous or risky for its remotely controlled. Thermite RS1-T4 is fully
curred prior to their arrival and that there was firefighters. Similar robot types are already in equipped with a real time high definition infra-
still something burning—possibly magnesium. use, as was the case during the 2019 blaze that red video to serve as the first line of sight for
A few minutes went by before the chief sensed struck and severely weakened the Notre Dame its human counterparts, and can climb stairs,
trouble and reached for his radio to order his Cathedral structure in Paris, France. Due to has a water cooled engine, runs on diesel, and
personnel to pull back. According to reports safety concerns regarding the unstable struc- pumps water up to 1,250 G.P.M for a maxi-
in the Kansas City Star newspaper, “He was tural condition of the cathedral, Collosus, a mum of 20 hours.
too late. The contents of one trailer blew with firefighting robot, replaced a human firefighter RS3-T2 is similar to its counterpart,
astounding force and noise.” The six firefight- in entering the weaker areas of the building, RS1-T4; however, there are a few differences,
ers at the scene were immediately killed. The resulting in minimal (non-fatal) injuries during mainly that it is much larger and weighs 3,500
explosion was so intense that it was felt by resi- the incident. lbs. This powerhouse of a robot has the abil-
dents 50 miles away. Ammonium nitrate, fuel Firefighting robotics, to date, have been ity to pump 2,500 G.P.M of water for an ex-
oil, and aluminum pellets were all part of the largely utilized by the US government, in par- tended period of time, up to 20 hours, which
mixture that created the explosion. ticular the US Navy. Still in its development is the same amount of time as RS1-T4, and
Every year, firefighters are involved in and testing phase, the Navy’s version of the comes with the option to install additional add
scenarios that result in unnecessary injuries firefighting robot is SAFFiR, an acronym for on items, such as a front plow, which would aid
and fatalities, while being placed directly in Shipboard Autonomous Firefighting Robot. in removal of debris directly in its path that
or near close proximity to unstable structures, Standing at 5-feet 10-inches, the humanoid ro- might be too difficult to reach for live firefight-
rapid growing fires, explosions, automobile ac- bot has proven to possess the ability to travel ers. RS3-T2 also has the ability to travel into
cidents, wild land fires, and more. According through difficult fire situations with precision extremely high temperatures with its real-time
to the National Fire Protection Association in navigation through its testing trials on a de- high-definition infrared video and industrial-
(NFPA), in 2018, 39 percent of firefighter fa- commissioned vessel, the USS Shadwell. grade steel reinforced rubber tracks.
talities were a direct result of fire ground situa- Though the testing of these machines is
tions. The largest amount of fatalities in United THE LAFD FUTURE still in its initial phases by the LAFD, the tech-
States history occurred in 2001 during the 9/11 nology has a sound backing. Manufactured by
attacks where 340 firefighters died, and anoth- Each year our members are placed the leaders in robotic innovation and fabricated
er 103 died at other scenes unrelated to 9/11 for in situations that could easily cause bodily using durable construction-grade components,
a total of 443 lives. harm. A firefighting robot would be able to Thermite RS1-T4 and Thermite RS3-T2 can
Throughout US history the amount of assist in preventing some of these scenarios navigate challenging terrains, while withstand-
firefighter fatalities per year have dwindled due in several ways, including the combat of a ing exposure to extreme elements. Thermite is
to an increased amount of innovative and ef- commercial fires, fires involving combustible designed as an advanced tool to help operators
ficient safety measures implemented, but more metals, hazmat incidents, barricaded suspects combat fires safely and efficiently. With the in-
can still be done. In order to help minimize the with fire, and oil refinery fires. More impor- troduction of this new technology, the amount
dangers of firefighting, the Los Angeles Fire tantly, these robots would not only minimize of firefighter fatalities can continue to drop in
Department has recently developed an inter- entry into dangerous conditions for live fire- what will hopefully become minimal to zero
est in securing multiple firefighting robots for fighters, but they would also aide in keeping fatalities in the very near future.
use in various large-scale scenarios that are them safe. If purchased, the LAFD would be

June 2020 • 11
 I
t should be easy right? You’re work- the employment subjects the employee to
ing as a firefighter and you contract an increased risk compared to that of the
COVID 19. You’re pretty sure you got general public. To apply that exception to
it while working, but you have no way of the COVID 19 virus, a firefighter would
really knowing. Can you file a workers’ need to prove that the risk of contracting
compensation claim, and if you do will the virus is greater for the firefighter com-
the City accept liability? If they do, what munity than that of the general commu-
benefits are you entitled to? What if they nity. A reasonable argument can be made
don’t accept liability, what then? All sim- that even though the COVID 19 virus is
ple questions but not so simple answers. widespread among the community in gen-
First and foremost, COVID 19 is eral, a firefighter is increasing his/her risk
not a “presumptive” injury like many oth- exponentially simply by being out in the
er injuries for firefighters and other safety field responding to calls that subjects them
members. Most of you know that injuries to a greater risk. Firefighters are current-
such as heart trouble, cancer, pneumo- ly required to work and not comply with
nia, bloodborne pathogens, meningitis, stay-at-home orders, so their risk is signifi-
MRSA, and other conditions are “pre- cantly greater than the general public in
sumed” industrial. That means the legisla- contracting the virus.
ture has recognized you have a dangerous Most safety associations/unions are
occupation and you should have an easier currently proposing emergency legislation
burden in proving certain injuries occur as to make the COVID 19 virus a presump-
a result of your job duties. COVID 19 is tive injury. Whether that comes to fruition
not presumptive because, until recently, it remains to be seen. Until that occurs, you
didn’t exist. It is a disease that at the mo- will have to rely upon the good faith of the
ment falls into what is known as a non- City and the doctors they use to evaluate
occupational disease, which in general is workers’ compensations claims in deter-
considered non-industrial. mining that your injury should be consid-
A disease that is considered “non- ered industrial.
occupational” means the burden of prov- So what should you do if you test
ing it is job related is on the injured worker. positive for COVID 19? If you were work-
That can often be a difficult if not an im- ing during the time you contracted CO-
possible task. The fact that you came down VID 19 (based on the accepted incuba-
with a disease while at work or shortly af- tion period), then you should complete an
ter working doesn’t mean you contracted employee claim (DWC1) alleging it as an
it at work or that it was caused by your industrial injury. The City would normally
duties as a firefighter. For an injury to be require you to go see a doctor at a City oc-
considered industrial, you must prove the cupational facility (Reliant Care, Concen-
disease arose out of and occurred in the tra, etc.); however, because of the unique
course and scope of your employment. In nature of this disease, the City might sim-
most situations, you simply aren’t going to ply accept the opinion of your own doc-
be able to meet that burden. tor provided he/she writes a report stating
There are exceptions to the general your diagnosis and the test results that
rule that non-occupational diseases are support the diagnosis. The City might also
non-industrial. One such exception is if want you to attend an exam with a Quali-

12 • June 2020
fied Medical Examiner (QME) to obtain them at a greater risk if they contract the Finally, the question comes up….do
a medical legal opinion. If that does oc- virus; however, if a previously determined you need an attorney to assist you if you
cur, always consult with an attorney to see IOD injury prevents you from reporting to file a claim for COVID 19? Probably not.
if that process is being followed correctly work due to the increased risk, you argu- As stated earlier, hopefully the City will
and which doctor you should see. ably should be entitled to received IOD accept your claim and provide you with
If the City accepts the claim, then pay provided you have a doctor state ex- all appropriate benefits. Furthermore, you
you are entitled to receive IOD pay for the plicitly that you should not work and why. will likely recover from the illness with-
time you miss and all medical care that is The doctor must state that you are “tempo- out any residual disability. In those cases,
required to treat you. In most cases, you rarily disabled” because your previously retaining an attorney is completely unnec-
will recover from the virus with no resid- determined industrial injury places you at essary. If, however, your claim is denied
ual impairment or permanent disability. significant and potentially fatal risk if you or you don’t fully recover, then you should
You’ll go back to work and life will go on; report to work. consult with a knowledgeable attorney
however, if you are one of the rare people Please remember that you are only who specializes in representing firefight-
who suffer any permanent problems such entitled to receive temporary disability ers. In addition, if the City wants you to
as permanent respiratory issues, then you compensation (IOD) pay within five years be examined by a QME, then discuss what
would be entitled to receive what is known from the date of an injury. If your work QME to select with an attorney.
as permanent disability compensation. If related injury is more than five years old, I truly hope that you never need to
the unthinkable occurs and you pass away you would not be entitled to receive IOD file a claim for COVID 19 and that you
from the illness, then your surviving de- pay. Further, if you exhausted your one never need to call me or another attorney
pendents would be entitled to workers’ year of IOD on your original injury, then to discuss such a claim. Your community
compensation death benefits. you would not receive additional IOD for appreciates what you do and knows the
I have been deluged with calls from this situation. You would, however, be en- great risks you incur in doing your job.
firefighters who are hesitant to go to work titled to the “state rate” of temporary dis- Stay safe and be healthy.
because they have a condition that sub- ability for up to one year, provided again
jects them to increased health risks if they that it is within five years from the date of
do contract the virus. Such conditions as your original injury.
asthma, hypertension, and compromised
immune systems due to previous cancer
conditions are all factors people are told
to consider when risking exposure to the
virus. Many firefighters have had some of
these conditions that were previously de-
termined to be IOD. Their cases are set-
tled and they were provided with lifetime
medical care. They are now faced with the
question of whether they should report to
work and risk contracting the virus with
dire consequences because of their com-
promised body systems. If the firefighter
doesn’t report to work is he/she entitled to
receive IOD pay or must they use sick pay?
Under the current CARES act, sick
pay must be paid if an employee cannot
work because a prior condition places

June 2020 • 13
 Paid Advertisement:

Deferred
DEFERREDCompensation
COMPENSATION&&
Pension
PENSIONPlanning
PLANNING

The Deferred Compensation Plan is your Gateway to Retirement

We assist our clients achieve their retirement objectives through their Deferred
Compensation Plan, Pension Plan and DROP

“We have found that 85%

With nearly 20 years serving the Los Angeles City Fire
of retirees who eventually
Department, representing over 500 active and retired
made a financial plan
members, we effectively provide:
regret not making one

early enough in their

• Customized Deferred Compensation Accounts working life.”
• Private Client Wealth Management — BlackRock Annual
• Pension Management Planning Retirement Survey
• DROP Analysis

For more information or to schedule an appointment,

please call 805-409-8150 or visit [Link]/LAFD

Brad M. Barrett Tobie A. Rodriguez

Managing Director Executive Director
bbarrett@[Link] trodriguez@[Link]

14 • June 2020
FS 25 on the front lines during the re-
cent Coronavirus crisis. Photo | FS 25

Companies battle a commercial fire in 9’s first-in. Photo | James Hedlund-Kaiser

June 2020 • 15
Paid Advertisement:

16 • June 2020
 LAFD members wait for a person reportedly in the LA River in FF Lawrence King holds a very grateful pooch rescued
the Los Feliz area. No patient was found. Photo | Brandon North from a smoky apartment. Photo | Adam VanGerpen

up company handles your calls as you enjoy radio to the companies. Someone asked if his
a nice lunch. For further details, just give 16’s particular unit was dispatched. “Nah, I was
a call. And now, I know that we have had a just driving by,” said the poacher. So, the
lot of retirements in the last few months and original dispatched BC said, “If you are up
a few more coming up. As the month of May there already, you got it.” It was just a small
Greetings from the Sinners and Saints comes to a close, we will say good bye to Matt homeless encampment. But just then, a struc-
of Battalion 2. Everything has been turned Ott over at Station 55. Capt. Ott will be the ture fire response breaks out over in 25’s first
upside down with this Covid 19 Virus. I hope second in a complete turnaround of the lead- in. Who do you think got the structure fire?
you are all taking care of yourselves, your ership at the Double Nickel. Capt. Rojas left at Right, not the chief stuck between two engines
families, and co-workers. This is bad. In my the beginning of the year, now Capt. Ott, next on Radio Hill. See what happens when you
short 18 years on the LAFD I’ve never seen, Capt. Parker in September. Now, maybe an get too greedy! For further details, give the
or thought I would see, anything like this! I outsider can finally get a SOD day there. Battalion 1 office a call. That’s all I have this
hope we can get through this and get our lives So, take a look at the pictures attached. month, so send your comments and rumors to
back to normal—whatever that new normal Recently, Light Force 50 was requested to plucks-65215@[Link]. So long, be safe,
will be. And, because of the quarantine, and go over to Glendale Memorial and take part and take care of each other, and lets safely get
all things related, Annual Inspection was can- in a salute to the doctors and nurses that are through this. -Captain Jeffrey T. Spaulding
celled (thank goodness). The bad thing is most working around the clock for hours on end to
stations that I have worked at have done a help the ill during this awful pandemic. 50’s
great job making their place look really nice. teamed up with Glendale Fire to provide a
Over here at FS 1, new floors were installed, really nice aerial display over the Flag. But,
along with new refrigerators thanks to the Fire as you can see by one picture that was sent
Foundation. The rest of the battalion did a to me, there was a masked man operating
great job preparing too! an aircraft, an unmanned drone. I believe
Even with this virus situation all that masked person is the one and only, Rob
going on, I did learn a new trick that I will Smith. Seems Rob has been doing a lot of this
remember to use when I make captain. You lately and has been doing a great job. Thank
have a battalion drill, but everyone on your you, Aviator Rob Smith! It’s a good thing we
shift working that day has already been to it, have our helmets to keep us safe when he is
so why bother going since you already know flying his airship. Lastly, I overheard some-
everything there is to know—right? So, you thing funny on the air a couple weeks ago. I
wait until the move up company from the Val- was working on Task Force 1, when we, along
ley gets there and you jump on the engine and with RA 801, and the Chief were dispatched
go out of your area (remember you were going to a grass fire up in the park. No big deal, but
to a drill anyways) and go to a neighboring when we get there another BC was on scene
station for a retirement lunch while the move other than ours and he started talking on the Who is that mask man?

June 2020 • 17
 Lewis, Marenstein, Wicke, Sherwin Lee, LLP
OVER 40
45 YEARS OF SERVICE TO SAFETY PERSONNEL AND THEIR FAMILIES

Our firm of 18 attorneys and over 50 support staff are dedicated to professional, personal service.

WORKERS DISABILITY PERSONAL INJURY

COMPENSATION RETIREMENT FOR
SAFETY MEMBERS
We have successfully represented We have a pension department Our personal injury department
over 35,000 safety members. that specializes in this area has successfully litigated or
Our representation continues and have successfully obtained tried over 5000 claims for
long after your case is disability pensions for thousands automobile injuries, products
concluded since your right of safety personnel under PERS, liability, medical malpractice
to lifetime medical care may County 1937 Retirement Act and and other negligence areas.
always be challenged. other county and city systems.

(818) 703-6000
20750 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 400
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
[Link]
Serving Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange Counties

Paid Advertisement

18 • June 2020
 TF 50 gather to show support for the
nurses & doctors at Glendale Memorial

Unmanned drone shot over Glendale Memorial

Doesn’t get much better than Engineer Mark Zizi of FS 67 gives himself a Corona-
this view! Photo | 63xthesea IG Cut at the station! Photo | Mark Zizi

June 2020 • 19
20 • June 2020
On April 3, 2020, at 2330 hours, LAFD responded to reports of a structure
fire at 646 N Oxford Ave, just south of Station 52. Photo | Brandon Buckley

By land, sea, or air, LAFD has it cov-

ered. Photo | James Hedlund-Kaiser

June 2020 • 21
Paid Advertisements:

Firefighters save 8% off

the top with Mercury!
Plus, you could save even more
with these discounts:
• Auto+Home bundle; • Multi-car; and
• Good driver; • Many more!

RL Thomas Insurance salutes firefighters throughout California. Thank you for keeping us safe!

Call us today for [Link]

a fast, free quote. (818) 712-8850
Discounts subject to qualification requirements. Firefighters must be employed as full-time firefighters in
California to receive the 8% discount with Mercury Insurance. Volunteer and retired firefighters are not eligible. License#: 0601754

22 • June 2020
100’s sporting the latest helmet Engine 15 takes on a stubborn
accessory. Photo | LAFD FS 100 auto-fire. Photo | Brandon North

E15 works a possible stolen vehicle on fire in the 300

block of W 38th St. Photo | James Hedlund-Kaiser

June 2020 • 23
Paid Advertisement:

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, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund. Ted saw the accumula-
tion 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. 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 Firefighter’s 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. Dona-
tions are the sole means of support for this Fund.
Firefighters risk their lives to protect the community on a daily basis.
Thus, they and their families can be comforted in knowing that the “Fire
Department Family,” supported by the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Fire-
fighter’s Fund, is there for them in times of need.

24 • June 2020
An auto rollover occurred directly across the On 4.4/20, at approximately 0150 hours, LAFD responded to 298
street from FS 13. Photo | Brandon North E 43rd Pl. for a fire in the basement. Photo | Brandon Buckley

Members from 75’s work to free a patient from

a rollover T/A. Photo | Chris Eckenrode

June 2020 • 25
Paid Advertisement:

26 • June 2020
Firefighters battle a fire caused by downed power lines that touched off
a rubbish fire next to house in F.S. 77 first-in. Photos | Rick McClure

The new norm. Photo | Mike Meadows

3/28/20. Firefighters extinguished an at-

tic fire in 22 mins. Photo | Rick McClure

June 2020 • 27
 THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020
B SHIFT 11:30 AM TO 2:30 PM

LIVE MUSIC | FOOD BOOTHS | RAFFLE PRIZES | FAMILY FUN

DOWNTOWN LA On Hope Street between 3rd Street & Hope Place

BRING YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS!

[Link]/HOPE
CONTACT: Juliet Brandolino (323) 259-5215 jbrandolino@[Link]

28 • June 2020
FS 64 says goodbye to Engineer Ivan TMZ Carmona.
Ivan was the heartbeat of the station, training, certify-
ing, and doing his best to help members promote. Ivan
also was instrumental in organizing members to par-
ticipate in outside events, such as Hope for Firefighters,
the Relief Golf Tournament, and Lane Kemper Softball.
He will be missed by all the members of FS 64.

3/28/20. Firefighters transition to master streams

during a fire at 233 S Vermont. Photo | Yvonne Griffin

June 2020 • 29
 Paid Advertisements:

Please consider us for even the smallest of gatherings.

Serving ALL of Southern California

16133 Ventura Blvd, Suite 685

Encino CA 91436

In Appreciation of CONNELL CHEVROLET

Our Firefighters
S E R V I N G O R A N G E C O U N T Y S I N C E 1 9 6 4 • The Orange County Original

SPECIAL PRICING
D.O.T. Medical Exam TO ALL FIREFIGHTERS
AND THEIR FAMILIES
$35.00 THE ALL NEW MID-ENGINED 2020 CORVETTE C8
Fleet Managers
Eddie Cuadra • Joey Cuadra
Ross Health Care
WE WILL BUY YOUR CAR
PAID FOR OR NOT (714) 546-1200
2828 HARBOR BLVD. COSTA MESA
2476 S Atlantic Blvd INVENTORY
[Link]
10/19

ONLINE AT:

Commerce, CA 90040
Tel (323) 780-1650

Business hours:
8-5:30pm Monday-Friday
8:30-2pm Saturday
(Note: Arrive 30 minutes before closing)

30 • June 2020
 On 4/19/20, 64’s attempts entry to a commer-
cial fire at 2034 hours. Photo | Chris Eckenrode

On 4/12/20, Firefighter Moreno attacks an auto 3/3/20. A captain puts the finishing touches on
fire on W. 68th St. Photo | Brandon Buckley a SF at 82nd & Hoover. Photo | Yvonne Griffin

4/5/20. Task Force 33 handles a box truck fire

on E62nd St. Photos | James Hedlund-Kaiser

June 2020 • 31
 Engine 57 prepares to attack
a SF. Photo | Justin Johnson

FF keeps watch after the storm. Firefighters work to free a man from underneath
Photos | Brandon North a truck after a truck vs. motorcycle occurred.

32 • June 2020
Members from FS 15 catch a fire in 33’s first Firefighters battle a blaze in an auto body
in on a move up. Photos | Brandon North shop. Photo | James Hedlund-Kaiser

Firefighter Suey Tiengerd’s last day

at FS 18 before transferring to FS 8.

June 2020 • 33
 FF Vasquez handles a truck fire in Porter Ranch. Photo | Shane Salzman

A member of RA 70 shows the new norm while dis-

infecting after a medical run. Photo | Juan Guerra

Engine & Rescue 107 handle a rollover vehicle at

Tampa Ave x Tunny Ave. Photo | Shane Salzman

Engine 104 attacks a well-involved auto at the

end of a cul-de-sac. Photo | Jacob Salzman

34 • June 2020
On 4/15/20, firefighters quickly attacked a fire utilizing a tran-
sitional attack at 1504 S Carmona Ave. Photo | Brandon Buckley

The West Industrial Unit gets artsy

thanks to Rosie Tos. Photo | LAFD

June 2020 • 35
 DREW OLIPHANT, Engineer, 77-C JOSE “JOE FIG” FIGUEROA, Engineer, FS 112-C
Fire Prevention Bureau/WIU JASON “ROCK” BRAFF, FF/PM, FS 112-C
SUNDAY, JUNE 10, 2020 SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2020
The Odyssey Restaurant
Braff Residence
15600 Odyssey Drive, Granada Hills, CA
12170 Orangemont Lane, Riverside, CA
Dinner: 6:30 PM
Social Hour: 1:00 PM Luau Dinner: 3:00 PM
$70 per person
$50 pp includes dinner, Hawaiian entertainment, & gift
MENU: Choice of Steak or Chicken
Payment by Venmo or at the door: 562-883-3330
RSVP: Text (661) 607-7232 or [Link]@[Link]
Contact: Elayne Braff - (951) 522-0292
Payment: VENMO to (661) 607-7232 or
or Arlene Perez - (562) 882-4184. RSVP by May 23
Drew-Oliphant-1. RSVP by May 20
Paid Advertisement:

36 • June 2020
O
n February 23rd 2020, members gathered at the Tre Tre to honor and congratulate Captain
II Gary Smith after 32 years of service to the LAFD. Gary dropped his tool belt, left the
construction site, and traveled out of the mountains in a blown ski boat….to share in the
camaraderie with food served by his favorite taqueria and to listen to river music. Congratulations
Gary and Laura, we all hope that you have a healthy and happy retirement.

DL and Pon!

June 2020 • 37
F
riends and family clamored to Marina Del Rey on Saturday, March and Son in Law, Charles Asdourian, as well as a few lifelong friends to
14, 2020, for festivities and excitement honoring Captain I Chuck conduct a roast worthy of a Comedy Central special. The Jamaica Bay
Garcia’s almost 32 years of service exclusively on the “A” shift. Inn was abuzz well into the wee hours of the next morning as the cake
Dinner started with a bang when Retired Captain II Mike Hilliger gave was finally cut while the drinks continued to flow, allowing the remain-
an earnest invocation. The emcee, Kurt Tietze, entertained the crowed ing few to celebrate a little longer with the well-loved Captain.
dining hall with plenty of laughter. Not to be outdone were speakers Captain Chuck, while we know your retirement won’t be filled
telling heartfelt stories and comical anecdotes. Amongst the speakers with relaxation or rest, it will bring you plenty of time for all your future
were Tony Gamboa, Roger Camunas, Steve Tufts, Keoki Deporter, Lou projects, as well as your new job as a full-time grandpa. From all your
Rodrigues, Ryan Penrod, Al Mackey, Paul Williams, Troy Adlawan, and fire family—Thank you. We wish you luck and prosperity on your next
Shanon Saffo. While the night was sprinkled with comical jokes, it also adventure. You’ll be greatly missed.
presented a hilarious opportunity for Chuck’s daughter, Nicole Garcia,

38 • June 2020
 You guessed it. While we were putting
the chicken in the back of the ambulance, we
got another run. Off we went to snatch another
life from the jaws of death.
The run involved a man who had lost
control of his motorcycle on Topanga Canyon.
He had some road rash and not much else. He
needed to go the hospital because he lost quite
a bit of skin, and he needed to have his wounds
debrided. Back to Parkwood we went. During
our transport the patient was lying on the gur-
ney and Larry was sitting in the small seat at

I
the head of the gurney. Remember the chicken?
While Larry was getting the patient’s informa-
just heard a small snippet of a statement doctors and they would give us gifts at Christ- tion, the chicken started clucking. He asked
that Chief Terrazas recently made. He said mas. Larry what was that noise. Larry, being the
that there were several firefighters who had At that time, we were required to trans- consummate professional said, “What noise?”
self-quarantined because they may have been port patients to the closest ER. No exceptions. Remember the scanner in the ER that I
exposed to this recent bug. If this is true, my There were no trauma centers, no stroke cen- told you about? It’s about to bite us on a spe-
prayers are with you all. The most important ters, or EDAP’s. About the only exception was cific area of our bodies. When we arrived at
thing that all of you should keep in mind is re- maternity patients because not all hospitals Parkwood, because of the scanner, they were
turning safely to your families after each shift. I had a maternity ward. expecting us. The entire staff was at the back
hope that by the time you read this, the Corona- On this particular day my partner at entrance laughing at us because they knew we
virus will be just a small dot in your rear-view RA105 was Larry Mayer. It was a slow day and had been caught with the chicken. Everyone
mirror. the most excitement was a live chicken that had a good time, including the patient. This
Listening to the news tonight about was brought to the station that morning be- time we got the chicken back to the station
the Coronavirus reminded me of something I cause someone wanted to start raising chick- without any additional problems.
wrote about a month or two ago. The govern- ens. The bird was in a cardboard box and it I can tell this story because the statute
ment had just required people to be at least six soon became the main attraction in the locker of limitations has expired so we can’t be ex-
feet away from each other and there cannot be room. After lunch Larry and I had a call and ecuted for this caper.
more than ten people in a room. we transported the patient to Parkwood Hos-
At that time, I mentioned that the “A” pital, which was located on Shoup Ave., just SARGE
shift at FS93 was, at one time, referred to as south of Sherman Way next to the flood con-
the One Ton Task Force, and with good rea- trol channel. They were busy that day and one One day FS105 “B” got a new TFC,
son. These guys could have been the defensive particular nurse was a bit frazzled. She told us Alex DeSynadinos. The crew at FS1 “C” used
line for several NFL teams, all at once, if sheer we could bring them more patients, just don’t to call him Captain Mocoso, but that’s for an-
size was the only requirement. Because of this bring them anymore turkeys. other time.
new rule they would have had to eat their meals I need to define two words which were He didn’t like the way the guys were
in shifts. Who says size doesn’t matter? commonly used in an ER. These were used to cleaning the station so he called Fireman Ted
define patients who didn’t really belong in an Stanton into the office and appointed him the
TAKE OUT CHICKEN ER but they were there anyway. The first word Sergeant-at-Arms. His new job was to make
was GOMER, which meant, and probably still sure all of the other guys did a good job clean-
In the 1970’s there were several more does, Get Out of My Emergency Room. The ing the station and report anything that was not
hospitals in the Valley than there are today, 17 other was Turkey, which was a catchall word properly cleaned.
then versus 6 today. The hospitals were all very for patients with minor medical problems. “Sure, Cap, right away,” replied Fire-
competitive regarding where we transported a Being a smart a-- I asked, no turkeys? man Stanton. When Ted told the crew about
patient, (They wanted the business) so much How about chicken? A chicken would be al- his new rank, he was christened “Sarge” and
so that they all had scanners in the ER’s and right was her reply. Larry and I double timed it stuck with him until he retired. He had a few
they would listen to the radio calls. They would it back to the station, picked up the box with other nicknames, but this is a family publica-
know who was dispatched, where they were the chicken, and went back to Parkwood. We tion.
dispatched to, and most importantly, which walked in with the chicken on the gurney and Because I’m an Old Retired Guy
ER they should be coming to. We did our best told them we brought the chicken they asked my email address has been wrong for a few
to keep them happy because they always had for. Everyone had a good time with the chicken months. This month I got it right. Finally!
snacks and sodas in the reefer for us. They also and we brightened their day. Now it was time
invited us to special lunches they had for the to take the chicken back to the station. Art Sorrentino daoldwestsidekid@[Link]

June 2020 • 39
40 • June 2020
A
couple of months ago, I had the
distinct honor of representing the
Relief Association in attending
and presenting Retired Captain II Robert
P. Lutz’s widow June with his Memo-
rial Flag flown over his last assignment at
Fire Station 58. At the time of his passing,
Capt. Lutz was 101 years old and had been
retired for 47 wonderful years. His memo-
rial service was held in a banquet room at
the Segovia Palm Desert, where he and his
wife were residents. The affair was hosted
by his son Robert A. Lutz (LAPD Retired)
and Bob’s wife Nancy and was attended
by numerous family members, close
friends, and neighbors of both the Sego-
via and his old neighborhood in Baldwin
Hills. The day was made even more spe-
cial when it was learned that this was not
only Capt. Lutz’s Memorial Service, but in
addition a birthday celebration for his wife
June, who was turning 100 years young
that same day!!
Prior to joining the Fire Depart-
ment, Bob attended Washington High
School, where he excelled in gymnastics,
especially rope climbing, parallel bars,
and rings. He won the Los Angeles City
Championship in all three events in 1937. him was that he was also a WWII HERO! tronic feature allowed Bob and his copilot
Captain Lutz joined the LAFD in 1942 During the time WWII was con- to intercept enemy aircraft lurking in the
and retired in 1972 after 30 years of distin- tinuing to escalate, Robert was an LAFD night skies. Besides shooting down enemy
guished service. Robert raised his family rookie on probation. He longed to volun- aircraft, the P-61 was armed with four
in the Baldwin Hills area of the city and teer and fight for his country, and was told 20mm “very destructive” cannons and two
was the commander at FS 94 in his district that if he completed his probation and then 500-pound bombs. Lt. Lutz, flying at an
for several years. One of the numerous in- joined the service that his time spent in altitude of about 1000 feet under the cover
cidents he responded on was the collapse the military would count towards his re- of darkness, strafed and bombed numer-
of the Baldwin Hills dam that unfortunate- tirement with the City. He jumped at the ous enemy emplacements. “I shot down
ly involved his own home! I didn’t know opportunity, and in February 1943 Bob quite a few trains and truck convoys,” he
or work with Capt. Lutz personally, but joined the U.S. Army Air Corps, 12th Air said. Lutz flew air defense for the Japa-
know several members who did have the Force, 414th Night Fighter Squadron. nese/American 442nd Regimental Combat
pleasure and they all spoke very highly of 1st Lieutenant Robert Lutz flew 36 Team in Northern Italy and aircover for
him as an excellent fireman, officer, and missions in Europe during the war. He pi- troops during the “Battle of the Bulge.”
fire ground commander. He was known loted the British Bristol Beaufighter night 1ST Lieutenant WW II ROBERT P.
as a true gentleman, training officer, and bomber and later the Northrop P-61 Black LUTZ Captain II LA CITY FIRE
leader among men. What wasn’t all that Widow, the first U.S. aircraft specifically THANK YOU FOR YOUR SER-
well known by even many that worked for designed to use radar. This high-tech elec- VICE TO THE CITY & MANKIND!

June 2020 • 41
42 • June 2020
A
big part of who we are is because Please limit it to 50 words or less. Example
of family, whether it be your sta- would be: Brian Hicks. Son of FF/PM John
tion family or the one you go home Hicks and Nancy Hicks graduated from
to after a long shift at the station. Though Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in
at times they may drive us a little crazy, we Computer Science. He will begin his path
tend to love them just the same. That is why in life working for Mythic, an Artificial
when someone within our family succeeds at Intelligence company in Redwood City,
something extra ordinary, we love to share CA. Through his hard work and drive to
in their celebration—especially our children. succeed, he has not only shown the world
As like most years, many of our children will that a college education is important, but
graduate from college after spending the last that all his parent’s nagging and behind
three to five years studying away (along with the scene worrying paid off. (I get a few ex-
spending a big part of our paychecks). tra words—perks of the job!)
We at the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief All pictures and word documents (One
Association understand the sacrifices made picture, please. Times New Roman 12pt
by all involved. Being part of the LAFD script) containing your child’s information
family is important to us. We would like to MUST be received no later than July 1,
share in your celebration as well by honoring 2019. NO EXCEPTIONS! Please send
those you love. We are asking you in the next all requested information to Editor@
month that if your child graduated from col- [Link]. Subject line: “Child’s
lege this past winter/spring sessions, or will Graduation.” All received
in the summer, send us their picture, along postings will be displayed in the
with a little note about them telling the rest of August edition of The Firemen’s
the LAFD family of their plans and dreams. Grapevine.

June 2020 • 43
 Paid Advertisements:

12521 El Dorado Place,

Victorville, CA 92392
Phn: 1-800-971-4808
Fax: 1-800-971-4809
info@[Link]

44 • June 2020
June 2020 • 45
46 • June 2020
R
ecently I got two gift cards for my favorite coffee hang $7.00 and a can of soda or candy bar was an extra $.25, no reser-
out. You know, the place where people go to be alone vations needed to eat. We didn’t have Adventureland or Tomor-
with all their personal electronic devices. Anyway, I rowland, but we did have Sittin’ Around the Camp Fire Night,
didn’t think I was addicted to my phone, but I might be. Instead Engine Tear Down and Rebuildin’ (day or night), and Complete
of simply orderin’ my usual Soy Latte Grande and payin’ for it by Brake Repair (day or night.) These activities were well attended
swipin’ my gift card, I decided to step into the future and down- by all, and was a great source of learnin’ and camaraderie, which
load them on to my phone. is somethin’ you’ll never find at “Disneyland.”
After downloadin’ the necessary application, I magically Of course, some may have argued that the fire station was
added both gift cards. So, when it came time to pay for my manly no place for such activities, but the guys understood that sittin’ in
drink, I just held my phone up to the electronic gizmo on the 14’s TV chairs was a guarantee of upper and lower back align-
counter and BINGO, transaction completed. ment problems, shoulder injuries, and enflamed elbow syndrome.
It was then that I was overcome with a euphoric feelin’ of
accomplishment. Then it dawned on me, this must be the same COWBOY HUMOR
warm fuzzy feelin’ that a Captain I gets after findin’ out he/she It was a quiet Monday mornin’ in Sep-
passed the interview to become a Captain II. tember 2053, when Johnny awoke with a
I always thought the happiest place on Earth was Fire Sta- need to go to the bathroom. To Johnny,
tion 14 “B,” but then I found out that Disneyland holds that dis- this wasn’t just any ordinary day. This
tinction. I suppose any place that has Frontierland, Fantasyland, was the day he would open the last pack-
Critter Country, and Galaxy’s Edge might deserve that title, but age of toilet paper his parents bought in
buyin’ tickets and havin’ to make reservations months ahead to the year 2020.
eat at a Disneyland restaurant isn’t part of the my “happiest place AC
on Earth.” Also, admission for one day is over $200. KEEP SMILIN’!
No admission fee to enter FS 14. The daily mess bill was choppedup@[Link]

Paid Advertisement:

June 2020 • 47
 MEMBERS
Donald B Grant, Battalion Chief.
Appointed November 24, 1962.
Retired on a disability pension December 27, 1988 from Battalion 17-B.
Passed away April 12, 2020.

Ray E. Van Blarcom, Captain I.

Appointed April 13, 1986.
Actively on Duty at FS 69-A.
Passed away May 1, 2020.

Brian B. Zeiner, Engineer.

Appointed April 30, 1966.
Retired on a service pension July 7, 1996 from FS 93-B.
Passed away May 5, 2020.

Ralph L. Brownell, Sr., Engineer.

Appointed November 2, 1963.
Retired on a service pension December 17, 1989 from FS 101.
Passed away May 7, 2020.

FAMILY
Martha F. Dickens, surviving spouse of Richard D. Dickens, passed away April 10, 2020.
Ruth G. Burkhart, surviving spouse of Harold N. Burkhart, passed away April 12, 2020.
Kathering T. Onishi, spouse of Terrence Onishi, passed away April 19, 2020.

48 • June 2020
F
or those who do not personally know me, I want to share my fami- poor young nurse. I know we get used to our firefighters being gone days
ly’s experience during this recent pandemic. I have been very open at a time, but this was different! I had the feeling of a mother’s heart
about my own Coronavirus experience with family and friends, and wanted to hold and comfort him, because I knew that having loving
but I would also like to share our fearful experience with you. family around is healing in itself. As I was praying at home, my husband
In late March, my husband, a Firefighter/Paramedic in the harbor was praying for me to just have comfort and allow me to feel like he was
area, started to feel a little tired and developed a dry cough. Along with on a 72. The morning of day 4 in the hospital, I was able to speak with
him, I felt as if I had allergies. Just to be safe, my husband called in the doctor and my husband was being discharged home. My heart and
sick and went down to Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center to get mind were whirling with emotions. Yes, I wanted him home, but he still
tested. He then felt I should get tested as well. To our fearful surprise, we had a fever, had not finished his rounds of medications, and his 02 sats
both came back positive for the Covid 19 virus. As our week progressed were still low. He was sent home on oxygen, but the thought did cross
in early April, I was relieved of my allergy like symptoms, but my hus- my mind, “Are we equipped if he was to take a turn for the worse?” I had
band’s symptoms continued on and progressively got worse. By day 9 of some comfort that our son at home is also a paramedic.
his symptoms, he was admitted for Covid Pneumonia and hospitalized Luckily, and by the Grace of God, my husband is now on the road
for 4 days. to recovery. I am happy to share that after him be off of work the month
Not only did my husband suffer with this virus, but it has placed of April, he has been cleared to return back to work and do the job he
me on an emotional roller coaster as a fire wife. Without question, we loves.
all knew that first responders were on the front lines of being affected. There is no doubt that we are all fearful of catching the virus,
Being that my husband is a paramedic, I trusted his work ethic and how which in turn, has made many fearful of interacting with others and
he performed his job and did not worry. For my comfort and peace, I maintain social distancing. Initially, it was not easy to share our story
chose to lean on my faith to overcome my fear. We soon realized that because being tested and returning positive somehow gave me a per-
this virus does not discriminate! Of course, our minds were spinning on sonal feeling of shame and embarrassment. After much thought and re-
how it happened, but on the job my husband did come into contact with flection, however, I knew not to feed that lie I was telling myself. Here on
sick patients coming off the cruise ships in the Port of LA and treated this platform, I figured I could share and hopefully bring some aware-
patients out of the Terminal Island Prison. He shared when he came ness and understanding to all of you. I know we all have been placed in
home about those calls, but had no worries because he had full PPE’s. quarantine and that in itself can be physically isolating, but to those that
I will continue to share that on day 9 of his illness, he started to have tested positive, they may go into emotional isolation as well.
spike a fever and we could not bring it down. Being that our daughter In this atmosphere of fear and confusion, my worry has also
is a nurse, I had called her in the middle of the night and she brought been the stigma being a lasting stain on us due to being infected with the
over a pulse oximeter. It was our saving grace! The following day, his illness. If there is anyone you know that has endured this virus, please
fever continued and he constantly kept saying he was okay, but the pulse remember, “We’re just like you!” Despite the infection and illness, we
oximeter did not lie. It continually read 88, and with much persistence, are worth the dignity and respect due to any human-being. Please be
he finally allowed us to take him to the ER. There, he was diagnosed mindful that stigma of mental and physical illnesses extended to people
with Covid Pneumonia and transferred to a treating Covid hospital and with these illnesses can be as harmful as the symptoms themselves.
admitted. He was told that had he waited another day he may have been None of us know when we go back to our so-called normal lives.
intubated. I hope as a society we can throw away any notions of social distancing
As I had stated, “Faith over Fear,” and I kept on that motto dur- and promote face to face interaction. Hope and dignity are the medicines
ing the first couple of days he was in the hospital. Now knowing how that will get us through this pandemic. They are also the remedies to im-
quickly this virus attacks the lungs, and the fact my husband was not pact the concerns brought on by the perceived stigma that will emerge
showing improvement, my Faith was tested and I started to Fear! We after. Contact is the best way to diminish the harm experienced by the
were told that day 10 -13 could be the worst days of the virus. The 3rd person stigmatized by the Coronavirus. Ignorance can be a breeding
and 4th day in the hospital were the hardest because no one could give ground of stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. Let’s own these
me answers, his temp continued to stay up, and they constantly had him concerns and promote these values by understanding.
on ice packs and antibiotics. He also was placed on Hydroxychloroquine Thank you to all for your prayers, well wishes, and support!
when his 02 sats didn’t improve. It was hard knowing that he was in the
hospital alone and I could not be by his bedside. The morning of day 4 Let’s keep the flame alive!
in the hospital, I woke up feeling desperate and I called the nurse at 4
AM to check on my husband. I could not help but to start crying to the Bonnie Lopez

June 2020 • 49
 der your wing. My sincere condolences to
Tom’s family. Rest in peace my friend.

IN MEMORY OF THOMAS BURAU—

BATTALION CHIEF

I was fortunate to work with and

around Tom throughout my career. He was
a man of integrity and dedication when
performing his job and taking care of his
personnel. He was well respected by all.
He taught me how to be a good firefighter
and inspired me pass on those traits and
skills to others. He really inspired me to
join the Urban Search & Rescue program.
Later, I had the opportunity to lead the
DEAR LAFRA signed to the truck. Danny knew his first Federal US&R Program and tried to run it
in district and he knew that the address like Tom did. (Not even close to his level)
RE: The Firemen’s Grapevine— given was a residential area. He also knew Tom will be missed. My condolences to
February 2020. Just thanking you for the that a structure fire reported at that time of the Burau Family.
wonderful article, Tailboard—Fire Station the morning in a residential area was most
12 in Highland Park. It really makes my likely not a false alarm. When we rounded Mark Akahoshi
heart happy to see the pictures and write the corner to that address, we could see
up. My Grandfather worked at Fire Station that we had a two-story single-family
12 from 1917-1939. In the photo, it shows dwelling with smoke showing from the IN MEMORY OF THOMAS BURAU—
my Grandfather, Albert Wilimzig wear- second floor. Before I could get stopped BATTALION CHIEF
ing his white hat sitting beside the driver. Danny was off the rig and headed for the
Thank you for the article and the pictures. front door. By the time I got to that front I first met Tom when he came into
I am proud to say I was married to a L.A. door Danny was at the top of the staircase the Arson Section. I still say he was one
City Fireman for 24 years until he retired. with a small child. Danny had already of the best captains we ever had in Arson
What a great job. He loved the job. searched two rooms before he found the in my 34 years in the unit. Became good
child in bed. Danny saved the life of that friends with him off the job as we both
Lorene Holdsworth child that morning with his quick think- lived in Thousand Oaks. He was always
ing and quick reactions. What he did that conscious of keeping our personal and
morning is something I’ll never forget. professional relationship separate. Made a
Dear John The Lords blessings to you and your fam- lot of camping trips with him and his fam-
ily. ily as our kids at the time were approxi-
Thank you for putting the photo of mately the same age. Janet and I send our
Ernie and the others guys at Station 2 in Rest in peace my friend, prayers to Mary, Michael, and Melissa.
the Grapevine. Ernie and his family really Chris Shaw Tom was truly one of the “Good Guys.”
appreciated it. RIP my friend. You will be missed.

Thank you again, IN MEMORY OF THOMAS BURAU— Terry Depackh
Tom Thompson BATTALION CHIEF

I first met Tom my very first day at DON L. GILLETT—ENGINEER

IN MEMORY OF DANNY CASTILLO Fire Station 27 after graduating from the
- FIREMAN drill tower in April 1975. Fire Station 27 I met Don in 1990. He had been
was a Heavy-Duty Task Force in those retired 10 years and left the job 6 months
Danny was well known for his good days and there were many talented firemen before I hired on. We were now living in
looks and work in television commercials, assigned to that fire station, but Tom stood our small Sierra community of Auberry
but he was much more than that. out. By lunch time that first shift I knew and got to see each other often, either on
I had the good fortune to work that if I stayed close to Tom Burau some Shaver Lake in the summer or the slopes
with Danny in 1979 at Fire Station One of his talent would rub off on me. For the of China Peak in the winter. Don would
in Lincoln Heights. As I remember, it was remainder of my rookie assignment at Fire share stories with me from his time on
around shift change in the morning when Station 27 he was my mentor and I shad- the job and even though he was appointed
we received a reported structure fire. I was owed him everywhere learning everything 7 years before I was born, the stories of
the A/O that morning and Danny was as- I could. Thanks, Tom, for taking me un- life on the job all sounded familiar. Many

50 • June 2020
years ago, Don found me broke down with
a boat full of kids at the far end of the lake.
Typical of a fireman, he jumped in my boat
and we “MacGyvered” a temporary fix to
get the boat back to the ramp. Don and
Barbara raised a wonderful family and my
wife and I are close with their son Steve
and his wife Janet. Steve informed me that
Don passed peacefully this morning. I’m
grateful that we were able share one last
drink just a month ago at a New Year’s
Eve party. I knew that we wouldn’t have
many more opportunities to spend time
and it was a particularly good drink! So, a
tip of the helmet to you my water brother,
you crushed the odds and had a fantastic
39 1/2 years on pension!
Well done, Don…well done.

Rick Ramirez

IN MEMORY OF HAROLD A. DILS—

[Link]
FIREFIGHTER III

I met Stubby before he trimmed

his trigger finger, his nickname was from
at your fingertips
football. I was between jobs at the time
and was invited to join Stubby and two Find Relief PPO Medical Plan details
other friends on the roof. We worked to-
gether and went on many off-road camp- Access Relief member benefits and services
ing adventures in SoCal and Arizona.
I came on the job 2/9/63 and we View the Firemen’s Grapevine Magazine
continued on adventures together. After
a couple of years, Stubby said “I want a Check out upcoming events
piece of that.” While roofing, we would
calculate the cost of the trip. The wages
lost while gone to come up with total trip
cost before we would decide if we could
go. Trading shifts cured that problem. The
four of us were all in a predator hunting
club together and trading shifts made mak-
ing scheduled hunts easy.
Then Stubby got gold fever which
changed the course of the rest his life.

Bruce Dodd

IN MEMORY OF HAROLD A. DILS—

FIREFIGHTER III

Stubby was one the best and tough-

est firemen I had the privilege to be as-
signed with. He always had a heart and a
hand out to give help to any one in need.
May he rest in peace, and may God bless
his family.

Bud Molle
June 2020 • 51
 Submitted by Frank Borden • Director of Operations, LAFDHS

LAFD HISTORY – Old Fireboat 2 Restoration

Frank’s Note: The Coronavirus has condition and is currently resting in a very what seemed forever until just a little removal
had a major impact on our families, work and large vinyl structure for protection against the was engaged.
our ability to move around. By the time this ever-present marine atmosphere. A contingent The title of this article, “The Dreaded
article is published for the June magazine the of dedicated volunteers have been working Tower,” depicts the true-life story of how the
strict guidelines may be reduced so that we feverously for many years to bring the Scott tall imposing structure was rattled with love
can get our lives back to a certain level and looking as it did when it served during its hey- and devotion for two years.
have our museums open interspersed with a day. As with most all volunteer workers on
few events. To be concise, this craft was con- a large undertaking, there is always time for a
This month’s article is about the resto- structed with steel plates and iron cross beams coffee break during the morning with a volu-
ration of Old Fireboat 2. It starts with a great held together with hot rivets. With this type of minous amount of gabbing and informational
story written by retired LAFD member and construction, a myriad of tools were on hand chatter along with occasional “why don’t you”
volunteer Gordon Briggs. He and retired Ap- to maintain working order over the years with suggestions.
paratus Operator Glenn Wilkinson are known brawn and brain. Giant grinders, hammers, The tower is in reference to the im-
as the “Rattler Brothers”. You will see why wrenches, slotted screwdrivers and many other posing 30-foot-high iron structure that sup-
when you read his article. I think this was the large man-size devices added to the everyday ports a large water spewing nozzle assembly.
single most difficult long lasting job we have maintenance routine. The tower is constructed of steel strapping
done on the boat. One particularly odd tool was the air- in a crisscross pattern that culminates to the
The following story is a very brief his- driven pneumatic needle scaler commonly topmost deck for manipulating the nozzle in
tory of the boat and our future plans for it as a called a “Rattler,” which was used to remove any direction. Looking up from the deck, the
museum. old paint and rust from the ever-ending chore tower has an imposing and uninviting aura that
of iron and steel maintenance. The rattler was secretly states, “Good luck when rattling my
THE DREADED TOWER probably the most intrusive noise maker in the cross-beams”.
Based on a true story hands of the user, which required using ear This is where the “why don’t you”
by Gordy Briggs (LAFD Ret.) and nose protection from airborne residue of comes in. Some of the volunteers are a little
old rust and paint. The rest of the boat crew more adept at working in more terrifying and
In 1925 one of the world’s most inno- cringed when operation of the rattler went on unfavorable situations than others. At this
vative fireboats was launched and dedicated in
the Los Angeles Harbor. At that time, true en-
LAFD Fireboat No. 2 nearly completed in 1925
gineering and imagination brought forth a new
at LA Shipbuilding and Drydock, San Pedro
revelation in harbor firefighting and protection.
With a battery of water nozzles, fire pumps and
firefighting personnel, this craft served the har-
bor waterfront for years to come.
For 78 years the Ralph J. Scott served
the citizens of Los Angeles in a firefighting
capacity and water displays for people to see
what a 100-foot fireboat can perform. During
its tenure, the boat never went out of service
even when the three gasoline drive engines
were replaced with more efficient diesel en-
gines one at a time in the 1960’s.
In the early year 2000, a marine survey
was conducted; the aging Scott was deemed
to be non-seaworthy and finally taken out of
service in 2003. Prior to the decommissioning,
the fire department purchased a new fireboat
replacement, the 105-foot Warner Lawrence. The tower monitor in operation along with “Big
The Scott was taken out of the water Bertha” monitor on top of the pilot house. With
and placed on land to be restored to museum the large tip it could flow 10,000 GPM. Circa 1967

52 • June 2020
point someone blurts out a suggestion to rattle checks and any damage caused by the weather. Historical Society is requesting a POLA Com-
the entire tower from the very top tip to the We hope soon that we can continue our resto- munity Investment Grant for 2020/2021 that
very bottom of the deck. Just about all eyes ration work. Our new target date for comple- will help in a phased plan to begin to turn it
focused on two of the most prolific operators tion is the end of 2020. into a Museum as it was planned many years
of the pneumatic rattlers, namely Gordy and Old LAFD Fireboat No. 2 was built in ago. In 2004 the boat was removed from the
Glenn. These two laborers glared at the others San Pedro in 1925 because of the expansion of water by the Port and placed on the dock near
and both remarked “are you nuts?” The oth- the port and the need for a large modern fire- its last assignment at FS 112 and now adjacent
ers didn’t even budge when coffee was unin- boat to protect the port from fire and provide to the Battleship Iowa at Berth 87. From that
tentionally coughed up upon hearing any kind for a rescue capability. The boat was modern- point forward volunteers from the LAFDHS
of ridiculous suggestion of rattling the dreaded ized and modified several times in its 78 years have been following the guidelines of the res-
tower. to keep up with new equipment and technol- toration plan to bring the vessel back to what it
After some musing, Gordy and Glenn ogy. The Fireboat is one of the longest serv- was before it was removed from the water to a
committed themselves to attacking the tower ing fire apparatus in the history of the United permanent berth on land. The funding for the
with dedication and gusto and not whining States Fire Service. restoration tools, equipment and supplies has
about the laborious and unfavorable challenge. The fireboat is a registered National been provided to the LAFDHS through private
With the assistance of Mark Howell and Tom Historic Landmark, is registered on the Na- donations. Our volunteer workers have saved
Moran, a special scaffolding was erected near tional List of Historic Places and a City of us thousands of dollars in labor costs.
the top of the tower to aid in the uncomfortable Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Monument that The fireboat is now in our “shipyard”
positions when rattling. After all, the in-house served the Port for 78 years with generations being restored. The tent structure provided by
scaffolding saved the treasury beau-coups dol- of LAFD firefighters who served on the boat. the Port has been very helpful in protecting the
lars instead of hiring out a scaffolding com- We have a large amount of photos, videos and boat from the marine environment. The inte-
pany. documentation about the Boat that spans de- rior is now configured as a shipyard with tools,
On a given beautiful San Pedro morn- cades. equipment and supplies. The maintenance of
ing, both Gordy and Glenn climbed to the top The boat was upgraded in the 1960’s the boat will never stop but the shipyard needs
platform and began an ambitious two-year with new engines and monitors prolonging its to change into a museum setting while still in
journey of rattling, rustproofing, prime coat- service life and finally retired in 2003 when the tent. In the future the tent structure will
ing and final gloss coating. The tower was not it was replaced by new Fireboat 2, which was need to be upgraded or potentially the boat
friendly to finger jamming, knuckle busting, purchased by the Port along with 3 smaller fire could be moved to a permanent museum struc-
head bumping or various types of non-threat- /rescue boats for the LAFD. The Port of LA ture as originally planned.
ening bodily harms that usually occur with an has supported the restoration and protection of Up until 2015 the Port of LA had plans
undertaking if this magnitude. the old boat from before it was removed from to build a museum structure for the boat south
The tower was finally completed and the water in 2003, and we are requesting a con- of Fire Station 112, but because of budget con-
now stands in its majestic glory as a focal point tinuation of that support to make it a new venue straints the plan was cancelled. With that, the
for visitors to enjoy for years to come. God for the visitors to the Port. boat will be in the current tent structure for a
bless “The Dreaded Tower”! . The LAFDHS along with many part- while. Since the boat will be finished by the
ners supporting saving the old Boat 2 and end of 2020 the LAFDHS wants to open the
OLD FIREBOAT 2 HISTORY - THE working with the Port of LA developed a resto- tent structure with the appropriate displays
RESTORATION PROJECT CONTINUES ration plan to preserve the historic vessel. The provided by this grant to turn it into a museum.
Port of LA has been a strong supporter of the The two biggest jobs left to do are to
As of this writing we have limited our preservation of the Boat and hopefully making paint the deck now that it has been prepped
volunteer visits to the Fireboat for security it a venue for visitors to the Port. The LAFD and to prep and paint the hull. There are many

Glenn Wilkinson using the rattler on the tower. Every bit

of rust and paint was removed from the tower structure.

The year 2004. The end of 78 Gordon Briggs working near the top of the tower with a
years of service and history. rattler. He is on the scaffolding designed by retire En-
gineer Mark Howell and constructed by our volunteers
June 2020 • 53
 Gordy putting on a coat of white paint at The Boat is in this tent at Berth 87. Now it is our One of the two big jobs left to do is to paint
the bottom of the tower. The chain in the shipyard. With upgrades to the tent and the interior the deck. This is Glenn working on the prep
foreground ran the tower up and down. we hope to turn it into a Fireboat Museum in 2021 work on the deck next to the pilot house.

more smaller jobs and detail work that need to

be completed also. So once we get back to work
we will be very busy getting the boat ready for
display after 15 years of volunteer preservation
work. We will definitely have a grand opening
ceremony to celebrate the Boat and the project.

WHY IS LAFD FIREBOAT 2 – THE

RALPH J. SCOTT - IMPORTANT?
LAFDHS Volunteer Tom Brennan is describ-
the top part of the hull has been painted ing the features of the boat during the
1. The Ralph J. Scott is the longest serv-
and the lettering was completed. The Port’s annual US Navy Fleet Week. We will
ing piece of Los Angeles Fire Department
next task is to paint the hull. have boat models in our future museum.
apparatus at 78 years.
2. The Ralph J. Scott is a classic example of
generation riveted wrought steel hull fire-
boats
3. The Ralph J. Scott has an outstanding
record of emergency and non-emergency We got some great help from the
service to the Port of Los Angeles. members of FS 112 C in getting our
4. The Ralph J. Scott is recognized as a Los supply of hose up onto the deck and
Angeles Cultural Heritage Monument. then loading it onto the hose reels.
5. The Ralph J. Scott is recognized by the Thanks from the Boat volunteers. A re-
U.S. Department of Interior, National Park ally big job done the LAFD way – hard
Service National Maritime Initiative as a work, teamwork and fun.
National Historic Landmark.
6. The Ralph J. Scott is listed on the Nation-
al register of Historic Places.
7. The Ralph J. Scott and crew served with
honor, courage and distinction for over June 2020
seven decades.

Special notice to
Our hope is that when we can open the
Boat as a museum and have visitors in 2021 is
that we have enough docents to keep it open
and enough volunteers to maintain it. We are
currently spread very thin on Saturdays when our members and supporters:
both Museums are open and even when we
have various events requiring volunteers, so we

Our museums will be closed

need some new people to step up and give us a
hand. Contact us if you are interested in work-
ing in the “Ralph J. Scott” Fireboat Museum.

Website: [Link] and all events scheduled

Email: info@[Link]
Phone: (323) 464-2727 are cancelled for the month of June
due to the Coronavirus

Please check out our Facebook page
“Preserve Fireboat 2 ‘The Ralph J. Scott’” for
updates and photos. social distancing guidelines.
54 • June 2020
 LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
April 1, 2020

CALL TO ORDER 2020 Board Meeting Minutes. Board Offsite meeting until they determine
when it is appropriate.
President Jeff Cawdrey called the Meeting PRESIDENT’S REPORT
of the Board of Trustees of the Los EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association 1) Jeff Cawdrey provided an update on
to order at 10:02 a.m. (Today’s meeting the Pension meeting update and indicated 1) Todd Layfer referred to Hope for
conducted via conference call due to that the Pension Dept. consultants USI, Firefighters and indicated that the event is
National Emergency of Coronavirus) provided a presentation that validated the currently still scheduled for the first week
plan renewal amounts for LAFRA. He in June. He indicated that they have not
ROLL CALL indicated that the Pension Board approved yet heard from the City but indicated that
the medical plans as suitable for the next the event may be canceled. (This event has
MEMBERS PRESENT: fiscal year for LAFRA. He stated that Ray been canceled)
Jeff Cawdrey, President Cirrana had proposed a 3% non-Medicare
Chris Stine, Vice President subsidy increase based on the average 2) Todd Layfer referred to the Golf
Trustee Frank Aguirre renewals from LAFRA and LAPRA. He Tournament and indicated that we are
Trustee Steve Berkery reported that the Pension Board approved moving forward with planning for the
Trustee Chris Bustamante a 5.5% non-Medicare subsidy increase. event.
Trustee J.D. Fox
Trustee Tim Freeman 2) Jeff Cawdrey referred to the LAFRA 3) Todd Layfer referred to the Lane Kemper
Trustee Henry Gasbarri Pechanga Reunion and asked whether they Softball Tournament and indicated that
Trustee Jeff Halloran should cancel the event. Juan Albarran and they are expecting to cancel the event and
Trustee Gene Bednarchik Tim Larson both agreed to canceling the possibly rescheduling for later in the year.
Trustee Joe Vigil event. Juan Albarran indicated that they (This event has been postponed)
Trustee John Jacobsen will work to refund member deposits and
Trustee Gayle Sonoda obtain any LAFRA paid deposits. 4) Todd Layfer referred to the annual
Trustee Rick Godinez LAFRA audit and indicated that the
Trustee Jim Duffy 3) Jeff Cawdrey reported that the Open second phase of the audit was to happen on
Trustee Mike Sailhamer Enrollment materials had been mailed out March 16th and has since been postponed
Trustee Tyler Tomich and showing up in mailboxes. and will be rescheduled when the building
Trustee Danny Wu reopens.
Trustee Juan Albarran - Pension 4) Jeff Cawdrey indicated that the Drill
Trustee Steve Tufts – Pension Tower 81 class presentation will be on 5) Todd Layfer reported on the remote
Trustee Tim Larson – Pension April 7th during our open enrollment working for the staff and indicated that
Todd Layfer - Executive Director period. everything has been running well with
minor issues. He indicated that the
5) Jeff Cawdrey referred to the members are being served and the vendors
MEMBERS ABSENT: Board Offsite and indicated that they are being paid.
Trustee Kenneth Breskin have numerous dates to consider for
Trustee Craig White rescheduling. INVESTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT

INVOCATION & Flag Salute EXECUTIVE SESSION John Jacobsen indicated that the
Investment Committee had been working
Rick Godinez led the invocation. Jeff The Board entered into Executive Session with Beacon Pointe on a private equity
Cawdrey led the flag salute. at 10: 20 a.m. funding plan. He indicated that Beacon
The Board adjourned from Executive Pointe proposed that we have four new
RATIFICATION OF MINUTES Session at 10:42 a.m. investments in private equity. The new
investments are with Okapi, Industry
Jeff Cawdrey entertained a motion to Member updates were discussed during Ventures, FPA Multi-Family and LLR
ratify the March 4, 2020 Board Meeting Executive Session. No actions were taken. Partners.
Minutes. Henry Gasbarri so moved. Tyler
Tomich seconded. There was no discussion VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT The committee recommends and I so
or objections. move to engage with Beacon Pointe’s
1) Chris Stine recommended that they recommendation of participating into the
Motion carried to ratify the March 4, postpone planning conferences and the new private equity funds.

June 2020 • 55
Motion carried to engage with Steve Berkery read the names of members Iwakiri as stated for her with the
Beacon Pointe’s recommendation of who recently passed and asked for a Grapevine magazine.
participating into the new private equity moment of silence from the Board.
funds SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
MEMORIALS REPORT
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE Kenneth W. Pedler Jr.
REPORT Harold A. Dils Rick Godinez stated that the Scholarship
Exam date has been postponed and not yet
Tyler Tomich presented the following ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE rescheduled. He indicated that they have
motions. been discussing the eligibility on Memorial
Steve Berkery presented the following Scholarships and are considering making
The committee recommends and I so motions. some one-time changes.
move to pay the usual and customary bills
in the amount of $757,712.63. There was The committee recommends and I so MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT
no discussion or objections. move to accept the donations in the COMMITTEE REPORT
amount of $1,669 to the Widows, Orphans
Motion carried to pay the usual and & Disabled Firemen’s Fund. There was no 1) Rick Godinez provided an update on the
customary bills in the amount of discussion or objections. L.A. Marathon and 5K Run. He indicated
$757,712.63. that they are receiving donations from
Motion carried to accept the donations the Amazon Smile platform as well as
MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT in the amount of $1,669 to the Widows, shopping at Ralphs.
Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
Frank Aguirre presented the following RETIREMENT DINNERS
motion. The committee recommends and I so
move to approve the financial assistance 1) Thomas Valdespino – April 18th B @
The committee recommends and I so applications for surviving spouses, active Longshadow Ranch Winery (Cawdrey)
move to approve the Express Scripts and retired members. There was no Postponed
Commercial & EGWP claims and Admin discussion or objections. 2) Adam Zimmerman – Saturday, April
fees totaling $810,741.07. There was no 18th B @ Zimmerman Home (Hicks)
discussion or objections. Motion carried to approve the financial Postponed
assistance applications for surviving 3) David Stanley – Saturday, April 18th B
Motion carried to approve the Express spouses, active and retired members. @ Turner’s Ranch Postponed
Scripts Commercial & EGWP claims 4) Gary Brigandi – Saturday, April 25th B
and Admin fees totaling $810,741.07. ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE @ Fire Station 80 LAX (Vigil)
REPORT 5) Gary Rodriguez – Saturday, April 25th
RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT B @ Private Home
The committee recommends and I so 6) Rick Godinez – Reschedule TBD
Steve Berkery presented the following move to advance funds for both active and 7) Cameron Kennedy & Selwyn Lloyd –
motion. retired members. There was no discussion Saturday, May 2nd C @ FS 94
or objections. 8) Thompson, Hubbard & McDaniel –
The committee recommends and I so May 9th C @ Private Home (Sonoda)
move to pay: Motion carried to advance funds for 9) David Barnes – Saturday, May 9th C @
both active and retired members. Dave’s House Postponed
The Sick & Injury benefits in the amount 10) Drew Oliphant – Sunday, May 31st B
of $12,218 GRAPEVINE/WEB COMMITTEE @ The Odyssey Restaurant (Bednarchik)
The Estate Planning benefit in the amount REPORT
of $11,028 ADJOURNMENT
The Life & Accident Withdrawals in the Danny Wu indicated that Alicia Iwakiri
amount of $0 has been assisting us with writing articles, Jeff Cawdrey entertained a motion to
The Life & Accident Death Benefit in the proof reading and editing for the Grapevine adjourn. Gene Bednarchik so moved. Tim
amount of $0 and recommended that we compensate her Larson seconded. There was no discussion
The Relief Death Benefits in the amount for her work and no objections.
of $10,000
The committee recommends and I so move Motion carried to adjourn. The Board
There was no discussion or objections. to compensate Alicia Iwakiri as stated for of Trustees meeting adjourned at 11:22
her work with the Grapevine. There was a.m.
Motion carried to pay the above Relief no discussion or objections.
benefits. Jeff Cawdrey, President
Motion carried to compensate Alicia

56 • June 2020
 Donations to Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund

BPX ENERGY SCOTT D. MITCHELL from the

Hook & Ladder Enduro
PHOENIX CAPITAL HOLDING LTD OPERATING
JAMES R. HAW in memory of Kenneth W. Pedler, Jr.
BRUCE E. GALIEN from the Hook & Ladder Enduro
SHELLEY BROOKS in memory of Robert W. Brooks
DANIEL LEON
MARGARET M. KLINGER
KROGER
TONY LEITE from the Hook & Ladder Enduro
ROBERT C. KLOPFENSTEIN from the
Retired LAFD Kern County Breakfast Club BROC M. HARMON from the Hook & Ladder Enduro

ROBERT D. SHRODE from the CHRISTOPHER SHAW in memory of Danny Castillo

Hook & Ladder Enduro
GUY C. MILLER in memory of John M. Martinis
DELBERT C. THOMPSON in memory of
Harold & Ginger Reed BETTY J. WADLINGTON

GREGORY J. PASCOLLA from the ERICA C. CUNNINGHAM from the

Hook & Ladder Enduro Hook & Ladder Enduro

BROC M. HARMON from the Hook & Ladder Enduro BNY MELLON CORPORATIONS
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
MICHAEL G. MAC INNESS from the
Hook & Ladder Enduro KENNETH H. GUNDERMAN in memory of
Tom Burau
ANTHONY G. HANDY from the
Hook & Ladder Enduro KENNETH H. GUNDERMAN in memory of
Mike Wigfield
KRISTINE M. BRUMBAUGH in memory of
Reginald Duffin KENNETH H. GUNDERMAN in memory of Bill Bates

ALICE M. DIANNITTO in memory of KENNETH H. GUNDERMAN in memory of

Sam Diannitto, Jr. Gayle Mitchell

HARRY M. MORCK in memory of Don L. Gillett BROC M. HARMON from the Hook & Ladder Enduro

RICHARD E. FOX in memory of Fred A. Miller VIRGINIA G. MADORE in memory of Fred Miller

HARRY M. MORCK in memory of William E. Parker ROBERT J. MACMILLAN in memory of

Retired Engineer, Earl Johnson, FS 60

June 2020 • 57
 CLASSIFIEDS
Calif and destinations beyond. May 20 to 27. Call Tina or
Member of Pro Photographers Craig at 805/377-0686 or
of [Link] photo and video 805/377-3640
also available. FAA certified.
[Link]  JUNE LAKE CABIN -
(800) 448-0788 2BR/2BA cabin with Carson
For advertising information, please contact: Tony Senior LAFD retired Peak view. Close to fishing &
Eric Santiago - (323) 259-5231 - eric@[Link] skiing. Furnished, wood deck,
VACATION equipped kitchen, wood burn-
ing stove, tree swing, cable /
MERCHANDISE Cell -(805) 710-2289 james- RENTALS DVD/phone. Garage/ample
FOR SALE kinninger6@[Link] parking. $100/night plus clean-
PS: My Senior hunting & fish- AWESOME BIG BEAR- 50 ing fee. Email for pictures. Jeff
2002 CROSS COUNTRY ing lic. combo was $16! yards from Snow Summitt Easton LAFD retired (805)
COACHMEN DIESEL. 37 ft. chair lifts: 3 bdrm, 2 bath. 4 217-5602.
with 2 slides. Looks good. cable TVs, WiFi, BBQ, Fire- junebound@[Link]
SERVICES
$28K. Call Keith (213) 598- place, washer/dryer. Includes
3397 linens, sleeps 8. Winter: 2 nite LAKE HAVASU AMAZING
BUSY BEAVER TREE AND min. $250/weekends; $200/ LAKEVIEW POOL HOME.
LANDSCAPE. Tree trimming Mon-Thurs. plus $75 cleaning 1800 [Link]. built 2018, 3 bed, 2
REAL ESTATE
and removal, stumpgrinding, fee. Contact Ron (626) 833- bath, sleeps 8. (King, Queen,
FOR SALE and firewood sales. Mixed 3437 or email: Full 2xTwin). Fully furnished w/
firewood, eucalyptus and oak. [Link]@[Link] linens, WiFi, cable TV, laundry,
FIRE DEPARTMENT SPE-
Delivery available or pick up. large kitchen, BBQ, 2 car
CIAL: Use us to buy your next
Licensed and insured. Dwayne BIG BEAR - Beautiful decked garage, inside boat storage.
home and we’ll move you for
Kastor, FS 63-B - (818) 535- 2 story cabin. 2 bedroom, 1 3 miles from launch ramp. No
free. Call us for details.
6368. bath. Sleeps six. Pets OK. pets / no smoking. Call Karen
CUSTOM HOME IN ACTON.
Over 3,000 sq ft of living Near lake, slopes, shopping. (661) 965-0542.
CRAIG SANFORD HEAT- Fireplace/wood, cable/WiFi.
space. View, view, view...This
ING & AIR - Free estimates, Fully furnished except linens. LAKE HAVASU BEAUTY
Victorian home is fantastic
residential, commercial. Great Winter $120/$700. Summer FOR RENT - 3 bdrm, 2 bath,
and includes 4 bedrooms, 10’
rates for LAFD and LAPD. $110/$600. 2 night minimum. 1600 [Link]. Fully furnished
ceilings, including tin ceiling in
Toll free (877) 891-1414, Call Donna/Beep (760)723- with all amenities- Laundry &
the kitchen. Call us for private
(661) 298-3070, FAX (661) 1475. BBQ. 13,000 [Link]. lot. 3 car
showing. Mark Chappell (661)
298-3069. State License No. [Link] boat-deep garage. 3 miles
223-4017.
527114 from launch ramp. Close to
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED GUEST CABIN IN downtown shops & restau-
FIRE FAMILY ESTATE CHATSWORTH. Behind rants. View of the lake. Quiet
RURAL LIVING, where the
SALES – Call us when a loved closed gate. 1 bedroom, 1-1/2 street in good neighborhood.
average residential lot size
one passes, moves to a nurs- baths, full living room and No pets. No smoking. Snow-
is 5 acres in a hidden val-
ing facility or downsizes. Our kitchen plus fireplace. Pet ok. bird rates. Call Mike (661)
ley surrounded by mountain
professional staff can handle One person only. $1500 per 510-6246
ranges? This really is big sky
every aspect of estate liquida- month, includes utilities.
country! You can ride your
tion. We have worked with (818)590-4479. LAKE HAVASU LANDING.
horse or your ATV out of your
many fire families and are here TH1-29, Waterfront, 3 BD 3
property on to hundreds of
to help. Rebecca Martin, (818) HAVASU/BOATERS. BA, Furnished, Direct-TV,
miles of public trails. The only
216-3637 3bdrm(2king,1full) 2bath, turn- DVD, WiFi, BBQ, Moor-
traffic jam is a herd of sheep
[Link]. key, w/d, WiFi, Dish, gas bbq, ing, Casino, Market, Launch
or two ranchers discussing the
com 1/2 mile to Windsor launch, Ramp, Marina, Off Road
weather. At 4,700’ elevation
we are in high desert, pinion covered gated boat parking, Trails, Gated, No Smoking/
REBEKAH KEARNS PHO- 3 nites $450, $100 for each Pets, $275 Weekday, $795
and sage with four seasons!
TOGRAPHY. Family + Event additional nite- cleaning in- Weekend Fr-Sat, $1895 Week
Just 90 minutes south of
Photography. rebekahkearns cluded, pics available. Email: 7 Days, Maid $100, Resort
Reno and 30 minutes from the
[Link] rickpuglisi1103@[Link] TOT fee 25% of total bill, bring
Carson Valley, Smith Valley is
rebekah@rebekahkearns (626) 665-9890 pillows and sheets, (310) 418-
a jewel of country living where
[Link] 1577, daggertooth@[Link]
agriculture is the main busi-
insta@rkearnsphoto INDIANAPOLIS INDIANA
ness and hay fields abound.
LAFD Family HOME. Across the street from LAKE HAVASU HOME FOR
Georgia and I have lived here
for 15 years with few regrets Indianapolis Motor Speedway. RENT- 3 BED/2 BATH, Fur-
SOUTHBAY EXPOSURE 3Bed/2Bath in town of Speed- nished Modern Home, Sleeps
and much gratitude. We have
PHOTOGRAPHY way. Walk or bike to Main St. 9. 2 Car Garage, Covered
two 5-acre lots with beauti-
Professional photography Short drive, 7 miles, to Lucas Boat Parking . Laundry, BBQ,
ful views priced at $125,000
services for all wedding, fam- Oil Stadium,Downtown Indy, TVs, Cable. Quiet Cul-De-
& $90,000. Photos available.
ily, student, lifestyle, sports or Riverfront, Museums, Etc. Sac Street. 3 miles to London
Jim Kinninger, LAFD Ret.
events. Serving Southern Available most dates except Bridge, located near Golf
58 • June 2020
Course. Lake View. No pets, 513-2000 or mammoth241@ MAMMOTH LAKES - One Month, Maid $150, 11%
No Smoking. [Link] bedroom, extremely charming TOT(STR2019-0002), Up
Summer/Winter/Snowbird/ wildflower condo. Full ameni- Charge for Concerts, No
Holiday Rates. Cleaning Fee MAMMOTH CONDO, La ties, close to shuttle. Antiques, Smoking/Pets, (310) 418-
included. Call John (323)449- Vista Blanc, Cozy 2 BD 2 art, satellite TV, fireplace. 1577, daggertooth@[Link]
4473 BA, Furnished, WiFi, Cable, Sleeps 4. Winter $110, Sum-
Pool, Spa, BBQ, Sleeps 4, mer $85 plus cleaning fees. SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
LAKE HAVASU LANDING Winter $120, Summer $90, Call Bill Clark (818) 371-6722 Romantic Chalet Family
RESORT. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, Maid $175, 14% TOT(6092), Email: shakesong@[Link] getaway. 3 bed/2 bath plus
waterfront house, boat, moor- No Smoking, (310) 540-4648, loft. Sleeps 8–10. Cable TV,
ing out front, fully furnished, pvignery@[Link], (310) 418- MAMMOTH SEASONS 4 washer/dryer, microwave,
laundry, gas BBQ, launch 1577, daggertooth@[Link] CONDO. Cozy 1 bedroom woodburning stove. 7 minutes
ramp, gated community, gro- condo with full-size pullout to casinos and Heavenly.
cery store, hardware store. No MAMMOTH CONDO AT couch and bonus room with Located in Tahoe Paradise.
pets, no smoking. Email Kathy MAMMOTH ESTATES. twin size bunkbed that com- $115 per night plus cleaning.
at scarkj@[Link] or call 4BR/3BA, sleeps 10, fully fortably sleeps 4 adults and 2 Call Shawn or Rose Agnew
(760) 858-4470 furnished, 2 TVs, DVDs, WiFi, children. Conveniently located at (661) 250-9907 or (661)
towels/linens, fireplace. Full 15 min walk between the Vil- 476-6288.
LARGE LAKE HAVASU kitchen. Walk to Gondola lage and Canyon Lodge at 244
HOME FOR RENT – 5 Village and shuttle. Complex Lakeview Blvd. Visit https:// WATERFRONT RIVER-
bedroom, 3 bath, 2900 sqft has pool, spa, sauna, laundry. [Link]/94269/ HOUSE ON THE LAGOON
home with amenities & pool Winter $355/night, Summer for pics, amenities, and OF THE COLORADO RIVER
that easily sleeps 14+ people. $240/night, plus cleaning. reviews. $125/night; off-peak for rent. Beautiful family home-
Centrally located, 1 mile from Includes city bed tax. No pets, (May, June, Oct, Nov): $100/ 5 bedrooms, large bonus room
the lake, close to downtown no smoking. Dory Jones (310) night; cleaning: $100. Bobby for kids, 4 1/2 baths,Sleeps
shops and restaurants. Check 918-0631 or Kelly Corcoran (310) 350-5552. 15. Fully loaded with top of the
out home at (310) 619-5355 line appliances. Private launch
[Link] MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET: ramp. No pets. No smoking.
com/4648549ha MAMMOTH CONDO. Two Studio/loft, 2 bath, king bed, Contact: Gigi (714)454-0922
Call Julie 818-268-7906 for bedrooms, Large loft. Three sleeps 4. Full kitchen, TV, (Spouse-LAFD) for special fire-
special firefighter family rates. full bathrooms. Sleeps 8. Walk VCR, DVD. Garage parking. fighter family rates. Check out
to Canyon Lodge. DVD, Cable, Walk to Canyon Lodge. Ski details: [Link]
LAKE HAVASU LANDING Wifi, Pool, Spa, Rec. Room, back trail. 2 night minimum. theriverhousevacationhome
RESORT BEACHFRONT BBQ. Winter $175 Sun - Thurs Winter $100/nite, $125 Fri, Sat
HOME with boat mooring. $195 Fri /Sat Holiday Periods. & Holidays. Summer $60/nite. MOTORHOMES
Swim, ski or fish from front Summer $150 Plus Clean- Plus $120 cleaning & linens.
yard. 4 bed/2 bath, fully fur- ing. No Smoking or Pets. Call Jeff & Lisa Moir (661) 254- FOR RENT
nished. DirectTV/DVD/WiFi, Craig Yoder (909) 948-3659. 5788.
pool table, laundry, BBQ. MOTORHOMES FOR RENT.
Gated community with casino, MAMMOTH CONDO. Up- MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET: Several Class C’s & Class
groceries, marina, launch ramp dated 2 bedroom 1 bath old Walk to Canyon Lodge. Studio A’s for rent. Serving family
and off-road trails. No pets, no mammoth/ eagle lodge area. loft sleeps 4. Queen beds, full and friends for over 15 years.
smoking. $350 Bowen/Garner Sleeps 6. Fully equipped kitchen, 2 baths, garage park- LAFD, LASD, IPD, OXPD, OX-
email: kitchen, wifi, pool, spa, laun- ing, TV, VCR, DVD. Winter FIRE, LACO, LACITY, LACITY
havasulanding27@[Link] dry. Walk to restaurants, bars, Sun-Thurs $[Link]; Fri & Sat SKI CLUB. Visit us at www.
stores, park and trolly. Winter $115/nite plus cleaning fee [Link] or call (661)
LOG CABIN NEAR JACK- $150 summer $130 plus clean- $100. Non smoking complex. 297-2398 ask for Jeff. Make
SON HOLE WY: Close to ing fee, holiday rates vary, Joel Parker, LAFD retired. money with your motorhomes
Snake River, Grand Tetons, multiple night discounts. No email: cat25sailor@gmail. to offset your payment. We
Yellowstone, World Class Ski- [Link] Will Nevins 26”B” com or (213) 399-6534. sub-lease RV’s!
ing. Call (818) 207-0811 LAFD (714) 697-2587
Retired. Visit: [Link] NASHVILLE CONDO. Two
[Link] for all information. MAMMOTH CONDO AT THE bedroom condo, sleeps 6, in
WOODLANDS - Spacious Downtown Nashville. Walk- For advertising
MAMMOTH - 1 bedroom Sum-
mit condo, sleeps 6. Conve-
& sunny. 2 bedroom, loft, &
2 baths. Sleeps 8. Cable
ing distance to Broadway St,
hockey and NFL stadium.
info, please contact:
nient underground garage HDTV, DVD, & Wi-Fi. Pool, Contact Wayne, LAFD @
parking. Jacuzzis, gym (pool/
tennis in summertime), shuttle
Jacuzzi, & sauna in complex.
On shuttle route. No smoking
(805) 796-7863 for availability
and price.
Eric Santiago
right outside! Across from
Eagle Lodge, Winter $110 per
& no pets. $145/night winter,
$110/night summer. Plus PALM DESERT CONDO.
(323) 259-5231
night, Summer $80 per night cleaning and bed tax. Call Montery Sands, 3 BD 2 BA, or
plus $65 cleaning fee and Terry Imlay (949)322-3473 or Furnished, WiFi, Cable, Pool,
13% tax. All linens included. (949)458-0768 Jacuzzi, Tennia, Sleeps 6 max, email: eric@[Link]
Drew or Nancy Oliphant (661) $150 Night, $800 Week, $2950
June 2020 • 59
Paid Advertisements:

Deal direct with authorized Factory Dealers

Offering members of the Los Angeles Fire Department
Courteous, Ethical, and Special Consideration in the purchase of your new car.

GALPIN FORD HAMER TOYOTA, INC. HONDA OF HOLLYWOOD

“#1 Volume Ford Dealer in the world for 20 Camry / Celica / Corolla / Tundra Honda - Sales and Leasing
consecutive years!” Tacoma / Sienna / Supra / Solara Large Selection of Used Vehicles
Lincoln / Mercury / Honda / Mazda / 11041 Sepulveda Blvd 6511 Santa Monica Blvd
Volvo / Ford / Jaguar / Lotus / Aston Mission Hills CA Hollywood CA
Martin / Spyker / Galpin Auto Sports Ask for Steve Denson—Fleet Mgr Ask for Dave Erickson­­­­­­­­­
For special pricing contact steve@[Link] 323-466-3251 l Fax: 323-462-0187
Terry Miller—Fleet Sales & Leasing 818-365-9621 DaveE@[Link]
15505 Roscoe Blvd “Specializing in hassle-free car buying”
North Hills CA 91343
818-797-3800 l [Link]
[Link]

60 • June 2020
 Engineer Tuzzilno (left) and Bill Thost (right) operate a 2 ½ hose line during the St.
Joseph’s Church fire in downtown L.A. Circa 1983. Engineer “Tuzz” Tuzzilino was also respon-
sible for inventing the hydrant testing caps that we still use today. Photo | Mike Meadows
June 2020 • 61
 Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
7470 N Figueroa Street
Los Angeles CA 90041-1725

Face-to-Face, Fast
You FaceTime and Zoom with family and friends to
stay in touch… why not Video Chat with us? Video Chat
brings an instant connection to remote banking.
Meet with a Member Advisor from the Virtual
Branch using the FireFirstVideo app, or your
computer with a connected camera.
Reach Business Services, Real Estate and
Firefighter Insurance Services1 too. Or, set up a
Video Chat appointment with Firehouse Financial2
or Trust Services3.

It’s easy! Download the FireFirstVideo

app and start your chat today.

[Link]
800-231-1626
Los Angeles • Bakersfield • Loma Linda • Orange County
Pleasanton • Sacramento • Thousand Oaks • Tempe, AZ

1 Firefighter Insurance Services (#0G87848) is not insured by NCUA.

2 Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (“CFS”), a registered broker-
dealer (MemberFINRA/SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or
otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including
possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. The Credit Union has contracted with CFS to
make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members.
3 Trust services are provided by Members Trust Company, a federal thrift regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency,
Trust and investment products are not deposits of or guaranteed by the trust company, a credit union or credit union affiliate, are
not insured or guaranteed by the NCUA, FDIC, or any other governmental agency, and are subject to investment risks, including
possible loss of the principal amount invested.