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PayCheck Direct is currently not available to LA County, State of CA, or LAUSD Club members.

Enroll today at CityEmployeesClub.com

26

2 February 2015

On the cover: Major Emergency Structure Fire, Downtown Los Angeles

Photo by: Steve Gentry

VOL. XCI

FEBRUARY 2015

NO. 06

FEATURES
Department in Action

More than 250 firefighters battle a seven-story condo

under construction .........................................................26

Help for a Brother in Need

Members gather at Fire Station 87 to the benefit on an

injured firefighter ............................................................06

Fire Hogs Run for Hot Shots

The club honors the Granite Mountain Hot Shots during

its annual Laughlin run .....................................................10

CONTENTS

Follow us on Facebook

Presidents Message .........................................................................05

In Memoriam
Remembering Firefighter Reiner Montiel, MFC-A ................................08
Battalion News .................................................................................12
Retired Guys ....................................................................................23
Department in Action .........................................................................25
Heroes and Champions
A t-shirt bet builds bonds on two coasts ...............................................28
Station Fridge ..................................................................................31
Kitchen Table Wisdom
Engine ventilation assignments ..........................................................32
LAFD Handball
Fall singles championship ....................................................................35
Helping South of the Border
LAFD members in San Felipe, Mexico .................................................37
Retirement Dinner Announcements ...............................................39
Mailbox .............................................................................................41
Memorials ........................................................................................43
Dollars & Sense
Chip cards ........................................................................................47
Firefighter Conference @ Hume Lake .............................................49
LAFD History
Chief Engineers of the LAFD, Part two ...............................................51
Minutes of the Board of Trustees .......................................................56
Classifieds ........................................................................................58
Tailboard ..........................................................................................61

www.facebook.com/firemensgrapevine

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

COPYRIGHT 2015

Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association.

No material may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

February 2015 3

FIREMENS GRAPEVINE
owned and published by the

Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association

815 Colorado Blvd, 4th Floor, Los angeles CA 90041

EDITORIAL STAFF
Dave Wagner Editor..........................................................editor@lafra.org
Eric Santiago Creative Editor.....................................esantiago@lafra.org
Juan-Carlos Snchez Project Coordinator................jcsanchez@lafra.org
DisplayAdvertising....................................(323) 259-5200 ext. 231, 232, 260

PSOs

Katherine Main, Brian Humphrey, Erik Scott

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mike Mastro, Frank Borden, David Vienna,

Jody Houser, Michael Stefano, Monte Egherman, Steve Ruda

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ryan Babroff, David Blaire, Doc DeMulle, Greg Doyle, Harry Garvin,
Steve Gentry, Juan Guerra, Brian Haimer, Gavin Kaufman, Ryan Ling, Rick McClure,
Mike Meadows, Lloyd Payne, Jeff Zimmerman, Yvonne Griffin, Laura Lichter.

LOS ANGELES FIREMENS RELIEF ASSOCIATION

Juan Albarran........................................................President
Robert Steinbacher .......................................Vice-President
Andrew Kuljis ........................................................Secretary
Barry Hedberg
Chris Hart
Chris Stine
Craig White
David Lowe
David Ortiz
David Peters

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Doak Smith
Frank Hernandez
Frank Aguirre
Gene Bednarchik
James E. Coburn
Jeff Cawdrey
Mark Akahoshi

Rick Godinez
Steve Berkery
Steve Ruda
Steven Domanski
Tim Larson
Tyler Tomich

CHAPLAINS

To contact a chaplain,
Please call Senior Chaplain Rick Godinez at (661) 904-3050
or the MFC Floor Captain at (213) 576-8920
Greg W. Gibson...................Chaplain
Danny Leon..........................Chaplain
George A. Negrete...............Chaplain
Aquil F. Basheer..................Chaplain
Tim Werle............................Chaplain

Hershy Z. Ten.......................Chaplain
Roger Fowble.....................Chaplain
Mark R. Woolf.....................Chaplain
Jesus Pasos.........................Chaplain
Craig Poulson.....................Chaplain

TELEPHONES
Fire-Relief ...............................................................(323) 259-5200
Relief Association Toll Free Number .........................(800) 244-3439
Relief Medical Plan ................................................. (866) 995-2372
Fax Number ..............................................................(323) 259-5290
LAFRA MANAGEMENT
Todd Layfer Executive Director..............................(323) 259-5243
Becky Valverde Human Resources Administrator.....(323) 259-5247
Liberty Unciano Controller/Treasurer...................(323) 259-5225
Bob Dillon Operations Manager..............................(323) 259-5233
Marlene Casillas Development & Marketing Director(323) 259-5217
Ana Salazar Member Services Coordinator.............(323) 259-5223
HealthSCOPE Benefits

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

THE FIREMENS GRAPEVINE (USPS 191-060) is published monthly by the Los Angeles Firemens
Relief Association, 815 Colorado Blvd. 4th Floor, Los Angeles, California 90041. Annual $24 Subscription
included with Association membership; Non-members: $36. Single issues $3 postpaid. Back issues $6
postpaid. Periodicals postage paid at Los Angeles, CA and at additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send
address changes to: THE FIREMENS GRAPEVINE Magazine, P.O. BOX 41903, Los Angeles, CA 90041.
Printed by Collective Color, Los Angeles CA. For Classified and Display Advertising rates please call (323)
259-5200, ext. 231, 232 or 260. All editorial matter must be received by the Editor eight weeks prior to the
month of publication. The opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect
the official views of the Los Angeles City Fire Department or the Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association.

4 February 2015


Happy Valentines Month!

Thanks for your patience.

We have recalibrated the pharmaceutical benefit for our
Medicare members. The decision to do this was discussed at
great length by the Trustees on your Medical Committee. These
changes have also been mentioned several times in the Grapevine
but need to be mentioned again. In the end we felt that this option
was the best for all of our Medicare eligibles. Some members
whose income was above federally mandated limits are now paying, where in the past they had not been required to pay. Some
members are opting out. Be aware that this can cause you to pay
several hundred dollars more a year for similar coverage. Several
mail outs were made to help you with this transition. Please refer
to them for assistance.

If you are really quiet here at 815 Colorado Bl. you can hear
the magic going on at 7470 N, Figueroa. We are, as of this writing, demolishing the interior of the building. When the demo is
done only the four perimeter walls will remain. We will then start
preparing the three floors. The parking level floor (2nd floor) will
be for all of your customer service needs. This includes Medical,
Relief and durable medical equipment. The floor below that is our
storage and small kitchen. The top floor (3rd floor) is where board
room and administrative offices
will be located.

In the past two months
LAFRA has attended rookie
orientations to sign up new recruits. After listening to our staff
and reviewing the printed information we managed to enroll
nearly 90% of the new recruits.
These new members are laying
the foundation for a relationship
that will provide excellent medical care, benefits and fellowship
for many years, long past their
retirement.

In order to assist you in
the preparation of your taxes
for 2014, you will soon be receiving LAFRAs tax deduction information. I would like to
challenge you to increase your

donations to the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemens Fund.

Even if it is a small increase, I can assure you that we will put that
small increase to good use. I use (and recommend) payroll deduction to donate. It is simple and pain free.

At our January board meeting we swore in a third of the
trustees. The trustees have been divided into groups that allow
us to better represent the active and retired members. This year
it was group number three. In January of 2016 we will swear in
group one trustees.

Included in that group was our newest trustee, Joe Vigil.
Joe has 28 years on the job and is currently assigned to Fire Station 95. Joe has accepted the challenge and responsibility of helping us carry the load here at your Relief Association.

Dont forget your Valentine!

Juan Albarran
president@lafra.org
323.259.5200

The new group three trustees

February 2015 5

n September 22, 2014, LAFD Firefighter Javier Martinez suffered serious injuries after being ejected from
his classic automobile during a traffic accident
on the Golden State Freeway . . .

Perhaps the greatest fear of LAFD
members is to have their job placed in jeopardy
due to unseen and unfortunate circumstance.
Countless hours of hard work, sweat, and even
tears are endured in order to proudly call oneself a Los Angeles Fire Department firefighter.
With this in mind it comes as no surprise that
when the health of one of our members falls
into a dire situation, the strength of the fire department brother and sisterhood is called for
help. The fire department is our extended family away from home, and likewise we take care
of our brothers and sisters as our own.

Recognizing the need to help Javier
with his long term rehabilitation, Javiers captain, Jim Bates (FS 103-A), helped organize
a pancake breakfast fundraiser on November
23rd with the generous support of Fire Station
87. The event was a huge success. More than
$20,000 was raised to assist FF Martinez in his
long road to recovery.

The spirit of the LAFD was evident as
members from the Harbor, Downtown, Westside, and Valley arrived with healthy appetites
and deep wallets. Retired members and cadets
attended as well, and in a show of leadership,
Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas enjoyed his breakfast
among others who understood the importance
of support, respect, and duty in taking care of
brother Martinez.

Javier and his family and friends also
attended, and spirits were instantly lifted when
he anxiously arrived after leaving the hospital setting for the first time since his accident.
His family could not believe the outpouring

6 February 2015

of support they felt from the LAFD members,

UFLAC Local 112, LA Firemens Relief Association, and Fire Foundation Family. Organizers addressed Javiers love for classic
automobiles by arranging the car clubs Chevy
Tri Fives, Infernos, and others to have their vehicles on display for all to admire. Local businesses such as Smart and Final, Western Bagel,
and others donated products so fundraising efforts could be maximized.

After finishing a delicious breakfast
prepared by Fire Station 87, Fire Chief Terrazas pulled the winning raffle ticket for a firefighter axe and scabbard donated by FireAxe.
com owner and LAFD firefighter Jason Knight.
It should have come as no surprise that Fire
Station 9 won due to their amazing fundraising efforts which resulted in earning a large
amount of raffle tickets!

Sir Winston Churchill once said, We
make a living by what we get, but we make a
life by what we give. On this day LAFD members showed the great spirit of the organization
by giving support to a brother in need, and improved his life with their compassion, generosity, and selflessness. This exemplifies why the
fire service and LAFD is truly a special profession and organization.
Donations are still encouraged for the Javier
Martinez Support Fund.
Firefighters First Credit Union Members can
transfer funds directly to:
Account 100011228842 Last Name EXP
Checks can be made out to Javier Martinez
Support Fund and mailed to:
Captain Danny Wu at Fire Station 4
450 E. Temple Street, Los Angeles 90012.
Please contact Captain Jim Bates at Fire Station
103-A (818) 756-8603 for questions or comments.

February 2015 7

einer Montiel was born on February 18,

1971 in Glendale, California. He grew
up in Granada Hills, California and
graduated from John F. Kennedy High School
in 1989.

The majority of his adulthood and professional life was motivated by his desire to
serve and help others. In his early adult years,
he served in the Air National Guard as a flight
engineer and was eventually deployed to the
Middle East. He served one year in the Los
Angeles Police Department, but found his true
calling as a firefighter/paramedic. He joined
the Los Angeles Fire Department in 2004 and
was certified as a paramedic in 2007. He was
a valued member of several fire houses before
eventually working as an emergency medical
dispatcher.

His passion for travel led him to many
adventures domestically and abroad. His love

8 February 2015

of history made Washington DC a favorite

place to visit. He had a lifelong passion for
learning, and his interests and hobbies were
many. He was a history buff, an avid reader of
autobiographies, a self- taught master of home
renovation projects, devoted fitness/nutrition
enthusiast and collector of fast and fun vehicles.

Reiner will be remembered as a kind,
confident man with a good heart and a quick
wit. Intelligent yet humble, he was well-liked
and exuded a strong but gentle presence.

Reiner is survived by his mother, Gloria Caracas; sisters, Gloria Vialpando and
Gina Hallinan; grandmother, Gloria Gonzalez;
aunts, uncles, nephews, niece and a multitude
of friends. His passing leaves a huge void but
also unparalleled inspiration among those fortunate to have known him.


A gallant man with a quick but gentle
wit, never seen without a smile on his face.
Kind, confident, capable. The kind of person
who you wanted to be at your side when the
going got tough. His passing leaves a huge
void but also unparalleled inspiration
among those fortunate to have known him.
May he rest in peace.
--Brian Humphrey



Weve lost a good man. He will be
remembered for his confidence and kindness. Always dedicated to help and always
willing to share his time. We will miss you.
--Adelino M. Jaminal

It was not very long ago that I met
Reiner. He immediately struck me as a kind,
confident, man. From our very first conversation it was clear that Reiner had a genuine
passion to do rightto do good. He had an
intense drive to help others and was very
focused.

Reiner has helped an incalculable
number of people in their times of need. I
imagine many of them were put at ease just
by being in Reiners presence. They most
certainly would have found comfort in his
strong, confident, and peaceful countenance.

Reiner must have been proud of
his many accomplishments, but his sincere
humility prevented him from calling attention to any of them. His accomplishments
were for others and not for himself anyway.
He was not motivated by recognition. I sense
he was quietly but powerfully driven by his
love for others.
--Brian Wheeler

I had the honor of serving with him
in the recruit 11/98 recruit class of the Los
Angeles Police Department. He was a kind,
mild mannered, and intelligent man that
always looked out for you. RIP brother.
--Eric Martin


Reiner worked for us in Battalion 17

as a Firefighter/Paramedic. His past military

I am an LA County FF. I was a pilot experience really allowed him to perform at
and Renier was one of my flight engineers. an outstanding level in the LAFD. He was one
We deployed to the Middle East together. He of our shooting stars who faded out much too
was a fantastic man and friend.
soon. He will be sorely missed by all! Rest in
Regards,
peace my friend.
--Bob George
--Smokey2706

Montiel was good hearted, well
likable and humble individual. He was our
superman during in the academy. He was
always positive on anything and everything.
Rest in peace superman.
--Alex Zepeda


Reiner, humility and kindness. Honored to have served in the Air Guard with him
here in Ventura. Our travels together exposed
me to a truly unique individual. By reading
all of the comments from fellow co-workers
and those who knew him, its obvious that we
were all touched by Reiner. As usual, Im at
a loss on why God takes the best of us early.
Condolences to all his family and to all who
he touched.
--Brandon Pearce

February 2015 9

ore than 250 Fire Hogs, friends

and local riders gathered in tribute
to honor the 19 Granite Mountain
Hot Shots who were tragically lost during last
years wildfire. This event was the creation of
Fire Hog Bullhead Mike who put together the
memorial on Saturday, April 27, 2014, during
the annual Laughlin River Run. And what an
event Bullhead Mike put on! He really pulled
out all the stops to honor these fallen comrades.

Mike thought the only fitting place for
such an honor would be the Arizona Veterans
Memorial Park, an island on the Colorado
River in Bullhead City traditionally honoring
only veterans. When he presented his idea to
the American Legion and local dignitaries who
oversee this memorial, they agreed and his idea
blossomed.

First he had a 4 x 3 x 1 thick granite
plaque laser etched with all the Hotshot names
and a fitting tribute made in their honor. He
then had the local firefighters and cadets fix up
and cleanup the island. In preparation for the
ceremony he invited all the local dignitaries,
firefighters and motorcyclists to participate in
the memorial service and the unveiling of the
memorial plague. What a touching event as
we walked along the Trail of Memories to pay
homage to these fallen firefighters as they take
their place along the veterans of Arizona lost in
wars.

After the ceremony, Loretta, the owner
of Lazy Harrys Sunshine Saloon opened up
her doors and donated a portion of the profits to
the Wildland Firefighters Foundation. Our own
Fire Hog House Band, Slightly Confused,
with Fire Hog Jimmy Parks, played through
the evening as we danced and had other old
school fund raising contests at Lazy Harrys.

To give you a little background on the
Arizona Veterans Memorial Park - It is a beautiful riverfront park in Bullhead City, dedicated
in the memory of more than 3,000 military
men and women from the State of Arizona who
were killed during wars and armed conflicts
over the past 100 years. The largest portion of

10 February 2015

the memorial overlooks the Colorado River

and contains a line of giant flagpoles paralleling a curved wall standing nine feet high
and 40 feet wide. Displayed here are bronze
plaques engraved with the names of each of the
service men and women who died defending
our nation. On each side of the memorial wall
are giant bronze eagles surrounded by 50 stars
representing the 50 states. The Arizona Veterans Memorial Park also contains a pyramidshaped stone memorial honoring the U.S.S.
Arizona, which was destroyed in the attack on
Pearl Harbor that marked Americas entry into
World War II.

This park now boasts along the Trail
of Memorials a fitting memorial to the Granite
Mountain Hot Shots.

Its a great 4-days of fun, which I only
had the room to write about Saturday. This is

now an annual event that the Fire Hogs will be

organizing each year for all during the Laughlin River Run, so come on out!

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

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

Join us on facebook @Fire Hogs M/C,
Like our Facebook page @ L.A.F.D. Fire Hogs.

Remember, its not about the destination, its about the journey that brings us together!

Executing a Trust

Now that you and your family have a living trust, do

you know what to do when the time comes?

Be prepared by attending a free educational

seminar for trustors, trustees and beneficiaries.
Visit FiremensRelief.org for dates, locations
and details.

February 2015 11

On 12/11/14 firefighters extricated a woman at 8th

St and Central Ave. Photo by Martin Nate Rawner

More than 100 firefighters battled a fire at 2971

W 7th St on 12/8/14. Photos by Yvonne Griffin

12 February 2015


Greeting from the Harbor! I only heard
from 85s, the rest are keeping quiet. I just
might have to start making things up! So give
it up, or not.

Lots of changes at the 85th aka the 2nd
busiest station in Batt 6. Or at least the second
busiest RA in the Battalion, as a certain newly
appointed Paramedic Peterman always likes to
let everybody know.

On November 16th, A/0 John Maestri
climbed the company ladder and was promoted to captain and received a going away

plaque from 85-B and in turn, he flipped a

pretty hefty bill for his promotional dinner at
the Yard House in celebration. (See photos)

Ciro Discala also promoted, after
spending 17 years at 85s, and now after six
months and may tears, hes leaving 46s to
come back to 85-A. He is looking forward to
being guided and mentored by Station Commander John Cappon. Before Ciro left, he
threw the guys a great promotional dinner at
his house. (See photo)

Also, Captain Hector Hernandez is
walking tall after his pay-grade advancement
to Capt. II, and he treated his shift to a traditional promotional dinner at 85s.

But promotional dinners look
sketchy for the gang on 85-A Platoon After

six months of waiting in starvation mode, the

members that were typically picking up
the slack for him while he was studying are
starting to lose faith that Capt Cecco Secci
will come through with his promised captains
promotional dinner. Rumor has it that Secci is
scared to come back because he hid a certain
captains blender top. But he did have time to
make it to Ciros dinner (see Ciros photo back row)

In other news, some say its a good
thing John Cappon was voted in as a ULAC
director. Because if not, Cappon stated, If I
dont get elected to UFLAC, I will be putting
in for Special Duty at PSD to fight for the
other side for a change! Thats it for now
from the Ocho Cinco.

Discala promo party

February 2015 13

Your

best
interest alwaYs
comes first

What we do
Provide unbiased financial advice and investment management for firefighters
Always advise our clients max out deferred comp as the best way to build wealth

What we dont do

Paid Advertisement:

Advocate annuities or insurance products as these high cost products arent in

our clients best interest

14 February 2015

Visit our website for our Q3 2014 investment newsletter.

www.ai-mgmt.com | 562 - 433 - 1400 | kurt@ai-mgmt.com

5941 Naples Plaza Long Beach, CA 90803

Battalion 6 companies and Haz Mat 21 handled

a metal fire at 1011 Francisco St on 12/02/14.
Photos by Adam Van Gerpen

February 2015 15

Companies found an apartment with fire showing at 42nd Place and Vermont on 1/4/15.
Photo by Tod Sudmeier, EPN

Many of the guys at 114s said that
Bob SteinTalker needed to buy ice cream for
being caught with a broom in his hand. To
Bobs defense, he usually leans on the broom
while he naps . . .

Many of the guys at 114s also said
congrats to Rene Herrera on his promotion to
Inspector . . . hell fit right in because there are
no brooms there!

Firefighters overhaul the roof at

1637 35th St. on 12/21/14.
Photo by Yvonne Griffin

16 February 2015

This head on collision ejected two victims at 9600

W Foothill Pl on 12/18/14.
Photos by Doc DeMulle, The Foothills Paper

Companies reported smoke showing from a 3

story condo at 12300 Osborne St, on 12/8/14.
Photos by Doc DeMulle, The Foothills Paper

February 2015 17

SCHOLARSHIPS
Each year your Relief Association awards
college scholarships to member dependents.
These include:
The Leo K. Najarian Memorial Scholarship of $5,000
The Bill Goss Scholarship of $2,500
Relief Scholarship awards of $2,500
Memorial Scholarship of $5,000

Complete online application at

www.lafra.org/scholarships
Scholarship Dates & Deadlines
Deadline March 27, 2015
Application evaluation & testing April 11, 2015
Winners announced June 3, 2015

18 February 2015

Questions? Email: scholarship@lafra.org

Greetings from the Battalion that never sleeps!

FF/PM David Byrne (FS 65) and wife
Chelsea welcomed their first child, son Bradley Thomas Byrne into the world on December 14th, 2014. They are all home, healthy,
and doing well!

Fire Station 64 always gives cute nicknames to its members. Some names from the
past include Rabbit and Roach. One member
wasnt happy with his nickname Crazy Carl
and is trying to earn himself a new nickname.
Two names being tossed around are Rock
Catcher and Old Black Eye. Im sure there
must be a story there somewhere.

With all the engineer candidates you
would think there would be some stories about
water flowing at not the right time or in the
right direction. Wait, what do you mean not
an engineer candidate? What do you mean not
out practicing. At 46s the KME rep was
doing warranty work on the wagon battery on
Engine 46. So after the KME rep left, Engineer Seitz wanted to run the remote through a
test which you can only do with the engine in
pump. Does anyone know what 500 gallons
of water looks like on the apparatus floor and
walls? Chief you can be sure 46s apparatus
floor is clean and ready for annual inspection.

Quote of the Month: When you got
that bare wood. It burns. It burns good, said
the very cerebral Captain Steve Tufts from
21s to the LA Times about the Fremont fire.

Never let the truth stand in the way of
a good story! Remember if I dont get stories I
have to start making stuff up.
wattsfire@gmail.com
Bradley Thomas Byrne

On 12/1/14, firefighters took on a storage yard fire on Glenoaks Blvd.

Photos by Mike Meadows

February 2015 19

Truck 66 next day at

the Fremont fire.
Photo by David Blaire

Companies fight an attic fire at

5114 S Main St on 12/25/14.
Photo by Rick McClure, EPN

If youve ever been assigned to Fire
Station 70 or ever worked a SOD day there,
Im sure you have met our own Division 5,
Jeffrey Ewing. Jeffrey has been assigned
to Fire Station 70 for more than 25 years. He
has taught many rookies and SOD guys the
difference between trash and the recyclables
throughout the years.

Jeffrey lives in Battalion 15 and routinely visits the other stations in the battalion
on his SOD days. His mode of transportation is his bicycle, which hell often ride a
few hundred miles each month. Jeffreys
bike had seen better days, so all the guys at
70s decided it was time for a new bike this
Christmas. His new bike is a custom rebuild of
a Cannondale mountain bike. The tear down
took place, parts were polished and the frame
was powder coated in candy apple metallic
red. The rebuild called for a few upgraded
parts to be ordered along with some personalized graphics. The bike was re-assembled and
all the fine tune adjustments completed at the
bike shop along with a few goodies added in.
Jeffrey was presented the bike at line-up and
he was all smiles.

A special thanks to the following
businesses who eagerly participated in this
project: Extreme Powder Coating of Palmdale,
Kray Industries of Lancaster (graphics) and
Newbury Park Bike Shop in Newbury Park.

20 February 2015

Division 5 Gets a New Ride from the guys at 70s!

RA 903 and 103 work a T/A on 12/26/14

at 19500 Roscoe Bl.
Photo by Ryan Ling, firelinephoto.com

Greetings from the battalion that
used to sleep!! Yes its true, this was once a
battalion that was famed for decent days and
incredible nights, but those days (and nights)
are long gone. Sadly, our growing city, and
shrinking department make for a bad combination. At least we have one thing going for us,
our camaraderie!

I know what some of you are thinking,
what camaraderie? Believe me, between the
staffing shortages, and this new coded assign
hire policy (that I cant remember voting for)
Ive asked myself the same question. Well,
thats why Im here, to bring the spirit back
to our battalion. I dont have very much dirt
for my first article, so for next month I need
everyones cooperation from around the 17th
to get this section back on track. Please send
your photos and stories to batt17writer@
gmail.com.

We are going to start this off right!
2014 went pretty well around the battalion,
and most people got through the holidays unscathed. The beginning of 2015 has seen some
movement in and out of the battalion. Some
moves were good, some bad, from rookies, to
FFs, to A/Os and even captains, new and old.

One move, which almost brought tears
to his minions eyes, will not go unnoticed.
A special trash-out from the boys at 73s, A
platoon, to their beloved A/O who is going on
to graze in greener pastures. By the way, any
A/Os out there looking to drive the one and

Firefighters and cadets help Stuff-a-Bus for the Spark of Love at Topanga
Plaza on 12/15/14. Photos by Steve Gentry and Adam VanGerpen

February 2015 21

only Captain Nelson send your applications to

73s. The good news is the shoes are not too
big to fill, and Captain Nelson has only one
request - that his new A/O has a boat.

Now on a sad note, 73s, C platoon,
will be losing a valued member this February.
Captain Wendell Smith will be leaving the department after nearly 100 years of service. Ok,
its more like 30-something, but it has been a
long time, nonetheless. I believe 73s will be
having a pancake breakfast for him, on his last
shift in February. All are welcome; even if you
dont know him, just go eat some pancakes.

There has been a lot of movement at
104s lately, but no one comes in and no one
goes out, they are just moving shifts like a
game of musical chairs. Does anyone know
what thats about? If you do . . . batt17writer@
gmail.com

Congrats to our newly promoted
captains in the battalion. Its nice to see some
fresh faces, and maybe someday soon you will
have some fresh-faced engineers to drive you.
Ok, though it may not be soon enough, hopefully sometime before 2016.

Oh, and just an FYI, apparently you
cant work a SOD day when you are already
off SK on a trade payback. I guess its frowned
upon. Who would have thought?!

And its with a heavy heart that I bring
this first article to a close. We in the 17th
would like to extend our thoughts and prayers

Battalion Writers
Needed Now!
Contact
editor@lafra.org

22 February 2015

Wendell Smith and crew at FS 73 on his last LAFD Xmas

to our Brother Daniel Han and his family in
their time of mourning for the loss of their
baby girl, Brooke Han. Daniel, we love you
brother, and please lean on us if you need us.

Thats why we are here. God bless, and be

safe out there!
batt17writer@gmail.com

Lunch at Fire Station 66

ome of the members assigned to FS 66 refer to it as FS 14 South.

I kind of thought of it as 14s East, but what do I know. I also
could never figure out the A or B or C or D side of a fire!
Anyway, Bill Finn and I were invited to lunch by Eng. Ron Shaw and
A/O Alex Garcia, who were once assigned to 14s and who decided it
was time for a mini-reunion. Rons a very talented guy and he aint a bad
cook either. He cooked up a great meal and topped it off with chocolate
chips cookies. This all took place on the B shift. What a great crew of
individuals, headed up by Captain II Greg Shirley and Matt Mullen. Id
like to take a moment to list them by name and thank each of them for a
great lunch and a big heapin load of camaraderie. They are:

CII Greg Shirley

A/O Alex Garcia

F/F Brett Stevens

FF/PM John Valenzuela
CI Martin Mullen
F/F Scot Kingsland

F/F Steve Venegas

FF/PM Richard Ramirez

Eng. Ron Shaw

F/F Justin Spina
F/F Mike Cunningham
FF/PM Greg Sturdyvin
Eng. Rudy Larrea
F/F Chris Adrid
F/F Steve Mercier
FF/PM Matt Potter

Martinez event at FS 87

went to FS 87 for a fund raisin event for FF Javier Martinez. Awhile

back, Javier was drivin his hot rod and was involved in an accident,
which put him in hospital. He ended up with some serious injuries
and is currently undergoin therapy. Javier has seven years on the job and
is assigned to FS 103. Because of the great work our Relief Association
does, a raffle/hot rod event was organized and held at FS 87. This event
was made possible by the crews at 87s, who went all out preparin the
food and providin a great atmosphere to benefit Javier. The guys at 87s
do a lot of charitable work and always step up to help others in need.
Everyone at 87s deserves a big Thank You!

Imagine youre a retired Captain I. Youre also on a fixed income
and need to be frugal with your money. However, you really like Oakley sunglasses, but because they are somewhat pricey, you have denied
yourself this luxury. However, Oakleys headquarters, along with their
company store, are within drivin distance from your residence. Their
company store is only open two days a week and is only open to employees and ACTIVE duty Fire and Police.

Our frugal Captain I walked up to the security guard at the stores
entrance and flashed his RETIRED ID card.

The guard politely reminded our near-penniless Captain I that
store policy only allowed ACTIVE Fire and Police to enter the store.
Well, that wasnt the response our destitute Captain I wanted to hear, so
he yelled and stomped his feet to show his displeasure.

Guess what Oakley did to show their displeasure? Yep, theyve
denied all Active L.A. City Firefighters from shoppin at their company
store. Thats right, dont worry about anybody but yourself.

COWBOY HUMOR

An old man stood beside the
puddle holdin a stick with a string on the
end and jiggled it up and down in the water.

Poor old fool, thought the
gentleman passin by. So he invited the
old guy to have a drink in the pub.

Feelin he should start some conversation while they were sippin
their whisky, the gentleman asked, So, how many have you caught?
The old guy said, Youre the eighth.
KEEP SMILIN!
AC
choppedup@att.net

February 2015 23

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24 February 2015

COMMERCIAL BUILDING FIRE

South Los Angeles

Photos by Tod Sudmeier, EPN

Firefighters rescued a family and their pet dog when fire erupted after business hours on December 31, 2014, in an automotive upholstery business, where
the family apparently resided. Companies arrived at 6015 South Broadway to find heavy fire to the rear of a well secured 4,600 square foot, combination one- and
two-story commercial building. Despite limited access and structural compromise of the unreinforced masonry building teams navigated among downed power lines to
the rear of the building, to extend ground ladders to mezzanine windows, where the family of four was reportedly trapped. Using power saws and hand tools atop the
ladders - as their colleagues pushed back flames with hoselines, firefighters removed window bars on the upper level, and assisted the four trapped persons and dog
from the inferno.

The man, woman, child and toddler - all suffering smoke inhalation, were taken to a nearby hospital by LAFD paramedic ambulance. One hundred sixteen firefighters confined flames within the upholstery business, preventing fire from damaging a karate studio to the north or a church to the south. The fire was extinguished
in just 31 minutes.

February 2015 25


On December 8th, 2014 companies arrived at 906 North Fremont Avenue and found heavy fire showing from a 200 x 900 seven story building
under construction. Two stories were concrete while the remaining five floors
were exposed lumber. 50 foot flame lengths caused the closure of all north
bound lanes of the 110 Freeway.

MAJOR EMERGENCY
Downtown

Photos by Mike Meadows, Martin Nate Rawner,

Steve Gentry, and Juan Guerra
Information from Katherine Main, PSO

26 February 2015


250 firefighters battled the fire defensively utilizing large hose streams from the ground and aerial ladders from above. The intensity of the flames quickly
ignited several floors of a 16 story adjacent high-rise, 221 North Figueroa St. The bulk of the fire was knocked down in just over 90 minutes. Firefighters managed hot
spots and worked with LAFD bulldozers for nearly 24 hours to fully extinguish the deep seeded smoldering lumber.

The LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section along with the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Response Team conducted the investigation and
determined that the fire was an act of arson. Damages are expected to exceed $30 million.

February 2015 27

he Grapevine phone rang at Fire

Station 37 and I was fortunate enough to
be the one to grab the receiver just two
steps ahead of Firefighter Kevin Isozaki. It was
1984, 30 years ago, and most of you who are
reading this were probably not on-scene yet
or even in the dispatch rotation. A guy named
Steve Minnehan was calling from Boston Fire
Department Station 37, challenging us to a
t-shirt wager for something he saw as a slam
dunk.

The 1984 NBA Championship series was between the Los Angeles Lakers and
the Boston Celtics. With athletes like Kevin
McHale, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul Jabbar on the court, NBA fans on
both coasts were eager for their favorite teams
victory. In the end, the series would go to game
seven, with the Celtics defeating the Lakers by
a final score of 111 to 102. But it really didnt
matter that we lost the bet; the relationship

28 February 2015

Larry with Boston Eng 37 members

that started with that phone call and endured
between Steve and I was irreplaceable.

In 1984, LAFD Fire Station 37 was
loaded with some of the finest, most underrated
talent on the Department. Men like Bell, Murray, Navarro, Onishi, Isozaki, Cota, Williams,
Jensen, Crockatt, Quinn and Hoffman. And
thats just a few names of the dedicated people
loyal to their department and to their brothers.

In Boston, the fire service is more than
family, more than politics. Its a tradition that in
some cases stretches back generations. Those

generational members of Boston Fire understand their obligations and responsibilities to

their citizenry and to each other, not because
its printed on a contract, but because its written on their hearts.

Since we lost the basketball bet, we sent
the LAFD shirts to Boston. Later that month, I
received a phone call from Steve who told me
to expect a package in the mail. Something, he
said, that was very special . . . very important to
a fireman.

The package arrived, and in it was a
genuine leather Boston fire helmet, with shield
and gold crown (crest). It certainly was a beautifully crafted piece of Boston history. The
blackened leatherwork on the brim was strikingly worn to a legendary perfection. When I
called to thank him, he couldve said, It was
nothing. But instead he told me that he wanted us to have it, a token of friendships built,
of solidarity, forming a lasting brotherhood.

Well, maybe not in those words exactly, but it

is what he meant (amusing, colorful language
included).

Steve and I kept our relationship alive
for almost ten years with monthly phone calls.
We shared fire stories, family stories and an occasional Laker/Celtic story. Long talks about
his wife and kids, Petra - my fiance (and now
my wife), our mutual Departments and how we
could do it better. We each had plans to visit.
Petra and I to Boston, he and his family to Los
Angeles. Plans that never happened.

Then the phone calls stopped.

The prized helmet

With busy lives, I figured that life was
rushing us forward like a wave. But the phone
calls never started up again. Then, one morning
in June of 1994, while in quarters enjoying a
cup of morning coffee, I read in the Times that
a company of Boston firemen were critically
injured while fighting a warehouse fire on the
Boston wharf. During a dramatic rescue operation, one was killed.

What were the odds it was Steve? With
hundreds of Boston firemen on duty that night,
what could be the chances? Quickly covering
down the page, I found the firefighters name
- Steve Minnehan. Father of three. Married to
Cathy. Beloved member of the BFD and 37
Engine. And, my friend. This had to be a
mistake. No.

While attempting to rescue two fellow
firefighters who were trapped, Steve was killed
in the line of duty. He and fellow firemen
had stretched a rescue line to the back of
a 300 by 100 building to affect the rescue
of the two who were trapped, deep within
the building. Steve ran out of air and did
not make it out. The others were overcome
by smoke as their air bottles ran dry, and
attempted to position themselves for rescue. Afterward, these gravely injured men
were airlifted to Connecticut for treatment
in a Hyperbaric Chamber, and survived.
Lieutenant Steven F. Minehan, was not
so fortunate. He died exhausting every
ounce of courage, strength and faith possible. And so, thats the man Steve was
raised to be - by family, by friends and
by tradition.
In Boston, the job is not just a paycheck, it is an inherent part of who they
are. Its a true and heroic legacy. Its in their
blood. And the firefighting tradition there is
proudly carried on by the next generation. Men
like Joe Minnehan (Steves son) and Joes lifelong friend, Lt. Steve Mitchell have taken up
the calling and now serve in place of their fathers and grandfathers.

This story starts up again, some thirty
years later, in September of last year. I never
dreamed that when Al Barrios, Fred Lopez
and Dave Wagner invited me on a road trip to
Boston, I would at last get to visit the home
and last assignment of my great friend,
Steve Minnehan.

On the day of the visit, the three left
me alone to visit Boston Fire Station 37 in the
Fenway park neighborhood, knowing that for
me this would be an emotional pilgrimage. I
had so many questions on my mind.

After building up my courage, I
knocked on the door and could hear the rushing
of booted feet. A firefighter named Barry met
me at the door, patiently listened to the story
and sized me up. He then invited me in and
introduced his lieutenant, Steve Mitchell.

I was immediately treated like family.
I noticed pictures lining the walls, with newspaper accounts about Steve and his heroic
story. As Lt. Mitchell, Mitch, and I talked, I
learned that his dad and Steve Minnehan were
close friends and were working together the
night of the fire. Mitch and Steves son, Joe
Minnehan, are close friends as well. Joe Minnehan is stationed at nearby 15 Truck. Like us, this
group of firefighters take their losses seriously
and to heart. And the memories of these losses
continue to linger.

Now, I hadnt been on a fire engine
since I retired more than four years ago, but on
that day, I went on four runs, had dinner with an
incredible crew and was treated like a long lost
member of the Boston Fire Family. And I got to
sleep in my own bed! At days end, 37 Engine
was given permission to escort me to the opposite side of town where we met up with my
fellow LAFD travelers. Dave, Fred, Al . . . Id
like you to meet Boston firemen, Mitch, Barry,
Matt and Chris.

Firefighters together, firemen all. Four
from Boston, four from Los Angeles. Sharing
stories, laughs and memories. Of fires fought,
and brothers lost. A Band of Brothers? Quite
a cliche, but maybe so. If nothing else, the
events of the day surely brought two coasts together to share in the loss of one good man.

In closing, first let me say thanks to
you, the reader, for getting this far in the story.
Its an important memory for me, but I think its
also important for all of us who walk this walk,
to hear accounts such as these. Second, please
dont ever forget to hold close those you love,
and to do that a little tighter, a little longer each
time. Remind those that you love why you love
them and how much.

We never know if tomorrow someone
you labor beside may lead such a monumentally heroic and equally unselfish rescue . . . for
you or someone you love. And that that rescue
may end up at the top of a tower or at the end of
a warehouse, right alongside Steve Minnehan.

God Bless the members of Boston Fire,
15 Truck, Engine Company 37, Steves wife,
his children, and those that he called friends
and family. As well, to all of us whose lives
were so enriched by the life of this one man - a
man who left us too soon, over 30 years ago.

Greater love has no one than this,
that one lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13

February 2015 29

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February 2015 31

n this edition of KTW Captains Garfield,

Haas and Rosario will discuss (1) engine
company ventilation training and (2) mezzanine watch-outs during fire attack operations.
These topics and experienced-based opinions
should be points of discussion among all of us.

Leadership Question: Engine Co. ventilation assignments are more prevalent now than
ever, as such, how do you train your command in
what is typically a Truck Co. assignment?

CI Jody Garfield, FS 104-C: All officers have a responsibility to ensure the development and safety of their members by providing the skills to succeed on the fireground.
Ventilation is one of these skills. Today more
than ever ventilation instruction should be incorporated into everyones training agenda, as
it is no longer just a Truck Co. responsibility.

32 February 2015

The best way to do this is through a
hands-on approach. Outside drills, walking
roofs and providing saw time instills confidence to better fulfill these assignments. Ive
experienced first-hand the benefits of vertical
ventilation as it relates to handline advancement and getting water on the fire. As an officer I can use this knowledge to clearly communicate my operational expectations and the
importance of ventilation to my crew.

If you have limited ventilation experience, take advantage of neighboring Truck
Cos and SMEs to enhance your companys
skill level. As an example, A/O Stratton (FS10) spent an entire day training my members
on various Truck responsibilities. His passion,
knowledge and experience strengthened their
skills. Its essential Engine Cos have the pluck
to be safe and effective with any fireground assignment theyre tasked with.

CI Jeff Haas, FS 97-A: It doesnt matter whether youre assigned to a Downtown
Task Force or an Engine on The Hill buy-in
starts with you! Attitude and enthusiasm is infectious and will have a direct impact on those
you command. Remember, everyone wants to
be a part of a well-oiled machine, but it takes
focused training to achieve this.


The possibility of being tasked with
an Engine Co vent assignment is very real, so
you better prepare. Its not a matter of if youll
be assigned ventilation, but when. Train your
crew by utilizing all available resources such
as neighboring Truck Cos, line-up discussions
and video footage to reinforce awareness and
SOGs.

District familiarity is a must. Discussing tactics while shopping, after calls or on
move-ups is extremely helpful. Utilizing fire
prevention to ID construction trends, roof types
and laddering scenarios is also effective. On
weekends throw ladders, walk roofs, discuss
thermal flow-paths, utilize roof props and look
at every fire you can. The key to ventilation is
confidence; by properly preparing your crew
youll ensure this. As goes the commander, so
go the troops.

CI Bob Rosario, FS 27-B: For an engine captain at a task force this is a no brainer
as we can train with the truck all day/night. As
an officer its imperative that you have credibility within your command experience and
knowledge aid greatly in this regard. In my
opinion theres no better motivator than your
crew knowing you not only talk the talk but
can walk the walk Youve been there, done
that.

As a captain at a single engine the same
applies; you must set the example. Arrange
training days with local Task Forces to build
confidence in your crews ability safely and
effectively operate various ventilation tools
and equipment. Also, be an active participant
at the ventilation exercises offered through InService and in your own battalion. Your crews
ventilation confidence and effectiveness starts
with you.

Take command and stress the importance of absolute readiness when called upon to
initiate ventilation. When assigned ventilation,
your crew must have the confidence they can
perform safely and effectively; your training
agenda will have a direct impact on this.

Operational Question: In 1972 the LAFD

experienced two LODDs (FFs Curry & Widrig)
after a mezzanine collapsed. What are your
operational considerations when attacking fires
with mezzanines?

Garfield: Fires involving mezzanines
are an Interior Watch-out and a very serious
safety hazard as their collapse with F/A teams
underneath can be tragic. Although mezzanines are often located above front office areas in commercials, this is not always the case.
Identifying construction trends in your district
coupled with a thorough personal size-up can
assist in your decision-making when mezzanines are potentially present.

If there is a mezzanine concern, an alternate tactic may be to advance initial handlines through a large entrance (rolling steel) on
the B or D side of the structure, thus avoiding
working underneath a mezzanine. This handline placement also provides a larger entrance/
exit and fewer corners to pull hose around.

If you sense youre underneath a mezzanine, this can often be confirmed by an inability to pull ceiling due to the decking above.
Also, if the vent team above has fire venting
from their hole and you have yet to locate it,
chances are youre below a mezzanine. In such
cases, inform your company and immediately
radio the IC; it may be necessary to withdraw
and reposition your handlines.

Haas: The starting point for my personal size-up begins with the age and type of
building. From there I assess construction,
layout, access, water, indicators, fire load and
mezzanine potential. In assessing for mezzanines we should not ignore routine firefighting
considerations such as: time of day, delayed
alarm, assignment, illegal construction, access
stairs, radio messages from roof, etc.

My operational considerations are derived from the following equation: (type/age of
building) x (color, temperature and density of
the smoke). My greatest concern is what is over

our heads. Therefore, we can play the odds by

advancing through a large loading dock door
and not an A-side man door.

As the door opens, allow the environment to balance-out. This will afford an opportunity to look for a mezzanine, overhead
hazards and possibly the seat of the fire. Additionally, we need to make an early risk/gain
assessment thatll support our actions.

This brings us to line selection. Have
guidelines on whether to deploy for gpm and
reach (2) or for the added maneuverability
of a smaller 1.

Rosario: Fire involvement in the front
of any warehouse, older commercial or automotive repair shop should raise the hair on your
neck, as theyre all likely candidates for a mezzanine. Many warehouses (tilt-ups) are large
open boxes until the new tenants alter them by
incorporating offices toward the main entrance.
Within time, storage accumulates thus prompting an overhead mezzanine to be built.

As the initial officer on these structures,
my interior and exterior size-ups are equally
critical. Ill radio to incoming companies fire
spread, location and attack points as well as
any hazards (mezzanine) I may encounter.
Maintaining escape routes during an interior
fire attack is also critical, so if an overhead
mezzanine has been identified, immediately
communicate this to your crew and IC.

Pre-fire planning and fire preventing
are great ways to identify construction hazards
such as mezzanines. You should develop alternate methods of attack when a mezzanine is
above your attack point, or when you identify
a mezzanine while already engaged in F/A operations. If fire is overhead and you cant find
it, chances are youre under a mezzanine.
In next months article Captains Erik Schneider, Rick Denning and Ron Harmon will discuss (1) attic fires in SFDs and (2) leadership
examples of how to motivate/inspire your commands.

February 2015 33

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34 February 2015

Al Balestra & Shane Hirsch D Div.

Dustin Carson & Michael Vitar C Div.

Alex Garcia & Chris Yokoyama A Div.

Jack Baham & Richard Ramirez B Div.

n Thursday, December 11, 2014, Fire

Station 92 hosted the finals of the
LAFD Fall Singles Handball Tournament. Due to an all chiefs meeting, I didnt
have the opportunity to watch every match.
This article was prepared with the assistance of
Joe Castro.

This year A finals for the Department handball championship was a glimpse of
the future of LAFD Handball. Engineer Chris
Yokoyama from FS-92 (now captain at FS-82)
defended his title with a hard fought two-game
victory over A/O Alex Garcia from FS-66.
The first game was give and take with Garcia
charging out to an early lead with his strong
natural serve down the right side and aggressive frontcourt play. The two were tied at 17
when Chriss high percentage handball strategy
of deep court passes and ceiling balls began to
pay off. Yokoyama won the final two points to
take game one, then turned up the heat in game
two to drive out to a substantial early lead that
he would never relinquish. With Silvera retired,
Vilaubi and Castro old, Libby hurt (and old),
Yokoyama figures to dominate for a while.
That being said, Garcia is playing a lot of outside handball and improving every day. With
his fearless shooting style and athletic ability
he can beat anyone. Ryan Chance from Fire
Station 82, took Yokoyama to a tiebreaker in

Jesus Pasos & Joe Castro Masters Div.

the semis and also figures prominently in any
discussion regarding the next LAFD handball
champion.

Richard Ramirez from FS-66 defeated
Jack Baham FS-33 in the B Division. Battalion 13 players, mainly from FS-66 made at
least the semi-finals in every division. Michael
Vitar, FS-98 defeated Dustin Carson, FS-66 in
the C finals. Shane Hirsch, FS-61 defeated
Alfred Balestra, FS-26 in the D final. In
keeping with an annual tradition, Jesus Pasos
(retired) defeated Joe Castro (BES) in the Masters final to extend Castros record of the most
losses to Pasos in tournament play.

All players received nice pullovers
with LAFD HANDBALL displayed on the
back, and lunch prepared by the crew at FS-92.
Champions and finalists received embroidered
bags as prizes.

From the looks of the LAFD Ladder,
FS-82 will be the Top Station very soon!

The Royal Flush Singles and Doubles
Handball Tournament is in Las Vegas, February 6-8, 2015. Come on out and represent
LAFD Handball. Call Joe Harris at (702)3484209 to sign up.

There current LAFD

Handball Ladder
is as follows:
Chris Yokoyama (82)
Alex Garcia (66)
John Libby (3)
Ryan Carlos (92)
Ryan Chance (82)
Joe Castro (BES)
Jared Cooper (82)
Trevor Ensley (66)
Mario Rueda (BES)
Eddie Marez (60)
Gary Maga (69)
Rex Villaubi (63)
Ladd Stilson (95)
Colin Smith (4)
Branden Silverman (92)
Paul Croghan (40)
Richard Ramirez (66)
David Diaz (26)
Jack Baham (33)
Danny Beltran (82)
February 2015 35

...for your eyes only

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36 February 2015

ince 1965, a tradition continues in which

a group of firefighters have been traveling to San Felipe, Mexico. San Felipe is
a small fishing town located about 150 miles
from Ensenada on the Gulf of California coast.
It is known for game fishing, sand dunes and
one of two places in the world where the tide
goes out for several miles every night.

The trip started out as a firefighter fun
week, but with relationships made throughout the years with the local fire department
and several of the volunteer fire fighters from
neighboring housing communities, it became
an opportunity to lend a helping hand. LAFD
members provide training on basic EMS and
firefighting skills and also teach them how to
operate donated equipment. One of the original members of the group who continues the
traditional trip is retired Battalion Chief Craig
Yoder, also known as Yoda to the locals. We
have other names for him but that stays in the
camp!

On this last trip in May, the fire chief of
San Felipes Fire Department was in desperate
need of a replacement Jaws of Life cutter - their
old donated one had broken on a recent incident. The Baja 250 and 1000 pass through San
Felipe and a race was coming up shortly. They
were in desperate need and were unable to find
a way to get it repaired or replaced. Depending
mostly on donated equipment, a replacement
was not possible.

To their rescue came Apparatus Operator Albarran Alby from Heavy Rescue 56.
Through his network of rescue tool vendors he
was able to obtain brand new replacement cutters. This was through the generous donation
of Diamondback Fire and Rescue based out of
Temecula, Ca. Mr. Preston Hanlon and Aaron
Ford were the persons that were able to facilitate the donation. San Felipe Fire Department
gives them a great big gracias!

If youd like to join us next year for a
five day get-away in San Felipe on April 29
May 3, give me, John Gonzalez 112-C or A/O
Albarrran 56-C, a call for details.

San Felipe Bomberos

John Gonzalez, Beto Barraza (Calexico),

Fernando Vasquez (FS 5), Craig Yoder, Alby
and Keith (Prescott, AZ)

February 2015 37

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38 February 2015

684 North Moorpark Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

Phone (805) 449-0061
www.wholehealthmedicalsolutions.com

MIKE KETAILY, Captain II, FS 69-A

TIMOTHY MANNING, Assistant Chief

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2015

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015

Dukes Malibu - Ocean Room

21150 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu CA

Brookside Country Club

1133 Rosemont Avenue, Pasadena CA

Social Hour: 11:30 AM

Luncheon: 12:30 PM

Social Hour: 6:00 PM

Dinner: 7:00 PM

Buffet Style - $40 per person includes food, parking, tax, tip & gift

Menu TBA - $50 per person includes food, tax, tip & gift

Call FS 69 - (310) 575-8569 or email Brandi Ketaily at:

brandiketaily@yahoo.com - RSVP by January 28th

Aggie Rodriguez (N. Division) - (818) 756-8638

Business Casual Attire - RSVP by February 9th

RUSS NAKAMURA, Firefighter

ARMANDO VALENCIA, Captain II, FS 20-C

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2015

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

Fire Station 114

16617 Arminta Street, Van Nuys CA

Fire Station 20
2144 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles CA

Luncheon: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Breakfast Luncheon: 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Taco Buffet

No charge

FS 114 - (818) 782-8635 or editor@lafra.org

Hawaiian shirts & jeans - RSVP by February 18th

FS 20 - (213) 485-6220
No RSVP needed. All are welcome!

SEAN CONWAY, Captain II, FS 11

WENDELL SMITH, Captain II, FS 73

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2015

CONWAYS LAST SHIFT

@ Fire Station 11
1819 W 7th Street, Los Angeles CA
8:00 AM - 3 PM
Breakfast: 8:30 AM Taco truck: 12:00 PM

PAUL M. HILLEARY, Fireboat Mate

with special guest, Harold Stuby Dils, FF/Diver
SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2015
Banning Landing Community Center
100 E Water Street, Berth 185, Wilmington CA
Dinner: 6:00 PM

Concert: JB Walker Band (Country/Blue Grass Band 7 PM - 8 PM)

BBQ w/ Beef & Chicken and concert - $60 per person
Call FS 49 - (310) 548-7549 or (310) 513-8900. RSVP by Feb 28th

DOUG REYES, Captain, FS 99-C

THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015
Knollwood Country Club
12024 Balboa Blvd, Granada Hills CA
Social Hour: 6:00 PM

Pancake Breakfast - NO CHARGE

Breakfast: 8:00 AM
Call FS 73 - (818) 756-8673

35 Years of Service

Social Hour: 5:00 PM w/ no host bar

Fire Station 73
7419 Reseda Blvd, Reseda CA

Dinner: 7:00 PM

Top Sirloin & Chicken Marsala Buffet - $50 per person includes tax, tip & gift

RANDY BEATY, Battalion 14-B

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2015
The Odyssey Restaurant
15600 Odyssey Drive, Granada Hills CA
Social Hour: 6:00 PM

Dinner: 7:00 PM

Buffet Style - $40 per person includes tax, tip & gift
Call FS 60 - (818) 756-8660. RSVP by March 1st

GREGORY ACEVEDO, Firefighter III, MFC-C

CARLOS VARGAS, Firefighter III, MFC-C
SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2015
Knollwood Country Club
12024 Balboa Blvd, Granada Hills CA
Social Hour: 6:00 PM

Dinner: 7:00 PM

Call FS 99 - (818) 756-8699. Spouses are cordially invited.

Buffet Style - $60 per person includes tax, tip & gift
Call Natalie Goshi, MFC - (213) 576-8900 or email: natalie.goshi@lacity.org
RSVP by March 16th

GREGORY E. NEWLAND, Captain II, FS 48-A

RANDY BEACH, Captain I, FS 8-A

SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2015

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2015

Dalmatian American Club of San Pedro

1639 South Palos Verdes Street, San Pedro CA

Porter Valley Country Club

19216 Singing Hills Drive, Northridge CA

Social Hour: 5:00 PM

Dinner: 6:00 PM

Social Hour: 6:30 PM

Dinner: 7:30 PM

Family Style Chicken or Beef - $60 per person includes tax, tip & gift

Buffet Dinner - $50 per person includes tax, tip & gift

Call FS 48 - (310) 548-7548 or Robbie Trevino - (949) 370-4703

RSVP by April 9th

Call FS 8 - (818) 368-1443 or Janie - (805) 404-6212

RSVP by April 15th

February 2015 39

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

800.332.BUGS

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40 February 2015

Dear Andy,

Send your letters & comments to the editor at: editor@lafra.org

Sirs,
We wish to make a contribution to the
LAFD [WODFF] Fund in appreciation of
the wonderful care I received by the Fire
Department Station 84 emergency squad on
Friday, November 14, 2014, when I had my
accident.
I tripped and fell, dislocating my
shoulder. The response seemed immediate.
The professionalism, concern, care and
treatment were superb.
The next time some city politician wishes
to make points criticizing the emergency
squad, please call on me as a friendly
witness to share my experience.
Thank you,
Richard Stern
Woodland Hills, CA
Dear Andy and Juan,
Enclosed is a donation to LAFRAs
Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemens
Fund. Each Christmas season Executive
Board members of the L.A. Retired Fire
and Police Association exchange a small
gift at our meeting in December. Last year
I decided that a more meaningful gift was a
donation to the Reliefs WODFF. This year
I am continuing that practice in lieu of the
gift exchange with our board members with
a donation to the WODFF on behalf of the
L.A. Retired Fire and Police Association.

find a check for a donation to the Widows,

Orphans and Disabled Firemens Fund.
With Sincere Appreciation,
John and Helen Sutton
Dear Juan,
I just want to write a note to you and
your staff to tell how much the Malais
family appreciates the Relief Association.
My father was a die-hard supporter of the
Relief Association while we were growing
up and his time as a trustee was very dear to
him. He loved that organization with every
fiber of his being and encouraged me and
my brother to join and support it as young
members of the LAFD.
Now that he has passed, I have to take
advantage of a benefit the Association
provides. I get to enjoy a gift that the hard
work and dedication of trustees and staff
have provided for decades. How fortunate
we all are!
Words of thanks arent enough to
convey what is in our hearts. Please accept
this check for the Widows, Orphans
and Disabled Firemens Fund . . . to be
deposited in the names of all trustees, past
and present, who have been the backbone
of something truly remarkable.
Greg [Malais]
Simi Valley, CA

Sincerely,

Dear WODFF,

Don Forrest
Director, LARFPA

Please accept the enclosed donation in

memory of DeDe Walser, mother of Ted
Nonini. She was really special.

Dear Andy and Everyone at LAFRA.

Thanks you,

Thanks for your wonderful help, once

again, in supplying medical furniture. Your
support is outstanding. Enclosed please

Berelyn Soderstrom
Reseda, CA

We cannot thank you and the Firemens

Relief Fund enough for all you did to
honor our brother, Dennis Thorn, at his
celebration of life service.
We appreciated the sharing of your
traditions: ringing of the bells, the prayers of
your chaplain, the bag piper, and especially
the presentation of the flag. We will cherish
all those memories.
We were surprised by the white
tablecloths and overwhelmed by the
beautiful bouquets of flowers. It was so
beyond our expectations.
We are enclosing our donation and hope
it helps others to honor their loved one, as
you did our own.
Sincerely,
Anthony and Constance Whitham
Templeton, CA
LAFRA:
Please accept this donation in memory
of Sam Mundt, in honor of his service to
the LAFD, and his service to our country
during Viet Nam.
Tim Quinn
Tujunga, CA
Dear Andy and Juan,
Enclosed is a donation to the L. A.
Firemens Relief Associations Widows,
Orphans and Disabled Firemens Fund
in honor and memory of my friend Keith
Wilson. Keith was the B/C in Battalion
13 when the Wild Bunch at old 64s on
the C shift was better known as The
Frappe Club of which Keith was a charter
member. It was rumored that we needed
close supervision when we werent fighting
fire in the hood. He kept most of us out of
trouble most of the time.
Sincerely,
Don Forrest, LAFD retired
Frappe Club member

February 2015 41

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MEMBERS
Reiner Montiel, Firefighter III. Appointed September 2, 2003.
Actively on duty at Metro Fire Communications A. Passed away December 8, 2014.
Jerrol K. Mueller, Fireman. Appointed March 10, 1962.
Retired on a service pension February 14, 1991 from FS 69. Passed away December 16, 2014.
Joe F. Owens, Engineer. Appointed September 22, 1947.
Retired on a service pension February 1, 1978. Passed away December 20, 2014.
Matthew T. Matich, Fireman. Appointed April 1, 1957.
Retired on a disability pension June 29, 1982 from FS 40-C. Passed away December 22, 2014.
Gordon G. Robb, Firefighter III. Appointed July 1, 1970.
Retired on a service pension July 16, 2000 from FS 100. Passed away December 28, 2014.
Rialdo C. Merrill, Firefighter II. Appointed April 8, 1961.
Retired on a service pension April 19, 1981 from FS 89-A. Passed away December 28, 2014.
Charles L. Christensen, Fireman. Appointed April 15, 1947.
Retired on a service pension August 1, 1967 from Coldwater Signal Office. Passed away January 5, 2015.
Ronald A. Weber, Captain I. Appointed July 22, 1973.
Retired on a service pension November 25, 2006 from FS 60-C. Passed away January 6, 2015.

FAMILY
Margaret Robles, spouse of Robert H. Robles, passed away November 10, 2014.
Anna D. Bates, surviving spouse of Jesse D. Bates, passed away November 16, 2014.
Barbara L. Awerkamp, surviving spouse of Frank R. Awerkamp, passed away November 20, 2014.
Betty L. Turley, surviving spouse of Hobart M. Turley, passed away November 24, 2014.
Carol R. Horwedel, spouse of Gerald H. Horwedel, passed away December 3, 2014.
Lena B. Zukle, spouse of Dennis M. Zukle, passed away December 3, 2014.
Eileen M. Conwell, surviving spouse of Walter B. Conwell, passed away December 7, 2014.
Claire L. Stein, surviving spouse of Robert W. Stein, passed away December 10, 2014.
Lynn D. Rogers, surviving spouse of Charles D. Rogers, passed away December 15, 2014.
Mirian V. Karaoglanian, spouse of Garabed Karaoglanian, passed away December 18, 2014.

February 2015 43

44 February 2015

 Wednesday, April 1, 2015 @ 12 PM

Tickets are available for $35.00 per person.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

Downtown Los Angeles
120 South Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles CA 90012

Tables of ten are available for $340.00

Please RSVP to (213) 386-3316 by March 29, 2015

LIMITED SEATING

NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE

DOOR (ONLY PICKED-UP)

PLEASE MAKE YOUR CHECK OUT TO THE LOS ANGELES CITY FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
MAIL CHECK TO: LAFFA
23480 Olive Street, Perris, CA 92570
ATTN: DAVID FRELINGER

February 2015 45

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46 February 2015

by Mike Mastro, President/CEO

Firefighters First Credit Union

s the number of security breaches

and counterfeit card fraud increases,
credit card issuers are moving quickly
to adopt a more secure credit card. In fact, industry experts agree that counterfeit card fraud
has been increasing at a rate of 20-30 percent
each year, serving as a catalyst to accelerate the
adoption of chip technology.

Embedded on a debit or credit card, a
microchip stores and transacts data when making a purchase transaction. The chip provides
an extra layer of security that encrypts cardholder information thats normally found on
the magnetic strip.

Having been used throughout Europe
for more than a decade, chip technology is finally being adopted in the United States. Criminals have been targeting the U.S. because payment systems have been slow to upgrade. By
October 2015, U.S. card issuers and merchants
will be required to support chip technology,
otherwise they may be liable for card transactions resulting in counterfeit fraud.

Also gaining momentum as the U.S.
migrates to chip technology is the convenience
of contactless payment systems like Apple Pay.
So, for this months article, Id like to provide
you with some additional information about
chip cards and contactless payments.

8 FAQs about chip cards and

contactless payments

How does a chip card work?

With a chip card, a unique, one-time
code is needed for a card transaction to be approved for in-store payments. When a chip
card is used in conjunction with a chip-enabled
point-of-sale terminal, this feature makes it
virtually impossible to counterfeit cards, helping to eliminate in-store fraud. In the event a
merchant does not have a chip-enabled terminal, card information is read from the magnetic
strip. Also, when using a chip card at a chipenabled terminal, youll dip your card into
the terminal instead of sliding it.

What does a chip card look like?

Chip cards can be distinguished by a
small, metallic square image on the front of the
card.
Whats the difference between chip cards,
smart cards, and EMV cards?

There are many terms for the same chipbased technology. The technology, commonly
known as being EMV-enabled, has become the
global standard for processing credit and debit
card payments. Card issuers may refer to chip
cards differently, but they all function to help
keep your transaction more secure.
What does EMV stand for?

EMV stands for Europay, Mastercard,
and Visa.
Whats the difference between chip & PIN
and chip & signature?

A chip & PIN card requires the cardholder to enter a PIN that corresponds to the
information embedded in the security chip.
With a chip & signature card, your identity is
verified by your signature rather than a PIN.
Regardless of the card type, both chip & PIN
and chip & signature cards offer enhanced security against counterfeiting compared to cards
with only a magnetic stripe.
Where are chip cards accepted?

Many countries and merchants outside
of the United States have already adopted chip
technology, becoming the global standard. In
2015, consumers can expect to see chip cards
become the standard in the United States as
well.
When will the Credit Union offer chip cards?

We plan to issue chip cards this fall.
Please stay tuned as we continue to work with
our vendors to deploy chip cards to help protect
against cardholder fraud.

What is contactless payment? Is Apple Pay a

form of contactless payment?

Contactless technology allows you to
pay for purchases by simply tapping your debit
or credit card against a contactless-enabled terminal. The technology works through an RF or
radio frequency to communicate with the terminal. With a chip card, youre required to dip
your card into the point-of-sale terminal for the
chip to be read.


Apple Pay is a form of contactless payment. Apple Pay allows you to use your iPhone
6 or Apple Watch at stores that accept contactless payments and display the Apple Pay logo.
Payments are made from a credit or debit card
that has been added to the Passbook feature of
the device. Currently, Apple Pay works with
most of the major credit and debit cards from
the major U.S. financial institutions. Apple will
continue to work with other financial institutions, including Firefighters First Credit Union,
to support Apple Pay. Additional details will be
provided soon.

As always, your Credit Union is here
to help. We offer unique financial products
and services tailored to firefighters and their
families. For additional details, please contact
a Credit Union Representative at (800) 2311626.
The more business we do together as a Fire
Family, the greater the financial reward will be
for all members!
Have a safe month!

Mike Mastro
Material provided is for your information and convenience
only.

February 2015 47

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f you love the mountains, there are few places as beautiful as Hume
Lake, a picturesque lake located in the midst of Sequoia National
Park. Once known as Long Meadow, it was transformed into Hume
Lake in 1908 when the Hume-Bennet Lumber Company built a dam to
support their logging operations. During this era of early development,
an adjacent 320 acres of remote homestead property instantly became
pristine lakefront property with a saloon/restaurant (to serve the lumberjacks), and later a resort lodge. When logging ceased, business slowed
down at the resort, and this original homestead property was eventually
sold. The new owners were a group of ranchers and businessmen intent
upon developing a Christian outdoor camp dedicated to serving the youth
of the San Joaquin Valley. This camp, known as Hume Lake Christian
Camps, has become the hallmark of Christian camps, reaching youth far
beyond the San Joaquin Valley and also offers specialty Adult Conferences. In 1977 Firefighters For Christ approached Hume Lake Christian
Camps to see if they would host a weekend retreat for firefighters. They
agreed, and thirty-seven years later this Firefighters Conference remains
Firefighters For Christs most popular event.

The LAFD is well represented at this event, along with numerous other California agencies. Several neighboring states have groups
in attendance, and Minnesota always has a strong presence. In 2014 we
also had firefighters from Canada, England, Northern Ireland, Sweden,
and Germany. Our international travelers extended their stay in the U.S.
and participated in ride-alongs on the LAFD. A special (belated) thanks
to Fire Stations 2, 10, 27, 29, 33, and 98 for hosting our brothers on their
ride-alongs. A special thanks also to Boat 2 personnel for making the
time to give our guests the royal treatment.

The Firefighters Conference at Hume Lake is open to singles and
couples. The weekend starts on Thursday with some FFC-specific activities, such as an update on recent and/or upcoming FFC events, some
group activities and friendly competitions. On Friday the actual conference begins and includes a guest speaker, music, and plenty of freetime. Last years speaker was Eric Simpson, a past Hume Lake staffer, a
current pastor in the San Joaquin Valley, and an FFC favorite for many
years. Music for the weekend was performed by Faith First, an extremely
talented musical group who have had members of their band perform at
past LAFD memorial services. Free-time activities include boating, fish-

ing, hiking, biking, off-roading, a high-adventure ropes course, paintball, etc. There are also some friendly team competitions, such as a Fire
Muster and Ultimate Frisbee. The LAFD holds bragging rights for the
muster. The camp provides various levels of accommodations and great
food throughout the weekend.

Come join us in 2015 (April 9-12). Maximize your weekend
by registering for Thursdays FFC day. Following the conference, you
can even extend your stay in Hume accommodations, at a daily rate.
More details can be found at: www.firefightersforchrist.org or www.humelake.org

Bob Price, Brian Kremer (Ventura), Matt Laurin, Jeff Easton,

Dan Rodriguez, Cheyane Caldwell, Andy Saenz

Jay Tracy (Fresno), Paddy Quinn (Northern Ireland),

and some of the Minnesota group
February 2015 49

 On August 12th, 2013, Captain/Paramedic Matthew G. McKnight suddenly collapsed and died while
on duty at MFC. He had faithfully served the citizens of Los Angeles for over 31 years and passed away at
the young age of 51 from a duty related condition.
Searching for a means to honor Captain McKnight for his dedication to the LAFD and specifically to
OCD and MFC, the members at MFC gained approval to dedicate the dispatch floor in his honor. At a dedication ceremony on February 13th, 2015, the dispatch floor will be officially renamed, a memorial plaque
will be unveiled and the new MFC logo will be proudly displayed.

50 February 2015

Submitted by Frank Borden Director of Operations, LAFDHS

LAFD History - Chief Engineers of the LAFD, Part Two

The history of the LAFD Chief Engineers
continues starting with Chief Alderson and
ending with the last chief to hold the title
Chief Bamattre.

John H. Alderson succeeded Chief
Scott in May of 1940. Chief Alderson came
to California upon his release from the U.S.
Army after World War I and was appointed to
the Fire Department September 2, 1923. Fireman John Alderson entered an all motorized
department; the last fire horse was put out to
pasture in 1921. In only six years he was appointed captain on Salvage 2, located at 644 S.
Figueroa Street; now a fashionable restaurant
known as Engine Co. 28. John Alderson was
soon tagged with the nickname of Big John
for his size, 61 and 180 pounds, and his ability to make a clear cut solid decision without
hesitation. When he was first appointed to the
rank of battalion chief, he decided it was time
to become, just, firm and dignified so he traded his beloved Mail Pouch chewing tobacco for
cigars which would become his signature as the
chief.

The chief was active in many areas to
improve the lot of the members of the LAFD.
He worked tirelessly in the formation of the
Fire and Police Protective League and served
as president in 1933, 1934, 1936 and 1938. Alderson guided the department through the lean
years of World War II when there was a shortage of manpower, fuel, apparatus and replacement parts. The shortage of able bodied men
to hire was aggravated by the many members
who left the Department to serve in the armed
forces. Of those men who served in the armed
forces, nine would die in combat. The chief
was also elected President of the International
Association of Fire Chiefs in 1950. Alderson
saw the advances in technology in the fire service and the need for advanced education for
firemen, so working with USC he helped the
university establish a four year course so a
member could receive a BA degree in Fire Science. Later through his efforts working with the
university a degree in Fire Administration was
offered. During his tenure the Department became the first in the nation to use resuscitators
as part of their service to the public. John H.
Alderson retired from the LAFD on December

29, 1955, leaving behind a thoroughly modernized department.

In December of 1955, Frank H. Rothermel was appointed acting chief engineer until
the appointment of William L. Miller as chief
engineer in January of 1956. William Miller
was born in Morrison, Iowa and graduated
from Cedar Rapids Business College which led
him into administrative jobs that included being a district circulation manager for the Los
Angeles Examiner newspaper. A young Bill
Miller joined the LAFD during the depression
on June 1, 1933 and was assigned to Engine 63
in Venice. He was appointed captain in 1940
and assigned to Engine 40 and also served his
fellow firemen and their families as president
of the Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association; the only Chief Engineer to do so. His career was to take a big turn when he left the Fire
Department to serve in the US Navy during
World War II. Captain Miller wound up serving
as a Lieutenant Commander on the admirals
staff in the South Atlantic Fleet; he was appropriately put in charge of fleet damage control.

Starting with his appointment he began
building the Department to meet the needs of
a rapidly expanding population. He reorga-

nized the Department staff with seven deputy

chiefs, affectionately referred to as the Seven
Dwarfs. They successfully retained the Class
1 underwriters rating which saved the citizens
millions in insurance premiums through the
years. He established Fire Service Day in 1956,
which expanded statewide in 1957. He pressed
for the passage of an ordnance which banned
open fires in the City, thus greatly reducing
the number of fire responses. He pressed for
an accelerated building program to build new
fire stations. Helicopters and Helitak Units
were established; salvage and rescue units
were combined and the first Fire Department
rescue ambulances were put into service in
the San Fernando Valley. Airport firefighting
was moved into the jet age at both LAX and
Van Nuys airports. Chief Miller established
the three platoon system for staffing the Department. The Department conducted school
burning tests which were to be published by
the NFPA in books I & II. He started program
Operation High Rise, formulating fire ground
procedures for major high rise fires. Miller
established the first Fire Research Laboratory
for a fire department. Under the guidance of
Miller the Department started and completed
the stormy process of complete desegregation. Having met his personal goals, William L.
Miller retired on July 16, 1965.

Raymond M. Hill was appointed chief
engineer on April 25, 1966, and completely reorganized the command staff. Hill brought an
austerity program to the Department by cutting positions and creating a constant manning
system which specified exact staffing levels
for fire companies and hired off duty members
back to fill vacancies. These were known as
Scheduled Overtime Days (SOD) which were
paid at straight time without the benefits liability of hiring additional members to fill vacancies. Chief Raymond M. Hill retired in May of
1975.

On August 25, 1975, Deputy Chief
Kenneth R. Long was appointed chief engineer. He initiated the use of the Incident Com-

The Department experienced a major growth period

during Chief Engineer Millers tenure.
February 2015 51

mand System on the LAFD. His career as chief

was to only last for less than two years when he
retired in 1977.

Chief Long was replaced on June 30,
1977 by John C. Gerard who was promoted
from the rank of deputy chief to chief engineer.
Gerard served in the US Navy from 1948 to
1953 and reached the rank of chief petty officer
at the time of his discharge. He was appointed
to the LAFD on June 16, 1953, and promoted
up through the ranks. In 1970, Gerard was promoted to battalion chief and while serving in
that rank he received the Medal of Valor for
leading the rescue efforts in the Sylmar Tunnel
fire. At the time of his retirement, Chief Gerard
was the center of a controversy when he and
some chiefs of surrounding departments began
campaigning to legalize fireworks. John C. Gerard retired from the LAFD on June 6, 1982.

Donald O. Manning was promoted
from the rank of deputy chief to chief engineer
on January 20, 1983. Chief Manning was chief
engineer nearly twelve years and was able to
see his two sons promote to the rank of chief
officer before he retired. During his long tenure
he was able to initiate many improvements in
the Department including EMS, Urban Search
and Rescue, the Community Emergency Response Team program and many more. Donald
O. Manning retired in 1995.

Battalion Chief William R. Bamattre
was promoted to the rank of chief engineer on
April 23, 1996. Bill Bamattre was a native of
Los Angeles who went on to receive a Bachelors Degree in Political Science from Stanford
University where he worked his way through
school as a student/firefighter. He would later
earn a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Cal State Los Angeles. The Bamattre
family lived in Dana Point where they were active in their community; Bill was to become the
inaugural mayor of Dana Point. When Chief
Bamattre was appointed to the rank of chief engineer, the family relocated to the Northridge
area of the City of Los Angeles. In the year
1998 the LAFD was to suffer one of its darkest
periods with five firefighters meeting a violent
end; one in a diver certification incident, another in a fire and three members in a helicopter

Chief Bamattre and his wife Liz.

crash. Chief Bamattre and his wife Liz became
personally involved in trying to comfort the
families and especially the young children left
behind. Throughout his administration when
he was away on business, Mrs. Liz Bamattre
would attend funerals as his personal ambassador. Liz was to go on to take up the cause of a
permanent Fallen Firefighter Memorial for the
LAFD which was later erected in front of old
Fire Station 27. Chief Bamattre is the last chief
engineer of the LAFD because the rank was
transitioned into the rank of fire chief where
it stands today. He retired on January 1. 2007.
Chief Bamattre and his wife Liz continue to
actively support the mission of the LAFD Historical Society.
Chief Douglas Barry, Chief Milage
Peaks, Chief Brian Cummings and our new
Chief Ralph Terrazas were all given the title
of Fire Chief.
LAFD 129th YEAR ANNIVERSARY The Beginning

In 1850 the Los Angeles City Council
had the authority to form a fire department
however no action was taken until 1871 when

A rare photo of three LAFD Fire Chiefs at a COA retirement dinner for Chief
Manning, Chief Bamattre and Chief Barry.
52 February 2015

the Volunteer Fire Department was formed.

This was preceded by an informal volunteer
organization born in Buffums Saloon in November of 1869. In 1874 the volunteers temporarily disbanded in anger when the City pulled
appropriations for two horses to pull their apparatus; this was resolved by 1875 when the
funding was restored. The members of Engine
Company #1 reorganized under the banner of
the Thirty-Eights #1, named for the 38 original
members. Charles E. Miles was elected foreman. Shortly after the founding of the ThirtyEights a second engine company was formed
and named Confidence Engine Company #2
with George Furman being the first foreman.
Note: We have on display in the Hollywood
Museum two of the badges worn by volunteers
from Confidence Engine Company Number
2 and a 2nd Assistant Foremans badge from
Thirty-Eights Engine Company 1.

Charles E. Miles was the first chief engineer of the Volunteer Fire Department and
Walter S. Moore was the first chief engineer of
the LAFD, the paid fire department. The official start for the paid Department was January
12, 1886 when the Board of Fire Commissioners was created.

After unsuccessfully trying to put a
suitable ladder truck into service the department purchased a 65 foot extension ladder
in 1876 which would be known as Vigilance
Hook and Ladder Company #1. In 1878 the
residents in the area of the 6th Street Park organized the Park Hose Company #1 which
was furnished with a four wheel hose carriage
drawn by two horses. During the fall of 1883
the last volunteer company was organized in
the Morris Vineyard. The company was provided a fire house and a hose cart; their name
would be Morris Vineyard Hose Company #3.
During 1882 the employees of the Southern
Pacific Railroad formed an engine company
not affiliated with the City department; it was
known as the Southern Pacific #1.

At the time the paid Department was
formed the volunteers consisted of three hundred and eighty members; Engine Company #1
(the Thirty-Eights) situated in the Plaza, Confidence Engine #2 at 2nd and Main Streets, Vigilance Hook and Ladder Company #2 on Aliso

Buffums Saloon is the building behind the horse and carriage- 1860s.

Street below Alameda Street and Park House

Company #1 at 5th and Spring Streets.

The paid fire department was created by
the City Council on January 12, 1886 by the
selection of a Board of Fire Commissioners.
The Board elected Walter S. Moore, Chief Engineer of the Department January 28, 1886 and
handed him the responsibility for all 29 square
miles of the City; todays Department covers a
city of 470 square miles with more than 4 million residents.

Don Cate working on the wheel for our Harbor

Museum hose cart.

The Hollywood Museum is

located in Old Fire Station 27 at

1355 No. Cahuenga, Hollywood, CA

90028. The Harbor Museum is located in San Pedro City Hall at 638 S.
Beacon St., San Pedro CA 90731.

our great cause by becoming a mem-

Confidence Engine Company Number 2. One of

the original LAFD Volunteer Engine Companies.
LAFDHS VOLUNTEERS OF THE YEAR
- 2014

The Historic Society is again honoring
our Volunteers of the Year for their contributions to the mission and goals of the Society.
They are:
Retired Battalion Chief Don Cate for
the Harbor Fire Museum
Retired Apparatus Operator Johnny
Garcia for the Hollywood Fire Museum
Kevin Corcoran and Lea Safer for the
Ralph J. Scott Restoration Project.

We congratulate you and appreciate all
the work you have done during the past year.

Anyone interested in joining

ber, or volunteering to work, or make

Johnny Garcia polishing the brass (copper) on
the Gorter Water Tower.

a donation of money or an LAFD item

may contact us by mail:

LAFDHS Museum & Memorial

1355 No. Cahuenga Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028

Phone: 323 464 2727. But remember

we are currently staffed part time, so
leave a message and we will return

your call. The fax number is 323-4647401. Our E-mail is: LAFDHS27@
Lea Safer and Kevin Corcoran on a break from
work on the Ralph J. Scott fireboat. Kevin is
retired Fireboat Pilot Mike Corcorans son.

Calendar for February 2015

aol.com. Web site at www.lafdmuseum.org. If you want to look at some

great LAFD history check www.

lafire.com. and check the LAFD web

site for information and events at

www.LAFD.org. We look forward to
hearing from you and seeing you at
the Museum.

The Los Angeles Fire Department

Historical Society is a non-profit 501
(C) (3) organization.

PRESERVE, EDUCATE,
MEMORIALIZE

* Fridays from 0800 to 1200 are work days on the Ralph J. Scott Fireboat
February 2015 53

Paid Advertisement

54 February 2015

Donations to Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemens Fund

January 2015

MARIO MARTINEZ
LAFD FIRE HOGS FOUNDATION
GLENN W. JAYNES
THOMAS J. JEFFERS III in memory of Brian Lee,
Tom Burroughs & Sam Mundt
EDWARD WHITE C/O JOHN J. NICHOLSON
DANIEL & MARY LEON
ANTONETTE C. RAYCRAFT in memory of my husband
George Raycraft
JULIA COMBS
TODD & DIANE SANDS
ANTHONY & CONSTANCE WHITHAM in honor of
Dennis Thorn
RICHARD STERN in gratitude to Fire Station 84
BRUCE R. DODD/FIDELITY CHARITABLE GIFT
FUND in memory of Claude Creasey
FIRE STATION NO. 64 from the Fire Extinguisher Fund
GREGORY C. MALAIS in honor of our father
Joseph Malais
RICHARD T. SAKURAI
DAWN & ROBERT HROMADKA
DON R. FORREST
DON & BARBARA RICKLES
YVONNE BOGDANOVICH & FAMILY in memory of
Matthew T. Matich
WILLIAM MORRIS in memory of Matt McKnight
HELEN L. SCHULZ

WILLIAM M. FALLON in memory of

Matthew T. Matich
JEFFREY K. MOIR
FIRE STATION NO. 27 from the
Fire Extinguisher Fund
FIRE STATION NO. 107 from the
Fire Extinguisher Fund
LOUIS R. MOLLE II in support of
Vernon Bruce Larson

EVERETT L. MOORE in memory of my friend

Dale Kanagy

BARBARA K. BROWN in memory of Don Beaver

ROGER & LISA BROWN in memory of Matt Matich

ELLIOTT C. HALEM in honor of Jerry Johns

BOB & SYLVIA FIGGERS in memory of Reiner Montiel

BERELYN SODERSTROM in memory of Dede Walser,

mother of Ted Nonini

CINDY FIRESTINE in memory of John Lawrence

MARCELLA E. SYLVESTER in honor of Jerry Johns

CARL & GEORGIA STEINKRAUS in honor of
Jerry Johns
JEAN FREY in honor of Rick Halloran
VIC L. HELLMAN & FAMILY in memory of our cousin
& nephew Joe Malais

VALERIE GONZALEZ in memory of Reiner Montiel

PATRICIA HORVILLEUR in memory of Reiner Montiel
GREGORY E. NEWLAND in memory of
Matthew Matich
ANDREA PROVENZALE in memory of Reiner Montiel
PAUL T. SEMERJIAN in memory of John Squire

JAMES E. GILLUM from the Simi Firehouse Gang

RUTH TAYLOR in honor of Ken Buzzell

JOHN & CHRISTINA MCKILLIP in memory of

Captain Tony Didomenico, Antoinette Didomenico &
Tony Didomenico Jr.

ANN VITARELLA in memory of Reiner Montiel

DON R. FORREST in honor & memory of Keith Wilson

TIMOTHY L. QUINN in memory of Sam Mundt

LORRAINE VAN ZON in memory of Dick Van Zon,

who passed away May 11, 1978

MR. & MRS. ARLO BRAY in memory of

Ed Holland

JOHN & HELEN SUTTON in gratitude for the DME

VIRGINIA ARMEL/JOSEPH P. BODINE in

memory of Joe Malais

DOUGLAS WILKES in memory of

Carroll Hoppy Hopkins
In honor of Leroy M. Lilly and in memory of
Careth J. Lilly with love from their children

IRA & KAY CAMPBELL in memory of Joe Malais

ARCHER R. MORGAN in memory of
Dale Kanagy

TERRY & PATRICIA MORGAN

WILLIAM F. HASSOLDT in memory of

Beverly Harris

HELEN L. SCHULZ

BILL BEIERSCHMITT in memory of Joe Malais

ED & JOANNE STORKI in memory of Matt Matich

MARCIA MATSUOKA in memory of

Matthew Matich

ERNEST LOWE in memory of Matt Matich

DON MUNDT & FAMILY in memory of Sam Mundt

DOUGLAS J. KIRBY in memory of Loren Illengo

GLEN A. PRINE in memory of Sam Mundt

GARY B. KLASSE in memory of Joe Malais

JOHN R. MATHERS in memory of Sammy Mundt

BILL & DIANE TANNAHILL in memory of our parents

RICHARD E. FOX in memory of Sam Mundt

DORIS S. TUCKER in memory of my husband

Arnold E. Tucker

ROBERT C. BULLARD in memory of

my beloved wife Anne

CHRIS & NANCY BRADFORD in memory of

Brenda Davis Sabol

MARGARET L. HOOD/COSTELLOS/JOHNSONS in
honor of Joseph G. Malais

BILL G. DEEL in memory of Ed Holland

RICHARD W. SEMSCH in memory of Sam Mundt

BOB & JOY COLLIS in memory of Dennis Thorn

JOHN W. POTTER in memory of Bette Thompson,

wife of Bruce N. Thompson

FUMIKO HUMBERD in memory of my husband

John Humberd, Jr.

GEORGE & JOSEPHINE BOSNICH in memory of

Matthew T. Matich

THOMAS & REBECCA MORAN in memory of

Mary Dudley, widow of Darrell Dudley

FIRE STATION NO. 106 from the

Fire Extinguisher Fund

ALICE LAYFER in honor of Todd Layfers 50th birthday

EDWARD ROZESKI in memory of Matthew T. Matich

RICHARD & MARILYN CREAGAN in memory of

Sam Mundt

GEORGE M. WEBSTER in memory of Sam Mundt

RAYMOND EDEN in memory of Jerry Johns

TERRY & DIANNE KALOPER

DANNY GOODWIN C/O NORTHRIDGE

HOSPITAL CENTRAL DEPT in memory of
Gordon G. Doug Robb

PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE

WIDOWS, ORPHANS & DISABLED FIREMENS FUND

PHILIP & HELENE ALBRIGHT in memory of

Brenda Sabol

February 2015 55

LOS ANGELES FIREMENS RELIEF ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

December 3, 2014
CALL TO ORDER

PRESIDENT REPORT

President Juan Albarran called the meeting

of the Board of Trustees of the Los Angeles
Firemens Relief Association to order at
10:31a.m.

1) Juan Albarran provided an update on the

Javier Martinez fundraiser. He reported around
$20K was raised and via the Fire Family
Foundation it will be designated for Javiers
use. He also provided an update on Wendy
Cummings.

ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Juan Albarran, President
Robert Steinbacher, Vice President
Andrew Kuljis, Secretary
Trustee James Coburn
Trustee Jeff Cawdrey
Trustee David Peters
Trustee Chris Hart
Trustee Gene Bednarchik
Trustee Steve Berkery
Trustee David Ortiz
Trustee Rick Godinez
Trustee Mark Akahoshi
Trustee Tyler Tomich
Trustee Steve Tufts
Trustee Doak Smith
Trustee Craig White
Trustee Steven Domanski
Trustee Barry Hedberg Pension
Trustee David Lowe Pension
Trustee Tim Larson Pension
Todd Layfer - Executive Director
Liberty Unciano Controller-Treasurer
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Trustee Chris Stine (Excused)
Trustee Francisco Hernandez (Excused)
Trustee Steve Ruda (Excused)
GUESTS:
Dave Wagner, Grapevine Editor
INVOCATION & Flag Salute
Rick Godinez led the invocation. David Lowe
led the flag salute.
RATIFICATION OF MINUTES
Juan Albarran entertained a motion to ratify
and dispense with the reading of the minutes
and Board actions of the Board of Trustees
meeting held November 5, 2014. David Peters
so moved. Tim Larson seconded. There was no
further discussion or objections.
Motion carried to ratify and dispense with the
reading of the minutes and Board actions of
the Board of Trustees held November 5, 2014.

56 February 2015

2) Juan Albarran referred to the 7470 building

and reported that LAFRA and the last remaining
tenant reached a successful agreement to vacate
the office space. He indicated that the tenant
will be out by January 4, 2015.
3) Juan Albarran introduced new Trustee Frank
Aguirre. He also indicated that there will be a
vacant Trustee spot with Steve Tufts leaving
the LAFRA Board.
VICE PRESIDENT REPORT
1) Bob Steinbacher thanked all the Trustees for
their hard work this past year. He provided the
2015 conference schedule list for Trustees to
review. He stressed the importance of Trustees
attending investment conferences for them
to understand the investment choices of the
LAFRA portfolio.
BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT
Steve Domanski reported that they would be
receiving another dry-wall bid. He indicated
that a few items came in under budget.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS REPORT
1) Liberty Unciano presented the 3rd quarter
financials compared to the budget. She reported
that the main revenue sources were running
in line with the budget. She reported on the
benefits paid to members and indicated that
overall they are tracking slightly under budget
but noted that Rx claims are pacing higher
than projected. She reviewed contributions
made and indicated that we are pacing slightly
ahead of our budget. Todd referred to the 7470
building income and expenses and reported
that for the first nine months of 2014, we are at
$43K to the positive. Overall, total revenue and
expenses are on target with projections.
2) Todd Layfer reported the final numbers of
the open enrollment and stated that they have
added 12 members and 38 dependents to the
medical plan.
3) Todd Layfer indicated that LAFRA will be
visiting the Drill Tower class on December

16th to make our presentation. He reported that

there are no more than 60 candidates in this
class.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
REPORT
Todd Layfer presented the 7470 Building
Construction and Data/Networking budgets for
the Boards review and approval.
Jeff Cawdrey presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to
pay the usual and customary bills in the amount
of $1,121,184.15. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to pay the usual and customary
bills in the amount of $1,121,184.15.
The committee recommends and I so move
to pay the professional fees in the amount
of $177,255.20. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to pay the professional fees in
the amount of $177,255.20.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve $1,000 donation for the Grossman
Burn Center Annual Reunion. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve $1,000 donation for
the Grossman Burn Center Annual Reunion.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve $200 for Chad Richardson for the
purchase of instruments and uniform for the
CSFA Pipes & Drums.
Motion carried to approve $200 for Chad
Richardson for the purchase of instruments
and uniform for the CSFA Pipes & Drums.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve $8,000 in start-up money for the
Hook & Ladder Enduro event. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve $8,000 in start-up
money for the Hook & Ladder Enduro event.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve the construction budget for 7470
building as presented. There was no discussion
or objections.

Motion carried to approve the construction

budget as presented.
The committee recommends and I so move to
approve the data/networking budget for 7470
building as presented. There was no discussion
or objections.
Motion carried to approve the data/networking
budget as presented.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Steve Domanski reported that the committee
interviewed and proposes to hire three new
money managers.
The committee recommends and I so move to
sell 100% of PIMCO Total Return investment
and place 50% in Metropolitan West Total
Return Bond fund and 50% in the Dodge &
Cox Income fund. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to move to sell 100% of
PIMCO Total Return investment and place
50% in Metropolitan West Total Return Bond
fund and 50% in the Dodge & Cox Income
fund.
The committee recommends and I so move
to sell 100% of the holdings in the PIMCO
Unconstrained fund and reallocate those
proceeds to the Black Rock Strategic Income
Opportunity fund. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to sell 100% of the holdings
in the PIMCO Unconstrained fund and
reallocate those proceeds to the Black Rock
Strategic Income Opportunity fund.
MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT
David Peters presented the following motion.
The committee recommends and I so move to
accept the applications to the Medical Plan.
There was no discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to accept all applications to
the Medical Plan.
David Peters reported that the EGWP materials
will be sent out to the Medicare eligible
members. He informed Trustees to tell members
to call into LAFRA with any questions they may
have regarding the EGWP notice. Todd Layfer
informed that the pre-note mailing has been
sent out in November. He stated that the next
mailing will be the Welcome Kit on December
15th which will give more information to the
EGWP population.

RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT

EMERGENCY ADVANCEMENTS

James Coburn presented the following motion.

James Coburn presented the following motion.

The committee recommends and I so move
to approve the emergency advancement
applications for active and retired members.
There was no discussion or objections.

The committee recommends and I so move to

pay:
The Sick & Injury benefits in the amount of
$82,244.16,
The Estate Planning benefit in the amount of
$7,162,
The Life & Accident Withdrawals in the
amount of $2,229
The Relief Death Benefits in the amount of
$27,000.
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the above Relief
benefits.
James Coburn read the names of members who
recently passed and asked for a moment of
silence from the Board.
MEMORIALS
Kenneth J. Clore, Jr.
Richard A. Arlt
Antoni Kwapinski
Frederick K. Yager
Gilbert E. Nash
Samuel E. Mundt
ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
James Coburn presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to
accept the donations in the amount of $8,545.09
to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemens
Fund. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to accept the donations in the
amount of $8,545.09 to the Widows, Orphans
& Disabled Firemens Fund.
The committee recommends and I so move to
approve the financial assistance applications for
surviving spouses, active and retired members.
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the financial
assistance applications for surviving spouses,
active and retired members.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve the Christmas bonuses for the
Widows & Orphans. There was no discussion
or objections.
Motion carried to approve the Christmas
bonuses for the Widows & Orphans.

Motion carried to approve the emergency

advancement applications for active and
retired members.
GRAPEVINE/WEB REPORT
Chris Hart indicated that there have been some
questions about pictures in the Grapevine and
not being big enough or cropped. He also
indicated that they have been receiving some
participation with articles being submitted for
the Battalion News.
SECRETARYS REPORT
Andy Kuljis reported that the By-laws voted
upon at this years election have been ratified.
He also reported that he has ordered 100 more
flag boxes and flags.
NEW BUSINESS
Steve Domanski referred to a previous
discussion to clarify the definition of a member
in good standing. There was a question if
LAFRA should consider the Fire Departments
suspension or reprimands for LAFRA members.
Juan Albarran confirmed that the Boards
definition of a member in good standing is by
LAFRA standards only.
SETTING OF DATES
1) LAFRA Open House December 6th
2) L.A. Retired Fire & Police Christmas
Celebration December 7th
RETIREMENT DINNERS

1) Ray Mayo January 22nd Ports O Call
2) Jim Jure January 28th San Antonio Winery
3) Mike Ketaily February 7th Dukes Malibu,
Ocean Room
4) Gregory E. Newland April 11th Dalmatian
American Club San Pedro
5) Paul Hilleary March 7th Banning Landing
ADJOURNMENT
Juan Albarran entertained a motion to adjourn.
David Peters so moved. Tim Larson seconded.
There was no discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to adjourn. The Board of
Trustees meeting adjourned at 12:23 p.m.

Juan Albarran, President

February 2015 57

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For advertising information, please contact:
Eric Santiago - (323) 259-5231 - eric@lafra.org
Dave Wagner - editor@lafra.org

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COUNSELING SERVICES.
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Email: 2MikeRhodes@gmail.com

CRAIG SANFORD HEATING &

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except linens. Pets ok. $100/$110
(two day minimum). $550/$650
a week, Beep or Donna Schaffer
1+(760) 723-1475.
www.schaffercabin.com
BIG BEAR CABIN. 2 bedroom,
2 bath, 2 story. Sleeps 6-8. About
6 miles from ski slopes & lake.
Fireplace/wood, cable, full kitchen
- furnished. $100 per night M - Th.
$110 per night F-Sun. Weekly
available. Sheri (909) 851-1094 or
(760) 948-2844.
BIG BEAR LAKES FINESTDeluxe lakeside townhouse, 2
bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 cable TVs,
HBO, DVD, WiFi, 2 wood burning
fireplaces, laundry room, tennis court, indoor pool, sauna,
spa, boat dock. Fully equipped,
including all linens. Sleeps 6. 310541-8311 or email: nmbigbear@
gmail.com
BIG BEAR CABIN - Sugarloaf Cozy upgraded 2 bedroom cabin.
Sleeps 8. Fireplace, deck, Wifi internet and cable TV. On a large
lot with sled hill. Fully furnished
except linens. $125 Winter $100
summer. Details and availability,
Call/text/email Jessica (949) 8745294
sugarloafcabin@cox.net sugarloafcabin.com
CARPINTERIA BEACH CONDO.
2 bedroom, 2 bath. Three blocks
to beach, five blocks to downtown. Sleeps 8 - Monthly rentals
only - completely furnished - cable
+ WiFi. (vrbo.com - 603800 search). Jill Johns (805) 490-8196.
CATALINA BEACH
COTTAGE - 3 bedrooms, 1
bath, one block to beach, view,
fully equipped housekeeping unit.
Marci (818) 347-6783 or Clarence
(310) 510-2721.

DESERT CONDOS, RANCHO

MIRAGE (near Palm Springs). 2
bed, 2 bath. Fully furnished condo,
TV, internet, pools and spas. Gated
community from $115/night. 3
bed from $125/night. No smoking.
Barbara (626) 798-2484.
JUNE LAKE CABIN - 2BR/2BA
cabin with Carson Peak view.
Close to fishing & skiing. Furnished, wood deck, equipped
kitchen, wood burning stove, tree
swing, cable /DVD/phone. Garage/
ample parking. $95/night plus
cleaning fee. Email for pictures.
Jeff Easton 93-A (805) 217-5602.
junebound@gmail.com
LAKE ARROWHEAD BLUE JAY
CABIN. Charming 2-story with
creek, large deck, two baths,
complete kitchen, TV/VCR/DVD,
fireplace, washer & dryer. Walk to
Blue Jay Village. Sleeps 8. $90/
night. NO PETS! Bruce or Sue
Froude, (805) 498-8542.
LAKE HAVASU LANDING-Waterfront, steps to the water. Boat
mooring out front, off-road desert
behind house. 3 bed/3 bath, fully
furnished w/linens. Direct TV/DVR,
BBQ, Casino, Grocery/Meat Market, Launch Ramp, Marina with
Boat House, Gated Community.
No pets/smoking. $350 Dan Cook
310 418 1577.
LAKE HAVASU BEAUTY FOR
RENT - 3 bdrm, 2 bath, 1600 sq.ft.
Fully furnished with all amenities- Laundry & BBQ. 13,000 sq.ft.
lot. 3 car boat-deep garage. 3
miles from launch ramp. Close to
downtown shops & restaurants.
View of the lake. Quiet street in
good neighborhood. No pets. No
smoking. Snowbird rates. Call
Mike (661) 510-6246
LAKE NACIMIENTO. Oak Shores
gated community. 3 bedroom, 2
1/2 bath, large loft. 3minute drive
to main marina in Oak Shores.
Large flat driveway. Fully equipped
kitchen, BBQ, washer/dryer, TV/
DVD. No cable. No pets/smoking.
$185/night. 3 night minimum. Call
Ben (805) 444-2264.
MAMMOTH CONDO. 1 Bed/ 1.25
Bath sierra manors condo. In town,
on shuttle route. Sleeps 4 easily.
Pets OK. Fully furnished with new
furniture/HDTV/WIFI Woodburning
fireplace. Hot Tub, sauna, W/D in
complex. Reduced rates for FFs
starting @100/nt
oldtownmammothcondo.ownernetworks.com

mammothmtncondo@yahoo.com
Ryan (310) 717 8483 for more info/
rates
MAMMOTH CONDO. 2 bedroom,
2 bath, sleeps 6. Near Canyon
Lodge. Newly remodeled recreation room with pool and spa.
Laundy facilities, condo has been
beautifully remodeled. Photos
available on website. Winter $300 per night, Summer - $150
per night. $150 cleaning fee. Call
for holiday terms and pricing.
Joseph Angiuli (626) 497-5083.
www.discoveryfour.com
MAMMOTH CONDO - CHAMONIX. 2 bedroom & large loft, 3 full
baths, sleeps 8. 5 minute walk to
Canyon Lodge. Fully furnished,
TVs, VCR/DVD, pool, spa, rec
room, sauna, linens included. Winter $175 weekdays, $195-weekends/holidays; summer $125, plus
cleaning. No smoking; no pets.
Craig Yoder (909) 948-3659.
MAMMOTH CONDO Cozy 2
bedrooms, 2 bath. Fully furnished,
WIFI, 3 TVs, pool, spa, walk
to shuttle, Old Mammoth area.
Winter $115, Summer $90, plus
cleaning fee $139 and 14% city
tax. Includes linens. No pets, no
smoking. Call (310) 540-4648.
MAMMOTH CONDO - 2 bdrm, 2
bath, 2 TVs, phone, garage, pool,
jacuzzi, fully furnished - exept
linens. Near shuttle/chair 15.
Winter $125/night. Weekends and
Holidays $110 midweek. Summer
$95/night. $495/week. No smoking. No pets. Jim Johnson (818)
992-7564, FS 80C.
MAMMOTH CONDO AT MAMMOTH ESTATES, 4BR/3BA,
sleeps 10, fully furnished, 2
TVs, DVDs, WiFi, towels/linens,
fireplace. Full kitchen. Walk to
Gondola Village and shuttle. Complex has pool, spa, sauna, laundry.
Winter $335/night, Summer $215/
night, plus cleaning. Includes city
bed tax. No pets, no smoking.
Dory Jones (310) 918-0631 or
Kelly Corcoran (310) 619-5355
MAMMOTH CONDO NEXT TO
THE GONDOLA VILLAGE Fully
furnished, three bedroom, two bath
with towels and linens, newly remodeled kitchen, internet and cable
TV, pool and Jacuzzi. Walk to the
gondola, shops, restaurants and
ski in on the new comeback trail.
Parking at the front door. Winter:
$250/night. Summer $150/night.
Holidays $300/night. Cleaning is

included. Call Mike Whitehouse,

Retired, 805-987-6122, email:
btkwhitey@yahoo.com
or Bruce Galien, Retired, 661-6457448, email: luvbaja2@aol.com
MAMMOTH CONDO rental. Large
2bed/2bath winterset condo. Fully
furnished, across from Vons, on
shuttle route, easily sleeps 8. Hot
tub, heated pool, sauna, full size
in unit W/D HDTV/WiFi throughout, woodburning fireplace, pets
OK FIREFIGHTER DISCOUNTS,
rates from $150/night
facebook.com/mammothmtncondo@yahoo.com
Ryan @ (310) 717-8483
MAMMOTH CONDO - Sierra
Manors Sleeps 7. 3 bedroom 2 1/2
bath. Fully furnished except linens.
2 TVs/VCR/DVD, stereo/CD.
Dishwasher, microwave, sauna,
jacuzzi, pool. No smoking/No
Pets. Shuttle at door. Winter $155/
night, Summer $100/night, Plus
$80 cleaning fee and City Bed
Tax. Brian & Karen Salvage LAFD
Retired (805) 499-7752.
MAMMOTH LAKES - One
bedroom, extremely charming
wildflower condo. Full amenities,
close to shuttle. Antiques, art,
satellite TV, fireplace. Sleeps 4.
Winter $110, Summer $85 plus
cleaning fees. Call Bill Clark (818)
371-6722
Email: shakesong@aol.com
MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET:
Studio/loft, 2 bath, king bed,
sleeps 4. Full kitchen, TV, VCR,
DVD. Garage parking. Walk to
Canyon Lodge. Ski back wall. 2
night minimum. Winter $100/nite,
$126 Fri, Sat & Holidays. Summer
$50/nite. Plus $95 cleaning &
linens. Jeff & Lisa Moir. LAFD Air
Ops (661) 254-5788.
MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET:
Walk to Canyon Lodge. Studio loft
sleeps 4. Queen beds, full kitchen,
2 baths, garage parking, TV, VCR,
DVD. Winter Sun-Thurs $100.nite;
Fri & Sat $115/nite plus cleaning
fee $100. Non smoking complex.
Joel Parker, LAFD retired.
email: cat25sailor@juno.com or
(213) 399-6534.
MAMMOTH CONDO- SEASONS
FOUR RESORT. Charming and
cozy furnished 1 Bedroom sleeps
5. Updated unit with amenities
including wifi, sauna, jacuzzi,
phone, rec room, 2 flat screens ,
DVD players. W/D on site. Shuttle
stop. Walking distance to village.

$120/night + $80 Cleaning fee

Bobby@310-350-5552.
MAUI BEACH FRONT CONDO
ON NAPILI BAY - 50 from water.
Studios and 1 bedroom. Luxury
furnishings + full kitchen. All the
amenities! Mauis best snorkeling/beach. All island activities &
Kapalua within 4 minutes. 5-day
minimum, from $150 per night
(regularly $310/night). Call Sherrie
or Bill for info/reservations (805)
530-0007 or email: pmimaui@aol.
com or visit:
www.napilibaymaui.com
MAUI CONDO 1 AND 2 BEDROOMS. Centrally located on
beautiful Maalaea Bay. Excellent
swimming and snorkeling; white
sandy beach. Minutes from golf,
tennis, fishing, shopping, airport
and resort areas. Marsha Smith or
Jeanne McJannet. Toll free (800)
367-6084. www.maalaeabay.com
MAUIS MOST BEAUTIFUL
BEACH - Napili Bay. Beautiful furnished condo that sleeps 4. Lanai/
balcony, full kitchen, king bed, flat
screen TVs/DVD, ACs free WiFi
(internet), complimentary maid service, complimentary coffee every
morning and breakfast on Fridays.
Special firefighters discount - Best
value in West Maui! Nice pool &
BBQ area - Close to beach! (800)
336-2185 www.napilivillage.com
Don Sprenger - retired LAFD (949)
548-5659
MONTANA ROCKY MT. FRONT
GETAWAY - 80 miles south of
Glacier Natl Park, in the foothills
of the Rockies, mountain and
canyon views. 1,000s of miles of
trailheads, fishing, etc. 2 bedroom,
1.5 bath, dining, living, kitchen
& washer/dryer. SatTV, wireless
internet. $125.00 night + cleaning.
Call Dan (805) 270-8143 or www.
VRBO.com (#494959)
PALACE RESORTS ALL INCLUSIVE. Cancun, Riviera Maya, Isla
Mujeres, Cozumel - Exclusive
member service and treatment.
Visit palaceresorts.com to view
various resorts and amenities.
Price is for one week, two persons,
any day travel and includes airport
transportation, massages and two
tours. Price varies by season. John
@ (626) 757-5341 or jgonzlz@
hotmail.com
PALM DESERT-3 bed/2bath,
one level. New re-model, fully
furnished w/linens. Cable TV/
DVR, Private Patio, BBQ, Laundry,

February 2015 59

Garage, Gated Community, two

(Pools, Jacuzzis, Tennis Courts).
Near College of the Desert. $175
Dan Cook 310 418 1577.
SEE NEW ORLEANS MARDI
GRAS. Beautiful 2 BD - 2BA with
a sauna. Hillcrest Villas. Next to
golf course in Adita Springs, LA.
Only $450/week. Feb 13th thru
Feb 20th. (562) 799-1134

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE. Romantic

Chalet Family getaway. 3 bed/2
bath plus loft. Sleeps 810. Cable
TV, washer/dryer, microwave,
woodburning stove. 7 minutes to
casinos and Heavenly. Located in
Tahoe Paradise. $105 per night
plus cleaning. Call Shawn or Rose
Agnew at (661) 250-9907 OR
(661) 476-6288.

Los Angeles Fire

Department
Emergency Medical
Services Educator
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD)
is currently seeking Registered Nurses to fill
Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Educator
positions in the In-Service Training Section of
the Training and Support Bureau. EMS Educators are full-time employees, and are provided
a comprehensive medical and dental flex benefits plan and membership in the Los Angeles
City Employees Retirement System.
The LAFD will fill these positions with emergency appointments. An emergency appointment is not a regular appointment. It is a temporary appointment that may be filled up to a
maximum of one year or until an eligible list is
established (City Charter Section 1013). Your
employment will either terminate at the end
of the emergency appointment (unless you are
appointed from an eligible list), or may be
terminated at any time, for any reason, while
you are on emergency appointment.
The LAFD intends to request a Civil Service
(CS) examination for these positions within the
one year period. The selected candidates will
need to compete in the CS process and score
sufficiently high enough to receive a regular
appointment. To qualify for the CS testing
process, your application must clearly demonstrate that you meet the requirements stated in
the job bulletin.
REQUIREMENTS
1. Possession of a current registration with the
State of California as a licensed Registered
Nurse or Paramedic; and
2. Los Angeles County MICN or Paramedic
accreditation; and
3. Two years of experience providing prehospital care in the last five years; and
4. Possession of one of the following:
a) California State Fire Marshal Instructor
1A and 1B certification, or

60 February 2015

VACATION
VEHICLES
MOTOR HOMES FOR RENT:
Several 2006 Class A 32 Foot Motor Homes, with Double Slide Outs,
Fully Loaded, Free Housekeeping
Kit, Camping Kit, Discount Prices
Starting at $150.00 to $180.00 per
night. Serving family & friends of
LAPD , LASD, IPD, OXPD, OX

b) Six quarter or four semester units of

upper division credit in educational materials, methods and curriculum development or
equivalent; or
c) Two years of full time, paid experience
within the last five years as the Pre-Hospital
Care Coordinator (PCC) of a Los Angeles
County Base Station hospital.
5. Valid California drivers license
HIGHLY DESIRABLE
QUALIFICATIONS:
American Heart Association (AHA) Basic
Life Support (BLS) Provider/Instructor
AHA Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Provider/Instructor
AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support
(PALS) Provider/Instructor
Bachelors Degree in Nursing or Health Care
Administration
Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)
Instructor
In order to receive credit for desirable qualifications you must provide proof of certifications
at the time of filing, or within 15 calendar days
from date of filing your application.
DUTIES
Under the direction of the LAFD EMS Training Unit, and the Departments Medical Director, the EMS Educator performs the following
duties:
Identifies and analyzes the training needs
of the LAFD; researches and develops lesson
plans, course curriculum and testing materials;
In accordance with State, County and LAFD
continuing education requirements and policies
and procedures, prepares and presents classroom lectures on various EMS subjects;
Provides certification based courses, including Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced
Life Support (PALS), and Prehospital Trauma
Life Support (PHTLS) to LAFD members;
As mandated by the Local EMS Authority (LEMSA), maintains records of continuing
education classes and curriculum, and prepares

Fire, LA CO., LA City, Ski Clubs

ask for our 25% off weekly rental
rates. Visit us at www.so-calrv.
com or call 661-714-7689 or 661297-2398. ALSO AVAILABLE BIG
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with pool tables & spas. PLEASE
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and presents materials as required for scheduled audits;

Conducts audits of field care performed by
LAFD personnel for practical application of
pre-hospital care modalities and case analysis for use in a training curriculum by either
reviewing electronic patient care reports or
participating in ride-along opportunities with
LAFD;
Prepares and provides post incident training
for field members as determined by the LAFD
Medical Director; and
Represents the LAFD at meetings and conferences relative to pre-hospital care and continuing education.
WORK LOCATION/SCHEDULE
EMS Educators report to the EMS Training
Unit located at the LAFD Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center, 1700 Stadium Way,
Los Angeles and are required to provide training at various LAFD locations within the City
of Los Angeles. The following schedules are
available: 4/10, 9/80 or 5/40 work schedules
are available.
HOW TO APPLY
Electronic submittals are required. Interested
candidates should immediately submit a resume detailing applicable background and
work experience (including required course
work), a City application, a cover letter of
interest and three (3) work-related references (include name, job title, affiliation and
telephone number) to:
Los Angeles Fire Department
Personnel Services Section
Email: elizabeth. torres@lacity.org
APPLICATION DEADLINE
The filing period may close at any time.
Questions can be directed to Elizabeth Torres at
elizabeth.torres@lacity.org or (213) 978-3765
Only the most qualified candidates will be
invited to a panel interview for further
evaluation.
The City of Los Angeles is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Engine Company No. 12 at 5921 Pasadena Avenue (Figueroa Street) with horsedrawn apparatus until 1913. Circa 1903

Lt. Loebel with neighbor boy back of

Engine House 12.

Fireman Jeff Morrison with Jim outside

Engine Company No. 12. May, 1911
February 2015 61

Share Your Membership_Grapevine Ad_Press Ready.pdf 1 1/5/2015 2:26:46 PM

Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association

815 Colorado Blvd FL 4
Los Angeles CA 90041-1745