September 2016

City Employees Club
t
s
e
p
a
e
h
C
tate
Tickets In the S
More Discount Tickets at
www.CityEmployeesClub.com
City Employees Club Store
120 W. 2nd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Arlene Herrero
(213) 225-1792
aherrero@cityemployeesclub.com
Cheap Tickets - Insane Service - Affordable Insurance
PA
Fi
Ca
Ca
GRAND PRIZE
$2,500
FIRST IN OR CLOSEST TO THE HOLE
LAFD INVITATIONAL
2ND PRIZE
MOUNTAINGATE COUNTRY CLUB
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2016
BENEFITTING
3RD PRIZE
DONATION
$10 per ball $20 for 3 balls
$50 for 7 balls $100 for 20 balls
4TH PRIZE
Entries must be received by

MONDAY, September12th, 2016
WEARABLE CAMERA
Winner Need Not be Present to Win

Participants will receive ticket stubs by mail prior to event
PAYMENT INFORMATION
First Name:
TOTAL AMOUNT:
Last Name:
Card Holders Address: Home

Work
Card Holders Phone:
Visa
MC
City:
Home
Cell
Work
AMEX
State:
Zip:
Email:
Discover Credit Card No:
Exp. Date:
*CVV2 No:
(*Required)
Check Enclosed (Payable to Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemens Fund)
Signature:
MAIL TO: Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemens Fund

ATTN: Juliet Brandolino - PO Box 41903 - Los Angeles CA 90041
( 3 2 3 ) 2 5 9 -5 2 1 5
VOL. XCIII
SEPTEMBER 2016
NO. 1
CONTENTS
Presidents Message ..........................................................................05
Medals of Merit
Firefighters risk a lot to save a lot .................................................07
Battalion News ...................................................................................09
The Retired Guys ...............................................................................26
LAFD Family Support Group
New alliance for surviving spouses ..................................................27
The Elephant in the Room
Signs and symptoms of suicide .........................................................28
Station Fridge .......................................................................................30
Department in Action ........................................................................31
Memorials ...........................................................................................36
The LAFD Honor Guard
Their dedication makes us proud .......................................................37
4th of July Parade

LAFD remembers and honors the 343 .............................................39
Radio Tower Dedication
Member honored for work in LAFD communications .........................41
Retirement Dinner Announcements ...................................................43
Mailbox ...............................................................................................44
LAFD Sports
Olympic Trap and Skeet ..................................................................47
Olympic Golf .................................................................................48
Handball Doubles Tournament ........................................................49
Tahoe Classic Golf ........................................................................49
Dollars and Sense
Scholarships awarded ....................................................................51
LAFD History
The Gray Building fire of 1939 ....................................................53
Minutes of the Board of Trustees .....................................................56
Classifieds ...........................................................................................58
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 2016
Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association.

No material may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.
2 September 2016
On the cover: Brush Fire - Sepulveda Basin
Photo by: Mike Meadows
31
Inset photo by: Rick McClure

Structure Fire - North Hollywood
September 2016 3
A NEW LINE OF DUTY

From
Saving
Lives
FIREMENS GRAPEVINE
owned and published by the
Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association

7470 N Figueroa Street, Los angeles CA 90041
EDITORIAL STAFF
Dave Wagner Editor..........................................................editor@lafra.org
Eric Santiago Creative Editor.....................................esantiago@lafra.org
DisplayAdvertising.........................................(323) 259-5200 ext. 231 or 232
PSOs
Margaret Stewart, Brian Humphrey, Erik Scott
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Art Sorrentino, Mike Mastro, Matt Mickey, Frank Borden, Jim Stiglich, Steve Ruda
PHOTOGRAPHERS
You can help

first responders
preserve and grow
their assets.
To
Serving
Brothers
Retired firefighters
interested in becoming
Financial Advisors with a clear path to
financial independence, call us at 818-914-7468.
21031 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1101

Woodland Hills, California
818.914.7468 | www.tamarsecurities.com
Tamar Securities, LLC is a Registered Investment Adviser. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Tamar Securities, LLC
and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and
possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Tamar Securities, LLC unless a client service agreement is in place.
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
LOS ANGELES FIREMENS RELIEF ASSOCIATION
Robert Steinbacher................................................President
Jeff Cawdrey ..................................................Vice-President
Andrew Kuljis ........................................................Secretary
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chris Hart
Chris Stine
Craig White
David Ortiz
David Peters
Doak Smith
Frank Aguirre
Gene Bednarchik
Jim Duffy
Joe Vigil
John Jacobsen
Juan Albarran
Mark Akahoshi
Mike Sailhamer
Rick Godinez
Steve Berkery
Steve Ruda
Steven Domanski
Tim Freeman Jr.
Tim Larson
Tyler Tomich
SUPERVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Barry Hedberg
Dave Lowe
Dennis Mendenhall
Jim Coburn
Tom Stires
CHAPLAINS
To contact a chaplain, please call Senior Chaplain Rick Godinez at (213)

797-2404 or the MFC Floor Captain at (213) 576-8920
Greg W. Gibson...................Chaplain
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, 7470 N Figueroa Street, 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 or 232. All editorial matter must be received by the Editor eight weeks prior to the month of
publication. The opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the official
views of the Los Angeles City Fire Department or the Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association.
4 September 2016
Hello to the end of Summer and welcome Autumn,

Suicidal thinking can happen to the best of us, and it is not
a choice. It is not bad behavior, and it is not a lack of discipline.
And seeking help and support must not result in punishment or
ridicule. Please read The Elephant in Room in this months issue, written by one of our own fire family. Its an emotional story
with important implications that must not be swept under the rug.
Rick Godinez wears many hats, including Fire Captain, LAFRA
Trustee and Chaplain. Now he and his fellow chaplains have
formed the LAFD Family Support Group. The main goal is to
assist both active and retired widows in the transition to handling
life on their own. To find out how you can help, turn to page 27
in this issue.

Your Relief Association will publish a commemorative
yearbook in 2017, celebrating the organizations 110 years of
service to the members of the LAFD. It will include a history of
the Relief Association, memorials for members killed in the line
of duty, stories of major incidents through the years, and photos
of all active department members. I would like to invite any active or retired members (or family members) with organizational
skills and a few hours of spare time to be a part of this project.
You can contact me (see below) or Grapevine Editor Dave Wagner at editor@lafra.org for info if you would like to lend a hand.

Thanks to Chris Hart and his team for putting on a cool
mountain bike ride on August 3rd. A couple dozen riders made it
up to Big Bear for the event. Considering the circumstances, with
all the staffing shortage and lack of commitment from his own
compadres, it was a very nice day and another event to support
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemens Fund!

On another issue, identity theft has been on the rise around
the world. Unfortunately, Relief members are not immune. Anthem Blue Cross, the vendor we use for our Relief PPO Medical
Plan provider network, alerted the Los Angeles Firemens Relief
Association that it is investigating a breach of its information systems that occurred in 2015. This breach may have resulted in the
unauthorized access of member information. Anthem reports the

breach potentially involved 80 million current and former covered Anthem customers. Investigators do not know yet if the data
for every individual was accessed. The FBI and an outside cyber
vendor are working to determine the scope of the breach. Anthem
officials report that no credit card information was accessed.

Due to this breach, Relief Medical Plan members are eligible to access - free of charge personal credit monitoring for
the duration that you are with LAFRA Medical. If you access the
LAFRA website and type in Anthem breach, it will take you to
the link to get you and your family signed up for free monitoring.

The big events are coming up! PUT on your camaraderie
face and come join us for all three:

We still have limited space left for the LAFRA Invitational
Golf Tournament on September 19th. Please call (323) 259-5217
or e-mail mcasillas@lafra.org for further information

November 5th is our annual Open House here at the new
LAFRA building. More than 300 members and family attended
last year. Lets try to break that number this year!

December 17th, 2016 will be the Los Angeles Firemens
Relief Association 110 year anniversary dinner dance at the LA
Athletic Club. It will be a great event to celebrate our tenure. Start
talking it up at the kitchen table and make it a holiday party for
your station or section. More information will be on the website
prior to the next Grapevine issue.
Be safe and be kind to each other,
Robert D. SteinTalker Steinbacher

president@lafra.org
(323) 259-5200
September 2016 5
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH 2016 - C SHIFT

CHECK IN - 8AM GAME STARTS - 9AM
SANTA MONICA BEACH
$20 PER PLAYER
1200 PCH, LOT 3 NORTH
THREE TO FIVE PLAYERS PER TEAM

OVER 50 ADVANTAGE, BASEBALL MITT
>>> 30 TEAMS MAX. <<<
BEST COSTUME?
BEST TEAM NAME?
SIGN UP TODAY!
INFORMATION:
SEAN MILLETT (805) 717-0618
PROCEEDS BENEFIT
6 September
SIGN
UP AND2016
PURCHASE TSHIRTS AT
LAFRA.ORG/OTL
AM
ITT
<<
Physical Rescue Results in

Medals of Merit
n the early morning hours of August 24,

2013, RA 833 responded to the report of a
traffic accident at the intersection of Gage
and Central Avenues. Upon arrival, the members encountered a three-vehicle collision with
people trapped and one vehicle already on fire.

Firefighter Tom Macintyre and Firefighter Erin James donned their turnout coats
and approached the burning car. Inside they
found a 20-year-old male, unconscious and
trapped by the dashboard on the passenger side
of the vehicle. With flames impinging on the
passenger and himself, Macintyre attempted to
remove the unconscious victim. Crawling halfway inside the vehicle, he managed to release
the victims trapped legs and, with the help of
James, was able to pull the unconscious victim
from the burning car. At that moment, the passenger space became fully engulfed in flames.

Removing the patient to a safe area,
Macintyre and James immediately performed
CPR, as the patient was pulseless and not
breathing. He had sustained blunt force trauma,
respiratory burns, and third-degree burns to his
face and chest. Ultimately, he regained heart
rhythm and strong pulses and was transported
to the hospital.

James and Macintyres actions exemplify the mission and core values of the LAFD.
At great risk to themselves, they acted swiftly
and decisively in a heroic fashion to give the
victim of this accident the greatest chance of
survival. Because of their conspicuous acts of

bravery with calculated personal risk to their
own lives, Firefighters James and Macintyre
were awarded Medals of Merit.
Medal of Merit
Erin James
Tom Macintyre
September 2016 7
Paid Advertisement
8 September 2016
Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association Medical Plan may cover this examination.
Contact your plan provider to verify.
FS 2 hosted a dinner for the Capitol Group, their Hope for Firefighters sponsor.
100 firefighters knocked down a commercial fire on Alhambra Ave on 07/14/2016.

Photos by Yvonne Griffin
September 2016 9
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2016
SPECIAL FIREFIGHTER RATE $195
LIMITED SPOTS!
FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED
W
E
N N PACKAGE
A
IG DED!
L
L
U
M NCLU
I
Mail form with payment to:
L.A. FIREMENS RELIEF ASSOCIATION

Development & Marketing / Attn: M. Casillas
PO Box 41903 - Los Angeles, CA 90041
(323) 259-5217
mcasillas@lafra.org
Beneting Your
DOWNLOAD SIGN UP FORM AT
www.lafra.org/golf
MOUNTAINGATE COUNTRY CLUB
10 September 2016
12445 MountainGate Drive - Los Angeles, CA
90049
9AM - 10:30AM REGISTRATION/PUTTING CONTEST - 11AM SHOTGUN START - RECEPTION & AWARDS DINNER FOLLOWING GOLF
1s and 47s after a structure fire at 2669 Griffin St.

on 7/19/16. Photos by Yvonne Griffin
GOLF
Companies battled an 18 acre fire

in Cahuenga Pass on 7/19/18.
Photo by Mike Meadows
September 2016 11
lection time again is bearing down upon us. Elections are

a very important aspect for the life and health of your Relief Association. It is now time to nominate members of the
Association for the offices of six Active Trustees and one Pension
Trustee positions.
There will be six (6) Active Trustees elected at-large by Active
members and one (1) Pension Trustee, elected by Pension members,
for three year terms. If more than six actives run, the six with the
most votes will elected. If more than one pensioner runs, the one
with most votes will be elected. If no more than six active members
and no more than one pension member runs, there will be a white
ballot declared by the Board and those running will be deemed
elected.
As stated in the Bylaws, Article VII, Chapter I, Section 7136, The

Trustees shall attend all meetings of the Board, unless excused,
visit the sick and injured members in their respective districts,
report upon all matters coming within their scope of assignments and
responsibilities, and perform such other duties as may be assigned
to them by the Board.
The Trustees are the elected representatives of the membership of

the Association, who are responsible to their constituency and to
the Association as a whole. A conscientious effort must be made
by each Trustee to be knowledgeable of the Associations By-Laws
and their responsibilities to the members of the Association. The
Association is governed, and its business conducted by the Board
of Trustees. Dissemination of information relative to the Association and to its membership is conducted primarily by the Trustees.
Conversely, opinions, requests and suggestions are channeled to the
Board, through the Trustees. A close liaison with the membership is
paramount to the performance of the duties of a Trustee.
Nominations are open October 1 through October 14, and will
close at the end of the business day on October 14, 2016.
Only members of the Association in good standing may serve as
an Officeror Trustee. The commitment of a Trustee position is for
three years.
Please Mail, FAX or Email a letter in the following format, with
a recent picture of yourself and a short statement/bio, by close of
business on October 14, 2016.
I, _______________________________________, do hereby submit my name as a

candidate for the position of Active or Pension (circle one) Trustee on the Board
of Trustees of the Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association.
The letter is valid for the General Election of 2016. Mail or FAX to:
ANDREW KULJIS, SECRETARY
7470 N Figueroa Street, Los Angeles CA 90041 FAX (323) 259-5204 AKULJIS@LAFRA.ORG
12 September 2016
LAFD resources handled a T/A with extrication on Henry Ford Ave.in Wilmington.
On 7/13/16, FS 85 visited the kids at the Normandale Rec Center
When Gary Hoki polishes the floors at Air Ops, he says the best
help is staying out of the way - he appreciates all the help!
Companies worked a structure fire with exposures on

West 14th St on 7/13/16. Photo by Yvonne Griffin
September 2016 13
Paid Advertisement:
Are you or your spouse A business owner

And looking for wAys to pAy less tAxes???
A CAsh bAlAnCe or solo defined
benefit plAn Could be the Answer!!!
A Cash Balance Plan has the potential to reduce taxable income by over $200,000 annually,
while adding $1-2 million (or more) to retirement savings.
Two retirement vehicles, a Cash Balance Plan or a Solo Defined Benefit Plan can in some
cases allow individuals to save pre-tax over $200,000 per year.
These vehicles are best for a business owner (or self-employed) who would like to reduce
taxable income and build substantial tax-deferred retirement assets.
Call Andorra Investment Management to discuss these strategies for 2016 and beyond
www.ai-mgmt.com 562 - 433 - 1400 kurt@ai-mgmt.com

5941 Naples Plaza Long Beach, CA 90803
14
The information above shall not be used as financial or tax planning advice. It is intended as general information only and examples above are for
illustration. Always consult a financial advisor when considering any investment strategy. Andorra Investment Management is a Registered Investment
Advisor and is NOT a tax advisor or accounting firm.
September 2016
Companies handled a grass fire in Shadow Hills

on 5/28/16. Photo by Doc DeMulle
A vegetation fire in Sun Valley on 7/1/16.

Photo by Doc DeMulle
Firefighters extinguished a fatality SFD fire in

Sun Valley on 7/30/16. Photo by Rick McClure
September 2016 15
Paid Advertisements:
16 September 2016
On 7/20/16 companies fought a small brush

fire in Lopez Cyn. Photo by Rick McClure
Companies worked a collision between a big rig and an

auto on the 405 Fwy on 7/9/16. Photo by Rick McClure
September 2016 17
On 7/21/16, Engine 65 worked a structure fire on

South Central Ave. Photos by David Blaire
On 7/16/16, TF 21 extinguished a food

truck on fire. Photo by Tod Sudmeier
18 September 2016
USAR assists with an auto vs house at 14837 S Orchard

on 7/27/16. Photo by Yvonne Griffin
33s opens the roof at 1000 W 69th St

The LAFD and USC donated a bicycle to a young

man in FS 57s district whose bicycle was stolen
as he was being treated and transported.
E 66 handles an auto on Crenshaw Bl

Truck 66 after handling a water main on S Victoria Ave

September 2016 19
Companies found a well involved SFD at 11401

Decente Ct on 7/30/16. Photos by Rick McClure
Six were injured on the 170 Freeway at Roscoe

on 6/30/16. Photo by Mike Meadows
20 September 2016
Engine 8 handles a small grass fire in the evening

of 7/19/16. Photo by Greg Doyle
FS 8-B celebrated Captain Jim Porters last shift

after 35 years of service. Photo by David Blaire
Firefighters responded to a natural gas leak

on 8/3/16. Photos by Adam Van Gerpen
September 2016 21
On 7/4/16, companies handled a fatal T/A

involving a motorhome. Photo by Rick McClure
22 September 2016
Chief Curt Klafta with FS 84 members on his last

shift after 37 years of service. Photo by David Blaire
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Noon - 4pm
(B-shift on duty)
7470 N Figueroa Street

Los Angeles CA 90041
September 2016 23
20th Annual Craig Alder

Charity Golf Tournament
COST INCLUDES: Green Fees, Golf Cart, Mexican Buffet,
Golf Shirt, Raffle & Tee Prizes
Monday, October 3, 2016
9 AM shotgun start
$130.00
For more info, call Mike @ (951) 972-7878
or email: mikealder@insidethecommandpost.com
Temecula Creek Golf Course
44501 Rainbow Canyon Rd
Temecula CA 92592
Check-in between 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
24 September 2016
On 7/18/16, the crew at 58s hosted

the guy who signs their paychecks
GOT NEWS!?
Writers Needed
E 458 after a structure fire on So. Curson

Contact editor@lafra.org
Paid Advertisement:
For advertising
information,
please contact:
Eric Santiago
(323) 259-5231
or email: eric@lafra.org
or visit our website at
www.lafra.org/advertising
September 2016 25
just bought a brand new T-handled Allen

wrench. Its a simple tool, with a plastic
handle and a hex shaped steel shaft for removin socket head bolts. Naturally I got a receipt but didnt pay close attention to it until I
got home. It was a fairly large receipt and it had
two stickers attached, one orange and the other
white. The white sticker stated, This product
contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer. The orange sticker had
similar wordin, but it addressed the fact that
there were, Chemicals known to the State of
California to cause birth defects. What? This
is a simple tool with a plastic handle, how dangerous can it be?

How did we get here? Weve all had our
hands in solvents, gas, oils and a variety of other chemicals that probably werent good for our
skin, but until recently, we never gave it much
thought. Now were bein bombarded with
all sorts of warnins. Of course bein Firemen
didnt help much and sittin around the BBQ
pit, smokin cigars and drinkin lots of caffeine
laced coffee and motor oil seemed fairly harmless. And by the way, we were drinkin coffee
and motor oil from Styrofoam cups. Styrofoam
cups, now theres a killer. Its amazin we survived those times without warnin labels.

Then Proposition 65 was voted into
law, requirin warnin labels be attached to
anythin that might harm us. Cigarettes are the
poster kids for warnin labels, but other not so
well known products follow close behind. Lots
of kitchen items, such as leadbased dishes and
plastic cookware can also be harmful. Drinkin
26 September 2016
from plastic water bottles is also a concern, not

to mention standin too close to a microwave
oven, livin near high voltage electrical lines
and havin your cell phone next to your ear
might zap your brain with radiation. Eatin too
many eggs, consumin too much red meat and
havin too much sex are also known killers. I
say sex because them Viagra commercials keep
remindin us that our hearts many not be up for
the task, so we should consult with a physician
first. So I guess I aint goin to die with a smile
on my face?

We cant even plug in an electrical device without lookin at a warnin label attached
to the cord. And are these labels a result of
people havin electrical outlets in their tubs and
showers?

Ive had my fill of warnin labels, medical studies and reports of hazardous eatin habits, because given enough time, eventually its
determined that the dangerous product or eatin
habits are actually safe. Go ahead, now its OK
to drink all the coffee you want.

Prior to retirin, I had a few chiefs tell
me that Id go blind if I kept writin articles for
the Grapevine. No wait, that was somethin else
that was claimed to cause blindness in men.

So weve lost a few well known recordin artists lately. I wasnt one of the many
people that went out and laid wreaths of flowers or left notes and cards in their memories.
However, I did hear several people say, both on
radio talk shows and TV, that some of the songs
these individuals wrote or performed changed
their lives. Huh?

Im not sure how a song can change
your life, but as far as Im concerned, the only
thing, well maybe two things, which would
change my life: 1. $347.2 BILLON dollars,
or 2. A Capt. IIs pension, retroactive back to
2008. My accountant told me to go with the
Capt. IIs pension.
COWBOY HUMOR
One day a father, on his
way home from work stopped
at a toy store to buy his daughter a birthday present. He
went into the store and asked
the saleslady, How much for
one of those Barbie Dolls in
the display window?
The saleslady answered,
Which one do you mean? We have the Workout Barbie for $9.95, the Shopping Barbie for
$9.95, the Beach Barbie for $9.95 and a Divorced Barbie for $265.95.

The amazed father asked, Why is the
Divorced Barbie $265.95 and the others only
$9.95?

The saleslady rolled her eyes, sighed
and answered, Sir, the Divorced Barbie comes
with Kens truck, Kens house, Kens fishing
boat, Kens furniture, Kens dog and Kens
computer.
AC
KEEP SMILIN!
choppedup@att.net
he LAFD chaplains, in cooperation with

the Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association, have formed a new alliance for
surviving LAFD spouses. The group is called
the LAFD Family Support Group. It is for
those who have lost a loved one, either active
or retired. The goal is to have the members of
this group come alongside those who have suffered a loss and to walk alongside them through
the difficult transition from being a spouse to
becoming a widow.

We have watched so many times as a
surviving spouse and family become overwhelmed by the pain of grieving over the loss
of their loved one. They must take on many arduous tasks, often with no advance notice: First
there is the responsibility of making the funeral
arrangements. Once the service is complete,
the additional stress that comes when dealing
with the mountain of paper work necessary to
receive survivors benefits and handling other

financial matters is more than most can handle
alone.

Through the first stages following a
members death, the men and women of the
LAFD are ever-present and ready to lend a
hand. But as the days and weeks pass, the families may see a declining representation of the
fire family. They often feel a sense of abandonment and despair in dealing with this very difficult transition.

The LAFD family typically wants to be
present and continue to help in these situations,
but often wonder how to help or when is the appropriate time to contact the family to see what
needs they may have.

This is where the LAFD Family support
group will fill the void. The group will come
alongside the surviving families to assist with
their needs and build lasting relationships. This
group will also strive to keep them involved

and connected with the LAFD by inviting them
to participate or volunteer in our annual events
such as:
LAFD Memorial Ceremony
The Kemper Softball Classic
LAFD Golf Invitational
Hope for Firefighters

The LAFD Family Support Group
has started to identify surviving spouses and
connecting with them, surveying their needs
and building relationships. The Family Support Group is also reaching out to active and
retired members who would like to volunteer
their time and fix it skills to help surviving
spouses and their families with needs around
the home. Some of those needs would be:
Plumbing repairs
Roof repair
Landscaping issues
General repairs/ Construction
Automotive repair
Grief counseling

This amazing Family Support Group
will be led by three ladies that have experienced the loss of a spouse and LAFD member.
They have been so strong in making the transition from spouse to survivor. Their hearts are
ready to lead this group and can assist other
LAFD families in this very difficult transition.

The chairperson of the Family Support
Group is Jan Graf. She will have assistance
from two co-chairs, Lori Harris and Valerie
Lawrence. They will be coordinating their efforts with the rest of the members of the LAFD
Support Group and with the LAFD Department
Chaplains to bring comfort and assistance to
our LAFD family.

In addition, there are many other professionals and volunteers that will be assisting
our efforts in areas of grief and family counseling.

The LAFD Family Support Group
would like to thank all those who have already
joined the group and committed to be a part of
this journey to meet the needs of our LAFD
family members, widows and orphans.

Our hope is that those reading this article will want to join in and volunteer their
time, talent and skills. This is a dynamic group
of people, reaching out to do an incredible job
for our LAFD family. Please consider becoming a part of this incredible journey.

If you would like to assist the LAFD
Family Support Group by volunteering your
time, talent and skills, please contact the LAFD
Support Group by email at lafdfsg@gmail.com
September 2016 27
e always had an ambulance in our

driveway. Both of my parents were
first responders, and living in a
small town in northern California, they took
the RA home until dispatch called and needed
them. I remember my father as a hard-working,
driven, and focused man. He loved his family, his country, the military, and being a part
of the first responder community. He was also
pretty rough around the edges: cussed like a
sailor, smoked like a chimney, rode a Harley
(leather chaps, vest, boots, and all), and didnt
take crap from anyone. (In reality, his bark was
louder than his bite and hed never hurt a soul;
but dont ever tell a tough Italian that!) In his
career, he delivered a few babies, transported a
heart for transplant, and saved several lives. On
a heavier note, while fighting a fire at an industrial building in the early 1980s, he suffered
major smoke inhalation, lung damage, and
endured many major surgeries and life-long
health issues because of it. The surgical scars
on his chest were pretty impressive. While his
health problems were significant, he was fighting a much greater fight that, at the time, very
few were familiar with.

My father started his career as a firefighter/paramedic in the 1970s. I remember
stories where he would handle a bleeding patient or clean out an ambulance with no gloves.
Gloves were simply not required at that time.
At one time, he was even pricked by a needle
and didnt seem too concerned by it.

By the late 1980s, my dad felt as if his
health was beginning to decline. He was told
by our family doctor that his blood work did
not appear normal and they could not figure
out the cause. Depression began to set in. They
were unsure what was wrong with him.
In 1989, the healthcare community discovered
the hepatitis C virus and developed a test for it.
In 1991, my dad was diagnosed with hepatitis
C. He suspected he contracted it in the 1970s
with the needle stick or working without universal precautions.
28 September 2016

My dad immediately began treatment
which included taking ribavirin and interferon.
These medications made him feel extremely ill
physically, mentally, and emotionally. During
this time, major changes began to take place in
his life: divorce, inability to work, one parent
household, kids that were beginning college,
and having the daily responsibility of caring for
his elderly mother. Everyday stressors added to
his already overwhelmed mind, body, and soul.

Soon after beginning treatment for
hepatitis C, I noticed that my dad began getting
more and more depressed, frustrated, and angry. Angry at his situation, his family, and just
life in general. At one time, I remember him
...suicide is a
permanent
solution to a
temporary
problem...
saying that he was frustrated by contracting
hepatitis C while on the job. He said, I was
just trying to do good in the world and I get hit
with this. Thanks a lot. In hindsight, I realize
that the anger and depression never went away;
it was actually fueled by the progression of the
disease.

My dad was able to manage the disease for years with new treatment and support.
However, in 2011, his health began to decline
at a rapid pace. He now had cirrhosis of the
liver. His thought processes appeared scattered
and, at times, irrational. He began to take on a
yellow hue (jaundice); and he began to retain a
lot of fluid in his belly (ascites).

Paperwork for a living donor transplant
was started. Blood tests were scheduled to see
which one of my siblings and I were the best
match for the transplant. Doctor appointments
were scheduled to make sure that we were fit
to become a partial liver donor. Seemed like
everything was moving along at a rapid pace,
until one day it all stopped.

I received a message on my cell phone
from my father one evening. He stated, Lyndee Lou, I love you so much, but I want you
to know that I cannot do this anymore. My
husband and I wondered what he was talking
about. Could it be physical and emotional exhaustion from the living donor process? Maybe
he was just tired from having his belly tapped
three times a week due to the ascites. Was it
the depression and frustration that was talking?
Maybe the buildup of toxins in his brain were
causing him to become confused. It certainly
wasnt because he was considering suicide not my dad - he would never commit suicide.
Never an option. I was not able to get ahold of
my dad after that message. He had attempted
suicide and died soon after.

Anytime I tell this story I feel as if
someone sucker punched me. Somedays the
emotions are as real and raw as if it happened
yesterday. On one hand, I felt betrayed. On
the other hand, I had a lot of questions and a
lot of guilt; tremendous guilt. Its the typical
shouldve, wouldve, couldve. If I made a better attempt to contact him after that phone call,
maybe hed still be alive. Why didnt I help him
address his anger and depression? The doctors
were finally ready to yank your diseased liver
dad, why the hell would you take your life
now? I still have unanswered questions to this
day.

It makes sense that having a debilitating disease may increase depression, anxiety,
worry, and anger. When someone is physically
sick, we tend to worry about getting their body
back to normal, but often we fail to help keep
their thoughts and emotions centered and se-
When someone is suicidal, they may display behaviors and have thoughts
that are generally uncharacteristic of them. Sometimes they may just increase existing risky behavior. The risk of suicide may increase after a loss
of a loved one, divorce, or any other trauma or major change. Some of the
suicide warning signs include (but are not limited to):

Dan in 1981 before Hep C
The Venosta family

cure. Many in our community may never suffer from a debilitating physical disease but may
suffer from mental and emotional imbalances.
Some may think that because someone does
not look sick, they are not. We all know that
that is simply not the case. Its tough to ask for
help, especially when you are considered the
helper in the community. Simply put, suicide
does not discriminate.

Being cognizant and supportive of those
around you who are going through difficult life
transitions or who appear to be acting out of
character may mean the difference between life
and death. Pulling a co-worker or loved one to
the side and having a courageous conversation
about concerns of their behavior and urging
them to get help may be just what they need to
get through another day. Facilitating the help
they need (counseling, psychiatrist, voluntary
hospital stay) may also be needed. Remember:
suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary
problem.

Hindsight is always 20/20; the warning
signs of my fathers suicide were as clear as
day. I suspect he was incredibly fearful of going through the surgery. If liver transplant was
not successful, he would immediately die. Putting one of his kids through a major surgery to
donate a portion of their liver to save him never
sat well with him either. He had tremendous
guilt for even asking.
feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
feeling like a burden to others
increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
anxious or agitated
behaving recklessly
sleeping too little or too much
withdrawing/isolating themselves
showing rage/talking about seeking revenge
displaying extreme mood swings
talking about wanting to die
looking for a way to carry out a suicide (purchasing a gun or looking
for alternative ways to die online)
Other signs include:

giving away prized possessions
saying goodbye to loved ones
having a sense of calm and happiness
making arrangements and getting legal affairs in order

Also, the depression and anxiety that he
suffered from was debilitating. He left a message for me that late warm evening in August
with the intent in saying goodbye. He did. He
seemed content. He had made his decision.
One of the most painful decisions ever.

One thing I know for sure was that
when my dad was mentally and emotionally
healthy, he was the best dad you could have
asked for. He always promoted hard work, integrity, honesty, and education. He was a helper
in the world and encouraged positive change.
Everything was a lesson, including the way
he left this earth. Teaching others how to effectively manage and live with welcomed or
unwelcomed changes in life, always working
towards a positive goal, and constantly learning through reading and education is the legacy
he would have wanted to have left behind.
Dad, Im picking up where you left off.

I love you for eternity.
In memory of Daniel Ronald Venosta Sr.
1952-2012
Lyndee
Venosta
holds a Master of
Counseling Psychology and a Master of
Forensic Psychology.
She is the founder
of the Avery Centre, where psychotherapists specialize
in treating trauma,
post-traumatic stress
disorder, grief, and loss. She is married to
LAFD Firefighter Engel Luistro and they
have four sons.
September 2016 29
30 September 2016

Six LAFD strike teams and Air Operations assisted
at the Sand Fire which ran through the Angeles National
Forest for more than 10 days. 41,432 acres burned and 18
homes were lost. One fatality was reported and more than
20,000 SoCal residents were evacuated from their homes.
THE SAND FIRE

Photos by Adam Van Gerpen, Mike Meadows, and Rick McClure
September 2016 31
BRUSH FIRE
Sepulveda Basin
Photos by Steve Gentry, Jeff Zimmerman - EPN, Mike Meadows and Greg Doyle

Firefighters battled a fire that broke out in the Sepulveda Basin on July 16, 2016, scorching 10 acres of grass and light brush amid intense afternoon heat.
Companies arrived on scene to find a 1/4 acre of brush on fire, quickly spreading. Helicopters made strategic water drops on the head of the fire, while approximately
100 firefighters, plus LA County camp crews fully extinguished the flames in 1 hour and 27 minutes.
32 September 2016

The LAFD worked with the LA County FD to save a commercial building exposed to fire from the two adjacent buildings.
After a partial roof collapse forced firefighters to transition to
defensive operations, they moved back inside once the bulk of
the flames were knocked down. No injuries reported at the blaze
at 6510 South Crenshaw Blvd on July 26, 2016.
COMMERCIAL STRUCTURE FIRE

City of Inglewood
Photos by Yvonne Griffin
September 2016 33

A fire at a pallet yard in downtown LA on 7/24/16
spread to six buildings, destroying one until firefighters
were able to get a handle on it. Crews battled for two hours
to save five buildings. A one-story commercial containing
baled textiles was a total loss.
PALLET YARD
Los Angeles
Photos by Rick McClure, Jeff Zimmerman, EPN and Yvonne Griffin
34 September 2016
MAJOR EMERGENCY STRUCTURE

Hermon District
Photos by Martin Nate Rawner and Yvonne Griffin

On July 13, 2016, first arriving companies reported an L shaped strip mall well involved with fire in the 5900 block of Monterey Road. Firefighters immediately went defensive as the roof collapsed into the structure. A secondary collapse occurred when a short facade gave way. The bulk of fire was knocked down in over
an hours time by numerous hand lines and wagon batteries, and four ladder pipes. Damage was extensive and one wing was a total loss. There were no reported
injuries, the cause of the pre-dawn major emergency blaze is under investigation.
September 2016 35
MEMBERS
Jim J. Mullen, Paramedic. Appointed June 1, 1968.
Retired on a service pension July 1, 1978 from FS 87.
Passed away June 11, 2016.
Elizabeth Wheatley, Fireman. Appointed August 19, 1947.
Retired on a service pension October 22, 1970 from FS 13.
Passed away July 17, 2016.
Jere D. Souter, Captain I. Appointed March 10, 1962.
Retired on a service pension July 5, 1999 from FS 13.
William G. Ritsch, Captain. Appointed May 12, 1962.
Retired on a service pension July 3, 1982 from FS 91-B.
John N. Parkinson, Engineer. Appointed June 16, 1953.
Retired on a disability pension March 9, 1973 from FS 92.
Francis L. Zitko, Fire Inspector II. Appointed September 24, 1946.
Retired on a service pension April 1, 1968 from Public Relations.
Hollis B. Williams, Firefighter II. Appointed July 15, 1947.
Retired on a service pension June 1, 1978 from FS 106-C.
Walter Berger, Apparatus Operator. Appointed February 10, 1968.
Retired on a service pension January 8, 2005 from Supply & Maintenance.
James H. Cadam, Engineer. Appointed July 23, 1946.
Retired on a service pension June 1, 1972 from FS 1-C.
Robert D. Looney, Fireman. Appointed June 27, 1959.
Retired on a service pension February 5, 1990 from Arson Unit.
Passed away August 6, 2016.
FAMILY
Janet L. Williams, spouse of Phillip B. Williams, passed away July 10, 2016.
Ardith M. Hartsuyker, spouse of Walter H. Hartsuyker, passed away July 18, 2016.
Marilyn M. Spreeman, spouse of Donald R. Spreeman, passed away July 24, 2016.
Margaret H. Cota, surviving spouse of Theodore J. Cota, passed away August 1, 2016.
Elaine Norman, surviving spouse of Charles H. Norman, passed away August 4, 2016.
36 September 2016
he Los Angeles City Fire Department

Honor Guard, dedicated to our country
and department, has been around since
the 1980s. It all started with just four members under the guidance of A/O Rudy Santiago.
Today our members consist of Marines, Navy,
Air Force, Army and dedicated LAFD members, many who are vets of the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan.

Thanks to the Los Angeles Firemens
Relief Association, UFLAC and the LAFD
Foundation, we have had our uniforms and
equipment recently upgraded. These organizations truly believe in what we stand for and
represent.

The Honor Guard participates in many
events throughout the year, such as firefighter
memorials, funerals, sporting events and much
more. Our most important events each year are

the firefighter memorials in Sacramento and
Colorado Springs. There we proudly represent
the LAFD, along with UFLAC and LAFRA.
Our primary duty is to escort the widows and
family members at all times during the memorial ceremony. We give them our full dedication, leaving our families behind for four days
and sacrificing for our extended fire family. We
want to be there by their side during these emotional times. We join with hundreds of other
fire department honor guards from across the
United States and Canada for the national ceremony, taking pride in belonging to this special
group of fire service members who take on this
solemn task.

Im proud to say that the LAFD Honor
Guard is now 18 members strong. We even
had our first female member with Kathleen

Santa Maria. The Honor Guard members work
throughout the department and hold various
ranks, from rank of Captain, Firefighter and
Inspector. They are Capt II John Garnica, Capt
I Dale Smith, Eng Alphonso Mackey, Eng
Louis Vargas, A/O David Khol , FF/PM Shannon Saffo, FF/PM Mike Mesa, FF/PM Martin
Blount, FF/PM Ian Van Gerpen, FF/PM John
Marasco, FF/PM-EIT Kevin Johnson, FF/PM
Kevin Kemp, Inspector/PM Sir Robert Habersham, Inspector John Gaitland, FF Eric Johnson, FF Ruben Gonzalez, FF David Amato, and
FF Kelly Niles.

You can experience LAFD Honor
Guard past participation on YouTube and
Flickr.
September 2016 37
Paid Advertisement:
38 September 2016
he Huntington Beach Firefighters Association hosted the FDNY Emerald

Society Pipes & Drums, and allowed
firefighters from across the country to participate in the annual 4th of July Parade. The 343
firefighters who gave their lives saving others
were honored with their names on the flags carried by their fellow firefighters in the parade.
About 20 LAFD members took part in this
event.
September 2016 39
40 September 2016
n May 20, 2016, more than 100 members of the LAFD and City family came
out to honor retired A/C Wilfred Bill
Bisson. Special thanks to Chief Terrazas, the
command staff, and the many members who
took time out of their day, and day off to attend.

Chief Bisson has been part of the fire
service and involved in radio communications
since the 1970s. From the days of our original
low-band radio system, to the addition of high
band systems and Digicoms, to the modern
800 Mhz. radio and mobile data system, he has
had a hand in this evolution. His love of radio
and technology was a big part of his career and
also made our members and citizens safer.

After 9-11, we heard a lot about the
need for radio interoperability. But due to Chief
Bissons work, we were way ahead of other
agencies in this area. In the 1990s, we had interoperability with state and federal resources
as well as our local agencies. Next we achieved
interoperability with LAPD, then in the early
2000s we reached our goal of one VHF, UHF
and 800 Mhz. mobile radio per apparatus and
became a leader in the region developing the
first Tactical Interoperable Communications
Plan (TICP). Since then we have been able to
provide portable mutual aid radios to our members as well. Chief Bisson was supportive and
at the fore-front of all of these initiatives.

Chief Bisson developed the LAFD Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS), the first
organization to support the Emergency Management Department, then known as the Emergency Operations Organization in the 1990s.
More than 20 members of the ACS came to the
ceremony to honor him. ACS supports CERT
as well as the LAFD at times when additional
communications services are needed.

Chief Bissons vision grew the ACS
program from just a handful to well over 100
active volunteers today. They have facilities
here downtown at the EOC & DOC, at Fire Station 5, at Fire Station 88 and Old Fire Station
77. Hundreds of hours are volunteered each
month due to his vision over 25 years ago.

Chief Bissons wife Marcy is also an
amateur radio operator holding an Advanced
Class license with a call sign of KG6FY.
Marcys claim to fame is that she tested at the
Long Beach FCC office on the last day the FCC
tested Morse code at 13 words per minute. That
exam was much more difficult than the exams
given today.

Due to Chief Bissons radio communications vision and dedication, the Los Angeles
City Council approved Motion # 08-1487. It
is a tribute to Chief Bissons exemplary career
and dedication to improving emergency radio

communication, and it indicates that the radio
tower at 700 E. Temple Street be named in his
honor - the Fire Assistant Chief Wilfred W.
Bisson Radio Tower.

In retirement, Bill Bisson continues to
enjoy his hobby of amateur radio, monitoring
fire calls, and keeps in contact with his friends
at the LAFD and the ACS program he championed more than 25 years ago.
September 2016 41
2016 FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR

On December 7, 2016, the Los Angeles City Firefighters Association will vote on this years 2016 Firefighter of the Year. This honor
of distinction and recognition is given to a member of any rank, who, not by any single act, has distinguished him/herself as one of
outstanding character, dedication, and loyalty to the Department, the Fire Service, and to the citizens of the community.
To be eligible for consideration, nominees must have been an active LAFD member for at least one day during the nominating year, and
a member of the California State Firefighters Association/Los Angeles City Firefighters Association.
Candidates will be judged on an overall career and life that exemplifies the best qualities of those who are honored to be part of the fire
service.
If you know of such a person, and would like to nominate him/her for this prestigious award, submit your application NO LATER than
December 5, 2016, to any one of the nominating committee members listed below. The nomination must include the nominees name,
rank, assignment and a statement of why the member should receive the award. Photos and other documentation may also be submitted.
Please attend the Los Angeles City Firefighters Association meeting on December 7, 2016 at 0830 Hours, Fire Station 59 Training
classroom, 11505 Olympic Blvd. and present your nomination IN PERSON. All Los Angeles City Firefighters Association members
are welcome, and encouraged to attend the meeting and presentations, and to show support for the individuals being nominated.
Presentations may be subject to time limits depending on the number of nominations received in order to provide fairness to all nominees. These time limits will be announced prior to the start of the December 7, 2016 membership meeting and will be strictly enforced.
The nominee cannot be present during the meeting.
The election will be held in closed executive session following the nominations, and only members of the Los Angeles City Firefighters
Association Board will vote.
Reminder, applications must be submitted no later than December 5, 2016.
Following personal notification of the winner by the Vice President, public announcement will be made by Department teletype.

2016 FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Robert Cordobes, (310) 977-5041
James S. Dolan, (562) 400-1298
Adam VanGerpen, (818) 486-9939
2016 FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR

NOMINATION FORM
DATE:____________________
NOMINEES NAME: ____________________________________________________________________________
ASSIGNMENT:______________________
PHONE:__________________________________ RANK:___________________
NARRATIVE OF WHY THE NOMINEE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR THE 2013 FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR.
(Include Department, Community, Church, etc. work) (Attachments are encouraged)
NOMINATORS NAME:_______________________________________
42 September 2016
PHONE:____________________________________
GREG MALAIS, Captain II, FS 11-C
DAVID MARINO, Captain II, FS 98
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2016
Odyssey Restaurant
15600 Odyssey Drive, Granada Hills CA
Bistro Garden
12950 Ventura Blvd, Studio City CA
Social Hour: 11:00 AM

Luncheon: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Buffet - $50 includes tax, tip & gift
Social Hour: 5:30 PM

Dinner: 7:00 PM
Menu TBA - $55 per person
Call Mark Carcamo at FS 11 - (213) 485-6211

Casual Attire. RSVP by September 1, 2016
Call Sean Davis - (661) 917-9188

or FS 98 - (818) 756-8698
FRANK MORALES, Captain I, FS 48-C
ROBERT DALE SHRODE, Captain I,

FS 60-B

Tap Fish House & Brewery
13390 Jamboree Road, Irvine CA
Dinner: 7:00 PM
Steak or Chicken - $50 includes tax, tip & gift
Buffet Style Dinner
Call Fire Station 48 - (310) 548-7548
RSVP by September 6, 2016
MICHAEL MCKNIGHT, Firefighter III,

FS 87-A
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2016 @ 8AM
to MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2016 @ 5PM
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2016

The Turners Backyard
21227 Oak Orchard Road, Newhall CA
Social Hour: 4:00 PM
Dinner: 5:00 PM
BBQ Buffet - $40 includes beer, tax, tip & gift
Call FS 60 - (818) 756-8660
or email: shrodekathleen@gmail.com
Spouses welcome!
MARK CARCAMO, Apparatus Operator,

FS 11-C
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2016
Old Valyermo Ranch

29831 Valyermo Road, Valyermo CA
San Pedro Fish Market & Restaurant

1190 Nagoya Way, berth 78, San Pedro, CA
Bring your RV or tent. Dry camping available - FREE

BBQ Sunday afternoon and breakfast next morning
Social Hour: 5:00 PM Dinner: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Buffet - $50 includes tax, tip & gift
Call Fire Station 87 - (818) 756-8687 or

email: mpmck0605@aol.com
Must be signed up by September 30
to get camp site or access
Call Fire Station 11 - (213) 485-6211 or

email: craig.poulson@lacity.org
Casual Attire. RSVP by October 21, 2016
September 2016 43
Send your letters & comments to the editor at: editor@lafra.org
ever etched in my memory. You, along

with Jack Malone, Vern Disney, Larry
OHanlon , and numerous other legends,
are forever in my thoughts. God bless you
and your entire family.
Rest in peace
Mike Martin, Engineer retired
Saugus, CA
To: Relief Association Board

Your article in the August issue
of the Firemens Grapevine brings back
memories of the Associations generosity
to me back in 2001, when I was the recipient of the historic and ongoing Leo Najarian Scholarship.

As is often stressed these days,
higher education has become extremely
expensive, with scholarships and awards
filling critical roles for many individuals
in completing that educational journey.
My own receipt of such a scholarship was
indispensable, and I remain immensely
grateful for the Relief Associations assistance.

After high school I attended Washington University in St. Louis, graduating
after four years with a dual major. I was
accepted to medical school in New York
for four more years,and then pursued a
General Surgery Residency in Phoenix,
where I have been for the last five years.
I am now looking forward to starting a
three-year Fellowship in Chicago in Plastic Surgery, which represents the end of
my (formal) education.

Without the assistance of the Relief
Association, my journey may never have
started, and I would not be where I am today. Thank you again.
Most Appreciatively,
David Hill
Dr David Hill is the son of Francis E. Hill,
who retired from the LAFD in 1979.
LAFRA:

Wally [Berger] and I came on together in the Class of 2-10-68. While assigned to FS 1, due to the proximity to
S&M, we were often there with Wally and
44 September 2016
his sidekick, Bruce Nelson. He was always ready to help get us what we needed
and make our job easier. He supported our
Task Force in any way he could. He left
way too soon.

Thank you Wally for the kind man
you were.
Jim Kinninger
Wellington, NV
Relief Association:

Do you remember John Boyd? FF/
PM out of 87s? He looked and acted like a
man with the weight of the world crushing
down on his shoulders. One day I asked
Rocky Garza, Whats with Boyd? What
Rock told me changed my whole attitude
towards John.

Johns wife had a major stroke. So
bad that John was not sure she even recognized him. Most of us would have put her
in a home. Not John. He took care of her
every day he was off duty. John took care
of her until death did they part. John only
lived five years past retirement. The stress
and sorrow took its toll. Rest in peace
John. There is a special place in Heaven
for people like you.
Mike Dunn, LAFD retired
Newbury Park, CA
LAFRA:

To the family and friends of Hollis
Williams, my heart goes out to you. As a
one year boot I went to old 73s in 1975
on the B with Frank Reichel as my Capt
II. I worked with Hollis on SOD and vice
versa. I never met a man more humble
but at the same time willing to impart his
knowledge to a new member of the greatest FD in the world. Those days are for-
LAFRA

Thank you for the flag flown over
Fire Station 38. I still remember Dad talking about 38s. He loved being a firefighter and would tell everyone about his
beloved LAFD that and sea stories.

We miss him dearly and appreciate the support and friendships he had all
these years with you all.
Sincerely,
Christeen Welch
Gallatin, TN
Daughter of Ray Abernathy
LAFRA:

I remember Bob [Looney]. I
worked with him in Arson. Good guy
and lots of fun to work with. Always had
a good time but always did his job. Lost
contact after his retirement. Hope all his
retirement years were good. RIP Bob. Im
sure youll be missed.
Your friend,
Terry Depackh
Henderson, NV
LAFRA:

I met Capt Jere Souter when I was
in high school. He was at 47s in El Sereno, where I grew up. Before I was eligible
to take the FD exam and knowing that I
wanted to be a fireman, I would visit Capt
Souter on a regular basis. He was kind,
empathetic and always generous with his
time.

After I was hired in Feb 1980,
Cap Souter was one of the first people I
updated. He was genuinely happy for me
and his enthusiastic acknowledgment was

truly heartfelt.

After two months at my first house
(FS 29 w/ Iron Mike Ambarian) Captain
Souter called me and insisted that I work
a SOD day at old Fire Station 80. As soon
as I arrived at FS 80, and after giving me a
warm welcoming handshake, Capt Souter
stated, Listen, you dont have to do any
of that rookie stuff around here. My response to him was, Well Ok, maybe
just some of it. Needless to say, he spent
the rest of the shift kindly asking me to
slow down. Great memories.

Captain Souters passing has provided me a heartache. But it has given me
an opportunity to reflect on how fortunate
I was to have met him all those years ago.
He was a kind-hearted man who took
time from his day to help a young kid to
believe himself.

To Captain R. Souter and Captain
S. Souter - you got the best from your
Dad. Youre both good men. I am truly
sorry for your loss.
Sean K Conway
San Clemente, CA
Paid Advertisement:
Protect Those
with Special Needs
Firefighter Justin Mendence set up a special needs trust to ensure his
son and entire family is taken care of in the best manner possible.
You want to think everybodys going to take care of your kid because
If I handwrite a will,
A Special
Needs Trust
Helps You:
isnt
that
good
enough?
everybody loves him, but unless you have a plan in placeyoure planning
to fail. Leaving it to chance is not in me and my wifes vocabulary.
Set up long-term funding for living expenses & care

Determine who will be the primary caregiver
Create an advisory group of experts to help caregivers make
sound decisions
Ensure your childs assets are protected & well-managed
Ensure your child maintains eligibility for special services
I sleep a little bit easier at night knowing that my son is set up for his
entire life, Justin said.
Whether you care for a child or adult with special needs or not,
everyone should consider setting up an estate plan. Ask for a
Getting Started Kit today by emailing Relief Association
Development & Marketing Director Marlene Casillas at
September
MCasillas@lafra.org or calling (323)
259-5217.2016 45
CALL US FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION
Dr. Ann Abdulla
46 September 2016
L to R: Larry Bickly, Steve Ryder, Tom Yost, Steve Dodge and Don Majors
his was a banner year for the LAFD

Trap and Skeet Team. They went to
Morgan Hill, CA and overpowered the
competition. You would have to go back many
years to find a team as strong as the one that
showed up to play this year, and play hard. To
paraphrase the late Tony Di Domenico, they
ran these guys until their tongues looked like
red flannel neckties.

So, congratulations to the LAFD team
and all of the other shooters who took part in
this years Firemens Olympics. These guys
won so many medals that when they put them
around their necks they looked like a bunch of
Russian generals on May Day.

Larry Bickly, always an outstanding
shooter, took the Gold medal in three events,
Silver in three events and won the Gold medal
for the high overall score of breaking 518 out
of 600 targets.

The one person whose name doesnt
show up on any of the official medal award
sheets is Tom Yost. Thats because Tom had the
dubious honor of winning the 6th annual Pink
Hat Award which is given to the shooter with
the lowest score. He will be the proud owner
of this award until next year when he will try to

pass it on to someone else.

Being a traditional sort of guy, Tom
did what any LAFD member would when they
do something for the first time, he bought ice
cream. It was for two things, his first Olympics
and his first, and hopefully his last Pink Hat.
Now this is where it gets a little sketchy because the rest of the guys had their mouths set
on B&R and Tom was thinking more along the
lines of Mickey Ds soft serves. B&R lost.

There is one more thing that he still
owes cream for - getting his name and picture
in the Grapevine as a member of the LAFD trap
and skeet team. Tom claims that his name and
picture had been published and he would go
through 38 years of back issues of Grapevines
and look for proof. Tom, I like you and I would
like to believe your story, but B&R for this one.

Steve Dodge would have done much
better it he hadnt gone to Original Joes restaurant the night before he shot and eaten a 27
ounce rib eye steak plus the vegetable, salad
and dessert. I defy anyone to keep up with him
at the table. When he was at 93s the garbage
disposal switch had his name placed on it by
Thanks for the cream Tom!

September 2016 47
other members of the A shift, none of whom

were slouches with a knife and fork.

If there is anyone out there who doesnt
believe in flying saucers and extra-terrestrials
come to the Olympics next year and you can
get a close up look at the Mother Ship. It usually shows up every evening after dinner with
a lot of extra fuel tanks. You have to see it to
believe it.

As always, you are welcome to come
to Oak Tree Gun Club in the Santa Clarita area
any Friday morning at ten if you would like to
learn how to shoot trap or skeet. Unless we get
rained out, which hasnt happened in years,
come out and see what all the noise is about.
You can Google them for directions.

Bring glasses and hearing protection
and shoot with us. Wives and children are also
welcome because there are quite a few women
who shoot. The children should be old enough
to shoot because there is nothing for a young
child to do there.

We look forward to seeing you out
there. Any questions please call me at (805)
551-8518.
On July 19 22, 2016, the Freemont & Newark Fire Departments hosted
this years Summer games. Special thanks go out to our hosts for running
such a great event, and also thanks going out to John Laur and Leigh
McArthur of the F/P Athletic Association for their assistance. Thanks
guys!

72 players teed it up in beautiful and breezy conditions at Coyote
Creek, (Valley & Tournament Courses), and Wente Vinyard Golf Courses. Your LAFDGC was represented by eight players taking a total of
eight medals!

The following is the list of the LAFDGC winners:
A Flight Team Low Gross: GOLD Paul Gamez/Gerry Malais
B Flight Team Low Gross: GOLD Tony Valdez/Joe Szabados
B Flight Individual Low Gross: GOLD Paul Gamez
B Flight Individual Low Gross: SILVER Gerry Malais
C Flight Individual Gross: GOLD Tony Valdez
C Flight Individual Low Gross: BRONZE Mike Proffit

On a side note: Joe Szabados also competed in the table tennis
tournament where he faced some tough competition and finished just out
the medals, taking 4th place.

Congratulations and thanks for representing the LAFDGC so
well. Next years event will be held down in San Diego. Hope to see
more players there.
48 September 2016
As - Chris Yokohama, Roy Harvey,

Ryan Chance, Joe Castro
nother LAFD handball doubles tournament has been completed. I want to say
thank you to all of the participants. I
know it was not easy getting your matches in
on time but thanks for making it work.

In the Ds bracket there were many
players out of town so they will make it up at
another time.

In the Cs, we had A/O Tim Gill and FF
Travis Foellmer from FS 66 vs Jim Como and
Mike Mueller from FS 84. These two teams rallied and capitalized on each others mistakes.
At the end it would be the fellas from 66s that
would pull it off.

Next were the Bs, Casey Glynn and
Victor Davila from FS 29 vs Ryon Jones FS
26 and Kuzichev FS 63. The games had great
hustle and camaraderie that showed the love
for the game. In the end Casey and Davila took
the B bracket.

The fastest match went to Alex Garcia
FS 66 and Sergio Guzman FS 50 vs Bernie
Ventura and Freddie Escobar in the Masters Division. Well, due to an injury, Alex and Sergio
took first place.

Now for the main event, Chris Yokohama and Roy Harvey vs Joe Castro and Ryan
Chance. These two teams put on a show for
the crowd. Yok and Harvey played every rally
with a plan and executed the majority of them.
Chance ran down almost everything and Castro
placed shots with excellent precision in both
corners. At the end it would be Harvey and
Yokohama that would stand on top as the #1
doubles players for 2016.

I would like to say thank you for keeping this tradition of handball in our department
alive.

If you are interested in playing in the
LAFD Singles Tournament, contact me, Richard Ramirez, at (562) 965-8277, or Richard.
Ramirez@lacity.org
Bs - Victor Davila, Casey Glynn,

Ryon Jones, Alfred Kuzichev
Cs - Mike Mueller, Jim Como, Tim

Gill, Travis Foellmer
Masters - Alex Garcia, Sergio Guzman,

Bernie Ventura, Freddie Escobar
he Southern California Firemens Golf Association held their 2016 Tahoe Golf Classic on August 1st through the 3rd. The tournament spanned
three courses: Edgewood Tahoe Golf Club, Shaffers Mill Golf Club, and Grays Crossing Golf Club. Many LAFD made the trip north and,
shooting one under par, our own Dale Gant won the tournament.
L to R: Randy Laur, Kelly Faulkner, Barry Hedberg, Ray Peralta, Dale Gant, Jan Lowe,
Greg Gibson, Robert Hernandez, Dave Lowe, Wes Shundo, John Duca, and Terry manning
September 2016 49
Paid Advertisement
50 September 2016
Mike Mastro, President/CEO

Firefighters First Credit Union
Scholarships Awarded
L-R: Firefighters First President/CEO, Mike Mastro, Julia McCarter, Noah Ozuna,
Hayley Taggart, and Firefighters First Board Chair L. Scott Gribbons
irefighters First Credit Union has a

proud tradition of giving back to members. In just the last few years, weve
awarded more than $177,000 in scholarships
for our members all of whom are part of the
Fire Family. Each year we are receiving applications from extremely talented members. The
competition is always fierce. We are honored to
award this years very deserving winners with
$5,000 each to further their passion for learning
and to help fulfill their dreams. Were proud to
reward financial assistance to those that excel
in academics, community service, and personal
pursuits. Congratulations to our 2016 scholarship recipients!
Kaitlin Derry, Wake Forest University

Granddaughter of William Burmester,
retired LAFD Battalion Chief

Kaitlin is a Business Administration
major and plans to get her MBA after completing her undergraduate degree. Bilingual in
Spanish, she would like to enter a field where
she can utilize her strengths in language, mathematics, and interpersonal skills. Kaitlin was
co-Valedictorian with her sister, Kendall. She
is very active in sports including track, cross
country, and tennis and participates in a youth
choir that spends part of its time helping disadvantaged communities.
Kendall Derry, Vanderbilt University

Granddaughter of William Burmester,
retired LAFD Battalion Chief.

Kendall plans to pursue a career in medicine. Shes interested in becoming a pediatric
physician or geriatrician. As an entrepreneur,
Firefighters First President/CEO, Mike Mastro (center)

with Kaitlin and Kendall Derry (L-R)
she started a neighborhood business to care

for cats and dogs. So, shes also considering a
career as a veterinarian. Kendall is a competitive athlete participating in cross country, track
and field, tennis, and soccer. She is heavily involved in community organizations and helps
provide care and activities for children in her
church.
Julia McCarter, Chapman University

Daughter of Daniel McCarter and Sarah
McCarter, retired Santa Barbara City fire captain and retired Santa Barbara City fire engineer.

Julia is a Vocal Performance major. She
aspires to become a professional singer and
perform in operas and musical theatre productions. She also enjoys working with kids and
would love to be a music teacher someday.
Julia was an active member of her student
government and organized blood drives at her
school, as well as school dances, activities and
fundraisers. She is a ballet dancer who is constantly practicing and participating in multiple
performances throughout the year.
Noah Ozuna, New York University

Grandson of Steve Rodgers, retired Los
Angeles Fire Department paramedic.

From the fifth grade, Noah has been
performing on stage. Hes been consistently
recognized for his talent and aspires to be on
Broadway. Whether hes performing on stage,
in front or behind the camera, he looks forward
to a career in the entertainment industry. Noah
was also a star performer on his volleyball team
and was voted to be the team captain. He has
also spent a lot of time participating in student

government, serving in various positions and
committees.
Hayley Taggart, Utah State University

Daughter of Kelly Taggart, Los Angeles Fire Department Engineer

Hayley will be studying Family and
Consumer Science Education. Planning to become a teacher, she looks forward to being able
to help students gain hands-on skills that they
will be able to use after high school. Hayley
received various awards for her performance
on her water polo team in which she was cocaptain. She has been active in several community organizations and strives to raise money to
support childhood cancer research.

Thanks again to all of our student members and the parents who motivated them to
submit their applications. Your continued support of the Credit Union allows us to fund this
program and help students achieve their educational goals.

As always, your Credit Union is here
to help. Should you need assistance, please
contact a Credit Union Representative at (800)
231-1626 or stop by an office.
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
September 2016 51
Donations to Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemens Fund

June & July 2016
MARY ANNE PALMER TRUST

C/O ALICIA QUADROZZI
TRUSTEE
SHERRY ROOK/JOHN KURY in
memory of Ralph C. Rook
JOHN M. STILSON
DANIEL LEON
JAMIE GOMER/ABRAHAM
JOSHUA HESCHEL DAY
SCHOOL from the yearly Step Up Kindergarten Program
CAROL LOWE from the

Pechanga Reunion
RICHARD L. WATTERS in
memory of Sean Stilson
WAYNE R. LANGNER from the

Pechanga Reunion
DENNIS L. MENDENHALL in
memory of Jerry Crandall
ROBERT D. SHRODE from the

Pechanga Reunion
FIRE STATION NO. 79 from the

Fire Extinguisher Fund
GARY S. MAGA from the

Pechanga Reunion

BERYL KEMPER in memory of my

husband John E. Kemper and my
son Lane Kemper

PROCEEDS FROM PECHANGA

REUNION
JOHN LAHICKEY in memory of

Chief Rey Rojo
GROVES ACCOUNTANCY
CORPORATION in memory of
Mildred Johnson
LARRY V. HOERNER



KIRK P. BINGHAM from the

Firefighters Breakfast at
Mimis Restaurant
MARGARET M. LEAHEY
DRILL TOWER NO. 40/LAFD

RECRUIT CLASS 15-04 from the
Graduation Class of 06/09/16
VITO E. MAGGINPINTO in
memory in gratitude for
Andy Kuljis Assistance
STACY GERLICH/BOY SCOUTS
OF AMERICA TROOP 139 from
the 2015 5K Heroes Run
RICHARD J. BALZANO from the

Pechanga Reunion
BRUCE R. DODD from the
Pechanga Reunion
WENDY E. DONAHUE from the

Pechanga Reunion
CHRISTINE M. BRUMBAUGH
in memory of my husband
Mike Brumbaugh
ROBERT R. TURNER from the

Pechanga Reunion
JOAN A. MARSHALL in memory

of Ray Abernathey
MARY ROVARINO from the

Pechanga Reunion
KIRK P. BINGHAM from the

Firefighters Breakfast in
Thousand Oaks, Ca
TIMOTHY G. LARSON from the

Pechanga Reunion
DAVID D. STAMP from the
Pechanga Reunion
52 September 2016
BRUCE R. DODD
KIRK P. BINGHAM from
Captain Gary Pecks Moving Party
DANIEL J. KEMP in memory of

Edwin W. Burr, Jr.
LEO E. HINKEL
PLEDGELING FOUNDATION
PLEDGELING FOUNDATION
Submitted by Frank Borden Director of Operations, LAFDHS
LAFD History - THE GRAY BUILDING FIRE OF 1939

By George Smokey Bass, Box 15 Club
This article originally appeared in 1989

The Gray Building fire on November
6, 1939, gave the LAFD its golden opportunity
to demonstrate its new heavy duty and innovative manifold wagons, duplex pumpers, water
tower/truck combination and all metal one hundred foot hydraulic aerial ladder. This heavy
duty apparatus was equipped with windshields
and completely enclosed crew cabs, a bucket
tiller seat with windshield and tilt wheel, and
the latest Mars figure-eight warning lights. All
of these rigs were equipped with powerful new
American LaFrance or Seagrave V-12 engines,
the duplex pumpers each having two V-12 motors and all boasted of all wheel braking systems, including the trailer wheels on the water
tower truck and the tractor drawn aerial.

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

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

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

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

Capt. Jones spotted the duplex pumper
across the street from the fire building. Two 3
1/2 lines were laid by the manifold wagon as
the rig was spotted on the streetcar tracks in the
center of Broadway. Truck 3 took a position in
the center of the street, just ahead of Engine 3s
wagon and raised their new 100 foot metal aerial to the roof of the fire building. Later in the
fire, a 2 1/2 inch hand line would be directed
into the upper floors from this ladder, as the fire
spread through to the fifth floor. Truck 3 also
threw their two 35 foot extensions to the original fire floor for access and hand line advancement.

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

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

Despite the aggressive attack by the
first alarm units, the fire spread from the second
floor through to the fifth, or top floor. Three additional engine companies were requested for a
second alarm along with an A/C.

Fire Chief Ralph J. Scott took command of the fire and special called Engine 23
to the Spring Street side of the fire at 2:50 p.m.
because of the heavy fire condition on all floors
at the rear of the building. This was the third
of the manifold/duplex companies carrying a
large diameter hose and a large volume monitor. Engine 23s monitor, however, was not doing the job of knocking the fire down on the
fourth and fifth floors. Chief Scott then special
called Water Tower Truck 24. The hose lines
and water of Manifold 23 were used to supply

the elevated tower of Truck 24. The 2 1/4 tip on
Truck 24s tower then made good penetration
on the upper floors. Portable monitors (Morse
Deluge Sets) and 2 1/2 inch hand lines operating from the roofs of adjacent buildings were
also reaching the fire burning deep inside the
center of the fifth floor.
Firefighter Deaths

During this massive attack on the Gray
Building fire, two structural failures occurred.
The second floor where the fire supposedly
started, collapsed without warning, carrying
Firefighter Joseph W. Kacl, who was on the
LAFD Water Tower 3. The last of the Water Towers
An early photo of Engine 3 with the Seagrave Manifold

and the American LaFrance Duplex pump.
1937 American LaFrance Duplex Pump, Engine 3. My

Dad, Stan Borden, was the Engineer on the Duplex at the
Rude Building fire.
September 2016 53
Engine 3s Duplex Pump (in cross walk), pumping to Engine 3 (wagon battery in operation). Lower in the photo
is Engine 5 (wagon battery in operation) next to Truck 3.
Thousands of white-collar workers watch fire roar

through the wooden guts of a downtown loft building.
One fireman was killed when printing presses crashed
through crumbling timbers into the basement.
nozzle, to his ultimate death in the rubble of the
first and second floors. His fellow firefighters
on the hose line and others attempted to rescue
him from this pile of burning rubble on the first
floor. As rescue attempts were being carried
out, noises from the upper floors gave warning
and a second collapse occurred, bringing the
fifth, fourth, and third floors. Firefighter Kacls
body was recovered from the ruins shortly after
midnight, the following morning.

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

A parking lot exists today where the
Gray Building once stood. The adjacent Rude
Building was destroyed by fire in 1951. A
McDonalds now occupies that lot. The Rude
Building fire of 1951 raised fears that there
might be a floor collapse similar to that of the
Gray Building. Because of these fears, there
was a reluctance to summon Water Tower 3.
Nevertheless, it was special called and used for
a short time on the Broadway side. This was the
last time the Water Tower was used at a major
fire.
54 September 2016
Rescue efforts moments before a section of wall collapsed again covering the body of fireman Job Kacl. The
white streaks indicate falling debris. The arrow indicates
the location of the victim.
Searchers locate the body of Joseph Kacl but hear the

ominous sounds of the upper floors giving way. The secondary collapse re-buryed FF Kacl. Auto Fireman John
Red Hough was hit with a large floor joist and later
died from this injury.

As a youngster of eight years, I had the
opportunity to witness the Gray Building fire,
and the tremendous effort put forth to control
it. I remember quite clearly the sound of the
duplex pumpers, their two V-12 LaFrance motors working with a thunderous noise. I had the
good fortune to witness four duplex pumpers
and three manifold wagons with monitors in
operation, and to top it off, the most modern
water tower ever built was in action at the same
fire.

On February 28, 1951, I again witnessed a similar fire at 332 South Broadway.
Many of the same companies that operated at
the famous Gray Building fire were at work attempting to control this fire. Ironically, I had
the opportunity to witness the last operation of
the Water Tower.
WANTED: MORE VOLUNTEERS FOR
THE MUSEUM!!!!

Our ability to stay open each week and
maintain our special event schedule at both
museums is dependent on the number of volunteer staff we have to be tour guides, help with
the maintenance, and coordinate activities. We
want to at least maintain our current schedule
and would like to expand the days we are open
at both museums. We also want to accommodate the many special events we have going on
now, which means that we need more volunteers. We also have several restoration projects
ongoing throughout the year. Please give us a
call and sign up for a rewarding day at one of
our museums. We especially need help at the
Hollywood Fire Museum at Old 27s. JUST
GIVE US A DAY! is our request. The museum is definitely a work in progress and a
challenge to all who are involved to make it a
world-class location. We are sure it will give
you a sense of pride and accomplishment as a
volunteer. This is your Museum and Memorial.
A place to learn about our heritage and remember those who made the supreme sacrifice. Be
a part of it, and watch it grow as a Hollywood
and San Pedro, Los Angeles, United States, and
worldwide attraction.

The LAFD Historical Society is a nonprofit organization, with a Board of Directors
elected by the LAFDHS membership to set the
course and guide the organization toward completing its goals. We look forward to hearing
from you active and retired members and seeing you at the museum.

Please contact us through our website
www.lafdmuseum.org or call 323 464 2727.
US NAVY FLEET WEEK COMING TO
THE PORT OF LA

We are gearing up for the arrival of the
US Navy for Fleet Week in San Pedro. Old
Fireboat 2 The Ralph J. Scott will be open to
visitors to see our restoration project in progress. The Boat tent will be open from 10 am to
4 pm from Friday Sept. 2nd through Monday
Sept. 5th. We are located north of Fire Station
112 and just west of the Battleship Iowa.
Old Fireboat 2 open during US Navy Fleet Week.

WE WILL NEVER FORGET 9-11
Annual Ceremony

Many current members of the LAFD
were not yet on the job when the U.S. was
attacked by terrorists on 9-11-2001. Those
members of the new rookie class were probably teenagers or younger when it occurred.
We must not forget the loss of more than 3,000
people, police officers and those 343 members
of the FDNY who sacrificed their lives for others. On a personal note I lost a very good friend
at the incident. Battalion Chief Ray Downey
was killed at the command post in the tower

collapse. He was a national expert in Urban
Search & Rescue and a true friend. We taught
US&R together and worked on the National
Response system with FEMA to get the program started.

The LAFD must remain vigilant and
prepared to respond as the threat of a terrorist attack continues today, 15 years later. The
LAFDHS Annual ceremony starts at 0700
hours at the LAFD Fallen Firefighters Memorial because we will never forget. All are invited.
September
U.S. Navy Fleet Week at the Port of LA.
The Ralph J. Scott project will be open
to visitors Sat. 9/3, Sun. 9/4 and Mon. 9/5
(Labor Day)
Annual September 11th Memorial at LAFD
Fallen Firefighters Memorial - Sun. 9/11 at
0700 hrs.
October
Annual LAFD Memorial at the LAFD Fallen
Firefighters Memorial, Sat. 10/8 at 1000 hrs.
Never Forget 343

Fireboat #2, The Ralph J. Scott 91st
Birthday, Sat. 10/22
November
US Marine Corps Birthday at the Hollywood
Museum, Thur. 11/10
December
LAFDHS Annual Holiday Party at the
Hollywood Museum Sat. 12/17
All of our LAFDHS members, guests and
friends are invited to attend our monthly
meetings at the Museum.
Calendar for September 2016

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

Anyone interested in joining our
great cause by becoming a member, or
volunteering to work, or make a donation
of money or an LAFD item may contact
us by mail:
LAFDHS Museum & Memorial
1355 No. Cahuenga Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Phone: 323 464 2727. But remember we
are currently staffed part time, so leave
a message and we will return your call.
The fax number is 323-464-7401. Our Email is: LAFDHS27@aol.com. Web site
at www.lafdmuseum.org. If you want to
look at some great LAFD history check
www.lafire.com. and check the LAFD
web site for information and events at
www.LAFD.org. We look forward to
hearing from you and seeing you at the
Museum.
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
September 2016 55
LOS ANGELES FIREMENS RELIEF ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

July 13, 2016
CALL TO ORDER
objections.
Vice President Jeff Cawdrey

called the meeting of the Board
of Trustees of the Los Angeles
Firemens Relief Association to
order at 9:40 a.m.
Motion carried to ratify and

dispense with the reading of the
minutes of the Board of Trustees
meeting held June 1, 2016.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Jeff Cawdrey, Vice President
Andrew Kuljis, Secretary
Trustee Frank Aguirre
Trustee Mark Akahoshi
Trustee Juan Albarran
Trustee Gene Bednarchik
Trustee Steve Berkery
Trustee Tim Freeman
Trustee Rick Godinez
Trustee John Jacobsen
Trustee David Peters
Trustee Steve Ruda
Trustee Chris Stine
Trustee Tyler Tomich
Trustee Joe Vigil
Trustee Steven Domanski Pension
Trustee Tim Larson Pension
Trustee Doak Smith Pension
Todd Layfer - Executive Director
Liberty Unciano ControllerTreasurer
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Robert Steinbacher, President
(Excused)
Trustee Mike Sailhamer (Excused)
Trustee Chris Hart (Excused)
Trustee David Ortiz (Excused)
Trustee Craig White (Excused)
GUESTS: David Lowe, Retired
Dennis Mendenhall, Retired
Barry Hedberg, Retired
James Coburn, Retired
Jim Dolan, Asst. Secretary
INVOCATION & Flag Salute
Rick Godinez led the invocation.
Chris Stine led the flag salute.
RATIFICATION OF MINUTES
Jeff Cawdrey entertained a motion
to ratify and dispense with the
reading of the minutes of the
Board of Trustees meeting held
June 1, 2016. David Peters so
moved. Tim Larson seconded.
There was no further discussion or
56 September 2016
VICE PRESIDENT REPORT

1) Jeff Cawdrey introduced the
new Trustee Jim Duffy. Andy
Kuljis proceeded to give Mr.
Duffy the Oath of Office.
2) Jeff Cawdrey referred to
the Annual IFEBP Conference
in Orlando, FL this coming
November and indicated that 10
Trustees are approved to attend.
He suggest that anyone interested
in attending to let him know
as soon as possible so that the
necessary travel arrangement can
be made.
3) Jeff Cawdrey referred to the
IFEBP Benefits & Communication
Institute being held in Boston
and indicated that both Gene
Bednarchik and Juan Carlos
Sanchez would attend.
Colorado Springs Memorial on
September 15th thru September
18th. He indicated that they will
be sending a few Trustees as well
as some members of the Family
Support Group.
upcoming LAFRA Open House
and asked Trustees to begin
considering who they would honor
at this years Open House. Some
nominations were made and will
be approved at the next Board
meeting.
BUILDING COMMITTEE
REPORT
Jeff Cawdrey reported that the
elevator refurbish has been
completed and is working well. He
indicated that the inner workings
of the elevator needed to be
upgraded in order to meet code.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
REPORT
1) Todd Layfer referred to Hope
for Firefighters and reported on
some feedback from individuals
regarding the use of the new

tickets and portable restrooms.
He also received suggestions on
changing the price structure for
meals and indicated that he would
bring these issues to the Hope
Committee. He stated that they are
still calculating the final numbers
and indicated that they will report
back with the net proceeds by
August Board meeting.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
REPORT
Todd Layfer informed the Board
that they received a distribution
from the PIMCO Bravo Fund.
He indicated that Garth Flint will
present the 2nd Quarter review at
the August Board meeting and will
discuss coming up with a proposal
to invest in some new alternatives.
He reported that the Montauk
Fund is closed and indicated that
are waiting for their capital calls.
ADMINISTRATIVE
COMMITTEE REPORT
Tyler Tomich presented
following motions.
the
The committee recommends and

I so move to pay the usual and
customary bills in the amount
of $1,409,891.74. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the usual
and customary bills in the amount
of $1,409,891.74.
The committee recommends and I
so move to approve up to $2,200
for the van wrap sign displaying
WODFF logo and information.
There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to approve up
to $2,200 for the van wrap sign
displaying WODFF logo and
information.
I so move to approve purchasing
a foursome of golf and tee sign
for the Craig Alder Annual
Golf Tournament. There was no
Motion carried to approve
purchasing a foursome of golf
and tee sign for the Craig Alder
Annual Golf Tournament.
so move to approve the purchase
of 200 WODFF Challenge Coins
for $935. There was no discussion
or objections.
the purchase of 200 WODFF
Challenge Coins for $935.
so move to approve the purchase
of 250 fire axe key chain/bottle
openers in the amount of $961.
Motion carried to approve the
purchase of 250 fire axe key
chain/bottle openers in the
amount of $961.
so move to approve the proposed
insurance renewals. There was no
proposed insurance renewals.
I so move to approve the lease
agreement with a neighboring
company to lease 10 parking
spaces at $150 per month. Todd
Layfer indicated that this income
will help offset the annual leasing
fee that LAFRA pays Edison for
use of the easement behind the
building. There was no discussion
or objections.
the lease agreement with the
neighboring company for 10
parking spaces at $150 per
month.
MEDICAL COMMITTEE
REPORT
David Peters presented
following motion.
the

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.
1) Todd Layfer informed the
Board that LAFRA must pay an
annual PCORI tax which consists
of $2.17 per member on the
medical plan totaling $26K.
2) David Peters informed that the
Board that the Medical Committee
has made changes to the structure
of copayments for those on the
EGWP program effective January
1, 2017. He reported that the
copayments for non-specialty
drugs will be a flat $10 and/or $20
for prescription medications.
3) David Peters informed the
Board that we will now cover
dependents turning age 26 through
the end of their birth date month.
RELIEF COMMITTEE
REPORT
Steve Berkery presented
following motion.
the

so move to pay:
The Sick & Injury benefits in the
amount of $19,118.08
The Estate Planning benefit in the
amount of $12,949,
The Life & Accident Withdrawals
in the amount of $2,796
The Life & Accident Death benefit
in the amount of $12,000
The Relief Death Benefits in the
amount of $54,000
There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to pay the above
Relief benefits.
Steve Berkery read the names of
members who recently passed
and asked for a moment of silence
from the Board.
MEMORIALS
Loland C. Driggs
Walter J. Clements
Gordon I. Mc Leod
Jerry E. Smith
Robert M. Gonnoud

proposed changes to the Bylaws
which include attendance at
Board meetings and the Oath of
Office.
James A. Kirkpatrick
Raymond W. Abernathy
William E. Summers
Carlton W. Kennedy
O. Clark Harris, Jr.
Edwin W. Burr, Jr.
Robert H. Lawrason
ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
Steve Berkery presented
following motions.
the

I so move to accept the donations
in the amount of $7,176.31 to the
Widows, Orphans & Disabled
Firemens Fund. There was no
Motion carried to accept the
donations in the amount of
$7,176.31 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
financial assistance applications
for surviving spouses, active and
retired members.
ADVANCEMENT
COMMITTEE REPORT
so move to advance funds for both
active and retired members. There
was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to advance
funds for both active and retired
members.
BYLAWS COMMITTEE
REPORT
David Peters presented
following motion.
the
The committee recommends

and I so move to approve the
proposed changes to the Bylaws
which include attendance at
Board meetings via conference
call/media source and the Oath
of Office revision. The changes
will be included in this years
election. There was no discussion
or objections.

so move to approve the revisions
to the Policy Manual excluding
the section pertaining to the
compensation of the President,
Vice President, President Pro Tem
and Acting President. He stated
that the compensation section will
be further discussed at the August
10th Board meeting. There was no
further discussion or objections.
the revisions to the Policy
Manual excluding the section
pertaining to the compensation
of the President, Vice President,
President Pro Tem and Acting
President.
MARKETING &
DEVELOPMENT REPORT
Rick Godinez informed the
Board that LAFRA has received
a grant in the amount of $100K
from an anonymous donor. He
indicated that it was given for
general operating support in the
recognition of the efforts to protect
the community from the Calabasas
fire. He thanked the efforts of the
Marketing Department.
Rick Godinez referred to the
Trustee Go To binders provided
to the Trustees. He indicated that
these binders were created to assist
Trustees with member questions.
He indicated that it is designed
to point out certain benefits for
the medical plan but cautioned
Trustees to never quote benefits to
members.
NEW BUSINESS
Steve Ruda informed the Board
that he accepted a donation of $900
from the Herschel Elementary
School from the efforts of the
Kindergarten class fundraiser.
SETTING OF DATES
1) Big Bear Mountain Bike Ride
August 3rd
2) Over the Line Tournament
September 13th
3) Colorado Springs Memorial

September 15th 18th
4) LAFD Invitational Golf
Tournament September 19th
5) LAFRA Open House
November 5th
6) IFEBP Annual Conference
November 13th 16th
(Orlando, FL)
7) LAFRA Holiday Party
December 17th
RETIREMENT DINNERS
1) Michelle Banks Thursday,
July 14th C @ African Amer.
Firefighter Museum (Cawdrey)
2) James Medley Friday, July
15th A @ Ports OCall Restaurant
(Cawdrey)
3) Greg Peters Saturday, July
16th C @ Casa de Peters (Aguirre)
4) Daryl Arbuthnott Friday,
July 22nd B @ CBS Studios
(Bednarchik)
5) Sterling Johnson Saturday,
July 23rd C @ Malarkeys Grill
(Freeman)
6) Mike Monroy Friday, July
29th B @ Top of the Fish Market
(Larson)
7) Scott Akahoshi Tuesday,
August 2nd A @ Automobile
Driving Museum (Akahoshi)
8) Mike Palma/Richard Newton/
Robert Gonzalez Sun., Aug. 7th
B @ Knollwood Country Club
(Bednarchik)
9) Larry Jackson Wednesday,
August 10th C @ The Odyssey
Restaurant (Freeman)
10) Michael Greenup Saturday,
August 13th A @ Brookside
Country Club (Bednarchik)
11) Greg Malais Saturday,
September 10th B @ The Odyssey
Restaurant (Albarran)
ADJOURNMENT
Jeff Cawdrey entertained a motion
to adjourn. David Peters so moved.
Tyler Tomich seconded.
There was no discussion and no
objections.
Motion carried to adjourn.
The Board of Trustees meeting
adjourned at 10:48 a.m.
Jeff Cawdrey, Vice President
September 2016 57
CLASSIFIEDS
For advertising information, please contact:
Eric Santiago - (323) 259-5231 - eric@lafra.org
Dave Wagner - editor@lafra.org
MERCHANDISE
FOR SALE
2008 JAYCO SENECA SUPER
C DIESEL 37. Low 30,000 mi,
sleeps 10 with bunk beds, 2
large slides, 2 roof a/c. Includes
blue ox tow, surge protector, satellite dome. $81,000. 2006 Tow
jeep available for addl cost.
Danjordan1972@gmail.com.
Retired LAFD
FOR SALE DUE TO ILLNESS.
2015 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup
with quad cab. 17 tires, tow
package, running boards &
tonneau cover. Great on gas,
no dings or dents. 6290 miles.
Asking exactly what we owe $25,555. Call for more details.
Roy Wheeler (661) 480-5644
FOR SALE. 2007 HARLEY
DAVIDSON, STREET GLIDE.
Original owner loaded with
numerous police options. Immaculate condition. See photos
at email address. chiefclev@
yahoo.com (949) 357-6095.
REAL ESTATE
FOR RENT
3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH HOUSE
WITH POOL IN LANCASTER.
Fully furnished. Nice front, backyard. 2 car garage with storage.
House inside/out in good condition. $1600/mo. Chase - (310)
741-1254
SERVICES
ARE YOU LOOKING TO
BUY, SELL, INVEST IN A
HOME? Call me, Diana Fuentes, Realtor and wife to Fire
Captain 56A at 661.373.6569,
dianafuentesrealtor.com,
diana@nchal.com. I also
specialize in Probate Sales. A
generous donation, at close of
escrow to Adopt-A-Station.
58 September 2016
Cal-BRE License 01794244.

BUSY BEAVER TREE AND
LANDSCAPE. Tree trimming
and removal, stumpgrinding, and
firewood sales. Mixed firewood,
eucalyptus and oak. Delivery
available or pick up. Licensed
and insured. Dwayne Kastor, FS
63-B - (818) 535-6368.
COUNSELING KIDS & FAMILIES. Separation, divorce, kids
behavior problems (anger, acting
out behavior, defiance, attention
difficulties, hyperactivity, school
issues, family adjustment),
blended families, parenting, support, family issues, licensed marriage & family therapist. Nancy
Goodwin with private office in
Temecula. Confidential, 20 years
experience, wife of retired LAFD.
(951) 231-1600. www.goodwinfamilycounseling.com
CRAIG SANFORD HEATING &
AIR - Free estimates, residential, commercial. Great rates for
LAFD and LAPD. Toll free (877)
891-1414, (661) 298-3070, FAX
(661) 298-3069. State License
No. 527114
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
MANAGEMENT: Introducing
My Deferred Compensation
Manager AL HEWITT, INC., a
FEE-ONLY Financial Planning
and Investment Management
Firm, offers Comprehensive
Deferred Compensation Management using Elite Institutional
Money Managers. Personalized
portfolio selection and ongoing
management of your deferred
compensation assets. Investment Management of other
retirement and non-retirement
assets is also available. Fixed
annual advisory fee starting at
$625 per quarter; we do NOT
charge a percentage of assets
under management. (800) 5734829 www.ALHEWITT.com
FIRE FAMILY ESTATE SALES

Call us when a loved one
passes, moves to a nursing facility or downsizes. Our professional staff can handle every aspect
of estate liquidation. We have
worked with many fire families
and are here to help. Rebecca
Martin, LAFD wife (818) 2163637
www.firefamilyestatesales.
com
GARAGE DOOR INSTALLATION & SERVICE. Garage
doors and openers. Need to
replace your broken springs?
or does your door need repair,
even replaced? We do it all from
new product to repairing old.
Call (661) 860-4563 Grassroots
Garage Doors, Inc. Lic# 950020.
Son of 35 year veteran fireman.
REC COVERS DIRECT - Specializing in RV, boat & golf cart
covers! We have quality and
durable covers to meet all your
needs. We offer discounts to all
active and retired firefighters,
law enforcement, and military.
Email: info@reccoversdirect.
com or call (949) 429-3029 for
your discount code at checkout.
Visit our website:
RECCOVERSDIRECT.COM
LAFD retired - Les Hunt
WAYNE PRESS CHIROPRACTIC. Work, Auto, DMV, Wellness. Preferred provider for
most PPO, HMO, MPN, Union,
Auto accident and Workers
Compensation Plans. (818)
527-7246.
DrWaynePress.com
WINDOWS & PATIO DOORS
- vinyl replacement windows
& Patio doors. I also carry
aluminum, wood and entry door
systems. Rick Brandelli, Capt.
LACoFD, FS 8-C (800) 6676676.
www.GeeWindows.com
$100/$110 (two day minimum).

$550/$650 a week, Beep or
Donna Schaffer 1+(760) 7231475.
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) 9482844.
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.
310-541-8311 or nmbigbear@
gmail.com
BIG BEAR CABIN. 4 Bdrm, 2
Bath 1,850 sq ft home on the
Eagle Point peninsula. Very
close to the lake, ski slopes,
downtown and grocery stores.
Sleeps 9 comfortably. 50 cable
TV, DVD, VHS, WiFi, wood
burning stove, fireplace, fire pit,
fire wood, BBQ, laundry. 2 night
min. Winter $160/night. Summer $130/night. +$90 Cleaning.
(4 days+ = no cleaning fee)
Some holiday rates apply. Tony
Zermeno (805) 625-1192
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 Jessica
(949) 874-5294
sugarloafcabin@cox.net
sugarloafcabin.com
VACATION
RENTALS
CATALINA BEACH COTTAGE

- 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, one block
to beach, view, fully equipped
housekeeping unit. Marci (818)
347-6783 or Clarence (310) 5102721.
BIG BEAR CABIN - All season, restful views from decks.

Two story, sleeps 6, half mile to
lake, two plus miles to slopes.
Fireplace/Wood, cable TV/DVD/
VCR. Full kitchen, completely
furnished except linens. Pets ok.
CATALINA CONDO - HAMILTON COVE. Ocean front, 1

bed, 1 1/2 bath, sleeps 4. Steps
to beach, pool, gym, putting
course, tennis and more. Newly
refurbished, fully equipped.
Includes golf cart, WiFi. Contact
Bart @ (310) 510-0190. Hamiltoncove.com. Ask for LAFD

8-89 discount. Owner active
LAFD.
COSTA RICA, LUXURY
CONDO, Fully Equipped, Furnished in a Very Quiet Private
Area. Two balconies, view of the
valley, two bedrooms/two bathrooms, 2 full-queen bed sets, full
bath with hot water, wall closets,
AC, washing machine, Kitchen
fully equipped, parking for 2
cars, wifi, cable tv, swimming
pool, gym.
www.vrbo.com/512567
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 HAVASU LANDINGWaterfront, 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 - 1 bedroom Summit condo, sleeps 6. Convenient
underground garage parking. Jacuzzis, gym (pool/tennis in summertime), shuttle right outside!
Across from Eagle Lodge, Winter $110 per night, Summer $80
per night plus $65 cleaning fee
and 13% tax. All linens included.
Drew or Nancy Oliphant (661)
513-2000 or mammoth241@
aol.com
MAMMOTH CONDO. 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) 9483659.
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 - 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 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, 661645-7448, email: luvbaja2@aol.
com
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 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 - 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 trail.
2 night minimum. Winter $100/
nite, $125 Fri, Sat & Holidays.
Summer $60/nite. Plus $120
cleaning & linens. Jeff & Lisa
Moir (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 SunThurs $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) 929-0989
September 2016 59
PALM DESERT-3 bed/2bath, one level. New

re-model, fully furnished w/linens. Cable TV/
DVR, Private Patio, BBQ, Laundry, Garage,
Gated Community, two (Pools, Jacuzzis,
Tennis Courts). Near College of the Desert.
$175 Dan Cook 310 418 1577.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE. Romantic Chalet
Family getaway. 3 bed/2 bath plus loft.
Sleeps 810. Cable TV, washer/dryer,
microwave, woodburning stove. 7 minutes
to casinos and Heavenly. Located in Tahoe
Paradise. $105 per night plus cleaning. Call
Shawn or Rose Agnew at (661) 250-9907
OR (661) 476-6288.
WANTED
ON YOUR MARKS, SET, BANG!!! The Los
Angeles area track starters unit is looking for
new members. If you have a track background and would enjoy making a few extra
$$$ working with high school athletes, this
might be for you? For information contact
Greg Fox at: gfox416@gmail.com
For advertising information,

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

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

consecutive years!
Lincoln / Mercury / Honda / Mazda /

Volvo / Ford / Jaguar / Lotus / Aston
Martin / Spyker / Galpin Auto Sports
For special pricing contact
Terry MillerFleet Sales & Leasing
15505 Roscoe Blvd
North Hills CA 91343
818-797-3800 l www.galpin.com
1.800.GO.GALPIN
60 September 2016
HAMER TOYOTA, INC.

Camry / Celica / Corolla / Tundra
Tacoma / Sienna / Supra / Solara
11041 Sepulveda Blvd
Mission Hills CA
Ask for Steve DensonFleet Mgr
steve@hamertoyota.com
818-365-9621
Specializing in hassle-free car buying
HONDA OF HOLLYWOOD
Honda - Sales and Leasing
Large Selection of Used Vehicles
6511 Santa Monica Blvd
Hollywood CA
Ask for Dave Erickson
323-466-3251 l Fax: 323-462-0187
DaveE@hondaofhollywood.com
KEVIN D. WRIGHT
Senior Vice President
Financial Advisor
Morgan Stanley
CA Insurance License #0E11022
SUPPORTER / SPONSOR
LAFD Invitational
Historic Society Member
Lane Kemper Team Sponsor
LAFD Golf Club
PALS -LAPD
THANK YOU!
All Members and Family of the LAFD

Active/Retired call for a oneonone
investment review and consultation
818.713.4788
Kevin.D.Wright@MorganStanley.com
Retirement Planning
Insurance/Long Term Care
Income Planning
Estate Planning Strategies
SPECIAL NOTE:
0.00% No Advisory Fee
for Deferred Comp Assets
Call Now!
MORGAN STANLEY
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in
conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Morgan Stanley and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice.
Individuals should seek advice based on their particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.
(C) 2015 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.
CRC 1240988 7/15
Paid Advertisement
September 2016 61

7470 N Figueroa Street
Los Angeles CA 90041-1725
IF IT HAS
A KEY,
WE CAN
INSURE IT
The professionals at Firefighter Insurance
Services (FIS) understand the unique
lifestyles of firefighters and their families.
FIS can evaluate your current policies to help
make sure you have the appropriate coverage.
GET THE RIGHT COVERAGE

AT THE RIGHT PRICE.
FIS works with dependable insurance
providers such as Allied, Capital Insurance
Group, Hartford, Safeco, Mercury, Civil
Service Employees Insurance Group, Travelers
and others.
GET A QUOTE TODAY!
For more information and to get an insurance quote, please visit

www.firefighterinsuranceservices.com (800) 231-1626
License # 0G87848

September 2016

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

September 2016

Uploaded by

Copyright:

City Employees Club

More Discount Tickets at

Cheap Tickets - Insane Service - Affordable Insurance

MOUNTAINGATE COUNTRY CLUB

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2016

Entries must be received by

Winner Need Not be Present to Win

Card Holders Address: Home

Check Enclosed (Payable to Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemens Fund)

MAIL TO: Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemens Fund

4th of July Parade

Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association.

On the cover: Brush Fire - Sepulveda Basin

Photo by: Mike Meadows

Inset photo by: Rick McClure

A NEW LINE OF DUTY

Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association

Margaret Stewart, Brian Humphrey, Erik Scott

You can help

21031 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1101

David Blaire, Doc DeMulle, Greg Doyle, Harry Garvin,

LOS ANGELES FIREMENS RELIEF ASSOCIATION

SUPERVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

To contact a chaplain, please call Senior Chaplain Rick Godinez at (213)

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

Hello to the end of Summer and welcome Autumn,

unauthorized access of member information. Anthem reports the

Robert D. SteinTalker Steinbacher

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH 2016 - C SHIFT

SANTA MONICA BEACH

$20 PER PLAYER

1200 PCH, LOT 3 NORTH

THREE TO FIVE PLAYERS PER TEAM

>>> 30 TEAMS MAX. <<<

BEST TEAM NAME?

SEAN MILLETT (805) 717-0618

Physical Rescue Results in

n the early morning hours of August 24,

survival. Because of their conspicuous acts of

100 firefighters knocked down a commercial fire on Alhambra Ave on 07/14/2016.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2016

SPECIAL FIREFIGHTER RATE $195

Mail form with payment to:

L.A. FIREMENS RELIEF ASSOCIATION

DOWNLOAD SIGN UP FORM AT

MOUNTAINGATE COUNTRY CLUB

12445 MountainGate Drive - Los Angeles, CA

1s and 47s after a structure fire at 2669 Griffin St.

Companies battled an 18 acre fire

lection time again is bearing down upon us. Elections are

As stated in the Bylaws, Article VII, Chapter I, Section 7136, The

The Trustees are the elected representatives of the membership of

I, _______________________________________, do hereby submit my name as a

On 7/13/16, FS 85 visited the kids at the Normandale Rec Center

Companies worked a structure fire with exposures on

Are you or your spouse A business owner

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

Companies handled a grass fire in Shadow Hills

A vegetation fire in Sun Valley on 7/1/16.

Firefighters extinguished a fatality SFD fire in

On 7/20/16 companies fought a small brush

Companies worked a collision between a big rig and an

On 7/21/16, Engine 65 worked a structure fire on

On 7/16/16, TF 21 extinguished a food

USAR assists with an auto vs house at 14837 S Orchard

33s opens the roof at 1000 W 69th St

The LAFD and USC donated a bicycle to a young