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Cheap Tickets - Insane Service - Affordable Insurance
VOL. XCII
DECEMBER 2015
NO. 4
Follow us on Facebook
www.facebook.com/firemensgrapevine
CONTENTS
Presidents Message
This month we have letters to the president ................................05
Grand Opening Ceremonies
Fire Station 7 ..............................................................................08
Fire Station 15 ............................................................................09
Battalion News .................................................................................11
The Retired Guys .............................................................................25
Fire Hogs MC
Hogs Breath BBQ and Biker Games ...........................................27
Department in Action ...........................................................................28
LAFD Hockey
Charity game on the ice at Staples Center ...................................32
LAFD Handball
The Simple Green U.S. Open of Handball .....................................33
LAFD Golf
The Annual Partners Championship at Sycuan Resort ...................34
Station Fridge ...................................................................................37
Kitchen Table Wisdom
Hose lays in high rise buildings and motivating your command .....38
Chaplains Corner
Small acts of kindness .................................................................41
Retirement Dinner Announcements .................................................43
Mailbox ...............................................................................................44
Memorials ...........................................................................................47
LAFD History
The 50 Bangor Ladder, part one .............................................50
Dollars and Sense
The most wonderful time of year .................................................53
Minutes of the Board of Trustees .....................................................54
Classifieds ...........................................................................................57
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.
2 December 2015
On the cover: Major Emergency Structure - San Pedro
Photo by: Chris Conkle
28
Inset photo by: Yvonne Griffin

Fire at Recycling Center - South Los Angeles
COPYRIGHT 2015
Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association.

No material may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.
December 2015 3
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
Juan-Carlos Snchez Project Coordinator................jcsanchez@lafra.org
DisplayAdvertising....................................(323) 259-5200 ext. 231, 232, 260
PSOs
Margaret Stewart, Brian Humphrey, Erik Scott
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Mike Mastro, Frank Borden, Jody Houser,

Michael Stefano, Monte Egherman, Steve Ruda
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ryan Babroff, David Blaire, Doc DeMulle, Greg Doyle, Harry Garvin,
Steve Gentry, Juan Guerra, Brian Haimer, Gavin Kaufman, Ryan Ling, Rick McClure,
Mike Meadows, Lloyd Payne, Jeff Zimmerman, Yvonne Griffin, Laura Lichter.
LOS ANGELES FIREMENS RELIEF ASSOCIATION
Juan Albarran........................................................President
Robert Steinbacher .......................................Vice-President
Andrew Kuljis ........................................................Secretary
Barry Hedberg
Chris Hart
Chris Stine
Craig White
David Lowe
David Ortiz
David Peters
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Doak Smith
Frank Hernandez
Frank Aguirre
Gene Bednarchik
James E. Coburn
Jeff Cawdrey
Joe Vigil
Mark Akahoshi
Rick Godinez
Steve Berkery
Steve Ruda
Steven Domanski
Tim Larson
Tyler Tomich
CHAPLAINS
To contact a chaplain,
Please call Senior Chaplain Rick Godinez at (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, 232 or 260. All editorial matter must be received by the Editor eight weeks prior to the
month of publication. The opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect
the official views of the Los Angeles City Fire Department or the Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association.
4 December 2015
Hello again
Here it is December and my editor has given me an early
Christmas present. He said just a few paragraphs of thanks and
appreciation for your tenure.

Thanks, Dave. Here goes.

Looking back, the two years have gone by very quickly.
Your Trustees and Relief staff have facilitated several major
changes in the medical plan. This was required due to the Affordable Care Acts impact on health care. This same group managed
the build out of our new location. We then executed the move
from Colorado to what is our current home for many years to
come.

We were able to accomplish all of this with a minimum
of disruption to our members. How you ask? A captain I worked
for many years ago gave me thispearl of wisdom - Surround
yourself with good people and they will make you look good. It
has been my good fortune in all my assignments to fall in with
good people. Here at LAFRA you have good people who work
hard for the membership.

To the Health Scope Staff and our LAFRA Staff . . . Thank
you for making the Board (and especially the president) look
good.
Juan Albarran
president@lafra.org
323.259.5200
Dear Readers,

One of the many responsibilities of the LAFRA president is to
write the Presidents Message that appears right here each month. For
Juan, this may have his most painful duty as president.

Nevertheless, Juan has faithfully fulfilled this duty for the last 24
months. So for this issue, his last in office, we will give him a break. Instead
of a message from the president, below you will find messages to the
president from LAFRA trustees and staff.
Juan,

In addition, if any of you, our Grapevine readers and LAFRA
members, would also like to send Juan a farewell message, forward your
comments to editor@lafra.org and we will publish them in a future issue.
Thanks,
Dave Wagner
Grapevine Editor
Juan,
I just wanted say thanks for your service

to the Relief Association and to the Dept. You have
led the Relief as president and your efforts are very
much appreciated. I am thankful for your friendship
and for the ability to serve alongside you to serve
our membership.
Rick Godinez, Trustee
I am grateful for the opportunity to have

worked with you for the past year and a half.
I appreciate your help and assistance in getting us moved into our new home @ 7470.
Thanks for being available and always having your door opened when I
needed to ask you a question or talk with you. Thank you for always being
willing to lend a helping hand no matter what the job was. Most of all,
thank you for your care and concern for the Relief staff and its members.
Juan,

It was a pleasure working with you. Thank you for everything.
Kevin Thome
Facilities/Operations Supervisor
Thanks
Alex Juan - Senior Staff Accountant
December 2015 5
Juan,
Dear Juan,

I was recently in need of assistance
with driving a moving truck, and Juan
Albarran volunteered to help. Thank you for
always caring about the staff both in and out
of the office.
It has been a pleasure working with you.

We appreciate everything that you have done
here at LAFRA & for the employees. With a
grateful heart, thank you for the opportunity
that you had given me as controller. And on a personal note, my sister &
I couldnt thank you enough for being there with us when we needed the
support. All the best for your future endeavors. Hope to see you around
again. God Bless!
Jody Houser
Development & Marketing Specialist
Juan-
Liberty Unciano
Controller/Treasurer

It has been a pleasure working with you.
Thank you for all your support. I wish you nothing
but the best always.
Thank you,
Ana Salazar
Member Services Coordinator
Juan,

Its been an honor and a pleasure to serve my first year as
a trustee under your leadership. Thank you for your hard work and
dedication as the president.
Joe Vigil, Trustee
Fire Station 26,

Thanks for lending Juan to the Relief.
With the LAFRA new building now a reality, Juan
is now ready to come home to 26s. Juan, a job well
done and now its time to get busy living.
Todd Layfer
Executive Director
Juan,
It has been a pleasure serving as a trustee during
your term as president. The work you put in and accomplished on the new building has been awesome, and the
building really stands out. I really enjoy working with the staff, and
the other trustees - they are all a product of the leadership you
have brought to the organization. Hopefully you will be able
to work a few more SOD days with the extra time on your
hands. Thank you for all you have done.
Jeff Crawdrey, Trustee
Juan,

It was a great pleasure working with
you. Thank you for your kindness and everything
youve done for me and the LAFRA staff. Enjoy
your last few months with the LAFD and then your
retirement. God bless you always.
Irma M. - Executive Secretary
6 December 2015
Juan,
Thank you being our president. Thank you
because I know you gave up what you dearly love .
. . The Field & The Truck! I have the utmost respect for
you and your ability. You kept the board well informed
of all business dealings that had to do with our organization. Im sure all members of the Relief Association
are thankful of your service.
Thanks,
Dave Lowe, Trustee
Juan,
Hi Juan,
A simple Thank you cannot even express

my gratitude for all that youve done. Good
luck in your future endeavors and God bless
you always.

Thank you for taking a chance on hiring me back to LAFRA. An
opportunity I will always be grateful for. I will miss you next year on a
daily basis, but glad to hear that you will be back as a trustee. Congrats
on your retirement and see you soon!
Sincerely,
Loan Tran
Accounting Clerk
Juan,
Thanks for all of your friendship, hard
work and leadership during your time as president of LAFRA. Thanks go out to your family also
for giving their time to the organization as well. Your
efforts will be remembered for years to come.
Thanks for everything.
Doak Smith, Trustee
Eric Santiago - GV Staff

Juan,

We know how you much you love mushy, gushy expressions of
gratitude and admiration, so this is going to be fun . . .

You know those things you (quietly) take care of for us on a
daily basis? Those acts of kindness that you hope no one notices or
acknowledges? Well, I hate to be the one to break it to you, but your
actions are noticed and appreciated, your take-care-of-business nature is
very much cherished as our lives are consistently made better because
of it.

It truly has been an honor and a privilege to work for you and
with you. You will be missed.

Sorry to gush but there you have it.
Juliet Brandolino - Event Coordinator
Juan,
Juan,
It was a pleasure working with you. Good

luck with your upcoming retirement!

You are good definition of grace. You come to those in need, while others walk in
a different direction. You do this humbly and without any fanfare. You truly care about the
Bob Dillon - Operations Manager
membership and staff. I once told you that you were a good guy but you just do not want
anyone to know it. Well now it is in the Grapevine, so it must be true!

Personally, I will never forget the concern you showed when I broke both of my legs.
Not only did you make sure that I had what I needed when I got home, but you made sure to
call after every doctor appointment. I know I was not the only person on your agenda but your
kindness made me feel like I was not out of sight, out of mind. What boss would go out of their
way to bring an In-N-Out meal to the hospital? You, Juan Albarran!

Thank you for all the life/ business lessons you have taught me.
As LAFRA President, Juan Albarran has
Becky Valverde
been devoted to creating a stronger association.
Human Resources Administrator
He hasnt been afraid to make tough decisions
which are in the best interest of LAFRAs future.
He led the massive new building project while
also demonstrating a real passion and concern for
Juan,
sick and injured firefighters and their families. He personally addressed member
issues and concerns and always followed through until there was resolution. Juan
Wow, two years! Unbelievable how time passes by so quickly. I will miss
devoted his life to a great profession and he has been able to make a difference.
that daily smile and good morning from you! Good luck to you always
and thank you so much for everything!
On behalf of the entire HSB team, we thank Juan
and wish him well. We look forward to continuing
Liz Perez - Administrative Assistant
to work with him as a trustee.
December 2015 7
he official grand opening of new Fire

Station 7 drew hundreds of firefighters, parents and children from across the
region for a day of speeches, tours, hot dogs,
music and family fun.

The opening of the Craftsman-style station at 14630 Plummer St. this summer was
heralded as a victory for the San Fernando Valley communities it was meant to serve: Arleta,
Panorama City, Pacoima, Mission Hills and
North Hills.

The $8.8 million station, built to LEED
Silver environmental standards, replaces a
65-year-old firehouse known as the little
8 December 2015
house at Nordhoff Street and Woodman Avenue whose engine once rolled out of a former
horse barn.

The 16,000-square-foot station, built
to accommodate a future firefighting task
force, had also been constructed out of pennies
pinched during a citywide fire station construction program. Officials said the building was
made possible because of savings incurred during the building of 18 fire stations and emergency air operations center at Van Nuys Airport
financed by Proposition F, the fire and animal
shelter facilities bond approved by voters in
2000.
n October 10, 2015, LA residents, city

officials, USC administration and the
LAFD gathered to celebrate the grand
opening of Fire Station 15. The ceremony, held
at the new firehouse, highlighted the partnership between LAFD and USC, which funded
the construction of the new facility.

The new firehouse, now located at the
intersection of Hoover Street and 30th Street,
was originally located on Jefferson Boulevard.
Chief Terrazas discussed the reason for the
move and spoke about the new fire stations
potential.

By trading the property, and them
building us this fire station, it allowed the Vil-
lage to expand into one contiguous piece of

property, Terrazas said. I think it was a great
arrangement for both sides. The fire department
gets a brand-new fire station, and we needed a
bigger station to house all the resources all
the ambulances and fire trucks that we could
not fit in the old station.

Though most of the old fire station will
be demolished to make room for a pedestrian
walkway, the front of the old building has been
moved and will now be repurposed as a production studio for the School of Cinematic
Arts.
December 2015 9
Paid Advertisement
10 December 2015
Helmet modification

Happy Holidays to All Members out
there.

Our first story comes from 12s. The
Pump 212 Commander notified battalion
that he was going to do the under carriage of
his rig and would be needing an inspection. So
after hours and hours of degreasing, cleaning,
lubing and all the proper documentation being
completed, the fellas took a UFLAC, went
over some table-top fire scenarios, and waited
Haz Mat incident in 56s kitchen

We all have one. As a matter of fact,
every station in the City has one. Thats the
rated member who constantly says, Back
when I came on or, Remember back in the
Day? or This is the way we used to do it.
Well it looks like a certain engineer at FS 56
had some old school knowledge on how to
properly clean the kitchen floor for battalion
inspection. Rumor is, Sanizide makes the
floors too sticky, so the members followed the
cleaning advice of their trusty driver. Good old
hot mops with straight ammonia! After nearly
having a Haz-Mat incident with members
choking; it was time to breather up! The only
for the chief to come by. When no one showed

up, it didnt bring down the boys at the One
Two. If the chief wasnt going to inspect the
undercarriage, then theyd leave it to the Bull
Engineer to do the inspection. He went under,
with a flashlight, red rag mirror and notepad
to take note of any discrepancies. Turns out
Engine 212 passed with flying colors and the
boys were appreciative of the hard white glove
inspection done by the Bull!

It seems that at least one B/C here on
the eastside is very concerned about companies pressing Enroute and Onscene in a
timely manner. The chief even went so far as
to make a homemade checklist that each company could keep near the MDC as a reminder
(see accompanying photo). Seems to me that
the chief thinks its the first day for every
company in the battalion.

In conclusion and in the spirit of the
Holidays, thank you for all who have been
informative and opened our eyes to everything
going on. Most of us have a few stripes and
know what it takes to do what is right and
what is best. Lets not let tradition die and
keep up the hard work. Hope everyone has a
words that could be heard coming from their

engineers face piece were, This Industrial
Strength Ammonia is way stronger
than I remember! Are there different concentrations? Well, needless to
say, after some horizontal ventilation and dilution, the members
ultimately survived and floors kept
clean for a whole 12 hours! Next
day the station passed inspection
and had a Holiday Rooty Tootie.
Of course except for the bottle run
later that day.

On 10/7/15, the members
from TF 27 visited Camille DesJardins to wish her well on her 12th
birthday. Years ago they rushed to
her aid and helped to save her life.
That was the beginning of their
relationship. As is often the case, the
professional protectors, members
of the LAFD, have been in a sense
rescued by Camille. She inspires us
with her courage, motivates us with
her resolve, and weve all fallen
under the spell of her unique charm.
All of the emotions and experiences,
have made us better firefighters,
and better humans. Thank YOU,
Camille, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
safe holiday season, keep the gift of information coming and thanks for all that Carlos
Danger has informed us about. Carlos Danger
signing out.
carlosdangerbatt2@gmail.com
Just in case you forget what to do
OWBs Mike McIndoe and Pat Butler competed in the

Playa Del Rey Triathlon on 10/18/15.
TF 27 with Camille on her birthday
December 2015 11
Firefighters were dispatched to Franklin Ave and Cherokee Ave

for a multi-casualty T/A on 10/25/15. Photo by Rick McClure

In lieu of writing some boring op-ed
article about politics or about how we do a
great job in this battalion, I want to take this
time to remind everyone that the only way to
keep this article interesting is if you send in
some funny, and relevant stories (preferably
with pictures). I know we all become busy
and caught up with our personal lives but for
the love of god, lets give the people something interesting to read about on the toilet.
So if youre assigned to a fire station, or even
retired . . . from a fire station, please send in
your stories and pictures so I can creatively
take the spin you put on them and accurately
place them into our beloved Grapevine.

Stay safe out there and have a great
holiday season.

Send your stories and photos to:
harborrats6@yahoo.com
48s raises a flag for John Mahlani, retired in 1983
A recent USAR drill at the Harbor

12 December 2015
Battalion 9 companies shine for Annual Inspection in October.
Crew 3 working a fuels reduction project along the 405 freeway at

Roscoe Bl. Photo by FF Paul Wingate, Crew 3 Supervisor
USAR, helitac, swiftwater and bike team, FF/PM Balchowsky was found cleaning a USAR buggy in 114s hanger
late at night. Mustve been hopped up on Mountain Dew!
December 2015 13
14 December 2015
Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association Medical Plan may

cover this examination. Contact your plan provider to verify.
Paid Advertisement:
Family and crew help Captain Luis Carlos

celebrate his last shift at FS 29-A
TF 98 extricated a man from beneath his

truck on 10/31/15. Photos by Rick McClure
December 2015 15
Crews handle a grass fire on 10/25/15.

Photos by Rick McClure
98s handles a hydrant on Glenoaks

on 10/26/15. Photos by Rick McClure
16 December 2015
A roof fire at 644 E 56th St. on 10/10/15.

Photo by Yvonne Griffin
Companies overhaul a fire at 11318 Wilmington on 10/6/15.

December 2015 17
Truck 21 after a fire on Soto St on 10/5/15.

66s handled a row of trees and rubbish along 67th St and Main St on 10/12/15.
Photos Jeff Zimmerman
18 December 2015

Over at the Big 60, some of the C
boys went for a turnaround overnight fishing
trip to Green Valley Lake. The weather was
cooling and hopes were high for some good
fishing. Looks like the soda pops must have
hampered their ability to focus. Ten fisherman,
14 lines in the water, four hours of fishing and
. . . two fish. Thanks Granucci for the stats.

Oh well, plenty of camaraderie was
to be had. Fresh mountain air, fishing from a
couch, pulled pork carnitas with fresh salsa for
eats (thanks Hessing), late night poker, Solo
cup Pong, plenty of buffoonery, lots of laughs
and great memories made.

Down sides to the trip? Those boys had
to wake at 3:30 am to get to work on time, raccoons got into the trash, spilled rice and beans
in Santanas truck, spiders in the toilet, Martinez losing his cell phone (and when found
he discovered it had been violated???). Ochoa
(Allen) fell into the lake and decided to take
a swim right up to the Lake Manager, where
he received a ten minute lecture in 45 degree
weather. And Jensen got a little car sickness
on the way down the mountain. Besides that, it
was All Good

RA 860 decided to get a trim not too
long ago. They were responding to your cut
and dry T/A over at the mall. When faced
with the decision over whether to leave the rig
curbside to hunt for the incident on foot, or
attempt to peruse the parking structure via the
convenience of the RA, the driver chose the
latter. Supposedly the rig cleared the dangling
yellow sign that states in no uncertain terms
LAFD shall the NOT attempt to drive an
ambulance through this parking structure.
After picking up the patient they drove back
through the garage. Unbeknownst to the (out
of house) driver, not all parts of the parking
garage have the same clearance. Sensing a
close call, he decided to test the underused
6th Step of the Smith Driving System which
vaguely states, when a driver encounters a
particularly tight space, the increased application of the gas pedal will circumvent most of
the laws governing space and matter and will
TYPICALLY cause the vehicle to become
skinnier. Unfortunately our driver did not realize that the loss of width would translate in to
an increase in height. And so this is how RA
860 came to have an unfinished haircut while
visiting the mall.

RA860 then makes the appropriate accident notification to MFC and the SOD B/C,
lets call him Chief Fearsome, drives over to
take a look at the scene. He wants to do a thorough job, making sure no stone, beer bottle or
cigarette butt is left unturned. And lo and behold, he finds it! He dashes over to pick up the
dense, dark colored article of power. He turns

it over in his hands, digesting the practicalities
of how to use this unknown object. (Supposedly, he recently saw that new Tom Cruise spy
flick and seemed a little paranoid afterwards
about some of those MI6 toys.) At his wits
end, he approached Engine 60 and asked the
engineer if he knew if this mystery item was
a security camera. After sizing up this cryptic
element, with the straightest face that he could
muster, the engineer politely responded that
this was in fact what people like to calla
pencil sharpener.

Turns out that Scott Hessing is an
avid fan of Dog the Bounty Hunter. Seems
Scott was out drilling, and not wanting to be
distracted by his adoring fans, he left his cell
phone in the cup holder next to the pumps
MDT, hidden under his ball cap. When Scott
came back, he was surprised to see both items
no longer there! Instead of panicking, Scott
went into bounty hunter mode. He called his
wife, had her open his Find-My-Phone app,
and they were off and running. Thankfully,
the phone was on the move. Unfortunately, it
was moving amongst the gaggle of homeless
constituents that live near the Redline. Scott,

however, is no stranger to the walking dead
crowd, and was undeterred. He pursued with
a fervor usually only seen at a Benny Hinn
conference. As luck would have it, his phones
GPS started to separate from the pack. Hessing, smelling blood in the water, pounced from
his vehicle and swarmed with his menacing
presence. The transient practically threw the
familiar phone that was residing in his pocket
to satiate this threat before him. The crisis
was averted, and Scott learned a valuable
lesson that day: Always make sure that your
Instagram followers, endearingly known as
Hessings Blessings, have access to you.
Even when drilling.

And finally, congrats to Bryan and
Melissa Willis on their new baby girl Beau.
And to Chris and Vivian Beaty on their latest
boy Levi.

I want to hear all the News, Rumors,
and Gossip in the Battalion. Send pics of good
stuff, funny stuff, embarrassing stuff, etc. We
will try to keep it clean but a little dirt is good.
Send all info to
Battalion14dirt@gmail.com
The guys from 60-C at Green Valley Lake
phone:
(800) 244-3439
mail:
P.O. Box 41903
Los Angeles CA 90041
visit:
www.LAFRA.org
December 2015 19
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20 December 2015
Firefighters knocked down a fire at a two-story

apartment building in the 12500 block of on
11/01/15. Photo by Rick McClure
89s works an outside fire at 7215 Carmellia Ave on 10/25/15.

Photo by Rick McClure
RA 860 gets a haircut
RA 18 transported a driver who struck a house

off the 118 Fwy at Balboa Bl on 10/13/15.
Photo by Rick McClure
Welcome Levi Beaty
December 2015 21
Companies handled a garage fire in West Hills

on 10/26/15. Photos by Adam Van Gerpen
Paid Advertisement:
22 December 2015
GOT NEWS!?
Writers Needed
Contact editor@lafra.org
FF/PM Bill DeFeo, RA 43-C, is recognized for extraordinary

care which resulted in saving a full arrest patient.
Paid Advertisement:
December 2015 23
The Relief PPO Medical Plan

Retirement Badges, Books & Celebrations
Events Calendar
Estate Planning Resources
Sick & Injury Benet Details
Chaplain Services
Death & Funeral Assistance
Life & Accident Benet Details
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemens Fund
24 December 2015
y wife and I recently stopped in for

refreshments at one of them silent
coffee hang-outs. You know, the
place where no one talks because everyone is
either on a cell phone or computer? Its kind of
like a library, but different. Anyway, in front of
us in line was this guy with large plastic hoops
in each earlobe, maybe one inch in diameter.
They were big enough to where the bottom portion of his earlobe looked like an over-stretched
rubber band. It actually made me a bit nauseas
lookin at it and I wondered if theres any pain
involved in stretchin out your earlobes?

Is the younger generation less imperious to pain? Im not sure, but then I thought
about individuals like Louis Zamperini, who
endured more than two years of torture in a
Japanese prisoner of war camp, not to mention
a life-threatening 47 day raft adventure after
the bomber he was in crashed into the middle
of the Pacific Ocean. He endured mental and
physical abuse that most of us only watched in
the movie about him, Unbroken. Fortunately
for Mr. Zamperini, the Japanese didnt know
about or practice the art of body piercin or ear
lobe enlargin in their war camps.

No, I think the younger generation is
pretty dang tuff. To voluntarily pay to have
your body mutilated with various spikes and

diamond studded barbs takes guts. I think wed
all agree that Marine Corp soldiers are not only
well trained and disciplined, but theyre smart.
Smart enough to know that sittin in a tattoo
parlor havin his or her body perforated with
tattoos or askin to have a silver spear shot
through the center of his or her tongue is better
left to others.

OK, on with the coffee story.

So my wife and I left with our sugared
coffees and headed back to our car. Of course
before reachin the car we had to run the gauntlet of street vendors. You know, the ones that
are playin drums, guitars or dressed up as silver robots. Theres no admission to watch the
show, but theyre all holdin out a cup for a donation, either for themselves or a small animal
by their side. I wouldnt mind donatin to their
cause, but most of these vendors cant play
any musical instruments. Put a saxophone in
my hands and I can make noise all day long,
but it aint music and youd probably need to
cover your ears. Maybe the problem is these
entertainers spent all their money on cigarettes
and tattoos and not on music lessons?

And then theres the petition people.
They rush up and start askin you to, Sign here
to save Mother Earth. Im always signin stuff

when my wife aint around, but if shes by my
side and some kind of lined paper is pushed in
front of my face she reminds me, You know
thats how they get your name for jury duty.
Really?

Of course she failed to explain why,
even though shes never signed a petition, she
still gets a jury summons.

You know, by the time I got home from
our coffee outin I was worn out. I think its
time for another vacation.
COWBOY HUMOR
A man in a hot air balloon
is lost over Iowa. He looks
down and sees a farmer in
his field and shouts to him,
Where am I?
The farmer looks back up
and shouts, Youre in a
basket, you idiot.
AC
KEEP SMILIN!
choppedup@att.net
d
Monthly Firemens Luncheon in Garden Grove. Everybody was there!
December 2015 25
Team Buzzard Bait

19th Annual
Hwy 10
LOOK for red and black B signs ON HIGHWAY

78 South Side between Split Mountain Rd and the
Blu Inn. Follow green course markers.
The family ride will be on Saturday the 16th.
SIGN UP WILL BE AT 8:00AM SATURDAY
Raffle satrts at 3:00 PM sharp. The ride should take
about 2-4 hours, figuring out the clues ???????
Split Mountain Rd
WIN CASH AND PRIZES, in an off-road

adventure ride. Bring motorcycles, quads, buggies
or four-wheel drives.
Palm Springs
Hwy 86
We invite you, your family & friends to

THE 19th ANNUAL FAMILY FUN RIDE across
from OCOTILLO WELLS STATE OFF-ROAD
VEHICLE AREA.which is located in EAST SAN DIEGO CO.
Hwy 78
CAMP
January 15 - 18, 2016

(MLK Holiday weekend)
FOR INFO:
MIKE REITMAYER FS 1-B OR CELL 760-822-1641
DOUG WEBER FS 17-C OR CELL 951-453-2520
Fee for the ride will be $20.00 PER PERSON.

All proceeds benefit the
26 December 2015
Blu Inn

Saturday, October 10th, brought warm
breezes and plenty of sunshine for this years
LAFD Fire Hogs annual Hogs Breath BBQ
and Biker Games. The event was held at the
beautiful and spacious Police Officers Park in
Long Beach. The BBQ capped a year of riding, comradery, and raising funds to benefit the
Relief Associations Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemens Fund. Arriving early as usual
(5:00 am!), with his smokin crew, friend of
the Fire Hogs Darrell Smith started to prepare
the days menu of succulent pulled pork, beef
brisket, chicken, and spicy sausage. All of this,
of course, was going to be washed down by
Firemans Brew Red and Blond Ale generously
donated by Chris of Firemans Brewery.

While Pete Goff and Taylor Gaskins
were busy setting up for the days BBQ and
Biker Games in Long Beach, the rest of the
Fire Hogs joined families, friends and fellow
firefighters at the LAFD Fire Museum (Old
27s) for the LAFDs Annual Fallen Firefighters Memorial service. The Hogs were there to
pay tribute to the 264 members who have given
their lives serving the citizens of Los Angeles
over the years.

Following the Memorial and ride to
Long Beach, the annual Hogs Breath BBQ got
off to a roaring start. More than 50 motorcycles
pulled into the parking lot to begin an afternoon
of dancing, good food, tall tales and most importantly the Hogs Breath Biker Games! Besides the BBQ, the afternoon kicked off with
great tunes provided by the LAFDs own Ryan
Viducic (FS 63) and his band Purple Sugar.
This is the bands second year playing at the
BBQ and they are very popular due to their mix
of Rock and Soul which rocked the crowd all
afternoon!

Intermixed throughout the afternoon
were the Fire Hogs Biker Games. The individual events were the Slow Drag Race, Keg
Push, Potato Harvest and the Hot Dog Bite.
The games were presided over by our own Sgt
of Arms Pete Goff, and provided the crowd
with hours of laughter and fun!

Many past and returning champions
lost to the younger and much more nimble
riders including our new LA County Chapter
Fire Hog Steve Doc Dochterman for the Keg
Push. Other champions were Angel Mongo

Meza in the Slow Drag, and John Johnny O
and Michelle OConnor for the Potato Harvest
and Hot Dog Bite. Congratulations to all the
winners!

Special thanks to Pete Goff and his crew
for ensuring the Biker Games were carried off
with hardly a mishap! Not an easy task when
you consider most Harleys weigh over 750
pounds! Also to Darrell Smith and his BBQ
crew for providing what has to be one of the
BEST bbqs around! Most importantly, thanks
to all that attended and helped out to make this
event a success!!

The Fire Hogs have many more rides
coming up in the future and all of our rides
are open! You do not have to be a Fire Hog to
participate! Come join us on the road and see
what we are all about - brotherhood, comradery, giving back and most of all, FUN. Events
are posted on our Website www.firehogs.org.
Mark your calendar for next years Fallen Heroes Memorial Ride on June 25, 2016. Apply
for an account to be e-mailed notifications of
upcoming rides. If you wish to join or just have
questions, you can contact any board member
from our website. As a national organization,
we are also accepting applications for new Fire
Hog chapters from other fire agencies. Contact
any board member from our website for more
information.

Join us on Facebook @ Fire Hogs M/C.
Like our Facebook page @ L.A.F.D. Fire Hogs.
December 2015 27
MAJOR EMERGENCY STRUCTURE FIRE

San Pedro
Photos by Chris Conkle
28 December 2015
Firefighters responded to a structure fire in the 500 block of Pacific Ave in San Pedro on November 2,
2015. The predawn fire destroyed a string of storefront businesses in the historic downtown shopping
district but stopping just short of damaging the 1930s art deco Warner Grand Theatre.
The fire broke out shortly after 4 a.m. and spread rapidly. Nearly 150 firefighters put the blaze out
in 2 1/2 hours. No serious injuries were reported, although a fire captain was taken to a hospital for
treatment of exertion and listed in good condition
The fire raced through that attic, said PSO Brian Humphrey. It was a very stubborn and deeply entrenched fire. ... It ran through the attic and we were chasing it, doing our best to compartmentalize it.
December 2015 29
FIRE AT RECYCLING CENTER

South Los Angeles
Photos by Yvonne Griffin
30 December 2015
Companies responded to a fire at a recycling yard at 1981 W. Slauson

Ave on 10/29/15. It took 50 firefighters an hour and twenty minutes
to knock down the blaze.
December 2015 31
n October 9, 2015, the Los Angeles

Fire Department Foundation and the
two-time Stanley Cup Champion Los
Angeles Kings (sorry Ducks fans) hosted a
charity event at Staples Center honoring local
firefighters with a Firefighter Appreciation
Night.

Los Angeles Fire Department Medal of
Valor recipient FF/PM Daniel Apodaca (FS20C) was proudly honored at center-ice during
the pre-game National Anthem for his bravery
and service in an off-duty rescue. He was then
treated to the roar of a 20,000-fan standing ovation. Apo . . . great job, and way to represent
our department so well!
32 December 2015

Following the NHL game, your LAFD
Hockey Team teamed up with players from the
Chino Valley Fire Department Hockey team
and participated in a split-squad game on
the STAPLES Center Ice. It is always an honor
and a privilege to represent our City on such a
grand stage.

A big Thank you! goes out to Karen
Wagener and her staff at the Foundation for
putting on the spectacular event. An even bigger Thank you! goes out to all of the donors,
auction winners, and ticket-buyers . . . thank
you for supporting the LAFD.
n October 23-26, 2015, 16 members

from LAFD Handball participated in
the Simple Green U.S. Open of Handball at Los Caballeros Sports Village in Fountain Valley, California. There were 350 players
from Ireland, Mexico, Canada, Japan and the
United States represented in this tournament.
The highlights for LAFD were second place
finishes for Joe Castro in the Golden Masters
Division (50 and over) and Andy Gutierrez
(retired) in the Super Golden Masters Division
(60 and over).
Andy Gutierrez with

his Silver Medal
Mark Whatley congratulating Joe Castro
Paid Advertisement:
December 2015 33
e had ninety of the LAFDs finest

active and retired golfers plus two
guests meet at the Sycuan Resort in
El Cajon for the LAFD Golf Club Annual Partners Championship on September 23, 2015.
As per the usual we had our LAFD Golf Club
Annual membership meeting following the
first day of golf at Steele Canyon. This was followed by a great barbeque lunch.

This year we were treated to some perfect temperatures in the low eighties. The only
exception was the consistent rain during the
last round of play on day one. Most of us were
not prepared and came in looking like drowned
rats.

We play two-man teams, playing three
different formats, on three different courses,
in four handicapped flights. The three formats
played were: Scramble played at Steele Canyon Country Club, Best-ball played at Sycuan
Resorts Oak Glen course and Pinehurst (modified alternate shot) played at Sycuan Resorts
Willow Glen course. It is a true team format in
that you are really relying on the good play of
your partner. For those of you that are prospective members, this is considered by the membership to be our best tournament of the year.

In the A flight the team of Andy Zar
and Matt Nunez made it look easy as they won
both the Net and Gross Championships. Last
year Net Champions Paul Schori and Rick
Shortle finshed 2nd Net, and Gary Klasse and
Mark Zizi were Gross 2nd Place.

In the B flight the team of the brothers Garcia, Rick and Carlos, won both the Net
and Gross Championship finishing ahead of
2nd Place Net and Gross Gerry Malais and Tim
Manning. The Garcia Brothers are repeat Net
Champions.

In the C flight the team of Joe Luna
and Buddy Pacheco were the repeat winners as
Net Flight Champions and last year D Flight
Champions Paul Croghan and Rex Vilaubi won
the Gross Championship.

In the D flight former winners Bob
Espinosa and Ruben Gonzalez are in the winners circle again with the Net Championship,
with Greg Gibson and John Duca taking the
Gross Championship.

The second day of the tournament provides some real entertainment at the Horserace
Derby. This format is made up of the six lead-
34 December 2015
ing teams in each flight. The remainder of the

field, and the participants, then make pari-mutuel bets on their picks of the best teams. This
year the A and B flight and the C and D
flight played in four-man teams. The same team
that won last year won it again this year, A and
B flight Allan Black, Jim Meacham, and Rick
and Carlos Garcia came out on top. In the C
and D flight the team of Greg Gibson, John
Duca, George Clock, and Steve Wieser were
the winners. As you can see in the final results
below Rex and Paul had quite a tournament.

This year we made a bit of a comeback
with the number of players. I think we lost of
few players due to the manpower issues with
the Department, but heres hoping that those
that couldnt make it this year will make it
back next year. Also, if you younger ones had
as good a time as I think you had, then, I hope
you spread the word and get more players next
year.

I would like to thank the board members
for all of their help during the tournament. Also
I would like to thank Dale Gant, Ray Donckels,
A & B Flight Derby Players
A
Carlos Garci
C & D Flight Derby Players
th
Tim McDonell, Gary Klasse, and Mark Zizi for

their assistance with the Horserace Derby.

The club would like to thank Alan Sheer
of Steele Canyon Golf Course, Jason Schneider
of Sycuan Resort and Kevin Wright of Morgan
Stanley for their generous donations for our
raffle at the annual membership meeting.

Congratulations to all the winners and
thank you to the members for supporting this
tournament that celebrated its 45th year. A
good time was had by all and I hope to see you
again next year.
A Flight
B Flight
C Flight
D Flight
A Flight Net & Gross Champions

Matt Luna & Andy Zar
A/B Flight Horserace
A & B Flight Horse Race 1st Place

Carlos Garcia, Jim Meacham, Allan Black, Rick Garcia
B Flight Net Champions

the Brothers Garcia, Carlos & Rick
C Flight Gross Champions

Rex Vilaubi & Paul Croghan
D Flight Net Champions

Bob Espinosa & Ruben Gonzalez
December 2015 35
A Flight - Gross
B Flight - Gross
C Flight - Gross
D Flight - Gross
C/D Flight Horserace
A & B Flight Horse Race 2nd Place

Paul Schori, Rick Shortle, Joe Szabados, Mickey Diaz
D Flight Gross Champions

John Duca & Greg Gibson
A & B Flight Horse Race 3rd Place
Dennis Grogan, Will Jun, Todd Shiraiwa, Gordon Wilson
D Flight Net Champions

Bob Espinosa & Ruben Gonzalez
C & D Flight Horse Race 2nd Place Don
Carter, Buddy Pacheco, Joe Luna, Barry Hedberg
C & D Flight Horse Race 1st Place

Greg Gibson, George Clock, Steve Wieser, John Duca
with Dale Gant photobombing
36 December 2015
C & D Flight Horse Race 3rd Place

Dave Lowe, Randy Laur, Jim Patterson, Ted Bailie
December 2015 37

I prefer the reverse coil method as it is
easily deployed in tight areas and can be loaded before being uncoiled. This method can be
employed on a stairwell landing, on the actual
stairs or even in the hallway if it has not been
compromised by fire.

Train with this method in the confined
area of a fire station bathroom or the inside a
hose tower to mimic the restricted area of a
stairwell landing. Remember, after an exhaustive effort of climbing to the fire floor you cannot afford any missteps with something as basic as a hose lay.
CII Egizi, FS 90-A: When developing a hoseline in a modern HR, I prefer the method described in Training Bulletin 63, which is to
stretch and load the hoseline in the stairwell.
If conditions permit, using the standpipe outlet
on the fire floor and running the hose up the
stairwell above you is a great option.
n this edition of KTW Captains Greg

Shirley, Tom Kitahata and Paul Egizi discuss (1) High Rise hose lay considerations,
and (2) motivating their commands. These topics and experienced based opinions should be
points of discussion for all.
Describe your preferred hose lay in the stairwell

of a modern high-rise building?
CII Shirley, FS 66-C: HR firefighting requires
discipline, toughness and adherence to SOGs
38 December 2015
part of these SOGs is an effective hose lay.

Although there are several types of HR hose
lays, you must define what works best and train
hard to perfect it.

Hurrying through your hose lay WILL
hinder your efforts. Choosing the wrong stairwell WILL hinder your efforts. Not leading
your command WILL hinder your efforts. Lack
of communication WILL hinder your efforts.
Although a HR hose lay may appear simple,
they can be quite challenging after youve
climbed to the fire floor.

As basic as this task seems, challenges
such as your crews continuity/ability, fire floor
landing tenability, evacuation issues and limited space make this evolution difficult. Gathering info from Staging in regards to the building size and layout (center core vs center hall)
assists the decision making process in terms of
HL length and how youll deploy your HL and
personnel. Remember, the primary goal of the
initial F/A team is to establish a single HL on
the seat of the fire.

I prefer to keep it simple with the method described in the TB because its effective;
its standardized and all members should know
it. There are alternate ways to deploy HR hose
packs that also work well, but remember - the
best method to use on the day of the fire is the
one your company has practiced.
How do you ensure your command takes ownership of their station and demonstrates the pride
in performance?
Shirley: Ensuring a positive work environment
is critically important. This more than anything
tends to motivate FFs while also encouraging esprit de corps throughout the firehouse.
Despite our administrative workload, captains
must make time to regularly engage with their
people.

By engaging in this manner it enables
our members to develop personal regard in all
that they do. Treat your people with respect,
value their opinions and points of view, listen
more and talk less but never be afraid to confront them. Make their work environment so
positive that your people cant wait to get into
work.

Support, trust and believe in your
people. We have an enormous responsibility to each other as well as to the districts we
serve. Train daily and with a goal in mind
never train just to train. A work environment
such as this increases member satisfaction and
inspires a command to take ownership in their
performance and station.

I realize its difficult to shop, cook and
eat two meals in the engine house, but try to
make it a priority. The camaraderie built at
mealtime and during coffee breaks at the kitchen table is invaluable.
Kitahata: Ive been fortunate to work with
members that possess a deep sense of pride
in nearly all they do. Working together with
them has instilled in me an appreciation for
teamwork, a solid work ethic and a love for the
LAFD.

While assigned to Old 27s I recall the
dorm floors looking like a football field of polished tile. This didnt come easy as it took a full
day of stripping and another day of laying
down 2-3 coats of new wax. Most memorable
was the participation of the entire crew the
FFs, rated members and Capts. I can still picture them laughin-n-scratchin as they worked
feverishly to finish.

My captains led by example and engaged with their commands as often as they
could. This left a lasting impression on me.
When members see their Capts sweeping,
mopping or helping wipe down rigs it sets the
tone for unity and pride. I realize this cant hap-
pen all the time, but Capts lending a helping

hand every now and then goes a long way.
Egizi: Ensuring ownership in a fire station and
pride in performance starts with the officers
leading by example. When I studied for captain
an old skipper once told me, Dont ask your
crew to do anything youre not willing to do
yourself, and if youre willing to do it yourself
do it.

Every member of the LAFD has the
ability to take ownership and perform at a high
level. Provided with strong leadership theyll
thrive in our Organization. The following
points helped me gain buy-in to this concept:
Ensure a clear vision; make your crew fully
aware of your expectations.
Catch and praise good performance openly
and often (we fall short here).
Find opportunities for team building, camaraderie and moral boosting.
Allow those with the skills and strengths to
take the lead, LEAD.
Ensure proper training for those less skilled
and knowledgeable.
Include all on-duty members. Make it fun,
but not threatening or hostile. Include the
other platoons when appropriate.
Address any issues of those not getting onboard, and immediately fix them.
In next months KTW three LAFD captains will
discuss (1) Inside member responsibilities, and
(2) addressing A/Os or Engineers that drive
too fast.
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CII Kitahata, FS 10-B: Over the years Ive

seen several types of HR hose lays - some good
and some not. Those that work well do so for a
reason - training. As with any task, a successful
HR hose lay is dependent on effective company
level training.

A few years ago I assisted Capt Brian
Sandwick with an engine company operations exercise at FHMTC. One of the scenarios
called for establishing a HL from a stairwell
standpipe. The Coil method proved most effective and is the one I employ at FS 10.

The key to this HL is in building the
pack. The traditional horseshoe fold is not
used; in its place a 100 coil is made with the
nozzle forming the core. This allows the coiled
pack to be loaded without kinking in confined
areas such as a landing or on stairs. Another
key is to place the nozzle 6-8 feet from the pack
before loading.

Because extending lines in a hot and
smoky hallway isnt practical, we usually hook
both packs together on the fire floor. In doing so
it places 200 of loaded line in a footprint less
than the size of a stairwell landing. The Coil
method is a compact, quick and easily way to
deploy a HR hose lay.
December 2015 39
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40 December 2015
time with her mother since she had a limited

amount of time left. This answered our suspicion that something was going on with Anne.

So we continued to visit, and as their
meal was ready to show up, we told them we

Here is a great story that was sent to
me. I want to share it with all of our Grapevine
readers.
Hey Roger,

Hope all is well. Just wanted to pass on
a story to you that took place over here in 100s
district that moved all members involved. It is
just another example of the issues we as a department come across on a daily basis. Whether on or off duty we can make a difference to
someone with small acts of kindness.

As the story goes, back in February, we
went out to lunch at a restaurant in the district.
As we were close to finishing our meal, a middle-aged lady named Anne comes in and sits
right down next to the four of us at this long
table. It was similar to what we have at all the
fire stations in the kitchen.

She gives us a very energetic greeting.
She then turns to her two companions, one being her college aged daughter and the other a
good friend, and stated, Come on. Were sitting with the firefighters.

As we talked with the three of them,
Anne asked us what we had ordered, and how
we liked it, and would we recommend that or
something else. Anne asked all of us where
we grew up and went to school, married with
children, etc. And as we talked we asked some
of the same questions: where they grew up and
went to school.

That is when Anne explained that her
daughter was currently home from college because the doctor said it would be best to spend
had to get moving. Then someone suggested

taking a picture with their phone. We all huddled up, as the waitress took a picture with one
of the ladies phone. We said our good-byes
and headed out.

Later, as we were at the market shopping for dinner, we were all in deep thought of
the energetic lady we had just met and her love
of life. And that we should have paid for their
meals on the sly when they werent looking.
We figured we still had time and called the restaurant. We identified ourselves to the waitress
that answered the phone, and told of our intentions to pay for the meals. And that we would
stop by later that day to even up with the restaurant. She agreed to the request, and we thanked
her later when we showed up to pay. We all
felt good about the small act, and knew Anne
would be thrilled
when she figured
out the firefighters had paid for
their meals.

As time
goes by, we continue to show up
at work and run
calls. It was about
four months later
that one of the
members of the
crew received an
e-mail from an
acquaintance of
his that he had not spoken to in some time. In

the e-mail she explained how she had just gone
to a funeral for her aunt who had passed away,
and about one story that stood out from the others. .

Attached you will find the correspondence from the family in regards to one of the
many stories shared at the funeral...
Hi

I hope you are doing well.

This past week my aunt Anne past away
after a rough battle with cancer. Trying to
mourn and find hope within our situation we
have been sharing some of our favorite stories
of Anne. But by far one of the favorites across
my entire Withers family (50+) is one where
she came into an organic restaurant in the Valley and had to make a decision - Do I sit by
myself? or do I pick a seat right next to these
cute firemen? And she decided to pick a seat
right next to the firemen in hopes of teaching
her young daughter to not be afraid to make
new friends. As her twin, my aunt Alice, was
telling this story she passed around a picture
of her with these men, and there you were. I no
longer believe in coincidence- I truly believe
you were meant to meet her and bless her life.
Your selfless act in conversing with her and
calling in to take care of their meals really has
inspired everyone in my family.

I want to thank you for this and for being such a great guy and a real role model! I
know Alyssa, her daughter, has been asking
for your station number so she can come and
thank you and your team personally if youre
okay with it. Just let me know.
Thank you again
-Olivia
Roger, in writing this letter to you about that
day, Im not sure if it is print worthy, and also
not looking for any recognition. So we would
like to leaves names out. Yes, there is a picture
attached, and if people can tell who we are, so
be it. We didnt realize we impacted the family
by such a small act, but I know the engine company was impacted by Anne. Thanks
December 2015 41
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Send your letters & comments to the editor at: editor@lafra.org
LAFRA:
LAFRA
Claude Korman was one of those
people that you meet in life and know right
away that he was a nice Person. He was
a good captain and well-liked by his crew
members.

He was a mentor to me in the days
before I became a member of the LAFD.
With the knowledge that I received from
him and other members of Fire Station 60
at the time I was able to become a firefighter in the U.S. Air Force before coming on the LAFD.
were one of the first people on the list to

call and you always came through, often
exceeding expectations. With my aunt,
and the help you rendered after Uncle Bob
ran into his challenges, and my folks with
their broken bones, surgeries, cancer and
old age, Firemens Relief was one of the
few constants through all of them.

Hopefully you can use this contribution to continue the good works that
have been a hallmark of your association.
Jeff and Theresa Christopher
Port Angeles, WA
May he rest in peace.

Bob Mac Millan, B/C retired
Dear Shumway Family,
Pauline:

Captain (Don) Shumway was an
excellent captain and a true gentleman.
He was quite possibly responsible for my
having a wonderful career with the LAFD.
My sincere condolences to his family.

I enjoyed talking with you. This
note accompanies my contribution to
WODFF in memory of my father, John S.
Christopher.

In the late 1940s two brothers
joined the LAFD, John and Bob Christopher. Bob stayed on the fire boat for virtually his entire career, until his untimely
health challenges led to his death in the
early 70s. John went on to eventually become a task force commander and retired
in 1972. John and Jeanne, his wife of 67
years, both passed away recently. They
had some money left over and considering
the years actually decades of support
and caring that the Relief Association rendered both of the families, it is appropriate
that you receive this.

There hasnt been a time in my life
that I have not heard of something that the
Firemens Relief Association was doing to
help them out. Whenever a need arose you
44 December 2015
Chris Shaw
Dear Andy

Please accept this donation to the
WODFF in memory of Houston Jack
Brown. I had the pleasure of working with
him when we were rookies at old 35s,
then located on Vermont in Hollywood
in early 1948. We remained good friends
these past 60+ years. Along with our wives
we attended many jazz festivals, listening
to a lot of good music. He was a fun guy,
always great to be with. Im going to miss
him
Dan Downen
Woodland Hills, CA

Buzz (Harold) Maxwell was
one of my uncles best buddies from the
LAFD, they worked together and both retired from 92s. He was around a lot when
I was a kid and was always good company
with his fun loving easygoing demeanor.
Youll be missed Buzz, rest in peace.
Tom Sammartano
LAFRA
Maxie (Harold Maxwell), oh how I
remember the conversations at the kitchen
table in 92s, of you rebuilding the old
player pianos. You were a genius with
those beautiful instruments. I love music and you where so interesting with the
wealth of knowledge you had of how the
player pianos worked. Thank you for your
friendship and until we meet again ALOHA.
Your Friend,
Jerry Travens
LAFRA
I remember Ben (Fulghum) at 10s
in the early 80s. He was the epitome of
the word gentleman and had the respect
and admiration of his paramedic peers. It
was an honor and pleasure to work around
Ben.
Tony Senior
Dear Andy

My family and I cant thank you
enough for all you did to help and support
me, and especially for arranging for the

fire boat to take us out. Thank you to you
and your wife for going with us. It was a
very nice way to send Sparkie off and say
goodbye. I know he appreciated it as well
as we did. The day meant a lot to us.
Thank you again for everything,
CarolAnn Holloway
Simi Valley, CA
Dear Mr. Dolan,

I want to tell you and all those responsible for preparing and sending the
commemorative flag in honor of my fathers service in the L.A. City Fire Department how much we appreciate such a
wonderful gift.

We know that our dad would have
found so much joy in having such a beautiful display of his 31 years of service.
He loved his job and the many friends he
made and considered family throughout
the years.

In the 24 years of retirement he told
many wonderful stories and often wished
he could have served longer. He also offered his assistance everytime he saw
someone in need, whether it was an accident, roadside car problem, or even smoke
in the distance, he felt he should always be
available to serve.

His final days were spent sharing
his best memories of the Fire Department,
especially Fire Station 42.
Thank you,
Don P. Shumway Family
Daly City, CA
Firefighter Justin Mendence

set up a special needs trust to
ensure his son, diagnosed with
Autism, is taken care of in the
best manner possible.
Unless you have a plan in placeyoure planning to fail.

Leaving it to chance is not in me and my wifes vocabulary.
Q. Why is it important to get a special needs trust?
A. Kids that have special needs will grow up to be
adults with special needs. If something
happened to us, he would not be able to
manage by himself and wouldnt be protected.
Q. Describe the types of things this trust sets up for
your loved one with special needs in the event
you are not able to care for them.
A. An Advisory Council. You can name experts in the
field that know your child and can help [the Trust
Executor] make decisions for his or her future.
Financial security and asset management
Living arrangements
Care arrangements
Q. Do you have a message for people who have not
created an estate plan?
A. It is important because we work in a high risk job.
If you love your children like I love mine, you want
the best for them. Yes, it is work on your end, but
you cannot put it in place later, you have to do it
now. Yes, its a little bit of an investment, but we
have a great benefit of a one-time, reimbursement
the Relief Association gives us.
Q. Are you glad you did it?
A. It is definitely a peace of mind thing. I sleep a little
bit easier at night knowing that my son is set up
for his entire life.
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 MCasillas@lafra.org orDecember
calling (323)
259-5217.
2015
45
46 December 2015
MEMBERS
Don P. Shumway, Captain.
Appointed January 7, 1959. Retired on a service pension January 26, 1991 from FS 42-C.
Passed away October 8, 2015.
Harold B. Maxwell, Apparatus Operator.
Appointed December 19, 1955. Retired on a disability pension June 25, 1985 from FS 92.
Claude L. Kormann, Captain II.
Appointed December 1, 1947. Retired on a service pension March 1, 1976 from FS 87.
John K. Malahni, Fireman.
Appointed December 17, 1951. Retired on a service pension January 9, 1983 from FS 48-C.
Earl H. Darnold, Engineer.
Appointed June 21, 1954. Retired on a disability pension March 1, 1971 from FS 97.
Passed away November 2, 2015.
Bob J. Norton, Captain.
Appointed November 24, 1962. Retired on a disability pension June 30, 1992 from FS 49-B.
Oliver R. Hill, Engineer.
Appointed June 17, 1952. Retired on a disability pension September 13, 1973 from Training Section.
FAMILY
Donna J. Generaux, surviving spouse of Glenn J. Generaux, passed away October 8, 2015.
Phyllis M. Dwight, surviving spouse of Paul F. Dwight, passed away October 15, 2015.
Marion Triffon, surviving spouse of James A. Triffon, passed away October 19, 2015.
Ardith Ardee P. Mc Bryde, spouse of Fred Mc Bryde, passed away October 25, 2015.
Joyce Ousley, spouse of Richard E. Ousley, passed away October 27, 2015.
Johnie M. Sims, surviving spouse of William D. Sims, passed away November 2, 2015.
December 2015 47
We are privileged to have received gifts from these individuals and families. Other dedicated
members preferred to remain anonymous. Each has chosen to leave their legacy with the Los Angeles
Firemens Relief Associations Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemens Fund.
Albert A. Spohler & Family
Evalyn Mae Phillips
Alfred Leroy Estate
Frank C. Geyer
Alice Keillor
Frank Leavitt & the Leavitt Family
Alvin & Lela Crotinger
Gary & Mary Klasse
Alvin S. Weaver
Harold & Isabella Schargitz
Bernard Subkoski & Celeste Dickinson
James & Dorothy Loughran
Billie & Donna Strickland
Jerry & Nina Sullivan
Brian & Lisa Allen
Kurt Stabel
Callahan Estate
Margaret Sharon McGuire
Carl & Janet Rasmusson
Mary Anne Palmer
Claiborne Estate
May C. Parks
Denny & Donna Strong
Robert & Jean Board
Don Cate
Ruth M. Miller
Ernest C. Bilsland
Ruthford Christensen Crandall
A non-profit 501(c)(3). Tax ID #95-6205446

48 December 2015
firemensrelief.org
he 19th Annual Craig Alder Charity

Golf Tournament was held on September 28, 2015, at the Temecula Creek Inn
in Temecula, CA. Craig Alder is the son of retired LAFD Captain Rich Dickie Alder and
mom Cathy. Craig was an engineer on the San
Bernardino City Fire Department when he suffered a serious brain injury in an off-duty traffic accident in October 1995. Friends and family started this golf tournament the following
year as a means of providing income for the annual living expenses as well as medical costs of
the family. Craig, his wife Buffy, and sons Jake
and Wyatt are so grateful for the continued support of the LAFD, San Bernardino and other
firefighters, the Relief Association, and many
other groups and individuals who have played,
been hole sponsors, provided raffle prizes and

generously supported the event to make it a
continuing success.

This annual event supplies a large portion of the familys annual income and is a true
testimony to the faithfulness of the Fire Fam-
ily jumping in to help one of their members

in need. Many, many thanks to all of you who
have so generously supported this event for all
these years. Next year will be the 20th year of
this event and will be held on October 3, 2016,
at the same location.
John Ware and Roger Gillis
Sy Clark and Pat Conlin
December 2015 49
Submitted by Frank Borden Director of Operations, LAFDHS
LAFD History - THE 50 FOOT BANGOR LADDER PART I

Now extinct, one of the most unique
and useful tools in the LAFDs vast arsenal
was a 50 foot wooden extension ladder called
the Bangor Ladder. Made exclusively for use
by the LAFD, the Bangor was the largest of the
fleets ground ladders and used from the early
1900s into the 1990s. I have gathered a variety of stories about this ladder as a part of our
history and for the readers enjoyment.
sprinklered building and the smoke should

have been a lighter color.

The fire building was five stories, with
a mezzanine floor and basement. There were
loading docks on the north with baled rags
stored on end. This required that ladders here
be grounded in the street outside of the loading
dock. The east side of the building was cantilevered from the 2nd floor over the railroad track

This was a big ladder with many stories
so there will be a Part II in January 2016. It
will include the three man 50, a Drill Tower
experience, ladder restorations and more.
and loading dock. There box cars were parked,

resulting in no space to spot a fire apparatus.
This required long ground ladders to reach the
2nd and 3rd floors.

The fire involved baled rags which
weighed as much as 1500 pounds per bale.
There was a large opening in the 2nd floor to
facilitate separating different types of rags.
The fire on the ground floor had spread upward
through this opening. Most of the windows
were blocked with the storage of bales. Prior
to the fire, the sprinkler system was made inoperative (Arson)

I had established a strategy in fighting these types of fires. We drilled every week
outdoors, often at one of these occupancies. I
also took the officers on tours through different
companies. The captains soon recognized that
heavy streams were not the answer to fighting
fires in these occupancies. This was because
many of the windows were blocked with baled
The Six Bangor Ladder Fire By B/C Larry

Schneider Sr.

One of the famous uses of the Bangor
was a fire that B/C Larry Schneider had where
he deployed six Bangor ladders. I think that is
an LAFD record for one structure fire. Here is
his story:

On November 2, 1978, a fire occurred
at 1000 So Santa Fe Ave, two blocks south of
Fire Station 17. This fire became well known
and talked about for years. It appears the item
most remembered is the six 50 foot Bangor ladders that where utilized.

My Staff Assistant Mike Majek and I
were first on scene where we saw heavy black
smoke showing from the first, second and third
floors. This was unusual because this is a fully
50 December 2015
rags or the building had few openings available

for such an attack.

To place hose streams throughout the
various fire floors and prevent firemen from entering too deep into the structure required many
hose lines to be in place. This meant ladders to
almost every window and firemen working a
hose line from just inside that window. Directing their hose streams horizontally above the
bales would protect the floor above the bales
from fire and the water would enter the burning
bales from the top down. The heat from the fire
in the bales would reduce the water to steam
resulting in very little water on the floor. This
would not completely extinguish the fire in the
bales, however, it would bring the fire under
control.

At the time of this fire, Battalion 7 had
three outstanding truck captains (T-2 Elwyn
Moore, T-16 Ed Hoglund, T-17 Severino Trapeletti) and also outstanding engine captains
(E-2 Dick Smith, E-17 Joe Chavez, E-25 Jere
Souter). Captain Jim Ott of Squad 4 also drilled
with us frequently. My former Auto Fireman
Neil Bullock was the captain on Engine 30 and
those guys fit right in with our officers on strategy and tactics.

Our truck companies were taught to
provide all ladders necessary at a fire. That
meant not only ladders for them to climb, but
to have ladders in place for other companies to
climb upon their arrival. Good truck officers
should anticipate where later arriving companies might be directed and have ladders in
place for their use upon arrival.

Assistant Chief Charlie McCown and I
had discussed fighting fires in these rag companies and I offered my ideas on strategy. When
he arrived at this fire he told me, You know
what youre doing better than me. How can I
help you? I remained in command and asked
him to take charge of the rear. Only one thing
upset Chief McCown at this fire. He needed access into the 3rd floor and used two 50 ladders.
He ordered the next two trucks to raise two
more Bangor ladders for him. One of the trucks
was a 1972 Thibault and the other was a 1970
Seagrave. Neither had a 50 foot ladder assigned
and could not handle the request.

The strategy utilized resulted in no serious injuries to firefighters. The fire was kept
from spreading into the 4th floor and there was
very little weight added to the fire floors. The

fire was Knocked Down fairly quick for this
type of occupancy. After knock down the walls
were breached to the outside and the burning
bales were removed from the building and individually extinguished. Of major concern in
this type of occupancy is if the baled goods
are tightly stored from wall to wall and heavy
streams are applied, the bales will expand and
push the walls out and the added weight on the
floor will cause collapse.

Our Arson Investigators had a field day
at this fire. The fire was deliberately set and the
sprinkler system was made inoperative. The
FPB Inspectors wrote up so many citations that
this became the most costly fined occupant for
fire code violations ever.

There were a total of 1024 feet of ladders used, including six 50 Bangor ladders and
a total of 32 hand lines including (fourteen 2
1/2 and eighteen 1 1/2 lines. There were no
ladder pipes, wagon batteries, snorkels, squirts,
etc. used at this fire. Water applied came from
hand lines operating from windows over ladders, dry standpipes off fire escapes and interior stairways.

Franks note: Larry Schneider Sr. is
a retired Battalion Chief, one of seven LAFD
members who served more than 50 years. This
fire occurred in 1978 after staffing was severely
reduced due to the Proposition 13 reductions
in the budget. Written in the comments section
of the fire report: Operations during this fire
demonstrated that the fire companies involved
were grossly undermanned. Because of the understaffing these companies were required to
over exert themselves in attempting to contain
the fire. It was difficult to handle hose lines and
ladders during the initial stages of the fire because of inadequate staffing. Many companies
were requested in addition to the initial assignment to augment and relieve first arriving companies.

Remember that in the 2011/2012 LAFD
budget 316 authorized positions were cut and
companies were closed. The LAFD needs to get
those positions back as the City is growing and
the LAFD is still asked to do more with less.
Tom Brennan Received the Medal of Valor
for a Rescue from the 50 foot Bangor Ladder The Normandie Fire

Tom Brennan is now a retired B/C and
member of the Board of Directors of the LAFD
Historical Society. At the time he responded to
the Normandie fire he was an engineer at Fire
Station 102.

The following story was written in the
LAFD Medal of Valor program in 1985:

On the morning of February 7, 1982,
companies were dispatched to a major emergency apartment building fire at 1609 North
Normandie in Hollywood where a woman was
trapped on the 5th floor, hanging out of a small
bathroom window. Since time was of extreme
Diagram of fire building showing ladder and hose line

placement.
Then Captain Larry Schneider Sr. and Truck 33 C Fire
City. This photo is used on Larrys son excellent web site
lafire.com.
Task Force 14 at the base of one of the 50 foot Bangors.

Chief Schneiders son Larry is one of those firefighters
who went up the ladder.
importance, a fully extended 50 foot ladder was
positioned under the window of the trapped
victim.

Seeing that the ladder fell short of
reaching the window, and in order to successfully rescue the victim, Engineer Brennan rapidly ascended the ladder, balancing himself on
one of the uppermost rungs and stretched up to
his maximum reach.

Calmly instructing the frightened
woman to exit the window feet first, Engineer
Brennan precariously perched and in constant
danger of losing his balance, guided the victim
out of the window and onto the ladder. With
fire blooming out of the window the victim had
just exited, Engineer Brennan mustered all his
strength in order to lower the exhausted and
weakened woman to safety.

Engineer Brennans courageous and
unselfish actions, under grave and personal
peril, were directly responsible for saving her
life.
ate need for the ladder, he just wanted it there

as support since we did not have a safe aerial
ladder spot due to already heavy fire conditions. LF-102 was responding from quarters
on a move-up, then redirected into the fire and
given the assignment to rescue a woman from
the window on the fifth floor. With Truck 27s
ladder already at the opposite end, and without
lowering the ladder due to time urgency, members of LF-102, along with myself, moved the
ladder to the opposite end and underneath the
woman needing rescue.

There was heavy smoke now billowing
out the window where the woman was. Heavy
fire was showing from the next window over.
Time was critical. Once the ladder was positioned, Tom immediately jumped onto the ladder. I followed him up. As we got to the top,
it was clear the ladder was short of the objective by about three feet. I was very concerned
Engineer Brennan holding woman just after pulling her

from the bathroom window. Firefighter John Kesler is just
below on the fully extended 50 foot Bangor.
Firefighter John Keslers Story:

I had a front row seat below Tom Brennan as he rescued a woman from the top floor
of a well involved 5-story apartment building.

TF-35 arrived first, followed by TF-27.
I was a firefighter on T-27. C-II Dave Smith ordered the 50 Bangor to the north side of the
structure and to the rear. There was no immedi-
December 2015 51
about Tom. He is a big guy and I was not sure

how he was going to keep her from jumping
out the window. I figured she would jump and
wed both be knocked clear of the ladder as
all three of us fell to the ground. She was now
half-out - head first - of the window and wanting to come out down onto Tom. Tom told her
in very strong, demanding language to get back
into the building and come out feet first. She refused, so he was even more stern with her. She
then complied. Tom stepped onto the second to
the top rung (FIFTY FEET IN THE AIR), let
go of the top rung with both BOTH hands and
grabbed onto the window ledge. Keep in mind
that at that angle there is not much room for a
big foot to grip the second to the top rung. And
if she had knocked his hand off the ledge, hed
have fallen. I was positive she was going to
blast out of the window, knocking away Toms
grip and both would fall. I was not positive I
could keep them from both falling, along with
myself, off the ladder.

Tom was a big man and she was also
big. Toms bravery, physical strength and commanding verbal orders made that rescue a success . . . along with the 50-foot extension ladder. No other ladder would have reached that
woman and she most likely would not have
survived a jump onto the life net. Rescue Air
Cushions were not part of the inventory, but
the time involved to deploy makes that a nonviable option. Tom Brennan was awarded the
Medal of Valor for his bravery. I had a front
row seat to an awesome rescue.
Franks Note: John Kesler retired in 2012 from
FS 35 as a Captain II.
Part II of the Ladder story will continue with
more stories about the LAFD members and
the ladder.
Tom Brennan at the 90th Birthday for Old Fireboat holding a gift from the LA Ladder Company of a rung from
a 50 foot Bangor.
LAFDHS volunteer Alan Berta is showing Liz Bamattre

a new interactive computer that Alan developed for the
Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Visitors can now look up
the information on members of the LAFD who died in
the line of duty on a response or at an incident. This was
a dream come true for Liz who wanted something like
this years ago.
The Normandie Apartment house fire.

LAFD Annual Memorial

The LAFD and LAFDHS would like to
thank the following organizations/individuals
for their contributions toward the successful
Memorial Service held in October: Firefighters First Credit Union, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, LAFD SERTOMA, Los
Angeles Firemens Relief Association., Los
Angeles Retired Fire & Police Assn., United
Firefighters of Los Angeles City Local 112, Mr.
Jeffrey Neu, the Bill Finn family, the Jim Finn
family.
Calendar for December 2015

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
52 December 2015
by Mike Mastro, President/CEO

Firefighters First Credit Union
h, the joy of the holidays. There are

so many traditions that bring family
and friends together during this festive
time. Add to that the twinkling lights, decking
the halls, holiday meals without guilt, and lest
we forget, theres even joy in the hustle and
bustle of shopping.

In the spirit of the holidays, Id like
to talk about giving giving to others, giving
back, and getting rewarded. Ill also offer some
tips to protect your credit and how to prevent
fraud.
Holiday financial tips

If you braved the day-after Thanksgiving shopping rush, then you know what to expect in the weeks to come. Whether you head
to the mall or shop online, here are some tips to
protect your private information and how you
can stay conscious of holiday spending.
Monitor your accounts, check your
statements: If you notice any unusual card activity or purchases you dont recognize, call the
Credit Union or your card company immediately.
Avoid opening new retail store cards:
Store cards often come with high interest rates
and low limits. Dont be tempted by the onetime discount.
Be conscious of overspending: Dont
get caught up in the holiday shopping frenzy
and get into debt. Spend an amount that you
can comfortably payoff as the bill arrives in
January.
Avoid shopping on unsecured Wi-Fi:
Public, unsecured Wi-Fi networks are great
for browsing, but not-so great when accessing
your accounts or shopping online. Cyber crimi-
nals are on the same network and looking for

opportunities to acquire information. Be safe
and wait until you get home to access personal
information or shop online.
Be safe at the ATM, checkout: At the
ATM or checkout, be sure to cover the keypad
when entering your PIN.
Shop with your rewards card

With all of the holiday shopping youll
be doing, why not get a little something back
in return? Use your Firefighters First debit card
with rewards or Platinum Visa credit card and
youll earn valuable points redeemable for
travel, events, gift cards, and more. PIN-based
transactions are not eligible, so be sure to sign
for your transactions, or use your chip-based
card. Ask us for details.
Extraordinary Dividend Bonuses and

Interest Refunds

Returning the Credit Unions net profits
directly back to firefighters and their families
is our way of giving back and rewarding you
for your loyalty. Its an important part of our
tradition to hold true to our 80-year legacy of
firefighters helping firefighters. In fact, over the
past 30 years, we have paid back in excess of
$40 million to members. We know you have
many choices for financial institutions, but we
truly have your back and share our success with
our loyal members. Watch your mail for details
regarding your payout.
Spark of Love

On a final note, we are proud to support
Los Angeles Fire Department and the Spark
of Love Toy Drive. Toys are being collected

at fire stations throughout Los Angeles and at
the Credit Union. We encourage you to bring
a new, unwrapped toy or sporting good to the
main office. Your generosity will provide joy
to a child who might otherwise go without any
gift this holiday season.

Once again, thank you for your continued membership, ownership, and commitment
to this organization. Happy Holidays and Happy 80th Anniversary to Firefighters First Credit
Union.
The more business we do together
as a Fire Family,
the greater the financial reward will be
for all members!
Mike Mastro
Material provided is for your information and convenience only.
December 2015 53
LOS ANGELES FIREMENS RELIEF ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

October 7, 2015
CALL TO ORDER
President Juan Albarran called the meeting
of the Board of Trustees of the Los Angeles
Firemens Relief Association to order at
10:10 a.m.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Juan Albarran, President
Robert Steinbacher, Vice President
Andrew Kuljis, Secretary
Trustee James Coburn
Trustee Joe Vigil
Trustee Mark Akahoshi
Trustee Chris Stine
Trustee Tyler Tomich
Trustee David Peters
Trustee Craig White
Trustee Jeff Cawdrey
Trustee Doak Smith
Trustee Frank Aguirre
Trustee David Ortiz
Trustee Gene Bednarchik
Trustee Steve Ruda
Trustee Francisco Hernandez
Trustee Steven Domanski
Trustee Barry Hedberg Pension
Todd Layfer - Executive Director
Liberty Unciano Controller/Treasurer
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Trustee Rick Godinez (Excused)
Trustee David Lowe Pension (Excused)
Trustee Chris Hart (Excused)
Trustee Steve Berkery (Excused)
Trustee Tim Larson Pension (Excused)
GUESTS:
Jim Dolan, Asst. Secretary
Dave Wagner, Grapevine Editor
Dennis Mendenhall, Retired
Tom Stires, Retired
Bob Olsen, L.A. Retired Fire & Police
Lee Kebler, L.A. Retired Fire & Police

INVOCATION & Flag Salute
Steve Ruda led the invocation. Jim Dolan led
the flag salute.
RATIFICATION OF MINUTES
Juan Albarran entertained a motion to ratify
and dispense with the reading of the minutes
of the Board of Trustees meeting held
September 2, 2015. David Peters so moved.
Barry Hedberg seconded. There was no
further discussion or objections.
54 December 2015
Motion carried to ratify and dispense with

the reading of the minutes and Board
actions of the Board of Trustees held
September 2, 2015.
PRESIDENT REPORT
1) Juan Albarran reported that he attended
the Pension Board meeting and indicated that
they discussed grandfathering approximately
40 members spouses eligible but not enrolled
in Medicare Part B. He indicated that the
Pension Board ultimately decided to approve
this request.
2) Juan Albarran reported that we have
collected all of the DME we thought was in
good condition and have stored at LAFRA.
He indicated that effective October 1st, they
will direct members to go through their health
care provider for DME.
3) Juan Albarran informed that the LAFD
Annual Memorial will be held on Saturday,
October 10th at Fire Station 27.
4) Juan Albarran informed the Board that
Group 1 Trustees were up for election for
the 2016 year. He asked that those Trustees
to submit their intent to run for the Trustee
positions.
VICE PRESIDENT REPORT

1) Bob Steinbacher reminded Trustees to
use their LAFRA email account to conduct
business for the Relief Association.
2) Bob Steinbacher referred to the IFEBP
conference and discussed logistics for the
Trustees.
3) Bob Steinbacher informed the Board
that he attended the staff 401K meeting and
indicated that he has scheduled a meeting
with John Hancock to discuss their fees.
4) Bob Steinbacher reported on the Over the
Line Tournament and indicated that it was a
successful event.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS REPORT
1) Todd Layfer provided a Golf Tournament
update and presented a video from the day
of the event. He indicated that it would be a
good tool to give to sponsors. He reported
that there were 138 golfers and indicated
that they generated $122K in sponsorship
revenue and collected around $26K on the
day of the event. He indicated that they
have a Golf wrap up meeting scheduled on
November 19th.
5) Juan Albarran provided a building update

and indicated that they should have all
interior signs up by the next Board meeting.
He reported that there was a leak on the roof
caused by a dropped tool during construction.
He indicated that the construction company
had fixed the damage.
2) Todd Layfer reported that the Disaster

Operation Center is up and running at the
new location in Covina, CA.
6) Juan Albarran reported that there had been

four additional recruits added to the Drill
Tower. He indicated that they had a small
presentation for them at the LAFRA office
and reported that each one signed up for
Relief.
4) Todd Layfer referred on the Employer

Mandate Reporting and indicated that we have
been in discussions with the City Attorneys
Office regarding who is responsible for the
reporting of 1095 forms.
7) Juan Albarran referred to the Social

Security harvesting and indicated that all
the letters have been sent. He indicated that
they have been receiving calls from members
who do not wish to mail their social security
numbers but are willing to provide it over the
phone.
8) Juan Albarran reported on the status of a
few members and the assistance provided.
3) Todd Layfer informed that the open

enrollment period is from October 1st
through October 31st.
5) Liberty Unciano and Todd Layfer

presented the quarterly expenditures review
for the first six months of 2015. Todd Layfer
reviewed investment balances.
6) Marlene Casillas presented an update
on past and upcoming events as well as the
Long Term Care program. She referred to the
Drill Tower presentations and indicated that
they have added two videos with member
testimonials.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT

Steve Domanski reported that Symons
preliminary returns for the year are on target.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
REPORT
Jeff Cawdrey presented the following
motions.
The committee recommends and I so move
to pay the usual and customary bills in the
amount of $1,197,231.93. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the usual and
customary bills in the amount of
$1,197,231.93.
The committee recommends and I so move to
approve up to $35,000 to purchase a new car
for the President. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to approve up to $35,000 to
purchase a new car for the President.
to approve $500 for the LAFD Annual
Memorial. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to approve $500 for the
LAFD Annual Memorial.
approve the DME policy changes. There was
no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the DME policy
changes.
MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT
David Peters presented the following motion.
accept the applications to the Medical Plan.
There was no discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to accept all applications to
the Medical Plan.
Bob Steinbacher informed the Board that
Dave Wagner has suggested that we have a
LAFRA Health Fair. He indicated that they
will hold the event sometime in the spring of
2016.

to pay:
members. There was no discussion or

objections.
The Sick & Injury benefits in the amount of

$110,443.73
The Estate Planning benefit in the amount of
$6,000,
The Life & Accident Withdrawals in the
amount of $19,635
The Relief Death Benefits in the amount of
$45,000
Motion carried to advance funds for both

active and retired members.
There was no discussion or objections.

Motion carried to pay the above Relief
benefits.
James Coburn read the names of members
who recently passed and asked for a moment
of silence from the Board.
MEMORIALS
Justin H. Schuler
Charles C. Hamblin
Mark A. Villasenor
Thomas J. Zumwalt
Thomas C. Smith
David E. Bourdon
Houston Brown, Jr.
James Simos
Robert K. Tinder
Richard Wixon
ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
James Coburn presented the following
motions.
to accept the donations in the amount of
$5,699.31 to the Widows, Orphans &
Disabled Firemens Fund. There was no
Motion carried to accept the donations in
the amount of $5,699.31 to the Widows,
Orphans & Disabled Firemens Fund.
approve the financial assistance applications
for surviving spouses, active and retired
members. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to approve the financial
assistance applications for surviving
spouses, active and retired members.
RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT
ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE
REPORT
James Coburn presented the following

motion.

to advance funds for both active and retired

to convert a members advancement balance
of $2,800.30 to assistance. There was no
Motion carried to convert a members
advancement balance of $2,800.30 to
assistance.
SECRETARYS REPORT
Andy Kuljis indicated that he received all
the intents to run for Trustee positions. He
reported that he did not receive any outside
intents which would eliminate the need for
an election.
SETTING OF DATES
1) LAFD Fallen Firefighter Memorial
(FS 27) October 10th A
2) Fire Station 15 Grand Opening
October 10th A 11:00 2:30
3) CSFA Annual Conference
October 11th 13th
4) Sacramento Firefighter Memorial
October 17th B
5) Fire Station 7 Grand Opening
October 17th B 10:00 2:00
6) IFEBP Annual Conference (Hawaii)
November 8th 11th
7) Medal of Valor November 12th C
8) LAFRA Open House December 5th A
9) L.A. Retired Fire & Police Holiday
Celebration December 13th C
RETIREMENT DINNERS

1) Dale Robinson Thursday, October 8th B @ Odyssey Restaurant
2) DLisa Davies Saturday, November 14th
- C @ Friendly Hills Country Club
3) Edward Martin Monday, November 16th
C @Le Taix Restaurant
4) Rick Denning Thursday, November 19th
A @ The Odyssey Restaurant
ADJOURNMENT
Juan Albarran entertained a motion to
adjourn. Frank Aguirre so moved. David
Peters seconded. There was no discussion
and no objections.
Motion carried to adjourn. The Board of
Trustees meeting adjourned at 11:42a.m.

Juan Albarran, President
December 2015 55
Donations to Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemens Fund

ROGER & PATRICIA SCHMITZ/
MORGAN STANLEY GLOBAL
IMPACT FUNDING TRUST
JEFFREY CHRISTOPHER in memory
of my father John S. Christopher
DANIEL LEON
MICHAEL SNAPP in memory of
Ricardo Price
HOLD FAST PRODUCTIONS, LLC/
BOSCH S2 on behalf of
Fire Station 109
FIRE STATION NO. 88 from the Fire
Extinguisher Fund
C & M FIRE INVESTIGATIONS, INC
in honor of Ricardo Price
VERA C. CATLOW
LUIS O. MARTINEZ in memory of
Rick Price
HLEN L. SCHULZ
MARY L. MALAIS in honor of my son,
Gerrys retirement after 35 years with
the LAFD
JANICE BOURDON in gratitude to
Jim Dolan & Andy Kuljis
EMMA SHAPIRO
ARNOLD S. ROSS, D. P. M.
AT HOME CARE SOLUTION, INC
ELIZABETH J. WALLACE in memory
of Captain Jack Fitzgerald
October 2015
HELEN L. SCHULZ
Rick Price
FIRE STATION NO. 20 from the

Extinguisher Fund
LINDA RICH in memory of Rick Price
KYLE & DEBRA LONG in memory of

Ricardo Price
N. E. WHITE TRANSPORTATION
INC. in memory of Ricardo Price
JAMES D. DOWNEN in memory of
Houston Jack Brown
PERRY & ALICIA REED in memory
of Richard Price
JIM & GAIL CROCKETT in memory
of Frances McDonough
FIRE STATION NO. 109 from the Fire
Extinguisher Fund
JANET T. CZERNEK in memory of
Jack Fitzgerald
KAREN SHIRLEY-DUPREY in
memory of Rick Price
TIM VALLES in memory of
Ricardo Price
BILLY & PAMELA WALDON in
memory of Ricardo Price
CHARLES & PATRICIA AY in
memory of Jack Fitzgerald
JILLENE BAKER in memory of
Jack Fitzgerald
MARY BEVERLY & FAMILY in
EDWARD H. MC ADAM
PATRICK FITZGIBBON in memory of

Jack Fitzgerald
CAROL CODE in memory of

Mary Inlow
WAYNE & TONI GEMMELL in

FIRE STATION NO. 39 from the

Fire Extinguisher Fund
FRANK & TRACY GRZESIK in

memory of Claude Kormann
STEPHEN J. RUDA
ARDITH HALBERT in memory of

Chief Willis & Barbara Nelson
PEGGY CAPPS in memory of

Karlee Kirkman
SHANNON EUSEY/BEACON
POINTE ADVISORS in memory of
Steven Robinson
SUE KOHLER in memory of Rick Price
JAMES LAUGHLIN in memory of

Harold B. Maxwell
KITTY LAUBACHER in memory of

Rick Price
MARIAN L. PEACOCK in memory of

my husband Kenneth Peacock
KELLY LONG in memory of Rick Price
56 December 2015
JOHN M. SCHERREI in memory of

Monte Majesky
PATTI MCCLURE in memory of
MARTHA KLING in memory of

Jack Fitzgerald
ADELE J. MERRIMAN in memory of
Claude Kormann
DOROTHY ONG in memory of
Jack Fitzgerald
WALTER & JEAN SCHULTZ in
SHANDRA ZIEMAN in memory of
Rick Price
CLASSIFIEDS
For advertising information, please contact:
Eric Santiago - (323) 259-5231 - eric@lafra.org
Dave Wagner - editor@lafra.org
MERCHANDISE
FOR SALE
YOUR STATION IS GOOD TO
GO. IS YOUR HOME? We provide
storable food, complete preparedness kits, medical supplies and
more. Lowest prices around, free
shipping plus enter coupon code
firefamily for additional savings
for fire fighters. 1-877-976-3919
EHPsurvival.com
SERVICES
ALTERNATIVE & TRADITIONAL
Termite & Pest Control - ECOLA
Ecological Solutions. Smart
choices, simple solutions. Problem
solved. Call for FREE termite
estimate or pest quotes over the
phone - escrow and inspections
excluded. Fireman wife Sue Fries Termite Lady. (818) 652-7171.
termitelady@ecolatermite.com
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.
COMPLETE DRYWALL SERVICE. New construction and
remodel. Acoustic ceiling removal.
Spray texture and hand textures.
Greg Avery (805) 320-8311 or
Mark Avery (805) 551-6041.
COUNSELING SERVICES.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr.
Susan Purrington specializes in
anxiety, depression, relational difficulties, eating disorders, spiritual
or personal growth, marital conflict, family of origin issues. Find a
supportive and confidential place
for healing and growth. Located in
Old Towne Orange. Questions or
consultation: (949)648-7875
susanpurrington@gmail.com
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
FEELING PRESSURE FROM
YOUR SPOUSE and co-workers
and cant find a way out? Has
God left stranded? Dont turn to
Twinkies! Call clinical psychologist:
Dr. Lindsay Deibler (714) 7495215 for adult psychotherapy and
learning disability assessments.
Specialties: Relationship difficulties, work stress, spiritual issues
and eating concerns. Olde Town
Orange.
www.drlindsaydeibler.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) 216-3637 www.firefamilyestatesales.com
FIREMAN DESIGN LANDSCAPE
INC. A complete landscape service A-Z. Sod irrigation / stamped
concrete / driveways / patio cover
/ low voltage lighting / artificial
turf / rockscapes / walls. FREE
landscape design. Free estimates.
Serving all Southern CA. Eric
Mendoza 96-B (760) 221-1912.
Call or text. CA Lic # 807078.
Bonded & insured
www.firemanlandscape.com
FIREMAN WHOLESALE NURSERY & ROCK YARD. All your

landscape materials @ wholesale
prices. Trees / plants / decorative
rock / boulders / firewood / sod /
artificial turf. Delivery available.
Located in Victorville CA. (760)
243-9500
www.firemanwholesalenursery.
com Your 1 stop shop!
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.
HIRE A VETERAN. Owner operated. Reasonable rates. Dump truck,
Bob Cat, Back hoe for landscape
renewal, Grading demo & more.
Larry D. Brown (818) 489-5126
ITS TAX TIME AGAIN! Specializing in Firefighter and Paramedic
Returns, Electronic Filing available, year round bookkeeping
and accounting, business and
partnership returns, payroll. All
computerized processing with over
30 years experience. Call early
for an appointment around your
schedule. Robert Sanchez LAFDOCD retired (818) 367-7017, cell
(818) 216-1040.
PISTOLS, RIFLES & SHOTGUNS
DEALER - Firearm background
checks, FFL transfers, handgun
safety certificate, consignment
sales, gun registration and personal transfers. Personal firearms
instructor and gunsmithing. All
handguns and long guns must be
listed on the California DOJ for
sale roster. Call Bill Evans - 112-C
LAFD (714) 330-9825 email:
firehousegunz@gmail.com
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
TAX ALERT FOR FIREFIGHTERS. Dont lose thousands of
dollars during your professional
career to taxes! Let HEWITT
FINANCIAL GROUP prepare your

tax return. We specialize in tax
preparation and financial planning
for firefighters. We offer a FREE
REVIEW of your last three years
of tax returns. Call us today at
(800) 573-4829 or visit us at
www.hewittfinancial.com
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) 667-6676.
www.GeeWindows.com
VACATION
RENTALS
BIG BEAR CABIN - All season,
restful views from decks. Two
story, sleeps 6, half mile to lake,
two plus miles to slopes. Fireplace/Wood, cable TV/DVD/VCR.
Full kitchen, completely furnished
except linens. Pets ok. $100/$110
(two day minimum). $550/$650
a week, Beep or Donna Schaffer
1+(760) 723-1475.
www.schaffercabin.com
BIG BEAR CABIN. 2 bedroom,
2 bath, 2 story. Sleeps 6-8. About
6 miles from ski slopes & lake.
Fireplace/wood, cable, full kitchen
- furnished. $100 per night M - Th.
$110 per night F-Sun. Weekly
available. Sheri (909) 851-1094 or
(760) 948-2844.
BIG BEAR LAKES 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. 310-5418311 or nmbigbear@gmail.com
BIG BEAR CABIN - Sugarloaf Cozy upgraded 2 bedroom cabin.
Sleeps 8. Fireplace, deck, Wifi internet and cable TV. On a large
lot with sled hill. Fully furnished
except linens. $125 Winter $100
summer. Details and availability,
Call/text Jessica (949) 874-5294
sugarloafcabin@cox.net
sugarloafcabin.com
December 2015 57
CATALINA BEACH
COTTAGE - 3 bedrooms, 1
bath, one block to beach, view,
fully equipped housekeeping unit.
Marci (818) 347-6783 or Clarence
(310) 510-2721.
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.
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) 5100190. Hamiltoncove.com. Ask
for LAFD 8-89 discount. Owner
active LAFD.
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
DESERT CONDOS, RANCHO MIRAGE (near Palm Springs). 2 bed,

2 bath. Fully furnished condo, TV,
internet, pools and spas. Gated
community from $115/night. 3
bed from $125/night. No smoking.
Barbara (626) 798-2484.
JUNE LAKE CABIN - 2BR/2BA
cabin with Carson Peak view.
Close to fishing & skiing. Furnished, wood deck, equipped
kitchen, wood burning stove, tree
swing, cable /DVD/phone. Garage/
ample parking. $95/night plus
cleaning fee. Email for pictures.
Jeff Easton 93-A (805) 217-5602.
junebound@gmail.com
LAKE ARROWHEAD BLUE
JAY CABIN IS FOR SALE. We
will NOT be renting any longer.
We want to take this opportunity
to thank all our renters for many
great years. Bruce & Sue Froude,
(805) 498-8542.
LAKE HAVASU LANDING-Waterfront, steps to the water. Boat
mooring out front, off-road desert
behind house. 3 bed/3 bath, fully
furnished w/linens. Direct TV/DVR,
BBQ, Casino, Grocery/Meat Market, Launch Ramp, Marina with
Boat House, Gated Community.
No pets/smoking. $350 Dan Cook
310 418 1577.
LAKE HAVASU BEAUTY FOR
RENT - 3 bdrm, 2 bath, 1600 sq.ft.
Fully furnished with all amenities- Laundry & BBQ. 13,000 sq.ft.
lot. 3 car boat-deep garage. 3
miles from launch ramp. Close to
downtown shops & restaurants.
View of the lake. Quiet street in
good neighborhood. No pets. No
smoking. Snowbird rates. Call
Mike (661) 510-6246
LAKE NACIMIENTO. Oak Shores
gated community. 3 bedroom, 2
1/2 bath, large loft. 3minute drive
58 December 2015
MAMMOTH CONDO. 1 Bed/ 1.25

Bath sierra manors condo. In town,
on shuttle route. Sleeps 4 easily.
Pets OK. Fully furnished with new
furniture/HDTV/WIFI Woodburning
fireplace. Hot Tub, sauna, W/D in
complex. Reduced rates for FFs
starting @100/nt
oldtownmammothcondo.ownernetworks.com
mammothmtncondo@yahoo.
com
Ryan (310) 717 8483 for more
info/ rates
MAMMOTH CONDO. 2 bedroom,
2 bath, sleeps 6. Near Canyon
Lodge. Newly remodeled recreation room with pool and spa.
Laundy facilities, condo has been
beautifully remodeled. Photos
available on website. Winter $300 per night, Summer - $150
per night. $150 cleaning fee. Call
for holiday terms and pricing.
Joseph Angiuli (626) 497-5083.
www.discoveryfour.com
MAMMOTH CONDO - CHAMONIX. 2 bedroom & large loft, 3 full
baths, sleeps 8. 5 minute walk to
Canyon Lodge. Fully furnished,
TVs, VCR/DVD, pool, spa, rec
room, sauna, linens included. Winter $175 weekdays, $195-weekends/holidays; summer $125, plus
cleaning. No smoking; no pets.
Craig Yoder (909) 948-3659.
MAMMOTH CONDO - 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, 661-6457448, 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 rental. Large
2bed/2bath winterset condo. Fully
furnished, across from Vons, on
shuttle route, easily sleeps 8. Hot
tub, heated pool, sauna, full size
in unit W/D HDTV/WiFi throughout, woodburning fireplace, pets
OK FIREFIGHTER DISCOUNTS,
rates from $150/night
facebook.com/mammothmtncondo@yahoo.com
Ryan @ (310) 717-8483
MAMMOTH CONDO - Sierra
Manors Sleeps 7. 3 bedroom 2 1/2
bath. Fully furnished except linens.
2 TVs/VCR/DVD, stereo/CD.
Dishwasher, microwave, sauna,
jacuzzi, pool. No smoking/No
Pets. Shuttle at door. Winter $155/
night, Summer $100/night, Plus
$80 cleaning fee and City Bed
Tax. Brian & Karen Salvage LAFD
Retired (805) 499-7752.
MAMMOTH LAKES - One
bedroom, extremely charming
wildflower condo. Full amenities,
close to shuttle. Antiques, art,
satellite TV, fireplace. Sleeps 4.
Winter $110, Summer $85 plus
cleaning fees. Call Bill Clark (818)
371-6722
Email: shakesong@aol.com
MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET:

Studio/loft, 2 bath, king bed,
sleeps 4. Full kitchen, TV, VCR,
DVD. Garage parking. Walk to
Canyon Lodge. Ski back trail. 2
night minimum. Winter $100/nite,
$125 Fri, Sat & Holidays. Summer
$60/nite. Plus $120 cleaning &
linens. Jeff & Lisa Moir (661) 2545788.
MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET:
Walk to Canyon Lodge. Studio loft
sleeps 4. Queen beds, full kitchen,
2 baths, garage parking, TV, VCR,
DVD. Winter Sun-Thurs $100.nite;
Fri & Sat $115/nite plus cleaning
fee $100. Non smoking complex.
Joel Parker, LAFD retired.
email: cat25sailor@juno.com or
(213) 399-6534.
MAMMOTH CONDO- SEASONS
FOUR RESORT. Charming and
cozy furnished 1 Bedroom sleeps
5. Updated unit with amenities
including wifi, sauna, jacuzzi,
phone, rec room, 2 flat screens ,
DVD players. W/D on site. Shuttle
stop. Walking distance to village.
$120/night + $80 Cleaning fee
Bobby@310-350-5552.
MAUI BEACH FRONT CONDO
ON NAPILI BAY - 50 from water.
Studios and 1 bedroom. Luxury
furnishings + full kitchen. All the
amenities! Mauis best snorkeling/beach. All island activities &
Kapalua within 4 minutes. 5-day
minimum, from $150 per night
(regularly $310/night). Call Sherrie
or Bill for info/reservations (805)
530-0007 or email: pmimaui@aol.
com or visit:
www.napilibaymaui.com
MAUI CONDO 1 AND 2 BEDROOMS. Centrally located on
beautiful Maalaea Bay. Excellent
swimming and snorkeling; white
sandy beach. Minutes from golf,
tennis, fishing, shopping, airport
and resort areas. Marsha Smith or
Jeanne McJannet. Toll free (800)
367-6084. www.maalaeabay.com
MAUIS MOST BEAUTIFUL
BEACH - Napili Bay. Beautiful furnished condo that sleeps 4. Lanai/
balcony, full kitchen, king bed, flat
screen TVs/DVD, ACs free WiFi
(internet), complimentary maid service, complimentary coffee every
morning and breakfast on Fridays.
Special firefighters discount - Best
value in West Maui! Nice pool &
BBQ area - Close to beach! (800)
336-2185 www.napilivillage.com
Don Sprenger - retired LAFD (949)
929-0989
MONTANA ROCKY MT. FRONT

GETAWAY - 80 miles south of
Glacier Natl Park, in the foothills
of the Rockies, mountain and
canyon views. 1,000s of miles of
trailheads, fishing, etc. 2 bedroom,
1.5 bath, dining, living, kitchen
& washer/dryer. SatTV, wireless
internet. $125.00 night + cleaning.
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Ask for Dave Erickson
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December 2015 59
7470 North Figueroa Street, Los Angeles CA 90041

60 December 2015
KEVIN D. WRIGHT
Senior Vice President
Financial Advisor
Morgan Stanley
CA Insurance License #0E11022
SUPPORTER / SPONSOR
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Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in
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Individuals should seek advice based on their particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.
(C) 2015 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.
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December 2015 61
Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association

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Los Angeles CA 90041-1725
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Need a Firefighters First VISA credit card?

Apply online, visit a Local Branch, or call (800) 231-1626 today!
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Funds on deposit are insured up to $500,000 per account.

This institution is not federally insured, and if the institution
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December 2015

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City Employees Club

More Discount Tickets at

Cheap Tickets - Insane Service - Affordable Insurance

On the cover: Major Emergency Structure - San Pedro

Photo by: Chris Conkle

Inset photo by: Yvonne Griffin

Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association.

Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association

Margaret Stewart, Brian Humphrey, Erik Scott

Mike Mastro, Frank Borden, Jody Houser,

LOS ANGELES FIREMENS RELIEF ASSOCIATION

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

I just wanted say thanks for your service

I am grateful for the opportunity to have

It was a pleasure working with you. Thank you for everything.

It has been a pleasure working with you.

Fire Station 26,

A simple Thank you cannot even express

Eric Santiago - GV Staff

It was a pleasure working with you. Good

he official grand opening of new Fire

n October 10, 2015, LA residents, city

lage to expand into one contiguous piece of

Haz Mat incident in 56s kitchen

for the chief to come by. When no one showed

words that could be heard coming from their

Just in case you forget what to do

OWBs Mike McIndoe and Pat Butler competed in the

TF 27 with Camille on her birthday

Firefighters were dispatched to Franklin Ave and Cherokee Ave

48s raises a flag for John Mahlani, retired in 1983

A recent USAR drill at the Harbor

Battalion 9 companies shine for Annual Inspection in October.

Crew 3 working a fuels reduction project along the 405 freeway at

Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association Medical Plan may

Family and crew help Captain Luis Carlos

TF 98 extricated a man from beneath his

Crews handle a grass fire on 10/25/15.

98s handles a hydrant on Glenoaks

A roof fire at 644 E 56th St. on 10/10/15.

Companies overhaul a fire at 11318 Wilmington on 10/6/15.

Truck 21 after a fire on Soto St on 10/5/15.

dense, dark colored article of power. He turns

constituents that live near the Redline. Scott,

The guys from 60-C at Green Valley Lake

Our Mission Statement:

Its not just about the return on investments,

1120 West Avenue M-4, Palmdale

Firefighters knocked down a fire at a two-story

89s works an outside fire at 7215 Carmellia Ave on 10/25/15.

RA 860 gets a haircut

RA 18 transported a driver who struck a house

Welcome Levi Beaty

Companies handled a garage fire in West Hills

FF/PM Bill DeFeo, RA 43-C, is recognized for extraordinary

The Relief PPO Medical Plan

y wife and I recently stopped in for

your body mutilated with various spikes and

to save Mother Earth. Im always signin stuff

Team Buzzard Bait

LOOK for red and black B signs ON HIGHWAY

WIN CASH AND PRIZES, in an off-road

We invite you, your family & friends to

January 15 - 18, 2016

Fee for the ride will be $20.00 PER PERSON.

Push. Other champions were Angel Mongo

MAJOR EMERGENCY STRUCTURE FIRE