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9/11 VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND
MOST COMMON
DID YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW RESPOND TO THE WORLD
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On December 18, 2015, Congress reauthorized and extended both the health program There is a presumption that
and compensation fund available to 9/11 first responders. Here are the highlights: these illnesses were caused
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VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND (VCF) HEALTH CARE • Skin Cancer (Basal

Cell, Squamous
• A total of $7.3 billion has been made • Medical care for 9/11 first
Cell, and
available to fully compensate claimants responders has been extended 75
Melanoma)
who have pending claims, as well as years.
• Prostate Cancer
future claimants diagnosed with certified • Active and retired responders have
• Thyroid Cancer
WTC illnesses. Over $4 billion has been the right to free health care for
• Breast Cancer
awarded to 22,000+ people. WTC-certified illnesses from the
• Blood Cancers:
• The VCF deadline is December 18, FDNY’s Bureau of Health Services
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their 9/11 illnesses and/or if they are annual WTC physical.
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diagnosed with new WTC-certified • A skin cancer screening is not
illnesses. performed at the WTC Health
• All claims MUST be registered within 2 Program physical; therefore, you
years of the date of certification by the should go for a full body skin exam MOST COMMON
World Trade Center Health Program. at least once per year. Skin cancers NON-CANCERS
• VCF awards range from $125,000- are the most common WTC- LINKED TO THE WTC
$340,000 for certified cancers, and more related cancers. TOXINS
for economic loss if the claimant has been
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found disabled by a WTC illness. Altogether, 68 cancers have been these illnesses were caused
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for non- cancer certified illnesses. been diagnosed with a cancer that is • Interstitial Lung
• All VCF awards are tax free. not on the list, you may still be eligible. Diseases,
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• Chronic
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Making a false or fraudulent workers’ compensation claim is a felony subject to up to five years in prison or a fine Pulmonary
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Disease (COPD)
 Team Buzzard Bait
22nd Annual

Hwy 10

• We invite you, your family & friends to Palm Springs

THE 22nd ANNUAL FAMILY FUN RIDE across
=
from OCOTILLO WELLS STATE OFF-ROAD
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VEHICLE AREA.which is located in EAST SAN DIEGO CO.

• WIN C ASH AND PRIZES, in an off-road :::

Hwy78
adventure ride. Bring motorcycles, quads, buggies
or four-wheel drives.
CAMP Blu Inn
• LOOK for red and black "B" signs ON HIGHWAY
78 South Side between Split Mountain Rd and the
Blu Inn. Follow green course markers. January 18 - 21, 2019
• The family ride will be on Saturday the 19th. (MLK Holiday weekend)
SIGN UP WILL BE AT 8:00AM SATURDAY FOR INFO:
Raffle starts at 3:00 PM sharp. The ride should MIKE REITMAYER FS 29-C OR CELL 760-822-1641
take about 2-4 hours, figuring out the clues ?????? DOUG WEBER FS 17-C OR CELL 951-453-2520

Fee for the ride will be $20.00 PER PERSON.

All proceeds benefit the
WIDOWS, ORPHANS & DISABLED

FIREMEN'S FUND
 On the cover: Greater Alarm Structure Fire - By Adam VanGerpen

Inset LAFD photo by: Jacob Salzman

Structure Fire - North Hills
2 • January 2019
 VOL. XCV JANUARY 2019 NO. 05

• FEATURES •
8 Easy New Year Resolutions
Discover easy to remember, doable resolutions to make 2019 the
best year yet • ..................................................................................06

Dave Moorman—Over the Line Tournament

”It’s All Good” when it comes to softball and sand to raise some
money for the WODFF • .................................................................08

California Honors Their Fallen

Another LAFD name added to the wall in Sacramento • ..............11

Wildland Fuel Management

Where the blades meets the road in saving life & property • .......44

• CONTENTS •
President’s Message • ............................................................................05
Battalion News • ....................................................................................13
Retired Guys • .......................................................................................31
Department in Action • ...........................................................................32
Station Fridge • ......................................................................................35
Medal of Honor • ....................................................................................37
Retirement Dinners • ..............................................................................38
Taking Your Service Pension Soon? • ……………………………………39
Sandbags for Fitness • ………………………………………..…..……….40
LAFD Merit Scholarships Fund Award • ………………………………….42
2018 Turkey Burner Tournament • …………………………………………46
Skid Row Handball Tournament • …………………………………………47
Memorials • ...........................................................................................48
Life Balance—5 tips for Reducing Stress • .............................................49
Mailbox • ...............................................................................................50
LAFD History • .......................................................................................53
Minutes of the Board of Trustees • .....................................................56
Classifieds • ...........................................................................................58
Tailboard
Fire Station 7 • ....................................................................................61

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

COPYRIGHT © 2019
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association.
No material may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.
January 2019 • 3
 FIREMEN’S GRAPEVINE
owned and published by the
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
7470 N Figueroa Street, Los angeles CA 90041

EDITORIAL STAFF
Dave Wagner • Managing Editor..........................................editor@lafra.org
John Hicks • Associate Editor..............................................jhicks@lafra.org
Eric Santiago • Creative Editor...............................................eric@lafra.org
Display Advertising.................................................(323) 259-5200 ext. 231

PSO’s
Amy Bastman, Margaret Stewart, Brian Humphrey

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Art Sorrentino, Matt Mickey, Frank Borden, Jim Stiglich, Steve Ruda

PHOTOGRAPHERS
David Blaire, Greg Doyle, Harry Garvin,
Steve Gentry, Juan Guerra, Brian Haimer, Ryan Ling, Rick McClure,
Mike Meadows, Lloyd Payne, Jeff Zimmerman, Yvonne Griffin

LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION

Robert Steinbacher................................................President
Jeff Cawdrey ..................................................Vice-President
Andrew Kuljis ................................Community Affairs Liaison
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chris Stine Gene Bednarchik Rich Moody
Craig White Henry Gasbarri Rick Godinez
Danny Wu Jim Duffy Steve Berkery
David Peters Joe Vigil Steven Domanski
Doak Smith John Jacobsen Tim Freeman Jr.
Frank Aguirre Kenny Breskin Tim Larson
Gayle Sonoda Mike Sailhamer Tyler Tomich

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

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

LAFRA MANAGEMENT
Todd Layfer • Executive Director..............................(323) 259-5243
Victoria Johnson • Human Resources Director..........(323) 259-5247
Liberty Unciano • Controller/Treasurer..................(323) 259-5225
Bob Dillon • Operations Manager.............................(323) 259-5233
Marlene Casillas • Development & Marketing Director(323) 259-5217
Ana Salazar • Member Services Coordinator............(323) 259-5223

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

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

4 • January 2019
 Happy New Years from all of us at LAFRA headquar-
ters. We look back at last year with fondness, remembering new
friends made and old friends lost. Both of these events are part
of who we are and a reminder of what is really important in life.
Let’s start 2019 by insuring that our priorities are set and personal
compass is pointed in the right direction of helping one another
when the need arises.
As like most of you, I’ve made resolutions to be healthier
this year. Go to the gym more, eat right and maybe a little less,
and try and do the right thing for my overall health. What is so
great is that it is all possible thanks to the new wellness benefits
provided to us through the PPO Relief Medical Plan. At the close
of 2018, we introduced a new wellness benefit that not only allows
you to go to a gym for free, but the same goes for your spouse
and qualified dependents. Take advantage of this wonderful new
program. Your body and your loved ones will thank you.
Another benefit included in the PPO Medical Plan is a free
annual physical (if you use a network provider). If you are plan-
ning to start a new work-out plan at the gym, it might be a good
idea to take advantage of this benefit beforehand. You might even
consider a full body scan (once every 3 yrs.), another benefit of
the PPO Medical Plan.
Last year we were all inspired by 9-year old Coral Noon-
an, the daughter of LAFD Captain Doug Noonan, who turned a
holiday gift she received into a fundraiser for our charity. It is
my hope that we can all learn from this young lady’s selfless act
and do more for those who are in need. Recently, the Relief has
instituted another new program at the Association—The LAFRA
Family Support Group. Created to assist those who have lost a
loved one get through the grief, they also provide help to the fam-
ily in areas such as plumbing repair, roof repair, landscaping is-
sues, and so much more. If you have the skills and the will to
help, remember the generous act of a 9-year old girl and give of
your time to help those in need. Volunteers are always needed
and much appreciated. Contact Valerie Lawrence or Diane Vigil
at (323) 259-5277.
2019 also brings a fresh batch of new retirements to the
Department. In this edition of the Grapevine (pg 39), we have
compiled a list of must do’s and when to do them prior to you
exiting. If you plan on retiring in the near future, please go over
this gathered information carefully and plan accordingly. YOU
ARE RESPONSIBLE for completing these tasks in a timely
matter.
Speaking of retiring. The Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief
Association would like to say farewell and thank you to Steve
Domanski for all his years of service as a Trustee. Though Steve
will be leaving us, he has left us in good hands as we welcome
Juan Albarran in his place. Farewell Steve but not goodbye.
We still hope to see you at all the Relief’s events that are held
throughout the year.
Lastly, I want to remind you of some important events and
their dates that will be here before you know it. These events are
a vital part of what helps keep the Relief Association door’s open,
allowing us to help those members and their family in a time of
need. We rely on the continued support of our fantastic corporate
sponsors and of members like you to attend. We look forward to
seeing you all there.
1. The 22nd Annual Buzzard Bait - January 19, 2019
2. Hook and Ladder Ride - March 16, 2019
3. The Skechers LA Marathon and 5K - March 23, 2019
Be safe and be kind to each other.
Robert D. “Steintalker” Steinbacher
president@lafra.org
323.259.5200
January 2019 • 5
 1. Sign Up for a Gym Membership
Whether you want to maintain your six-pack or just lose a few pounds, PPO Medical Plan
members can now join scores of gyms for no cost. LAFRA’s agreement with Sharecare includes LA
Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Gold’s and more. Go to www.lafra.org/wellness to find dozens of facili-
ties near you.

2. Get a Physical
What are you waiting for? PPO Medical Plan members get comprehensive annual physicals
that are covered at 100% if you use a network provider. There are no deductibles or copays. In
addition to the annual physical, members are eligible for a body scan – once every three years,
and a colonoscopy screening – once every five years, beginning at age 50.

3. Create or update your Will and Trust

An estate plan is essential for everyone. It gives you peace of mind to know your affairs
are in order and the comfort of knowing you’ve provided for your family. Failing to establish a
well-thought out plan could cost your family thousands of dollars and force them to suffer through
years of probate.
LAFRA offers a one-time reimbursement of up to $600 for our members or surviving spous-
es to help you get your estate plan completed. Members can also submit a request for a one-year
financial advancement of up to $1,200 for the exclusive use of trust preparation.

4. Try LiveHealth Online

Relief PPO Medical Plan members can have doctors by their side 24/7 – with no appoint-
ment necessary. All you need is the LiveHealth Online app or a computer with a webcam and in-
ternet connection. LiveHealth Online provides immediate access to board-certified doctors, secure
and private video chats, and prescriptions that can be sent to your pharmacy.

6 • January 2019
5. Get More Sleep
While not always possible, it’s important to at least try. Adequate sleep is a key part of a
healthy lifestyle, and can benefit your heart, weight, mind, and more. Sleep can reduce stress,
improve your memory, make you more alert, and even help prevent cancer.

6. Take a Class
Take a cooking class and you’ll rule the firehouse kitchen. Take a language class and get
that bilingual premium. Take a few more classes to finish your degree and get your education
bonus. Take a class with your spouse and strengthen your bond.

7. Increase your Deferred Comp Contribution

If you are serious about improving your financial well-being, put your money to work in
a 457 account. Your contributions and the interest that compounds over time are a real path to
financial freedom. It’s never too late, but earlier is better . . . much better!

8. Volunteer
Sure you already spend 10 days a month helping others, but what about the other 20?
Your Relief Association, Credit Union and the Historical Society could all use you’re your help. So,
connect with your community, use your skills in a productive way, contribute to a cause that you
care about and make a difference.

January 2019 • 7
 By Sean Millet
On February 5, 2017, our department
lost a great man, Captain II David Moorman.
Dave was a staple at the Over the Line Tourna-
ment. He was always very laid back and en-
joyed the camaraderie. As an honor to Dave, I
renamed the tournament the “Dave Moorman
It’s All Good” Over the Line Tournament.
On Nov 3rd, our annual tournament got
under way with David Moorman’s wife, Amy
coming out to get the tourney started. Twelve
teams took to the sand on a sunny morning in
Santa Monica. We played three games of round
robin and then broke the tourney into three
flights. Once the teams were divided into their
flights, the tourney went into single elimina-
tion.
The “A” Flight was taken again by the
Bintang Ballers: Casey Glenn, Trevor Insley,
Matt Rush, and Greg Felix. The “B” Flight was
won by Grey and Still Hanging: Rob Dubarry,
Chris Villavicencio, and Sean Millett. The “C”
Flight was conquered by the guys from F.S. 98:
Aaron Brownell, JP Villapando, and Richard
Cervantes. Their team name is now One and
Done. Rumors has it that they won their flight
by scoring only one run.
I would like to thank Cronies from
Newbury Park for suppling the food, Karina
for her hard work with the shirts, UFLAC for
their support, Brian for making the promo
video for social media, and to Juliet and Juan
Carlos from LAFRA for making my job easier.
I would also like to thank the fellas from Santa
Monica Beach Maintenance for grooming the
sand, and Josh and the guys from Kern Coun-
ty FD for making that 5-hour dive for the past
six years to play in our tournament. Last but
not least, there would be no way I could have
pulled off this tournament without the help
of Tommy Czbeck and Brett Davis—Thanks
Guys!!
Hope to see everyone come down to
San Diego this summer for the Firefighter
Olympics and to play OTL. The tourney
will be on June 24, 2019 @ Mariners Point,
Mission Bay.
8 • January 2019
January 2019 • 9
Paid Advertisement

Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association Medical Plan may cover this examination.
10 • January 2019 Contact your plan provider to verify.
 By Diane Vigil, LAFRA Family Support Group
The 16th Annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony,
held Saturday, September 29, 2018, recognized 37 California firefight-
ers. Of those, the name of our own Captain II David T. Moorman was
placed on the wall. These names were added to the nearly 1,400 others
inscribed on the brushed limestone wall of the California Firefighters
Memorial. The wall, located in Sacramento’s Capitol Park, recognizes
California firefighters who have died in the line of duty since we became
a state in 1850.
David T. Moorman proudly served the Los Angeles City Fire De-
partment for 28 years, where he climbed through the ranks to Captain
II. He was a member of CATF1 Urban Search & Rescue Team and was
deployed to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike. He was also de-
ployed to NYC after the 9/11 attacks. Throughout his career he received
multiple letters of commendation and most notably the LAFD Medal of
Honor.
The Moorman Family—Amy Moorman, Dave’s wife; Elizabeth
& Richard their children; and Carol Moorman, Dave’s mom, traveled
to Sacramento escorted by the LAFD contingent. These included the
LAFRA Family Support Group; Relief Trustees Gene Bednarchik & Joe
Vigil; Chief Terrazas; UFLAC’s Tony Gamboa, Domingo (Alby) Albar-
ran Jr., Freddie Escobar, and Adam VanGerpen; the LAFD Honor Guard,
LAFD Fire Hogs, and MANY LAFD firefighters and family!
The California Fire Foundation hosts a Widow Luncheon on Fri-
day to bring all the widows together and to spend some quiet time with
each other. Friday evening the LAFD Family came together for dinner at
the Mikuni Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar. There were lots of laughs
shared that evening. After dinner, we all walked over to the Memorial
Wall. It was there that many more laughs took place, along with tears! It
was very nice for all of us to show our support to the Moorman family
and friends that evening!
On Saturday, the 29th, we started out with a breakfast hosted by
the CA Fire Foundation. After breakfast, all the LAFD Family met in the
hotel lobby and walked with the Moorman family to the Memorial.
The ceremony features a moving uniformed firefighter procession and
personal tributes. Our very own FF/PM Dennis Rodriguez sang the Na-
tional Anthem. There was a presentation of a U.S. flag to the families
of those whose names are newly added to the Memorial. John Garneca
presented Amy Moorman with the flag. Our Honor Guard did a beautiful
job at the Memorial too.
The ceremony has become a touchstone for the profession, and
a chance for firefighters, families, and ordinary citizens to grieve and
remember together. The CA Fallen Firefighter Memorial is a ceremony
that every firefighter should attend to support our LA Fire Family!
January 2019 • 11
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12 • January 2019
 Members of FS 25 shutting down a sheared
hydrant. Photo by Adam VanGerpen

Six unit apartment house in the 1400 blk of Toberman St

in Pico/Union on 11/21/18. Photo by Martin Nate Rawner

Commercial fire at 210 N Center St on

11/9/18. LAFD Photo by Harry Garvin

January 2019 • 13
 Run the Run, Walk, Roll or Stroll the

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All proceeds benefit the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemenʼs Fund, a 112-year-old non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to helping our LAFD families in times of crisis

14 • January 2019
 WBC Champ Deontay Wilder visited FS 3
on 11/27/18. LAFD Photo by Alex Gillman

11/22/18. E-25 tackling a rubbish fire after a

Thanksgiving dinner. Photo by Adam VanGerpen

Laura and Jordan Gammon (FS 9) welcomed

their first child into this world on 5/31/18.

Station 25 showing it’s the little things that count—

even when loading hose. Photo compliments of FS 25

January 2019 • 15
 E 14 responds into a rekindle
of a commercial fire in Batt 1.

11/29/18. E 82 battles a big rig fire on the

101 freeway. Photo by Brandon Conklin

16 • January 2019
 30 acres of brush in Griffith Park on
11/9/18. LAFD Photo by Harry Garvin

Diego, son of Alex & Fina Arredondo (FPB), shows respect

for veterans during the holiday. Photo by Fina Arredondo

11/18. FF/PM Reilly taking care of business in Bell Can- US Open Surfing Champ Courtney Conlogue (left)
yon during the Woolsey Fire. Photo by Trey Glennon and team stop by FS 82. Photo compliments of FS 82

January 2019 • 17
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18 • January 2019
11/22/18. Another day of family fun on Thanks-
giving at the 88th. Photo compliments of FS 88

January 2019 • 19
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ONLINE AT: www.connellchevy.com
 Engine 15 in Westlake Village on the Woolsey Fire.

11/26/18. Took 38 FF’s to extinguish an outside 11/23/18. An early morning fire on 38th St.
fire at a house of worship. Photo by Harry Garvin in South L.A. Photo by Yvonne Griffin

January 2019 • 21
 S/T 1031A after three days on the Woolsey Fire.
Submitted by Andrew Lambert

The crew at FS 15-A enjoy a little off-duty It’s good to have friends—Orange County E-105
holiday cheer. Photo by Rob Medrano teamed up with T-26 during the recent fire storm

22 • January 2019
 Vacant house in Panorama City on
10/31/18. Photo by Kyle Andrusenki

10/28/18. E 77 handles an auto fire Two story commercial building at 8100 N San Fer-
on the 5 Fwy. Photo by Kyle Andrusenki nando Rd on 11/7/18. Photo by Kyle Andrusenki

January 2019 • 23
 TF 33 display the Lane Kemper Championship
banner. Photo by Juliet Brandolino

E 66 engaged in a firefight on the first

night of the Woolsey Fire. Photo by 564fire

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24 • January 2019
 NoHo apartment house fire on 11/18/18.
Photo by Kyle Andrusenki

Fire in an SFD in Sun Valley on 11/6/18. LF 89 on a technical rescue in Sun Valley

Photo by Kyle Andrusenki on 11/24/18. Photo by Kyle Andrusenki

January 2019 • 25
 11/13/18. E 103 responded to a well-involved
BMW in Northridge. Photo by Jacob Salzman

11/10/18. E 103 battling the Woolsey Fire.

Photo by Brandon Buckley

FS 28 “B” spending some holiday time together.

26 • January 2019
 11/23/18. A single vehicle rollover on the EB 118
FY x Porter Ranch Rd. Photo by Jacob Salzman

11/19/18. E-28, LF 96 assist in retrieving 11/24/18. An auto vs house in Granada Hills.

two people who were trapped on a lift. Photo by Leo Kaufman

January 2019 • 27
 A generous civilian donated some much needed items to E-105 Two story SFD at 252 S. June St. on
during the recent firestorms. Photo by Daniela Caesar-Roden 10/14/18. LAFD Photo by Harry Garvin

Assigned to Div “A” at the Woolsey Fire, Crew 3

shows they have the LAFD Stuff. Photo by Crew 3

28 • January 2019
With the help of generous donations, The LAFD Foundation can now LAFD’s Eric scott finds a new furry friend at the
equip all 3200 FF’s with hydration backpacks. Photo by LAFD Foundation Woolsey Fire base camp. Photo by Eric Scott

11/06/18. Retired FF Phil Weireter & his son Captain/PIO Cody Weireter
Channel 11 news. LAFD photo recognized for their service to the community. LAFD photo

11/25/18. The Fire Hogs participated in the Hollywood

Christmas Parade handing out gifts. Photo by Fire Hogs

January 2019 • 29
 Crew 3 and Cert work together to provide supplies
to FF’s and victims of the Woolsey Fire. LAFD Photo

11/18/18. BC Fields & Capt. Marc Shapiro with Congratulations to all the newly elected members of
CERT member during training. LAFD Photo UFLAC Local 112. Photo courtesy of Adam VanGerpen

30 • January 2019
 Who Says You Can’t Go Home Again?
Anyone that grew up in the Valley dur-
ing the last 40 years will remember that James
Monroe High School used to be a juggernaut of
high school sports: football, basketball, base-
ball, track and field. That was then and this is
now.
In 2011, the Monroe girls’ basketball
team won the L.A. City Championship. Since
then, the program has been saddled with finan-
cial and other issues that are hard to overcome.
There had been a revolving door of full-time
coaches, and because of the changing student
population and financial hardships now expe-
rienced by many of the player’s families, some
of the students would show up to practice ill
equipped to play basketball. Some of the girls
didn’t have the right shoes . . . or any basketball
shoes at all. To play in sanctioned tournaments,
the team has to pay an entrance fee, usually
provided by the student’s family. That has also
been a problem for many of the athletes be-
cause they just don’t have the necessary funds.
Bob Ruffino, a Monroe High School
alumnus, heard about the team’s dilemma.
Bob, who married his high school sweetheart
Joan and is a father to four daughters, retired
as an A/O from the LAFD in 2012. He initially
decided to jump in and start coaching the girl’s
JV team. After two years, he was offered the
varsity coaching job and he gladly accepted.
The Bauman Call Box
By Mark Bauman, son of retired Captain George Bauman
Dad’s fire department career spanned
a total of 34 years, from 1960 to 1994. From
1965 to 1971, he worked at the Westlake Sig-
nal Office. During that time, box alarms were
used in the metropolitan area to transmit sig-
nals that alerted the signal office of where a
fire was located. During his tenure at the com-
munications center, he found out that the call
boxes were becoming obsolete and that they
were removing them from the field when dam-
aged. Dad had an idea to get a hold of an out-
of-service call box. After checking with his
co-workers, he found out that he could get a
call box from the salvage yard across the street
from the Fire Department repair shops. It was
there that mom and dad traded a six-pack of
beer for their piece of history. That was in
1965.
The call box sat in mom and dad’s ga-
rage until 1968. When they decided to widen
their driveway, the idea of using the call box
as a center piece was born. Mom got busy re-
furbishing the call box. It was the focal point
of our driveway for 50 years. Over time, as life
happens, the finish of the call box deteriorated.
The coaching staff today includes JV coach come his mission, but he feels that this is an
Eric Yang, and freshman/sophomore coach, important job that he can’t do alone. The Mon-
Karla Cortez Rodriguez, a former Monroe bas- roe girls’ basketball program needs your help.
ketball star, and now a student at CSUN. If you would like to give to a worthy cause,
Bob’s team doesn’t have a Booster Club please donate to this program and help a re-
for fundraising and there’s no Snack Shack tired firefighter help others. To donate, go to:
parent, so he juggles all of the fundraising du- https://www.gofundme.com/629mtyg.
ties. So, when Coach Bob realized his players Coach Bob and all his players thank
needed basketball shoes, he bought them him- you all very much.
self. The school does provide team uniforms
for the girls, but they don’t have warm-up
sweat shirts or sweat pants which are desper-
ately needed. Games are sparsely attended by
family members because both parents have to
work to support their families.
While Bob enjoys his coaching duties,
he feels that this is not just something he wants
to do, he feels that this is something that he
has to do. There might not be anyone to fill the
shoes if he doesn’t. He’s there to support, pro-
tect, and guide, much like the senior firefighter
does with the rookie. He has become more than
just a coach to many of the student athletes. He
provides life lessons and advice, much like a
father would for his own daughters. You could
say that for this Monroe High grad, his life has
now come full circle.
Helping these girls with basketball and
life’s lessons has become a very important as-
pect of Bob’s life in retirement. This has be-
Recently, we talked about the call box Dad is very proud of his time with the
and decided to tackle the project—so, began LAFD. Some of his fondest memories include
the process. We stripped the paint, repaired the working at the busier stations in Los Angeles.
base, painted the call box, painted the letters He truly enjoyed the camaraderie and friend-
and brought it back to life. It was a labor of love ships he made along the way with the people
and we now have a beautifully restored piece he worked with. Dad finally retired in 1994 and
of Los Angeles City Fire Department history. also has two sons-in-law who have recently
Luckily, I was able to locate the original punch retired from the fire service. The future is
card (4173) that was used at Westlake Signal looking bright with a grandson who is a fire-
Office. This call box, with the brass ID 4173, fighter and two more grandsons who are hope-
was located at 29th Street and Normandie Ave fuls. The legacy of family in the fire service
in Los Angeles. lives on.
January 2019 • 31
GREATER ALARM STRUCTURE FIRE
Van Nuys
Photos by Adam VanGerpen

A firefighter suffered a non-life threatening injury while battling a greater alarm fire on December 2, 2018, at a two-
story commercial building in Van Nuys, where flames extended through the roof of the structure.
Firefighters dispatched at 5:12 a.m. near the Van Nuys Airport to 16141 W. Covello St. had the stubborn fire out an hour
and 54 minutes after their arrival, said Amy Bastman of the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The greater alarm blaze forced firefighters into a defensive mode, utilizing heavy streams to extinguish flames which
had extended through the roof. The fire was contained to the building of origin and there were no reported civilian injuries.

32 • January 2019
January 2019 • 33
STRUCTURE FIRE
Boyle Heights
Photos by Matt Hartman and Mike Meadows

11/27/18. Batt 11. LAFD companies battle a fully involved attached garage in the 1900 blk of Lake
Shore Ave. The fire quickly spread to the attic of the main home, however, firefighter’s quick action al-
lowed them to save the home and the life of a dog found inside the occupancy. Photos by Harry Garvin

34 • January 2019
January 2019 • 35
36 • January 2019

FF/PM Rio-Bec Hernandez
On August 31, 2017, at 1709 hours,
RA38 was dispatched non-emergency to
an incident. After the patient was assessed,
treated, and loaded into the back of the
rescue, RA38 began to transport to Kaiser
Hospital Harbor City at 1740 hours. While
enroute to the hospital, FF/PM Rio-Bec
Hernandez noticed a large loom-up a few
blocks from their location. After weighing
all of their options and knowing that their
current patient was non-emergent, RA38
decided it would be in the best interest of
the community and the Department to re-
spond to the loom-up and give a size-up to
MFC on Channel 7.
The still alarm that RA 38 came
upon would eventually turn into incident
number 1447, located at 721 N. Hawai-
ian Ave. As RA38 was pulling up to the
front of the residence and giving a size-up
to MFC, several bystanders notified them
of potentially trapped children on the sec-
ond floor. FF/PM Hernandez quickly put
on his PPE while his partner, FF/PM Rik
Lestelle, moved the RA away from the
front of the house. Hernandez then raced
down the driveway to the rear structure
that was engulfed with heavy smoke and
was met with the chaos of the fire scene.
Extremely emotional friends, family
members, and bystanders were screaming
for help, telling Hernandez that there were
trapped children on the second floor.
With little regard for his personal
safety, Hernandez entered the two-story
duplex with heavy smoke billowing out
of the second-floor window. He was met
with intense heat and heavy smoke as he
ascended the stairs, without a hose line, to
access the room where the trapped chil-
dren were reported to be. Hernandez had
to rush past the fire room at the top of the
stairs where flames were already starting
to extend into the hallway. He continued
on at extreme personal risk to himself that
went far above the normal calculated risk
of the fire service. He then was able to en-
ter the smoked filled room to search for
the trapped children.
FF/PM Hernandez found one of
the children unconscious on the floor and
quickly dragged her out of the smoke-
filled room. As he pulled the lifeless child
down the hallway, Hernandez shielded her
with his own body as he hurried past the
fire room and down the stairs. Hernandez
gently placed the girl on the ground out-
side and quickly went back up the stairs to
search for the other trapped children.
At this point, FF/PM Lestelle start-
ed assessing and treating the first victim in
the rear yard. Encountering the same hot
and smoky conditions as before, Hernan-
dez once again entered the smoked filled
room and started to search for the other
trapped children. He found another uncon-
scious child on the floor in the same room
and quickly picked him up and rushed him
down the stairs, once again using his body
to shield him from the intense flames bil-
lowing out of the fire room.
As Hernandez was bringing the
second child down the stairs, Engine 38
was making their way up the stairs with
a hose line for fire attack and to search for
the reported third trapped child.
After Lestelle assessed the first vic-
tim, he knew that she was in grave con-
dition and needed immediate transport.
With the help of another firefighter from
Engine 85, FF/PM Lestelle moved the
critically injured child to the front of the
house, and then into the back of RA38.
The non­-emergent patient from the previ-
ous incident was placed in the front seat
and RA38 immediately transported the
lifeless child to Harbor-UCLA Medical
Center.
It is not every day in our profes-
sional or personal lives that we encounter
situations that test our bravery. These two
members showed conspicuous heroism
under extreme personal risk. They brought
significant credit to the LAFD and are
directly responsible for giving those two
children a second chance at life. If any
of us are ever faced with a similar situa-
tion, I hope we will follow the example of
these two members and have the courage
to make the right decision.
For demonstrating bravery at great
personal risk, beyond a doubt and clearly
above the call of duty, FF/PM Rio Bec
Hernandez was awarded the LAFD’s
highest honor, the Medal of Valor.
January 2019 • 37
 STEPHEN RUDA, Battalion Chief 15-C VINCE MANZO, Captain II, FS 21-C

TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019 TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019

Fire Station 87 Fire Station 21

10124 Balboa Blvd, Granada Hills CA 1192 E 51st St, Los Angeles CA

0800 hrs - 1100 hrs 7:00 AM - 12 PM

Last Day Breakfast - No Cost Last Day Breakfast & Taco Bar Lunch - No Cost

All are invited! All are welcome!

JACK FRY, Captain II,

Fire Station 48-A STEPHEN RUDA, Battalion Chief 15-C

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2019 SATURDAY, MARCH 16, 2019

Torrance Redondo Beach Marriott Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral

3635 Fashion Way, Torrance CA 555 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA

Social Hour - 11:00 AM Luncheon - 12:00 PM Retirement Mass - 11:30 AM

Reception - 12:30 PM Luncheon - 1:00 PM
Buffet Lunch - $55 pp
Menu and Cost - TBD
Call FS 48 - (310) 548-7548 or Mary Fry - (951) 526-3502
mail checks to: Mary Fry - 1550 Silver Birch Lane, All are invited!
Fallbrook CA 92028. RSVP by Jan 26, 2019

Name Assigned Date Retired Date Rank, Last Assignment

Vincent L. Manzo 12/14/1980 01/31/2019 Captain II, FS 21C
Garabed Karaoglanian 03/23/1988 01/31/2019 Firefighter III, FS 97-C
Scott L. Miller 08/10/1980 12/31/2018 Captain I, FPB PAU
William M. Harris 08/10/1980 01/31/2019 Engineer, FS 80-B
Gary W. Carpenter 11/30/1990 10/01/2018 Captain I, FPB
Derek B. LeDuff 01/08/1987 02/03/2019 Fireboat Pilot, FS 49-C
Stephen J. Ruda 09/10/1978 02/02/2019 Battalion Chief, Batt 15-C
John W. Englund, Jr. 08/10/1980 01/30/2019 Firefighter III, FS 49-B
38 • January 2019
 Because the road from work to retire-
ment isn’t always the smoothest, we’re hoping
the following information will help to level out
any potholes or speed bumps.
SERVICE PENSION TIMELINE
CHECKLIST
Beginning of the year you retire – depend-
ing on your retirement date – you might want
to adjust the amount of money going into De-
ferred Compensation if you want to receive
the maximum in the year you retire. Deferred
Comp deposits can only come from payroll de-
duction. Deferred Comp contact info is listed
below.
60-90 days –Call the LAFPP DROP/Service
Pensions section at (213) 279-3100 to sched-
ule your appointment no less than 45 working
days prior to your desired DROP exit date. A
“DROP Distribution Election Request” form
will be mailed to you to elect how you would
like to receive your DROP account balance
(also available at lafpp.com).
60 days – Contact Personnel Services Section
to make an appointment. They will prepare a
“Letter of Intent” for you to sign. They will
keep a copy and you will bring your copy to
the Pension Department for their records. You
can also have a new retirement identification
photo taken. Members are encouraged to wear
their shirt
and badge for this photo. This whole process
should only take about 15 minutes. They open
from 0730 to 1500. Contact Sandy Lai at (213)
978-3765 or Sandy.Lai@lacity.org to make
your appointment.
60 days – Contact Department of Pensions for
an appointment. Scheduling it on the same day
after your visit to Personnel will make the pro-
cess much more efficient, as you will need the
Letter of Intent when you meet with Pensions.
If you have decided what you will do with your
DROP money you can fill out the form they
give you and sign it right there, avoiding hav-
ing to have the document notarized.
30-60 days – Contact Credit Union (or your
financial institution) for Automatic Deposit
of your pension check. For more information,
call (800) 231-1626 or go to https://firefighters
firstcu.org
30-60 days – Contact the Los Angeles Fire-
men’s Relief Association. They will send a
payroll deduction card for Relief Association
monthly dues deduction, a card for the LAFRA
Medical Plan (or Kaiser) deduction and the Re-
lief Association Retirement Checklist form.
Contact Member Services at memberser
vices@lafra.org or call (323) 259-5200 Ext.
222 or 223.
30-60 days – Contact UFLAC for pension
mailing. They should provide payroll de-
duction cards for dental and life insurance.
Call (800) 252-8352 for more information, or
go to www.uflac.org
30-60 days – Determine how you will receive
your DROP account balance. If you are going
to rollover all or a portion of the monies into
a qualified account, set this up with your fi-
nancial institution of choice. If you choose to
roll it into Deferred Comp, contact them and
they will provide a partially filled out form for
rollover of DROP money into Deferred Com-
pensation and various disbursal documents for
your Deferred Compensation monies. Deferred
Comp is located within the Employee Benefits
Department at City Hall: 200 N. Spring St.
Room 867, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Walk-ins
only, no appointments. They open from 0800
to 1600. For more information, call (213) 978-
1601 or visit la457.voya.com
20 days – Call Department of Pensions to
make sure they have received any documents
you sent them and to ensure everything is pro-
gressing smoothly. You can request an exit
medical through the Personnel Services Sec-
tion. If you have an existing medical problem
that could require lifetime care, there is noth-
ing you need to do at this time. If your Work
Comp doctor placed you on Permanent and/
or Stationary status, he/she should have ad-
dressed the issue of future medical care in his/
her report to your Work Comp carrier. If not,
you might want to contact the Medical Liaison
Unit and discuss your status.
If you don’t have the Relief Associa-
tion Fire Medical Plan (or LAFRA Kaiser)
or UFLAC dental insurance, you will have to
contact your respective carrier to provide a
new payroll deduction card.
Please note these guidelines are subject
to change and it is up to you to find out the cur-
rent steps and requirements directly from each
of the organizations and departments listed.
LAFPP Website References
DROP Handbook – www.lafpp.com/content/
drop-handbook
DROP Program Provisions - www.lafpp.com/
node/1904
DROP Entry Forms – www.lafpp.com/
node/1707
DROP Exit Forms – www.lafpp.com/
node/1707
Here’s to your happy and healthy retirement!
January 2019 • 39
 Firefighters must train muscles to
work together instead of individually. Isolat-
ed lifts are good for improving aesthesis, but
not ideal for firefighter fitness. From crawl-
ing around small spaces, climbing unstable
platforms, lifting people, and grabbing heavy
equipment, firefighters need to know how
to utilize their entire body to per-
form amazing feats.
40 • January 2019
“Firefighters recognize the worth of something through applica-
tion, relevance, and outcome,” said Captain Jordan Ponder of the Mil-
waukee FD. “Consequently, our emergency movement training needs
to make direct connections with the duties and responsibilities of all
firefighters.” A simple piece of equipment that makes direct connec-
tions to the field is the sandbag.
Training with sandbags is good for functional strength and
conditioning. Unlike the majority of the population, firefighters need
to challenge their bodies to be dynamic and adaptive in extreme cir-
cumstances. The instability of the sandbag promotes dynamic stability,
wakes up the nervous system, and transforms your functional workout.
Beauty of the Bag
Simplicity
One benefit of using sandbags is that they are low-tech but create
high results. You can purchase sandbags from various vendors or
make one at home for little cost. All you need is a bag and sand and
you can start your workout.
Dynamic Stability
Unlike barbells, dumbbells, or kettle bells, sandbags
have a constant shifting weight that makes the workout more
challenging. Because of this shifting weight, sandbags will
help you build dynamic stability, your body’s ability to main-
tain control when acted upon by active external stimuli.
Some popular stability workouts, like performing
squats balancing on an exercise ball, are designed to push your
body to the edge without practical function. The use of sand-
bags on the other hand, has transferable skills to be used in the
field. Pushing your body to the edge without practical purpose
is meaningless for a firefighter.
The constant external stimulus of a sandbag is simi-
lar to what a firefighter would experience out in the field, like
raising a ladder, using a saw, or lifting a person. These items
might not have a constant shifting load, but they are cumber-
some and awkward to raise and control. To control external
stimuli, you must call upon multiple muscles. Failure to do
so will create inefficiencies that will lead to injuries.
Neuromuscular Control
The constant shifting weight of the sandbag requires
your body to be adaptive, firing your nervous system to
react. This creates neuromuscular control. Captain Pon-
der said, “… our nervous system is incident command and
your movement system or body is the attack company. Communication
has to be relayed efficiently back and forth to successfully complete the
overall goal.”
Training with static and nonreactive equipment makes the body
complacent, creating dull signals between the nervous system and the Here are some exercises to create a full-body functional sandbag
rest of the body. Creating this neuromuscular control will make your workout:
body adaptive to external stimuli and prevent injury in the field. • Bear Hug Squat
• Sandbag Shouldering
Strength • Clean and Press
Training with a sandbag will promote strong legs, shoulders, and • Overhead Walking Lunge
back, all the major muscles needed for firefighter fitness. The uncon- • Windmill
ventional movements performed while using a sandbag promote good • Sandbag Get Up
hip and shoulder mobility, preventing injury in the field. Another major
benefit is that it will build your grip strength. To build an iron grip, hold Performing exercises like these will create a resilient, adaptive
the sides of the bag instead of the handles when possible. body ready for the field.

Bag Basics Make Your Own Dirt Cheap Sandbags

You can do traditional lifts like deadlifts, squats, and presses
with a sandbag, but you won’t be utilizing its full benefit. The benefit of
the bag is the constant shifting load, so perform movements that chal-
lenge your body to stabilize the bag. Matthew Palfrey of the Sandbag
Fitness Blog advises that to get the most out of his sandbag workouts
“means lots of overhead work and utilizing a range of different grip
positions.”
Sandbags don’t have to be expensive. All you need are
bags of sand, some trash bags and heavy tape. To pro-
mote longevity of the sandbag, place it inside a canvas
bag with sewn handles to prevent ripping and a good
zipper to prevent dust.
• Step #1: Wrap the sandbag inside the trash bag. Use the whole 50 lb bag or dump
some out.
• Step #2: Wrap tape all around the trash bag
• Step #3: Put it all inside an old duffel bag or backpack

Bear Hug Squat Clean and Press

Shouldering Windmill Get Up

January 2019 • 41
 The Merit Scholar Awards
are made possible through
the Jean Perkins Foundation,
of up to $30,000 ($7,500 per
year while studies continue).
To be eligible, a student must
be the child or stepchild of an
active or fallen LAFD sworn
employee. The student must
be a high school senior or col-
lege freshman, enrolled in the
fall as a full-time student in an
accredited college or universi-
ty. The scholarships are award-
ed on the basis of merit. The
most important factor is aca- Left to right: Dick Barrett - LAFD Merit Scholarship Fund, Brady Sedillos,
demic achievement, but other Abigail Sedellos, Simone Decker, Teagan Wasserman, Chief Ralph M. Terrazas

relevant criteria, including
personal character and extra-
curricular accomplishments,
are considered.
The 2018 LAFD Merit Scholar Award
recipients are Simone Decker; Abigail Sedillos
and Brady Sedillos; and Teagan Wasserman.
This year’s seven Runner-Up award
winners each received a one-time grant of
$5,000. They are Mia Aguilar, Seth Aguilar,
Nina Hernandez, Angelina Maldonado, Dela-
nie McKeon, Derek Rueda, Anna Vidovich and
Taylor Wasserman.
The winner of this year’s “Best Es-
say” award of $2,500, sponsored by the LAFD
Foundation, is an impressive repeat winner,
Nina Hernandez.
42 • January 2019
We would like to thank James Car-
roll III and Joe Connolly, Executive Board
members of the Jean Perkins Foundation and
the LAFD Merit Scholarship Fund’s Board of
Directors, Dick Barrett, John Anglin, G. Louis
Graziadio III, Vicky Leck, Tom Mizo, Robert
Nicholas and Molly Taylor for their dedication
and support. We are also grateful to the LAFD
Sertoma Club, the UFLAC, LAFD Historical
Society, the LA Firefighter’s Association, and
the Stentorians.
MERIT SCHOLAR AWARD
RECIPIENT BIOS
Simone Decker is a senior from Quartz
Hill High School and is the daughter of FF/PM
Dieter Decker (FS 75). She will be attending
George Washington University, majoring in
Political Science. Simone has volunteered with
the Union Rescue Mission and the Children’s
Department at Barnes and Noble. Simone is
involved with the Interfaith Youth Leadership
Initiative that promotes religious tolerance and
serves as the LA Chapter Secretary. Simone
has interned for Assemblyman Tom Lackey
and with Congressman Steve Knight. She is
currently Social Media Commissioner for the
QHHS ASB, Cheer Squad Captain, Multicul-
tural Club, and a member of Key Club. Sim-
one is a member of the National Society of
High School Scholars and was selected for the
Award of Excellence from the National Acad-
emy of Future Scientists and Technologists.
She received Academic Excellence awards af-
ter receiving all “A” grades in honors/advanced
courses. Simone graduates with a 4.9 GPA.
Abigail Sedillos is a senior from Palos
Verdes Peninsula High School and the daugh-
ter of Captain I Leonard Sedillos (FS 80). Ab-
bie will be attending Northeastern University,
Boston, double majoring in Environmental
Studies and Political Science on the Pre-Law
track. She is dedicated to community service
and actively volunteers at the National Char-
ity League, and also a Blue Jacket, assisting
the Torrance Memorial Medical Center. Abbie
has received the Gold Presidential Volunteer
Service Award and the Ticktocked Service
Award for volunteering. Abbie has participat-
ed in the following PVPHS clubs: Link Crew,
PLUS Leadership, Teen Court and Principal’s
Advisory Council. Abbie’s awards include Na-
tional Hispanic Scholar, Sociedad Honoraria
Hispanica, National Honor Society, Science
National Honor Society, California Scholar-
ship Federation, and AP Scholar with Honors.
Abbie graduates with a 4.7 GPA.
Brady Sedillos is a senior from Palos
Verdes Peninsula High School and the son of
Captain I Leonard Sedillos (FS 80). Brady will
be attending Brown University, majoring in Bi-
ological Sciences on the Pre-Med track. Brady
is a Blue Jacket and a NOVA volunteer at Tor-
rance Memorial Medical Center where he
served as the VP and Social Chair of NOVA.
Brady is a jury member of Teen Court, Peer
Leadership Uniting Students, Model United
Nations Team Under-Secretary-General of
Logistics. Brady is a co-founder/VP of the Go
Toberman School Club, a Game of Thrones
fan club. Brady’s awards and honors include:
Model United Nations Conference Awards,
National Hispanic Scholar, National Honor
Society, Science and Math National Honor So-
ciety, and California Scholarship Federation.
Brady graduates with a 4.8 GPA.
Tegan Wasserman is a senior from
Edison High School (EHS) and the daughter of
FF/PM Curt Wasserman (FS 99). Teagan will
be attending Wagner College, in the five-year
advanced Physician Assistant program. Tea-
gan is currently the secretary of EHS’s Make a
Wish Club. In 2015, Teagan won Best Scientific
Invention in Edison’s World Fair and continues
to volunteer in EHS’s Innovation Lab. Teagan
is a volunteer at Fountain Valley Regional Hos-
pital, helping in multiple areas. Tegan is a wa-
ter safety instructor at Aquatots, working with
kids with disabilities. Teagan has participated
in the Modeled United Nations conference in
Greece. Teagan also mentors freshman taking
MUN Geography courses. Teagan was the CIF
Sports Conference and the OCAD Women in
Sports Conference Representative for Edison
Women’s Soccer. Teagan is the recipient of Ed-
ison Character Coalition Award Perseverance
winner 2017. Teagan graduates with a 4.6 GPA.

What Is The...
Extinguisher Fund?
The brain child of Ted Bailie, retired from the LAFD and LAFRA, your station’s Ex-
tinguisher Fund is a simple way to collect donations for the Widows, Orphans and
Disabled Firemen’s Fund. Ted saw the accumulation of change that the cook dumped
into the mess fund box each shift and had a better idea. If this change was instead
collected for the WODFF he figured it could really add up. With an average of 50 cents
per day per station, in a year there would be . . . well, you can do the math!
So take your turn in the cooking rotation and remember to drop all your change into
your station’s extinguisher. There should be one in every firehouse. And any loose
change in your pockets, any that you find in the TV chairs, or hoarded in the “ashtray”
of your vehicle can be thrown in for good measure.
The Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund is the heart of the Relief Associa-
tion. This fund provides assistance to our firefighters and families who are faced with
personal difficulties and tragedies. Donations are the sole means of support for this
Fund.
Firefighters risk their lives to protect the community on a daily basis. Thus, they and
their families can be comforted in knowing that the “Fire Department Family,” sup-
ported by the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund, is there for them in times
of need.

January 2019 • 43
 One of my fondest childhood memories heavy objects around the properties, filling in
is one of playing in a big pile of sand with my planters with dirt, or simply moving rocks to a
bright yellow Tonka toy bulldozer. So, imagine requested area. They also purchase up to 60-
how excited I got when I found out I was going 70 salvaged cars a year from Pick-a-Part, and
to do a story on the LAFD tractor unit. Offi- transport them to assist In-service Training’s
cially known as the Wildland Fuel Manage- need for props for their extrication classes. An-
ment Unit, it was originally called the LAFD other important service they provide is the ex-
Mountain Patrol. Started in 1924 to improve cavation of multiple training holes so that the
the fire safety in the hillside communities of six USAR task forces throughout the city can
the city, the unit employed both sworn person- perform mandatory training. This requires the
nel and a cadre of civilians that worked out of tractors to safely dig several Olympic swim-
Fire Station 109 and 108. At that time their
primary goal was to build fire roads, maintain
trails, install drains, and repair the fire road
gates.
Today’s Wildland Fuel Management
Unit does all of the above and so much more—
and with less personnel. A typical company
consists of a swamper, who refuels, maintains,
and keeps the tractor on task; a heavy equip-
ment boss, who assures the overall safety of the
operation; and a tractor operator, no descrip-
tion necessary.
Where are these members assigned?
Supervised by B/C Jeff Dapper, the unit falls
under the umbrella of the Disaster Response
Section that also includes the Swift Water, Ur-
ban Search and Rescue, and the FEMA TF-1
Team. There are currently seven members as-
signed to the Fuel Management Unit. Two of
the firefighters are assigned to a 4/10 schedule.
F/F Wes Schroeder is situated in a trailer on
the grounds of Fire Station 88. He runs the
day-to-day operations of the unit, schedul-
ing, receiving assignments, and executing the
requests received. F/F Paul Wingate is tasked
with running the Crew 3 Team that operates
out of Fire Station 84. The remaining five
members: F/F Andy Carter, F/F Randy Glancy,
F/F Sergio Mayorga, F/F Evan Beckman, and
F/F Brian Carr, work platoon duty and are as-
signed to Fire Station 109. When not working
with the tractors, they do double duty on the
800 series ambulance.
What are some of the other respon-
sibilities of the Wildland Fuel Management
Unit? Well, to start, they assist with fire sta-
tion construction projects, such as moving

44 • January 2019
ming pool size holes, maintain them during the
training period, and then unceremoniously fill
the holes in.
In addition to all of the training and
preventative work required of the crew, they
are also called upon to fight fire—the dozer
way. Using the heavy front blade of their Cat-
erpillar D-8 bulldozer, the three-person team
creates wide fire breaks in an attempt to stop
fast moving brush fires. They also do structure
fires, assisting in firefighting and overhaul op-
erations in large structures where the fire load
is too heavy to move by hand or where condi-
tions are too dangerous for firefighters to enter
without the protective cage of the tractor. All
of this is accomplished with an assortment of
heavy machinery they have at their disposal:
Bulldozers, track loaders, a CAT IT 28, which
can work like a forklift, and, a back hoe. They
also have a dump truck, but according to the
team, what they really need is an excavator.
At one fire, they had to borrow one from L.A.
County Fire to battle a wharf fire at the port of
L.A. They used the heavy piece of machinery
to bust away layers of concrete and asphalt that
covered a wooden pier structure that was on
fire—thanks County! F/F Schroeder, a 15-year
veteran of the department, mentioned to me
that another much needed piece of equipment
that would benefit the unit would be the pur-
chase of two Caterpillar D-6 bulldozers that
would allow them to operate more effectively
throughout the United States and would also
allow them to facilitate much needed training
to keep members proficient at their job.
Bulldozers are not the only thing these
members move down the road. The unit is also
responsible for getting our members and equip-
ment from point A to point B when deployed
in the TF-1 configuration. Driving a tractor
trailer, they are able to move large amounts of
equipment around the country in short order,
recently as far as Virginia in preparation for
hurricane relief. They also do more locally-
based relief work, such as their deployment in
Montecito, California where they comman-
deered a backhoe to search in the mudflow for
missing people.
The fact is that fire season in California
is becoming a year-round event with the need
to be more proactive in mitigating the dangers
of the spread of wildfires and also what may
come from the aftermath of such disasters. The
Wildland Fuel Management Unit is an impor-
tant part of this equation that not only helps
prevent these disasters from happening in the
first place but also carries the heavy load when
they do.
January 2019 • 45
 On Saturday, November 24, 2018, the annual Turkey Burner
Doubles Handball Tournament was held at Los Caballeros Sports Vil-
lage. This event is hosted by LAFD Handball and the United States
Handball Association as a fundraiser to support local youth handball
and the First Ace Fund. There were five divisions with 43 teams compet-
ing.
LAFD Handball was represented well with members competing
in the finals in the top three categories. Sergio Guzman (FS-50) and Pro
Qualifier John Wayne Cortez attempted to defend their 2017 title in the
“Caliente Division.” They were up against the father and son team of
current World Professional Handball (WPH) #8 Armando Ortiz Jr. and
Armando Ortiz Sr. It came down to a very exciting final, but Ortiz the
duo had too much firepower.
The “Hot Division” featured an all LAFD final with the A/O’s
from Fire Station 66 Trevor Insley and Alex Garcia, meeting Chris
Yokoyama (Quality Assurance Unit) and Roy Harvey (FPB). Both of
these undefeated teams emerged from a 12-team field to play an evenly
matched final game. Insley and Garcia scored the final six points, com-
ing from behind 15-18 to win 21-18.
John Libby Jr. (FS-80) and John Libby Sr. competed in the
“Warm Division” (also known as the Sandbagger Division) and made it
through to the finals before falling to civilians Larry Barunda and Greg
Tomasian.
This tournament provides a great opportunity for LAFD players
to compete against the best and develop relationships in the Southern
California Handball Community. It is always a great day of handball,
food, drinks, and fun! Winners received embroidered warmup jackets Armando Ortiz Sr., Ormando Ortiz Jr., John Libby Jr., John Libby Sr.
and handball gloves from sponsor Owen Gloves.

Sergio Guzman, Armando Ortiz Sr., Armando Ortiz Sr., John Wayne Cortez Trevor Insley, Alex Garcia, Roy Harvey, Christopher Yokoyama

46 • January 2019
 On December 2nd, the busiest firehouse in the nation held its
annual “Skid Row” handball tournament. This is the longest ongoing
tournament in the LAFD. Past and present members from the Wine-O
Nine-O showed up for a day of handball and camaraderie.
Retired Capt I Don Paone and retired B/C Mike Bowers defeated
Ian Moore (9-C) and Daniel Stalie (9-C) to take home the trophy in
the “Little Class” division. In the “No Class” division, Capt Paone and
Bryan Dominguez (73-A) defeated Elliot Ibanez (9-C) and retired Capt
II Joe Holguin.
Fire Station 9 would like to thank everyone who attended and a
special thank you to the City Employees Club for sponsoring the tourna-
ment. See you next year!

ision ision
one win No Class div win Little Class div
Dominguez and Pa Paone and Bowers
January 2019 • 47
 MEMBERS
Michael Mercado, Engineer.
Appointed November 24, 1962.
Retired on a service pension July 14, 1991 from FS 8-A.
Passed away November 7, 2018.

Robert G. Berg, Captain.

Appointed December 19, 1955.
Retired on a service pension August 1, 1976 from FS 14-C.
Passed away November 14, 2018.

Tyre N. Wood, Firefighter III.

Appointed February 20, 1960.
Retired on a disability pension April 29, 1996 from 44-C.
Passed away November 20, 2018.

John A. White, Captain II.

Appointed September 23, 1957.
Retired on a disability pension March 21, 2002 from FS 47-A.
Passed away November 24, 2018.

James R. Norman, Fire Inspector II.

Appointed December 19, 1955.
Retired on a service pension July 3, 1976 from Fire Prevention.
Passed away November 28, 2018.

Chester B. Port, Captain.

Appointed June 27, 1959.
Retired on a service pension July 8, 1984 from FS 85-C.
Passed away December 4, 2018.

James R. Klatt, Firefighter II.

Appointed November 24, 1962.
Retired on a disability pension January 23, 1984 from FS 95-C.
Passed away December 8, 2018.

FAMILY
Nancy Bourlier McMahon, spouse of John M. McMahon, passed away October 31, 2018.
Aletta E. O’Hanlon, surviving spouse of Lawrence D. O’Hanlon, passed away November 11, 2018.
Nanette J. Frierson, spouse of Keith A. Frierson, passed away November 13, 2018.
Maxine S. Harris, surviving spouse of Jerva D. Harris, passed away November 15, 2018.
Carole M. Rojo, surviving spouse of Reynaldo T. Rojo, passed away November 23, 2018.
Yvonne Burns, spouse of Edward A. Burns, passed away November 23, 2018.
Mary F. Luth, surviving spouse of Thomas O. Luth, passed away December 1, 2018.
Betsy Petersen, surviving spouse of John S. Petersen, passed away December 9, 2018.

48 • January 2019

Los Angeles City firefighters might be
the best trained first responders in the nation.
Being the best, however, can come at a high
price. Along with the shining reputation is the
dim reality of the job: long hours away from
home, hectic training schedules, and the day-
to-day dangers of the job. And although most
firefighters won’t admit it, there is one more
danger inherent to their job that even they re-
main ill-equipped to deal with—stress.
WHAT IS STRESS?
Stress is a silent danger. Too much
stress, too often, can reduce performance and
impact your health. It can also take a severe
toll on a first responder’s family, which can
then bring about its own serious consequenc-
es. Work-related stress among firefighters and
their families can add to a sometimes already
overwhelming burden on a marriage or family
relationship and this can carry back over to the
station and result in impairment for firefight-
ers to perform their job in a safe and effective
manner.
Simply put, stress is about your attitude
and perception. You can choose to bring two
attitudes to a situation: a positive attitude or a
negative attitude. You can change your life by
changing your attitude. Perception is how we
personally process and interpret the events in
our lives. The main reason some people cope
with stress better than others has to do, to some
extent, with perception. How you perceive or
view a situation is everything. It’s not the situ-
ation that generates your stress; it’s the mean-
ing you place on tion and practical ideas to mitigate stress in
the situation. Some order to stress less or balance out the stress in
common symptoms your life and career.
of stress include: The term “stress less” is not a vague
emotional effects, term without meaning or thought. Quite the
such as depression, contrary. The term specifically refers to: being
irritability, and prepared for stress, increasing your tolerance
hopelessness; physi- to stress, and practicing stress-minimizing ac-
cal effects, such as tivities on a daily basis. The first step toward
diarrhea, ulcers, in- balancing your stress is to learn how to recog-
creased blood pres- nize the signs of stress. The second is to take
sure, insomnia, and the proper steps to replenish and care for your-
heart attacks; and self by adopting positive lifestyle habits.
social effects, such
as isolating oneself, MAINTAIN AND USE PERSONAL
emotional detach- RESOURCES
ment, suspicious- Everyone needs a strong social support
ness, cynicism, in- network, such as family, friends, clergy, or a
creased sick days, professional counselor. People from your com-
and suicide. munity are in the best position to recognize
According to your unique signs of stress. In other words, this
Krystle Madrid, Fire support group will likely tell you when you
Psychologist of the LAFD Behavioral Health look a wreck or seem overwhelmed.
Program, “We all experience stress from time
to time. While stress is a response, burnout AVOID CHEMICAL FIXES
is the accumulation of excessive stressors Using alcohol to relax, sleeping pills
over time. Burnouts occur when we feel over- to sleep, or other forms of medication to cope
whelmed and unable to meet constant de- with stress will not reduce stress in the long
mands. It is a cycle of negative emotions and run. These types of chemical fixes can lead to
withdrawal resulting from investing too much dependence, adding a host of new problems.
emotionally or physically without doing any- Chemical intake impairs your judgement and
thing to restore yourself. Burnout doesn’t go ability to truly cope with stress.
away after a few weeks unless you make some
changes in your life. If you do notice that you GET REGULAR EXERCISE
have been acting out of character lately then it Exercise is a great way to counter
may be time to start assessing your work-life stress stored in your body. One study showed
balance or speaking to a professional.” that 60 percent of clinically depressed people
who took a brisk 30-minute walk or jog at least
STRESS LESS three times a week were no longer depressed
Stress management programs are a step after 16 weeks. Add movement to your life;
in the right direction, but firefighters must be movement is essential for optimal health.
proactive with their own stress management.
To do this, you must be armed with informa- GET ENOUGH SLEEP
Too little sleep will make any adult act
like a tall two-year-old. Inadequate sleep will
take its toll on your motivation, energy, and at-
titude. Adequate sleep will allow you to better
cope with stress.
Being a Los Angeles City firefighter is,
and always will be, a tough and stressful job. In
this ever-changing, politically-charged world,
there appears to be even more severe sources
of stress for us. Firefighters are not fireproof
when it comes to stress, but they can take steps
to balance their life and, in turn, reduce their
stress.
January 2019 • 49

LAFRA,
Please accept this donation for the
Widows. Orphans, & Disabled Firefighter’s
Fund. I would like to acknowledge the Los An-
geles Fire Department Chief Officers Associa-
tion who bestowed this gift upon me, in lieu of
the traditional gold watch, on the occasion of
my retirement.
Regards,
Charles S. Butler
Riverside, CA
Dear Marlene,
Hope this finds you and everyone else
in good health. Where has the year gone?
Please put this donation in the Widows, Or-
phans, and Disabled Firefighter’s Fund in
memory of Mike Brumbaugh.
Thank you so much!
Christine Brumbaugh
WODFF,
Please accept this donation to the Wid-
ows, Orphans, and Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
in memory of my husband, William S. Plum-
lee. He passed away October 11, 2018. He will
surely be missed.
Sincerely,
Lorene J. Plumlee
LAFRA
Please accept this donation to the Wid-
ows, Orphans, and Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
50 • January 2019
LAFRA-
I have known John White for many
years, but one time stands out above all the
times that John was there to help guys on the
Department. It was when we were able to help
him. I was the floor captain at OCD when I got
a phone call from a frantic and shaken John
White. He and Jane were on their way home
from Hume Lake and had just been notified by
their daughter that she had been involved in
a serious traffic accident on the I-15 between
Las Vegas and Barstow. She and her kids were
all transported to Loma Linda Medical Cen-
ter, which for John was seven plus hours away.
He asked if there was anything we could do
to help and I told him I would get back to him
in memory of Deane Wickstrom. Deane and
soon, just keep driving. I had my wife go down
I worked together at old 61’s for a number of
to Loma Linda to be with John’s daughter for
years. It was a once in a lifetime career assign-
comfort and started a chaplain on the way.
ment that most firemen have if they’re lucky.
Most important we were able to get air ops to
We all meshed together and had great times on
fly up and pick up both of them and fly them to
and off the job. He was a heck of a good fire-
be with their family. This was one time that the
man.
LAFD was able to give back to John and Jane
Sincerely,
for all that they had given to it.
Norman AKA Bob L. Stephens
Jim Littlefield
Lake Havasu City, AZ
Wrightwood, CA
Dear Andy,
LAFRA-
Please accept this donation to the
John White was a longtime friend. John
WODFF in memory of Sam Diannitto and
was one of the strongest men on the LAFD. If
George Fischer. Sam worked so hard for all of
you ever finger wrestled with him or threw lad-
us as a pension commissioner. After all these
ders you’d be impressed. He could not only pop
years, it’s hard to find words of thanks. Then
up a 20’ straight up by the bottom rungs, but
there was George who seemed to be every-
also the 24’ straight. When we had Fireman’s
where people needed help. Famous for the Fire
Night a Disneyland, he would entertain my
& Police Olympics, and his flying ability as a
kids while waiting in line to get in. John spent
mechanic and pilot. How about you Andy. Did
a lot of time helping others, very unselfishly.
you get an honor flight yet?
He came to my shop to get old leaf springs to
fabricate sheet metal cutters for FD’s in Mex-
Your friend,
ico. John’s passing is the loss of a good man,
Harry Morck
firefighter and friend. I just talked with him
Helendale, CA
at the firefighter luncheon on the 6th, as usual
he greeted me “Hey 10 Bears” and then with
his bear hug. Rest in Peace my friend, you will
LAFRA,
missed and remembered.
Please accept this donation in memory
Bob “10 Bears’ Munoa
of Vernon “Bruce” Larson. Bruce was a re-
Temecula, CA
markable person and we will always be grate-
ful for his friendship.
LAFRA
Yours,
Harold & Janeen Fliegner
Please accept this donation to the
Wrightwood, CA
WODFF in memory of Mel Leydecker. When
Mel arrived at FS 26-A, I was a fireman on
the “B” shift. On 4/13/75, I made engineer
and had to move on after 10 memorable years.
On 8/15/76, an opening occurred at FS 26-A
and I jumped at the opportunity to return and
work for one of the finest captains I’ve ever
been around. Mel had a very energetic crew in
those days, both on the fire ground and around
quarters. I never heard him raise his voice, and
he maintained control because of the respect
we had for him. When Bob Degenfelder was
building his new house, Mel was the one who
made the phone calls and kept a master calen-
dar full of names so that there was a full crew
available on our days off to pound nails. Mel
Leydecker—Eagle Scout, Army Veteran, col-
lege grad, explorer post leader, battalion chief,
Protect Those
and family man. I was so fortunate to be ex-
posed to the leadership that Mel brought to this with Special Needs
department. Gone but never forgotten.

Best regards,
Firefighter Justin Mendence set up a special needs trust to ensure his
Bill & Pam Finn son and entire family is taken care of in the best manner possible.
Granada Hills, Calif
“You want to think everybody’s going to take care of your kid because
LAFRA

Please accept this donation to the

If I handwrite a will,
everybody loves him, but unless you have a plan in place…you’re planning
to fail. Leaving it to chance is not in me and my wife’s vocabulary.”

isn’t that good enough?

WODFF in memory of William (Bill) Plum-
lee, a good friend & fireman for over 70 years.
We started our fire department career at FS
A Special Needs Trust Helps You:
41 in West Hollywood and worked there for
several years until promotions moved us on.
• Set up long-term funding for living expenses & care
Bill was one of three generations to serve the
LAFD: His dad Ike, his brother Jack, and his
• Determine who will be the primary caregiver
son Bruce, all served with the LAFD. Bruce
also had a son on a fire department in Orange
• Create an advisory group of experts to help caregivers make
County and one of his daughters is married to sound decisions
a retired LAFD Capt. So, you can see the fire
service runs deep in his blood stream. Along • Ensure your child’s assets are protected & well-managed
with being a good fireman and engineer, he
was a good all-around builder and mechanic, • Ensure your child maintains eligibility for special services
building several homes, and at one time keep-
ing a 1937 Ford 60 HD automobile running—
“I sleep a little bit easier at night knowing that my son is set up for his
no easy task. Our families became very good
friends and we spent a lot of time together entire life,” Justin said.
away from the job. Our children also became
good friends and attended Poly High together.
So, you can see the fire service was a big part
of the Plumlee family. Bill was a man’s man,
always ready to help others and with a great
smile and laugh. He will be missed

Sincerely,
Dan Downen Whether you care for a child or adult with special needs or not,
Woodland Hills, CA 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 or calling (323) 259-5217.
January 2019 • 51
 Donations to Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund - December 2018

ANTONETTE C. RAYCRAFT NANCY MYERS in memory of James Mullen ROBERT MCMASTER

JERRY HUTCHINSON RICHARD RUSH in memory of Jack Grieve SHIRLEY MISER in memory of Billy Miser

MICHAEL ARTHUR CAROLE TASHMAN in memory of LEA MOISE KLEINMAN

Charles “Bud” Debenham
GARY T. SHELFORD KRISTEN MURRAY
LEIGH ADEL-ARNOLD
KIRK P. BINGHAM from the KATHERINE MYERS
Retired Firefighters’ Breakfast GREGORY ALPER
TERRI MYERSON
BRUCE W. PLUMLEE in memory of JOHN & MARGARET BENTZ in memory of
Bill Plumlee Gerald McHale SHIRA NACHSHON

ROBERT J. DE FEO in memory of GARY BOWIE in memory of John White REBEKAH NEIL
Lowell Johnson & Gerald McHale
DENISE BOYLAN CHERYL OKAMOTO in memory of
PLEDGELING FOUNDATION Robert G. Berg
REBECCA BURNETT
FIRE STATION NO. 21 from the JHANSI PAPUDESI
Fire Extinguisher Fund MICHELLE CANTOR
JOAN PICCIONI
THOMAS J. RICCARD AMY CARPENTER in honor of Dan McDermott
MICHELLE RAMSUNDAR
DANIEL J. KEMP in memory of Bruce Blackwell CHRIS CARSON in honor of Gene Bednarchik
MARIO RIVAS
AZIZA BRHAN LOUISE CASEY
DANIEL ROSENBERG
ROGER G. GILLIS in memory of KALEIGH CLIFFORD
Lowell Johnson AMY SANKOWSKI
BROOKE COE
ROGER G. GILLIS in memory of Jim O’Neill, CHERYL SAPHOS
Jim Mullen, & Dean Cathey BRYAN DAVIDSON
FRED SCHOR
COWEN SERVICES COMPANY LLC LESLEE FELDMAN in honor of Dan McDermott
ERIKA SCHULTZ
SUZETTE SHEEHAN C/O DAVID FORD in memory of Bruce Blackwell
NETWORKING PLUS TERRY SHAVER
ROBERT & DIANA FRIEDMAN
ROBERT A. FITCH in memory of ROSE SNOW in honor of Rhett Male
Howard Dunford NICOLE FRUSTERE
ROSE SNOW in honor of Lori Male
VERONICA B. CHAVEZ TERI GALLUS in memory of Wendy Cummings
ROSE SNOW in honor of Richard Male
LON F. ROBERTS KARYN GROSS in honor of Gerry & Patty Malais
ALEXANDRA SPESSOT
ROBERT D. BASSETT in memory of PETER HABIB in honor of Dave Habib
Bruce Blackwell JOHN SPOKES
JAMES & MARIE HAWORTH in memory of
SHARON LEXAU in memory of Gerald McHale Gerald McHale JODHI TARR

WILLIAM C. ROBINSON TRUSTEE in memory ANDREW HERZOG in honor of Grigsby Family ALEXIS TAYLOR
of Bruce Blackwell
WENDY HILTON in memory of Eugene Hilton KATHERINE UBUNGEN
WILLIAM C. JOHNSON in memory of Milt Joffe
KRISTA HOLYAK CHARLIE VAN GILDER
WILLIAM C. ROBINSON in memory of
Jake Dunham RYAN HOPPEL JAMES WATKIN

DOAK S. SMITH CINDY KANZLEITER BARBARA YOUNG in memory of Tom Young

MELANIE ALLEN in memory of Glenn Allen CYNTHIA LEWIS ARDALAN YOUSEFI

JULIE CROGHAN in memory of Fred Croghan
CARMEL GARDNER
TIM LARSON in memory of Elsworth Almany
GERRY & GIRLEN MCCLANAHAN in memory FIRE STATION NO. 10 from the
of Nick & Jan Baumgartner Fire Extinguisher Fund
WALKER MCGINLEY in honor of
Mike McGinley

52 • January 2019

LAFD HISTORY – “On the Waterfront: New Power for the “Scott”
By Bill Dahquist, Pilot, Fireboat 2 “C”
Fireman’s Grapevine, August 1978
Frank’s Note: Bill Dahlquist has been retired
for many years and has been our restoration
supervisor on the Boat. Our great volunteers
have been working on the restoration of Old
Fireboat No. 2 “The Ralph J. Scott”, since
it came out of the water in 2003. They have
logged in thousands of volunteer hours. Now
we are a year or less of finishing the project
when the Boat will be ready for display to the
public. We have some issues to deal with this
year about its permanent location, but we will
prevail! This boat is a National Historic Land-
mark and deserves to be on display in an ap-
propriate setting for all to see.
My story for this month is about one of
the many upgrades the fireboat has undergone
to keep it in service for 78 years in the Port of
LA. This story is about the engines that propel
the boat, pump water and provide auxiliary
services.
“New Power for the Scott”
The completion of a three-year up-
grading program for Fireboat 2 has provided
this venerable dreadnaught with a tremendous
improvement in performance and safety. Over
the years, the thought of packing 2,156 gallons
of gasoline to waterfront fires has never been
comforting to the men assigned to this float-
ing fire department, but that is a thing of the
past now, as a result of the outstanding efforts
of the shops, the mechanics, and a handful of
dedicated fire personnel.
The program consisted of six major
points:
1. Replacement of seven engines over 30
years old.
2. Conversion from gasoline to diesel
fuel.
3. Installation of main drive
transmissions.
4. Conversion of water level wet exhaust
to high level dry exhaust systems.
5. Noise level reduction through
installation of mufflers and sound
proofing materials.
Submitted by Frank Borden • Director of Operations, LAFDHS
6. Improved intercommunication system
between pilot house, engine room and
deck stations.
When work began on this project back
in 1975, it was estimated that it would take
about five years to complete, however, as of
July 28, 1978, exactly three years since the first
engine was removed, the work is 98% com-
plete.
The words ”changing an engine” roll
easily off the tongue, but the actual work nec-
essary to accomplish this action was long and
involved. Hatches, heavy deck structures, and
the engine room ladder had to be removed, as
well as several other systems and structures
including the “quiet room,” a sound insulated
engineer’s station located in the engine room.
After the old engine was dismantled and re-
moved, these structures all had to be replaced
only to be removed again when the dismantled
new engine was ready to install one piece at a
time, then replace the structure when the new
engine was ready. Of course, all the engine
beds had to be prepared and altered to accom-
modate the new engines. Five thousand pounds
of ballast had to be brought aboard to keep the
vessel trim and then moved with each major
weight change.
Throw in modifications to the fuel,
electrical, air induction, pneumatic, hydraulic,
and fresh & salt water cooling systems, multi-
ply all this times seven, and the immensity of
Pilot Bill Dahlquist (left) and Engineer Paul
McLaughlin (right) checking the wiring diagram.
the project becomes apparent.
Even more remarkable was the fact that
Boat 2 was on duty during the entire overhaul.
This period encompassed numerous events,
including the Sansinena tanker fire. During
one six hour wharf fire, a pump engine was
suspended by chains as the boat swept up and
down the wharf throughout the day.
Boat 2 was originally powered with
seven 350 hp, six cylinder in line Winton en-
gines. These were replaced in the late forties
with five 275 hp six cylinder in line Hall Scotts
and two 625 hp, V – 12 Hall Scotts. The new
diesel engines feature three 380 hp 6 cylinder
in line Cummins, two 525 hp V-12, 2 cycle De-
troits and two 700 hp, V-12 Cummins.
The conversion to diesel fuel repre-
sents a major improvement in safety, economy,
and dependability through the elimination of
the more hazardous gasoline. The new twin
disc 3.5:1 reduction main drive transmissions
provide for greater stopping power, replacing
thirty year old planetary types which were
restricted to 1000 rpm in reverse and occasion-
ally slipped at critical moments.
For many years, the crews on Boat
2 have been subjected to a heavy barrage of
noise and exhaust gases due to the water level
unmufflered wet system formerly in use. This
has been replaced by a high level dry exhaust
system fully mufflered and heat and sound
insulated. The three inch insulation around
Mechanics Bob Farrier (left) and Ken Bacon
(right) check mounting on new engine.
January 2019 • 53
each underdeck muffler and pipe consists of
an 11/2” layer of heavy fiber glass mat, a thin
layer of lead sheeting, and another 11/2” layer
of glass and an air-ball outer covering. The
nine stacks range in size from 31/2” to 8” and
are made of thin wall aluminum to increase
stability.
Tremendous credit must be given to all
the people involved in this challenging pro-
gram: to retired Jim Cosgrove, to Bob Finn,
Clarence Blain, Bob Berg, George Jordan
and all the staff at Supply and Maintenance;
to mechanics Kenny Bacon and Bob Farrier
whose high level of craftsmanship guaranteed
success.; to sheet metal men Carlos Pena and Mark Howell and Gordon Briggs working around
Jim Araki; to electricians Lyle Anderson and the stern on the upper part of the hull.

Fireboat 2 engine room in 1945 showing two of This is the fireboat engine room as it looks today. Not all engines are seen in the
the engines. They are two V-12’s. photo. Nine beautiful engines and the original Byron Jackson pumps from 1925.

Carlos Pena (left and Jim Araki (right) install

new exhaust system.

Bill Pickens and blacksmith Larry Boyd; to the

men of Fire Station 112 on all platoons; and
especially to the dedicated marine engineers
assigned to Boat 2. These engineers represent a
long line of diligent workers who have labored
long hours to keep our fireboats constantly
ready for action. They have never really re-
ceived the credit due them for their sacrificial
contributions to the Department.
An outstanding performer for 50 years,
Fireboat 2 has been greatly enhanced by these
improvements. With 3774 horse power, she can
thunder out 16,668 gallons of water per minute
and still have power to maneuver. She bristles
with some of the biggest guns in the fire ser-
vice (up to a 6” tip”). Her 100 foot length slices
through the water at 14 knots. With her heavy
streams, great pumping capacity, numerous
backup systems, underwharf nozzles, thrust-
ers, tower turret, lift basket, foam, CO2, lights,
blowers and miscellaneous equipment, she
ranks as one of the most versatile and modern
fireboats to be found anywhere in the world,
Her hull is sound, her hardware is new and
sophisticated and she is capable of providing
the constantly expanding Port of Los Angeles
with a high level of protection for many years
to come.
Franks note: With the upgrades recommended
by Captain Warner Lawrence completed and
with the new engines, the Boat was able to
serve the Port for nearly 78 years helping to
make it a National Historic Landmark.
Old Fireboat 2 Artifact Donation
We recently received the donation of
two major artifacts that were part of the origi-
nal equipment of Fireboat 2 from the 1920’s,
They are a pump telegraph system that the cap-
tain would signal the engineer in the engine
room what pressure to pump. Through much
research to identify the telegraph and receiver.
We first knew they from Boat 2 because of an
old F175 tag indicating the shop number 28
(yes, Boat 2’s shop number). Talking to retired
Pump telegraph from Fireboat 2 used by the Captain
on deck to signal the Engineer in the engine room.
The telegraph was used in the 1920’s and 30’s.
Fireboat Pilots Frank Baker and Bill Dahlquist
we determined that the telegraph used by the
Captain was located on deck behind the pilot
house and the receiver was located on the for-
ward bulkhead in the engine room. We found
the old photo of the engine room from Bill’s
archives that shows it there.
These items are of great historic signif-
icance and we are very grateful for the dona-
tion. They will certainly be placed in a promi-
nent place to display in the future.

54 • January 2019
 The telegraph receiver in the engine room. The Engi-
neer could see the indicator pointing to the desired
The engine room with the original Winton engines. You can see the telegraph receiver mounted on the bulkhead.
pressure and make the appropriate adjustments.

Frank’s Note: An appeal from our Board of The LAFD Historical Society is a non- LAFDHS 2019 Calendar of Events
Directors and our volunteers: profit organization, with a Board of Directors
elected by the LAFDHS membership to set the January
WANTED: MORE VOLUNTEERS!!!! course and guide the organization toward com- • LAFDHS Volunteer of the Year 2018 Event
WHAT IS IN THE FUTURE? pleting its goals. We look forward to hearing Sun. Jan. 27
from you and seeing you at the Museum. Call
We opened the Hollywood Museum at 323 464 2727 or email us at info@lafdmuse May
Old FS 27 on October 11, 2001 and the Harbor um.org. • Pancake Breakfast & Fire Service Day, Sat.
Museum on August 13,2003.We are still oper- May 11 – Museum 27
ating both Museum, the Memorial and restor- We are reaching out for a helping hand from you.
ing Old Fireboat 2 with nearly the same core June
group of volunteers we started with more than • Retired LAFD Member Luncheon, Thu.
20 years ago. We have some really dedicated June 20 – Museum 27
people with an average age of 77 years old so • RJS Fundraiser, Sun. June 30
we need to look into the near future for re-
placements. You know about waiting for your August
replacement in the fire station when it is close • “Fleet Week” starts, RJS Open House. Fri.
to 0800 and you say where is my replacement? Aug. 30, Sat. Aug. 31
Same story - you are 80 years old or more and
you say where is my replacement in the mu-
seum? Our ability to stay open each week and
maintain our special event schedule at both January 2019
museums is dependent on the number of volun-
teer staff we have to be tour guides, help with
the maintenance, and coordinate activities. We
want to at least maintain our current schedule
and would like to expand the days we are open
at both museums and be able to accommodate
the many special events we have going on now,
which means that we need more volunteers.
Please give us a call or email and sign up for a
rewarding day at one of our Museums.
“JUST GIVE US A DAY!” is our re-
quest. The Museums are definitely “A work
in progress” and a challenge to all who are
involved to make them a world-class location.
We are sure it will give you a sense of pride
and accomplishment as a volunteer. These are
your Museums and Memorial. Think about all
you have received by being part of the history
of the LAFD. Now is the time to “Give Back”.
The museums are a place to learn about our
heritage and remember those who made the
supreme sacrifice. Be a part of it, and watch
it grow as a Hollywood and San Pedro, Los
Angeles, United States, and worldwide attrac-
tion. Closing our doors in the future is not an
option!

January 2019 • 55
 LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
November 7, 2018

CALL TO ORDER so moved. Rick Godinez seconded. There healthcare.

President Bob Steinbacher called the
meeting of the Board of Trustees of the
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
to order at 10:15a.m.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Loan Tran and Ana Salazar for their 20
Bob Steinbacher, President
Jeff Cawdrey, Vice President
Trustee Jim Duffy
Trustee Frank Aguirre
Trustee Henry Gasbarri
Trustee Tim Freeman
Trustee John Jacobsen
Trustee Mike Sailhamer
Trustee Chris Stine
Trustee Joe Vigil
Trustee Kenneth Breskin
Trustee Rick Godinez
Trustee Craig White
Trustee Gene Bednarchik
Trustee Steve Berkery
Trustee Gayle Sonoda
Trustee Danny Wu
Trustee Steve Domanski - Pension
Trustee Tim Larson – Pension
Todd Layfer - Executive Director
MEMBERS ABSENT: ballots at the LAFRA office on November
Trustee David Peters
Trustee Doak Smith – Pension
Trustee Tyler Tomich
Trustee Richard Moody
Liberty Unciano – Controller-Treasurer
INVOCATION & Flag Salute
Rick Godinez led the invocation. Craig
White led the flag salute.
RATIFICATION OF MINUTES
Bob Steinbacher entertained a motion
to ratify and approve the Board Meeting
Minutes of October 10, 2018. Steve Berkery
was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the Board
Meeting Minutes of October 10, 2018.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
1) Bob Steinbacher presented plaques to
plus years of service to LAFRA.
2) Bob Steinbacher referred to the Open
House and indicated that it was a success
in which Craig White and Bruce Galien
were this year’s honorees.
3) Bob Steinbacher provided an updated
on the Pension Department status and the
contract negotiations which were agreed
upon.
4) Bob Steinbacher informed the Board of
the L.A. Retired Fire & Police Association
Annual Holiday Celebration on December
8th at the Sportsmen’s Lodge.
VICE PRESIDENT REPORT
1) Jeff Cawdrey referred to the Election
and indicated that they will be counting
29th. He indicated that they need to clarify
the process of the election when voting for
Retirees.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
REPORT
Garth Flint and Mike Breller of Beacon
Pointe Advisors presented the 2018 3rd
Quarter Investments for LAFRA.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
1) Todd Layfer informed the Board that
he is currently working with the City
on the Employer Mandate reporting for
2) Todd Layfer reported on the Open
Enrollment and indicated that the LAFRA
Plan received 66 new members and 7
termed.
3) Todd Layfer presented the 6-month
2018 LAFRA financials for the Board’s
review.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
REPORT
Frank Aguirre presented the following
motions.
The committee recommends and I so
move to pay the usual and customary bills
in the amount of $979,480.29. There was
no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the usual and
customary bills in the amount of
$979,480.29.
The committee recommends and I so
move to approve $7,000 in start-up funds
for the Buzzard Bait Ride. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve $7,000 in
start-up funds for the Buzzard Bait Ride.
MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT
Frank Aguirre presented the following
motion.
The committee recommends and I so
move to accept the applications to the
Medical Plan. There was no discussion
and no objections.
Motion carried to accept all applications
to the Medical Plan.
The committee recommends and I so move

56 • January 2019
to approve all the medical bills totaling
$771,484.98. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to approve all the medical
bills totaling $771,484.98.
The committee recommends and I so
move to send all initial disabled dependent
appeals for dependents over the age
threshold not considered a permanent
disability or considered disabled by
Medicare to MRIoA for review. There was
no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to send all initial disabled
dependent appeals for dependents
over the age threshold not considered
a permanent disability or considered
disabled by Medicare to MRIoA for
review.
RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT
Steve Berkery presented the following
motion.
The committee recommends and I so
move to pay:
The Sick & Injury benefits in the amount
of $29,105.08
The Estate Planning benefit in the amount
of $3,575
The Life & Accident Death Withdrawal in
the amount of $3,069
The Relief Death Benefits in the amount
of $45,000
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the above Relief
benefits.
Steve Berkery read the names of members
who recently passed and asked for a
moment of silence from the Board.
MEMORIALS
Freeman K. Dierlam
Norman M. Schultz
Ray L. Merriett
William Plumlee
Nicholas S. Baumgartner
Forrest K. Weaver
Gregory L. Meliota
Ronald C. Derby
Wallace B. Hasha
ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
Steve Berkery presented the following
motions.
The committee recommends and I so move
to accept the donations in the amount of
$19,474.54 to the Widows, Orphans &
Disabled Firemen’s Fund. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to accept the donations in
the amount of $19,474.54 to the Widows,
Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
The committee recommends and I so
move to approve the financial assistance
applications for surviving spouses, active
and retired members. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the financial
assistance applications for surviving
spouses, active and retired members.
ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE
REPORT
The committee recommends and I so
move to advance funds for both active and
retired members. There was no discussion
or objections.
Motion carried to advance funds for
both active and retired members.
GRAPEVINE COMMITTEE
REPORT
Danny Wu indicated that Dave Wagner
was going to place a “To Do” list in the
Grapevine at the beginning of the year to
remind members of their wellness benefit,
task plan, payroll deductions, updating
their beneficiaries, long-term care with
the LAFRA Medical Plan and retirement
planning.
MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT
REPORT
Rick Godinez provided an update on the
Marketing & Development efforts with the
Eternal Flame Society and the receiving
of a soft pledge from an anonymous donor.
He indicated that they are working on
teams for the L.A. Marathon and have
raised $8,000 for the WODFF.
SETTING OF DATES
1) Buzzard Bait Ride – January 18 – 20
2) Hook & Ladder – March 16th
3) St. Baldrick’s – March 30th
RETIREMENT DINNERS
1) Andrew P. Fox – Wednesday, November
7th C @ The Odyssey Restaurant (White)
2) Jack Fry – Saturday, February 9th B
@ Torrance Redondo Beach Marriott
(Godinez)
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board entered into Executive Session
at 11:47 a.m.
The Board adjourned from Executive
Session at 12:20 p.m.
Member updates were discussed during
Executive Session. No actions were taken.
ADJOURNMENT
Bob Steinbacher entertained a motion
to adjourn. John Jacobsen so moved.
Frank Aguirre seconded. There was no
discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to adjourn. The Board
of Trustees meeting adjourned at 12:21
p.m.
Bob Steinbacher, President
January 2019 • 57
 CLASSIFIEDS
For advertising information, please contact:
Eric Santiago - (323) 259-5231 - eric@lafra.org
MERCHANDISE
FOR SALE
2007 WINNEBAGO/ITASCA
MH 34H. 350 Caterpillar, MH
Allison 3000 6 speed on a
Freightliner chassis. One owner,
non-smoker, 77,500 miles,
transferrable extended war-
ranty. Full body paint, always
covered. New cover included.
Many extras, 2, 130 watt solar
panels, 2 TV’s, Direct TV auto
satellite locator. All service
records along with oil sample
records every year since new.
$78,500 OBO. Located in La
Habra, CA. Must sell do to
medical reasons. Roy Francis
562-5051413 email:
royfrancis73@yahoo.com
2012 KAWASAKI NINJA 650.
Red, 1960 miles. $5500. Chris-
tian (310) 548-3671.
REAL ESTATE
FOR SALE
UNIQUE 20 ACRE PROPERTY
suited for private estate between
Los Angeles and San Diego on
the Reagan Ranch properties.
Twenty minutes from Tem-
ecula Wine Country, you will find
privacy and beauty. Located in
Tenaja Valley, enjoy miles of hik-
ing and equestrian trails, groves
of oak trees and seasonal
running streams. On a water
table, so well-ready. Excellent
retirement property with multiple
options.Contact LAFD Engineer
Chad Logan (562)537-9644
BEAUTIFUL 3200+ S.F. HOME
on 2-1/2 S. Whidbey Island WA
acres. (360)341-2234. MLS#
1346788
SERVICES
ARE YOU LOOKING TO
BUY, SELL, INVEST IN A
HOME?  Call me, Diana Fuen-
tes, Realtor® and wife to Fire
58 • January 2019
Captain 56A at 661.373.6569,
dianafuentesrealtor.com,
diana@nchal.com. I also
specialize in Probate Sales.  A
generous donation, at close of
escrow to Adopt-A-Station.
Cal-BRE License 01794244.
BUSY BEAVER TREE AND
LANDSCAPE. Tree trimming
and removal, stumpgrinding, and
firewood sales. Mixed firewood,
eucalyptus and oak. Delivery
available or pick up. Licensed
and insured. Dwayne Kastor, FS
63-B - (818) 535-6368.
CALI+HI PHOTOGRAPHY
Weddings, Family, Maternity,
Newborns Lifestyle + Portrait
Photography
CALIHIPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Contact:
calihi@calihiphotography.com
Follow on Instagram:
@ calihi_photography
LAFD FIRE FAMILY
CRAIG SANFORD HEATING &
AIR - Free estimates, residen-
tial, commercial. Great rates for
LAFD and LAPD. Toll free (877)
891-1414, (661) 298-3070, FAX
(661) 298-3069. State License
No. 527114
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
MANAGEMENT: Introducing
My Deferred Compensation
Manager® AL HEWITT, INC., a
FEE-ONLY Financial Planning
and Investment Management
Firm, offers Comprehensive
Deferred Compensation Man-
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Money Managers. Personalized
portfolio selection and ongoing
management of your deferred
compensation assets. Invest-
ment Management of other
retirement and non-retirement
assets is also available. We
charge a fixed flat advisory
fee to manage your deferred
compensation plan. We do NOT
charge a percentage of assets
under management. (800) 573-
4829. www.ALHEWITT.com
EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT TuckerMackenzie@rocket
SOLUTIONS, (ERS INC.) mail.com
We are a professional planning
organization that specializes in WINDOWS & PATIO DOORS
“tax-free” and secure retirement - vinyl replacement windows
plan strategies which allow the & Patio doors. I also carry
public to benefit from competent aluminum, wood and entry door
and ethical financial planning. systems. Rick Brandelli, Capt.
We have offices in Palos Verdes LACoFD, FS 8-C (800) 667-
and Simi Valley, California. Call 6676. www.GeeWindows.com
Todd Ford (424) 772-6050 or fax
(424) 242-0002 or email:
todd@toddcford.com
VACATION
RENTALS
FIRE FAMILY ESTATE SALES
BIG BEAR CABIN. 2 bedroom,
– Call us when a loved one
2 bath, 2 story. Sleeps 6-8.
passes, moves to a nursing facil-
About 6 miles from ski slopes
ity or downsizes. Our profession-
& lake. Fireplace/wood, cable,
al staff can handle every aspect
full kitchen - furnished. $100
of estate liquidation. We have
per night M - Th. $110 per night
worked with many fire families
F-Sun. Weekly available. Sheri
and are here to help. Rebecca
(909) 851-1094 or (760) 948-
Martin, (818) 216-3637
2844.
www.firefamilyestatesales.
com
BIG BEAR - Beautiful decked
2 story cabin. 2 bedroom, 1
FRANCHISORS WANT TO
bath. Sleeps six. Pets OK. Near
PARTNER WITH FIREFIGHT-
lake, slopes, shopping. Fire-
ERS. Have you considered own-
place/wood, cable/WiFi. Fully
ing a franchise? Most brands
furnished except linens. Winter
offer 1st Responder and Veteran
$120/$700. Summer $110/$600.
discounts. Let me help you sort
2 night minimum. Call Donna/
through the options for free! The
Beep (760)723-1475.
franchisor pays me. I’m the son
www.schaffercabin.com
and grandson of LAFD, Army
veteran and multi-unit franchi-
BIG BEAR LAKE’S FINEST-
see. andy@thefranchisecon
Deluxe lakeside townhouse,
sultingcompany.com
2 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 cable
TVs, HBO, DVD, WiFi, 2 wood
GARAGE DOOR INSTALLA-
burning fireplaces, laundry room,
TION & SERVICE. Garage
tennis court, indoor pool, sauna,
doors and openers. Need to
spa, boat dock. Fully equipped,
replace your broken springs?
including all linens. Sleeps 6.
or does your door need repair,
310-541-8311 or nmbigbear@
even replaced? We do it all from
gmail.com
new product to repairing old.
Call (661) 860-4563 Grassroots
BULLHEAD CITY, AZ. Home for
Garage Doors, Inc. Lic# 950020.
rent with river access, 15 min-
Son of 35 year veteran fireman.
utes to casinos. Google search
airbnb 17558148 for pictures
IT’S TAX TIME AGAIN! Spe-
and more info. Call for Grape-
cializing in Firefighter and Para-
vine rates. Contact Lewis Smith
medic Returns, Electronic Filing
112-B (310)261-0894
available, year round bookkeep-
ing and accounting, business
CATALINA BEACH COTTAGE
and partnership returns, payroll.
- 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, one block
All computerized processing
to beach, view, fully equipped
with over 30 years experience.
housekeeping unit. Marci (818)
Call early for an appointment
347-6783 or Clarence (310) 510-
around your schedule. Robert
2721.
Sanchez LAFD-OCD retired
(818) 367-7017, cell (818) 216-
CATALINA CONDO - HAM-
1040.
ILTON COVE. Ocean front, 1
bed, 1 1/2 bath, sleeps 4. Steps
MACKENZIE TUCKER HOUSE
to beach, pool, gym, putting
SITTING & PET SITTER. Short
course, tennis and more. Newly
or extended stays. For Reserva-
refurbished, fully equipped.
tions, call (661)703-7154
Includes golf cart, WiFi. Contact
Bart @ (310) 510-0190. Ham-
iltoncove.com. Ask for “LAFD
8-89” discount. Owner active
LAFD.
COEUR D’ALENE IDAHO
Lakeside Resort Town. 1909
Vintage Vacation Home walking
distance to lake and downtown
entertainment. Sleeps 12 with
5 Bed-2 Ba, 3000 sq ft Fully
Furnished including Hot Tub.
Winter, Summer, Spring or Fall
easily accessible from Spokane
Airport. www.vacasa.com/unit.
php?UnitID=11928
http://www.vacasa.com/unit.
php?UnitID=11928
LAFD Family Owned
JUNE LAKE CABIN - 2BR/2BA
cabin with Carson Peak
view. Close to fishing & ski-
ing. Furnished, wood deck,
equipped kitchen, wood burning
stove, tree swing, cable /DVD/
phone. Garage/ample parking.
$100/night plus cleaning fee.
Email for pictures. Jeff Easton
LAFD retired (805) 217-5602.
junebound@gmail.com
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 neighbor-
hood. No pets. No smoking.
Snowbird rates. Call Mike (661)
510-6246
LAKE HAVASU LANDING-
WATERFRONT, steps to the
water. Boat mooring out front,
off-road desert behind house.
3 bed/3 bath, fully furnished w/
linens. Direct TV/DVR, BBQ,
Casino, Grocery/Meat Market,
Launch Ramp, Marina with Boat
House, Gated Community. No
pets/smoking. $350 Dan Cook
(310) 418-1577.
LAKE HAVASU HOME FOR
RENT- 3 BED/2 BATH, Fur-
nished Modern Home, Sleeps 9.
2 Car Garage, Covered Boat
Parking . Laundry, BBQ, TVs,
Cable. Quiet Cul-De-Sac Street.
3 miles to London Bridge,
located near Golf Course. Lake
View. No pets, No Smoking.
Summer/Winter/Snowbird/
Holiday Rates. Cleaning Fee in-
cluded. Call John (323)449-4473
LAKE HAVASU LANDING
RESORT. 3 bedroom, 2 bath,
waterfront house, boat, moor-
ing out front, fully furnished,
laundry, gas BBQ, launch ramp,
gated community, grocery
store, hardware store. No pets,
no smoking. Email Kathy at
scarkj@yahoo.com or call
(760) 858-4470
LARGE LAKE HAVASU HOME
FOR RENT – 5 bedroom, 3
bath, 2900 sqft home with ame-
nities & pool that easily sleeps
14+ people. Centrally located,
1 mile from the lake, close to
downtown shops and restau-
rants. Check out home at
https://www.vrbo.
com/4648549ha
Call Julie 818-268-7906 for spe-
cial firefighter family rates.
LAKE HAVASU LANDING RE-
SORT BEACHFRONT HOME
with boat mooring. Swim, ski
or fish from front yard. 4 bed/2
bath, fully furnished. DirectTV/
DVD/WiFi, pool table, laundry,
BBQ. Gated community with ca-
sino, groceries, marina, launch
ramp and off-road trails. No
pets, no smoking. $350 Bowen/
Garner email:
havasulanding27@gmail.com
LAKE NACIMIENTO. Oak
Shores gated community. 3
bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, large loft.
3minute drive to main marina in
Oak Shores. Large flat driveway.
Fully equipped kitchen, BBQ,
washer/dryer, TV/DVD. No
cable. No pets/smoking. $225/
night. $150 cleaning fee. 3 night
minimum. Call Ben (805) 444-
2264.
LAKE MOHAVE / BULLHEAD
CITY. 4 bedroom, 3 full bathroom,
2200 sq/ft Located in private
community w/ private marina and
launch ramp. Directly across from
the river, backs to large park with
grass. Fully equipped kitchen,
BBQ, Washer/Dryer, TV/DVD. No
cable. No pets, No Smoking. Call
Kevin (805) 279-2430
MAMMOTH - 1 bedroom Sum-
mit condo, sleeps 6. Convenient
underground garage parking. Ja-
cuzzis, gym (pool/tennis in sum-
mertime), shuttle right outside!
Across from Eagle Lodge, Win-
ter $110 per night, Summer $80
per night plus $65 cleaning fee
and 13% tax. All linens included.
Drew or Nancy Oliphant (661)
513-2000 or mammoth241@
aol.com
MAMMOTH CONDO - 2 bdrm,
2 bath, 2 TV’s, phone, garage,
pool, jacuzzi, fully furnished - ex-
ept linens. Near shuttle/chair 15.
Winter $125/night. Weekends
and Holidays $110 midweek.
Summer $95/night. $495/week.
No smoking. No pets. Jim John-
son (818) 992-7564, FS 80C.
MAMMOTH CONDO- SEA-
SONS 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.
MAMMOTH CONDO Cozy 2
bedrooms, 2 bath. Fully fur-
nished, WIFI, 3 TV’s, pool, spa,
walk to shuttle, Old Mammoth
area. Winter $115, Summer
$90, plus cleaning fee $139 and
14% city tax. Includes linens. No
smoking. Call (310) 540-4648.
MAMMOTH CONDO NEXT TO
THE GONDOLA VILLAGE –
Fully furnished, three bedroom,
two bath with towels and linens,
internet cable TV, pool and
Jacuzzi. Walk to the gondola,
shops, restaurants and ski in on
the new comeback trail. Park-
ing at the front door. 2018/19
RATES: Winter: $275/night.
Summer $175/night. Holidays
$325/night. Cleaning is included.
Mike Whitehouse, Retired,
email: btkwhitey@yahoo.com or
Bruce Galien, Retired, 661-645-
7448, email: luvbaja2@aol.com
MAMMOTH CONDO. 2 bed-
room & large loft, 3 full baths,
sleeps 8. 5 minute walk to Can-
yon Lodge. Fully furnished, TVs,
VCR/DVD, pool, spa, rec room,
sauna, linens included. Winter
$175 weekdays, $195-week-
ends/holidays; summer $125,
plus cleaning. No smoking; no
pets. Craig Yoder (909) 948-
3659.
MAMMOTH CONDO AT MAM-
MOTH 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, Sum-
mer $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. Updated
2 bedroom 1 bath old mammoth/
eagle lodge area. Sleeps 6. Fully
equipped kitchen, wifi, pool, spa,
laundry. Walk to restaurants,
bars, stores, park and trolly.
Winter $150 summer $130 plus
cleaning fee, holiday rates vary,
multiple night discounts. No
pets.Contact Will Nevins 26”B”
(714) 697-2587
MAMMOTH LAKES - One
bedroom, extremely charming
wildflower condo. Full amenities,
close to shuttle. Antiques, art,
satellite TV, fireplace. Sleeps 4.
Winter $110, Summer $85 plus
cleaning fees. Call Bill Clark
(818) 371-6722
Email: shakesong@aol.com
MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET:
Studio/loft, 2 bath, king bed,
sleeps 4. Full kitchen, TV, VCR,
DVD. Garage parking. Walk to
Canyon Lodge. Ski back trail.
2 night minimum. Winter $100/
nite, $125 Fri, Sat & Holidays.
Summer $60/nite. Plus $120
cleaning & linens. Jeff & Lisa
Moir (661) 254-5788.
MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET:
Walk to Canyon Lodge. Studio
loft sleeps 4. Queen beds, full
kitchen, 2 baths, garage parking,
TV, VCR, DVD. Winter Sun-
Thurs $100.nite; Fri & Sat $115/
nite plus cleaning fee $100. Non
smoking complex. Joel Parker,
LAFD retired.
email: cat25sailor@gmail.com
or (213) 399-6534.
MAUI BEACH FRONT CONDO
ON NAPILI BAY - 50’ from
water. Studios and 1 bedroom.
Luxury furnishings + full kitchen.
All the amenities! Maui’s best
snorkeling/beach. All island
activities & Kapalua within 4
minutes. 5-day minimum, from
$150 per night (regularly $310/
January 2019 • 59
night). Call Sherrie or Bill for
info/reservations (805) 530-0007
or email: pmimaui@aol.com
or visit:
www.napilibaymaui.com
MAUI’S MOST BEAUTIFUL
BEACH - Napili Bay. Beautiful
furnished condo that sleeps 4.
Lanai/balcony, full kitchen, king
bed, flat screen TV’s/DVD, AC’s
free WiFi (internet), complimen-
tary maid service, complimen-
tary 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
to Broadway St, hockey and NFL
stadium. Contact Wayne, LAFD
@ (805) 796-7863 for availability
and price.
PALM SPRINGS- 3Bdr/3Ba
pool home with great back yard
to BBQ. Fully furnished w/WiFi,
Big screen cable TV and pool
Table. Pets Ok on gated proper-
ty. Close to Palm Springs Aerial
Tramway, Casino and Down-
town. Call property manager for
Barefoot Bungalow and ask for
seasonal pricing. Permit #3394
(760) 608-8400 / (844) 4MY-
PSVH
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Ro-
mantic Chalet Family getaway.
3 bed/2 bath plus loft. Sleeps
8–10. Cable TV, washer/dryer,
Call Shawn or Rose Agnew at
(661) 250-9907 or (661) 476-
6288.
SUNSET RANCH PALM
DESERT. 163 acre ranch
private ski lake. Perfect for
Family vacations. Ranch house
accommodates large groups.
Amenities: pool, AC, billards,
TV, fishing, pet friendly. Nearby
golf, casinos, ATV riding. Also,
Premier lodging for Coachella
music festivals. *Seasonal duck
hunting club. See website for
rates and info:
sunsetranchoasis.com
or call Nick Davidson
(424) 237-4121
VACATION
rent. Serving family and friends
for over 15 years. LAFD, LASD,
IPD, OXPD, OXFIRE, LACO,
LACITY, LACITY SKI CLUB.
Visit us at www.so-calrv.com
or call 661-297-2398 as for Jeff.
Make money with your mo-
torhomes to offset your payment.
We sub-lease RV’s.
WANTED
LOOKING FOR A RETIRED
FIREFIGHTER OR INSPECTOR
with high rise experience and a
passion for training. Part time,
$300-$700/day. Mainly So-Cal
area with possiblity of travel to
SF, CO & AZ. Certificate of Fit-
ness preferred, but not required.
Contact Olga @ Sure-Path Solu-

microwave, woodburning stove.

NASHVILLE CONDO. Two bed-
room condo, sleeps 6, in Down-
town Nashville. Walking distance
VEHICLES tions to join our fun team! (951)
277-1761 or
7 minutes to casinos and Heav- olga@surepathsolutions.net
MOTORHOMES FOR RENT.
enly. Located in Tahoe Paradise.
Several Class C’s & Class A’s for
$115 per night plus cleaning.

Deal direct with authorized Factory Dealers

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

GALPIN FORD HAMER TOYOTA, INC. HONDA OF HOLLYWOOD

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Ask for Dave Erickson­­­­­­­­­
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60 • January 2019
 Fire Station 7

1911 Engine 7 at Benefit Program for Needy Widows & Orphans Engine Company No. 7 - 328 East 24th Street - Corner Maple Avenue and Twenty-fourth St.
Driver Valencia, Engineer Hewitt, Stoker Hof Opened November 25, 1899. Land Cost: $ 1,200. Construction Cost: $ 4,660

Engine Company No. 7 - 328 East 24th Street Engine Company No. 7 - 2824 South Main Street
1915 – 1949 1949-1969. Picture Circa 1950

Present Crew Circa 2018 - 14630 Plummer Street

2015-Present

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

THE COSTCO A free benefit for

AUTO PROGRAM
Firefighters First
Credit Union

HAS ARRIVED!
members!

Benefits of the Costco Auto Buying Program

• Prearranged Costco member pricing • Network of hand selected dealerships

• Dedicated website at • A complimentary one year paid Costco Gold

firefightersfirstcu.costcoauto.com Star membership OR a $50 Costco cash card*

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Costco Cash Card; eligible non-Costco members receive a one-year Gold Star Membership. No substitutions. Not redeemable for cash. Incentive will be paid by Costco to members two months
after vehicle purchase. Costco is fully responsible for distributing all cash cards. Costco and its affiliates do not sell automobiles or negotiate individual transactions. All new cars arranged
for sale are subject to availability and a price prearranged with the participating franchised new car dealer. Certain vehicles may be excluded from the program. A participation fee has been
paid by the dealers participating in the Costco Auto Program. New Firefighters First Credit Union accounts opened are subject to our normal approval process. Programs subject to change. Federally Insured by NCUA