City Employees Club

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tate
Tickets In the S

More Discount Tickets at

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City Employees Club Store Arlene Herrero
120 W. 2nd St. (213) 225-1792
Los Angeles, CA 90012 aherrero@cityemployeesclub.com

Cheap Tickets - Insane Service - Affordable Insurance Kei

 What Station Will Be This Years Champion?

TUESDAY, MAY 2nd, 2017

8AM to approximately 4PM - B SHIFT

LOCATIONS:
Hjelte Sports Center Sepulveda Basin Sports Complex
16200 Burbank Boulevard - Encino, CA 91436 6201 Balboa Blvd. - Encino, CA 91316

$30 PER PLAYER SIGN UP AT:

includes t-shirt & lunch www.lafra.org/softballsignup

Only 32 teams can play, first come, first served!

Team registration Deadline is April 21, 2017
*Check website for game schedule starting April 26, 2017

FOOD PROVIDED BY
The LAFD BBQ Team headed by Mark Curry and Greg Pascolla

ORDER SWEATSHIRTS PROCEEDS BENEFIT YOUR

TODAY!!
HOODIES $30
CREWNECK $25
Contact Keith or Steve for details...
Additional T-Shirts $15ea.
can be purchased online
The ofcial charity of the
Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association

Keith Bandy, FS 64A (714) 745-7078 Steve Romas, FS 73B (818) 800-0486 Additional Contact: Bill Bringas, FS 23C (805) 660-7473
 36 On the cover: LA River Incident Photo by: Matthew C. Hartman

Inset LAFD photo by: Storage Unit Fire

Sylmar - Photo by Dyan McManus

2 March 2017
 VOL. XCIII MARCH 2017 NO. 7

FEATURES
20th Annual Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
Event organizers Mike Reitmayer and Doug Weber invoked
divine intervention to stop the rains and provide perfect
conditions for this years romp in the desert .............................06

Crystal Flame Community Service Award

Working as first responders and serving the community
go hand in hand for LAFD members. But Capt Danny Wu
goes above and beyond with St. Baldricks and
Big Brothers & Sisters ...........................................................41

LAFRAs Newest Trustees

The Relief Association Board of Trustees is pleased to
welcome its two newest members Investigator Jim Duffy
and Inspector Gayle Sonoda .................................................09

CONTENTS
Presidents Message ..........................................................................05
Did You Know?
LAFRA provides an NIOD Sick & Injury Benefits .............................12
Battalion News ...................................................................................13
The Retired Guys ...............................................................................35
Department in Action ............................................................................36
Retirement Dinner Announcements ...................................................39
LAFD Handball
2016 Singles Tournament ...............................................................42
Station Fridge .......................................................................................46
Improved Body Scan Benefit
No out-of-pocket for Medical Plan members ...................................47
Mailbox ...............................................................................................48
Memorials ...........................................................................................51
LAFD History
The 1913 Brennan Hotel fire ..........................................................53
Minutes of the Board of Trustees .....................................................56
Classifieds ...........................................................................................58
Tailboard
My buddy Hank Huizinga .................................................................61

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

COPYRIGHT 2017
Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association.
No material may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

March 2017 3
 FIREMENS GRAPEVINE
owned and published by the
Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association
7470 N Figueroa Street, Los angeles CA 90041

EDITORIAL STAFF
Dave Wagner Editor..........................................................editor@lafra.org
Eric Santiago Creative Editor.....................................esantiago@lafra.org
DisplayAdvertising.........................................(323) 259-5200 ext. 231 or 232

PSOs
Margaret Stewart, Brian Humphrey, Erik Scott

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

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

LOS ANGELES FIREMENS RELIEF ASSOCIATION

Robert Steinbacher................................................President
Jeff Cawdrey ..................................................Vice-President
Andrew Kuljis ........................................................Secretary

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chris Hart Frank Aguirre Rick Godinez
Chris Stine Gayle Sonoda Steve Berkery
Craig White Gene Bednarchik Steve Ruda
Danny Wu Jim Duffy Steven Domanski
David Ortiz Joe Vigil Tim Freeman Jr.
David Peters John Jacobsen Tim Larson
Doak Smith Mike Sailhamer Tyler Tomich

SUPERVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

Barry Hedberg Jim Coburn
Dave Lowe Tom Stires

CHAPLAINS
To contact a chaplain, please call Senior Chaplain Rick Godinez at (213)
797-2404 or the MFC Floor Captain at (213) 576-8920
Greg W. Gibson...................Chaplain 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 Craig Poulson.....................Chaplain

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

HealthSCOPE Benefits
Claims & Benefit Information...................................(866) 99-LAFRA
THE FIREMENS GRAPEVINE (USPS 191-060) is published monthly by the Los Angeles Firemens
Relief Association, 7470 N Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, California 90041. Annual $36 Subscription
included with Association membership; Non-members: $36. Single issues $3 postpaid. Back issues $6
postpaid. Periodicals postage paid at Los Angeles, CA and at additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send
address changes to: THE FIREMENS GRAPEVINE Magazine, P.O. BOX 41903, Los Angeles, CA 90041.

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

4 March 2017
B
y now all Los Angeles Firemens Relief Associa-
tion members should have received their Member
Summary Report in their mailboxes. These reports
are generated from our automated FRITS system with the
information that we have on file about you. PLEASE take
the time and look it over carefully! Verify that we have the
correct information on your sheet. This year we will be
starting a new program where you can email, fax or snail-
mail your updated forms back to us. If you still have ques-
tions, contact our member service department to help you
with your issues (323) 259-5200.
Once again we will be having our Health & Wellness
Fair in April. This year we moved the event to FHMTC to
allow on-duty members working special duty assignments
in the downtown area to attend. The event will be only one
day on April 6th from 0800 until noon. This free event was
planned with you in mind - to help you and your family bet-
ter understand your medical benefits. Please RSVP at lafra.
org/healthfair or call (323) 259-5246.
Here are three important things to remember about
your Medical Plan: 1) Be vigilant, 2) understand how your
medical benefits work, and 3) stay in-network. We all need
to do everything within our power to utilize our medical
benefits correctly to avoid unwelcome surprises (bills) from
arriving in the mail. Members need to make every effort to
take control and ask the right questions.
Managing costs is important for you and for the Plan.
When making an appointment for a doctors office visit,
double-check to make sure your doctor is still contracted
in-network with Anthem Blue Cross. Hospitals, doctors,
labs, and other providers that contract in-network have
an agreement with our health plan to accept patients at an
agreed upon rate. Find an in-network provider by visiting
www.anthem.com or by contacting HealthSCOPE Benefits
(HSB) at (866) 995-2372.
Providers come in and out of the network so confirm
your doctor is still listed in-network before scheduling an
appointment. If the doctor is no longer contracted in-net-
work, consider changing to a different doctor. When plan-
ning an elective surgery, tell the scheduler it must be done
in an in-network facility with an in-network surgeon and
anesthesiologist. If you or a family member ends up in an
emergency situation, do your best to monitor your Expla-
nation of Benefits (EOBs) and contact HSB for assistance
with billing issues.
Get comfortable reading your Summary Plan De-
scription (SPD). Refer to the SPD to learn how a benefit is
covered, check to see if a copayment is due at the time of
your office visit, or find out if proof of medical necessity is
required for a particular service. You can also review your
pharmacy and vision service benefits in the SPD. Visit the
Relief website at www.lafra.org and click on Medical and
then PPO Summary Plan Document to learn more.
Please mark your calendars for these upcoming LAFRA
events:
March 18th Hook and Ladder
April 6th - LAFRA Health Fair
May 2nd - Lane Kemper Softball Classic
May 22nd-26th Pechanga Reunion
June 1st Hope for Firefighters
Be safe and be kind to each other!
Robert D. SteinTalker Steinbacher
president@lafra.org
323.259.5200
March 2017 5
 Just as Noah predicted . . . a great flood
was coming. But what he didnt predict was
that it was coming close to the weekend of the
20th Annual Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride! So
many of you naysayers said the sky is falling
and stayed home and really missed out.
But if you had followed Noah on Face-
book and Twitter, you would have known that
his disciples, Mike Reitmayer and Doug We-
ber, had the power to control the weather. Mike
and Doug called for sunshine to stop the drizzle
(read flash floods) and prepare the ground (read
deep sticky mud) for their ride. Just as they had
predicted, the dark skies turned blue, the sun
shone brightly, and the desert in Ocotillo Wells
became a perfect playground for our off road
riders. So on the day of the event no dust, trac-
tion plus, and a few mud puddles for the kids to
play in. Epic!
6 March 2017
Sunshine and traction
make the 20th annual
desert ride an epic event
This years theme was from the Pleis-
tocene Era where many pre-historic sites were
uncovered. The presence of Homoto Man
was discovered. It was discovered that this
Homoto Man invented one of the earliest
motorcycles but unfortunately it never got off
the ground because rubber tires and suspension
had not been invented yet! But what we found
out on the trail was a site that contained the ar-
tifacts of his early attempts at building a mo-
torcycle. Additional sites had bones to be dug
up, another with ancient beads and petroglyphs
where you could add your own art.
All of this added up to the raffle and si-
lent auction at the end of the day. Many prizes
were donated including condo stays in Colora-
do and Mammoth, four tickets to see Chicago,
and many others. Everyone dug deep and the
eventual winner was the LAFD Widows, Or-
phans & Disabled Firemans Fund.
Bob Steinbacher and Tim Larson came
out to represent the Firemans Relief Associa-
tion. They presented a beautiful plaque to Mike
& Sonja Reitmayer and Doug & Renee Weber
for their 20th year of the Buzzard Bait Fam-
ily Fun Ride. It is this unselfish devotion to the
LAFD, both past and present that makes Doug,
Renee, Mike and Sonja outstanding examples
of what the LAFD family represents.
See you next year RAIN OR SHINE.
 Design your own petroglyphs

Pleistocene Era artifact

Bob Steinbacher presents a 20-year plaque to the ride founders.

Ready for an epic flood

March 2017 7
 One-on-one consultations with:
AIMS & Medical Liaison Body Scan
Express Scripts Prescriptions
VSP Vision Care Live Health Online
UCLA Health Network Medicare
Center For Heart & Health
Activities and Demonstrations:
Free Massages Free Health Screenings
Exercise Tips Hands-Only-CPR
City of Hopes Match Marrow Registry
Healthy Snacks & Refreshments
Raffle & Door Prizes

RSVP/Register at lafra.org/healthfair
For info call (323) 259-5246
8 March 2017 or email: healthfair@lafra.org
 The Relief Association Board of Trustees is pleased to welcome its two newest members
Jim Duffy and Gayle Sonoda.

A
rson Investigator Jim Duffy brings a wealth of knowledge to the LAFRA Board of Trustees. He graduated from Cal in 2002 with a B.A.
in Poli Sci and Business Administration. He is currently enrolled at Cal State Long Beach where he is working on his M.S. in Emer-
gency Services Administration. He also attended the LAFDs Leadership Academy and was elected the Class Leader of Class 14-2.
When not studying or investigating fires, Duff works as a Fire Captain for the La Habra Heights Fire Department. He has been married
to Katy for more than three years, who he calls a Saint for putting up with his work and study schedule. They have an infant daughter, Regan
Elizabeth, who is the light of his life.
When not at school, the firehouse or toiling in the LAFRA board room, Duff says, you will not be able to find me, as the fam and I will
be off the grid camping, hiking, and searching for swimming holes.

ator Jim Duffy

Trustee and Investig Baby Regan Visits
the A-Unit
:

G
ayle Sonoda is LAFRAs first-ever female Trustee. She joined the LAFD in 2008 and worked as a firefighter assigned to Fire Station
57 for five years. Later she earned a Paramedic Certification and then promoted to Inspector I shortly after. Currently, she is assigned
to the Community Risk Reduction Unit in the Community Liaison Office.
Gayle earned a bachelors degree in Sports Medicine and played basketball at Chapman University. She continues to share her pas-
sion for injury prevention, and strength and conditioning through the Candidate Assistance Program.
During a co-workers recent battle with cancer, she saw first-hand the significant support provided to our member and his family by the
Relief Association. This incident gave her a real understanding of the important role the Relief plays in the lives of firefighters.
In every aspect of my life I find myself helping others, continuing to learn, meeting new people, and enjoying every moment.

:
s

by Andy Kuljis Trustee and Inspecto

Gayle was sworn in r Gayle Sonoda

ir
Were proud to have these two new and dedicated Board members available to help the Relief
continue to provide invaluable service and assistance to all of our members.
March 2017 9
10 March 2017
 FREE Health Screening for all members- regularly $40
Premium Finger Stick Panel - Includes total cholesterol, HDL, LDL,
triglycerides, glucose, blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, and BMI.

Please register at lafra.org/healthfair

AIMS and Medical Liaison Body Scan by MICSC

No out-of-pocket cost for a comprehensive abdomen,
Answers to all your Work Comp questions
heart and lung scan for LAFRA Medical PPO

UCLA Health Network Live Health Online

The UCLA Medical Group is a system of primary-care Free gift card when you register at the fair.
and specialty-care offices throughout SoCal See a doctor on your computer or mobile device

American Heart Association Ask a Pharmacist by CVS

Learn or practice Hands Only CPR with Speak to a pharmacist about your prescriptions, drug
the nations leading CPR educator interactions, or anything regarding your medications

Hand Reflexology Medicare

Discover a sense of relaxation with a free reflexology Comprehensive information about the Medicare program
hand massage. Free chair massages also available for those who are 65 or plan to be someday

Great Raffle Prizes - including a Fitbit Blaze, a revolutionary watch designed with
fitness in mind that will innovate your workout experience and help you stay active all day long.

For info call (323) 259-5246 or email: healthfair@lafra.org

March 2017 11
 LAFRA provides an
NIOD Sick & Injury Benefit
Whether active or retired,
members must be under a doc-
tors care for seven consecutive
calendar days before qualifying for
the benefit.
Retired members may
receive a daily benefit of $10 upon
proof that they have been unable
to perform any gainful occupa-
tion or duty because of a disability
caused by illness or injury. A 20-
week maximum of $1,400 total
benefits per injury or illness will
be paid.
Sick & Injury Benefit
applications are available online at
www.lafra.org/sick-injury

LAFRA provides a Life &

Accident Insurance Benefit
The Life & Accident Fund provides life insurance and a permanent disability benefit for Relief members. The coverage begins the day
you sign-up for it (you must enroll before youre off probation). Upon the death of a member in good standing, the beneficiary will receive
a $12,000 death benefit. Additional benefits include a $6,000 permanent disability benefit and a $6,000 mental disability benefit.
After 20 years of paying the assessment, you may withdraw the total amount paid, plus 7% simple interest or you can keep the benefit
in force with no further payment. Life & Accident participation requires an assessment of $5 per month ($2.50 per paycheck).

For more information about these LAFRA benefits, call (323) 259-5200 or e-mail memberservices@lafra.org.
12 March 2017
 The LAFD ensured the safety of 500,000 people at the Womens
March LA on 1/21/17. LAFD Photos by Harry Garvin

TF 9 and TF 10 after a downtown structure fire

March 2017 13
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income. A retired persons portfolio should be more geared for income versus a younger investor who
is solely focused on investment gains. What are some of the main ways you can mitigate these risks?:

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Advisor and is NOT a tax advisor or accounting firm.

14 March 2017
Companies overhaul an abandoned structure south
of DTLA on 2/1/17. Photo by Capt Dan Lievense

On 1/12/17, Swift Water and fire units responded to the

LA River near Los Feliz Bl. Photo by Matthew C. Hartman

March 2017 15
Paid Advertisement

Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association Medical Plan may cover this examination.
Contact your plan provider to verify.
16 March 2017
FS 55 teamed with MySafeLA to educate
Highland Park residents on fire safety

A Hollywood neighbor delivers a

homemade pie to the crew at FS 41

The crew at FS 49 raises a flag in memory

of Captain Dennis Mendenhall, retired

March 2017 17
 Captain II
Charles Chuck Ruddell
Wednesday, March 22, 2017 @ 12 PM Tickets are available for $36.00
per person.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Downtown Los Angeles Tables of ten are available for $350.00
120 South Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles CA 90012 NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE
DOOR (ONLY PICKED-UP)
Please RSVP to (661) 433-4679
by March 13, 2017 LIMITED SEATING

PLEASE MAKE YOUR CHECK OUT TO THE LOS ANGELES CITY FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
MAIL CHECK TO:
LAFFA, C/O GEORGE JAMES, 40755 Via Tranqilo, Palmdale CA 93551

TAX ALERT FOR FIREFIGHTERS!

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dollars in overpaid taxes...
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NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
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Phone 800-573-4829 Website www.HEWITTFINANCIAL.com
18 March 2017
 USAR 88 members attended a tunnel operations
drill by Metro LA in DTLA. Photos by Cody Weireter

Firefighters Elan Raber 83-C, Ben Arnold 98-C, Shaun Gath 39-C, Engineer Dennis Roach 72-B, A/O Mike Porper (Ret.) and FF Jake Windell (LACo)
were recognized at City Hall and the Israeli Consulate for their efforts in helping with the wildfires that swept across Israel last November.

March 2017 19
 SCHOLARSHIPS
Each year your Relief Association awards
college scholarships to member dependents.

These include:

The Leo K. Najarian Memorial Scholarship of $5,000

The Bill Goss Scholarship of $2,500

Relief Scholarship awards of $2,500

Dennis Mendenhall Memorial Scholarship of $5,000

Online application available

www.lafra.org/scholarships

Scholarship Dates & Deadlines

DEADLINE | Thursday, March 22, 2017

Application evaluation & testing

Saturday, April 8, 2017

Questions? Email: scholarship@lafra.org

20 March 2017
 TF 20 with Andre Ethier during #DodgersLoveLA tour.
Photo by Capt Dan Lievense

Freddy Escobar promoted to Captain II at FS 11-B David Duran promoted to A/O at FS 11-B

March 2017 21
 SAVE THE DATE!
Monday, May 22, 2017 @ 2PM (check-in) to Friday, May 26, 2017 @ 12PM (check-out)

ACTIVITY GUIDE
MONDAY - MAY 22nd
:: Check in & catch up with old friends
:: Reception Get-Together - Beer & Wine (Provided)
TU ESDAY - MAY 23rd
:: Pizza Dinner / Wine & Beer (Provided) - Time: 5PM
at Pechanga RV Clubhouse
:: Organization Reps at Clubhouse - 10am-4pm
THURSDAY - MAY 2 5 t h
:: Gathering at THE BUFFET at Pechanga Hotel
- Time: 6pm
$30 per person payable at the Buffet
:: Golf Journey at Pechanga - Price/Time: TBA
FRI DAY - MAY 2 6 t h
:: Check out! Till next time...

W EDNESDAY - MAY 24t h

:: Dinner / Wine & Beer (Provided) - Time: 5PM
at Pechanga RV Clubhouse
:: Organization Reps at Clubhouse - 10am-4pm
:: Wine & Brewery Tour - Time: TBA
Visit temeculacablecar.com for more info
$100 per person with lunch including tip Check out LAFRA.ORG for more details on the above.
For information email sdomanski@lafra.org

SAVE YOUR HOTEL SPOT! SAVE YOUR SPACE!

:: Pechanga Resort/Hotel reservation call (888) 732-4264 RV SPOTS AVAILABLE - RESERVE YOURS
:: For other Hotels call (323) 259-5235 by calling LAFRA (323) 259-5200

22 March 2017 RSVP to sdomanski@lafra.org after youve made your reservation.

 Bret Cartier promoted to Engineer at FS 13-B Casey Glynn promoted to A/O at FS 29-B

David Grijalva promoted to Captain I at FS 11-B Tom Macintyre promoted to Engineer at FS 6-B

March 2017 23
 THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF

THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2017 - FROM 11:30 AM TO 2:30 PM

Benefiting your

Delicious food, fun & prizes

BRING YOUR FAMILY
& FRIENDS The official charity of the
Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association

24 March 2017
For more information visit givetoahero.org/hope
CONTACT: Juliet Brandolino (323) 259-5215 jbrandolino@lafra.org
 Douglas Noonan promoted to Captain II at FS 11-A Ryan Prusa promoted to Engineer at FS 11-B

Group shot after structure fire at 1547 W Venice Bl.

ciation on 12/28/16. Photo by Yvonne Griffin

March 2017 25
 Sean Rorden promoted to Engineer at FS 6-A Alberto Vargas promoted to Captain I at FS 6-A

Structure fire at 12500 Big Tujunga Canyon Road

on 1/8/17. Photo by Rick McClure

26 March 2017
 E 91 handled an auto on Maclay Street on 2/4/17.
Photo by Rick McClure

Recycling yard fire in Sun Valley on 2/1/17.

Photo by David DeMulle

64s handles a garage on 12/24/16.

Photo by Tod Sudmeier

March 2017 27
 Structure fire at 6101 11th Ave on 1/8/17.
Photo by Yvonne Griffin

Engine 57 on an auto on 1/21/17.

Photo by Tod Sudmeier

Garage fire at 3625 W 58th Pl. on 1/8/17.

Photo by Yvonne Griffin

28 March 2017
 Physical Rescue in the 4900 block of N Cahuenga Bl.
On 1/13/17. Photos by Rick McClure

Firefighters suit up before entering commercial bldg.

with heavy smoke on 1/8/17. Photo by Rick McClure

March 2017 29
 Crew 3 responded to a tree that fell across Laurel Canyon during
the January rains. Photo by Paul Wingate, Crew 3 Foreman

Firefighters treat the driver of an auto vs building on

Lankershim Bl on 1/24/17. Photo by Mike Meadows

30 March 2017
On 1/24/17, found two vehicles burning in the garage of
an apartment house on Valerio Street. Photo by Joe Lyneis

Structure fire on 1/21/17 in the 8000 blk of

W Highland Trail. Photo by Mike Meadows

March 2017 31
 On 1/15/17, companies extricated a driver on Wilbur Ave in
Porter Ranch. Photos by Rick McClure and Adam Van Gerpen

Paid Advertisements:

32 March 2017
 Greater Alarm fire in a Beverly Grove restaurant
on 1/22/17. Photo by John Conkle

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March 2017 33
 All proceeds benefit your Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemens Fund,
34 March 2017
a 110-year-old non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated helping our LAFD families in times of crisis
 Have you noticed them plastic squares
covered with extra-large nodules, approximate-
ly 3 X 3 in size that are glued to the ground at
entrances/exits to most stores, shoppin malls
and sidewalk aprons? I had no idea what they
were for and assumed they provided some kind
of extra grip or traction for those people in
wheelchairs. Not so.
After commentin to an employee at
one of them big box stores that two of my lower
molars had shaken loose after pushin my shop-
pin cart over them bumpy pads he informed
me that theyre mandated by state law for blind
people . . . oh sorry, I mean the visually im-
paired. He continued by tellin me that they are
placed where the sidewalk or store entrance/
exit meets the pavement. So if you cant see
that youre about to walk out into traffic, the
pain that radiates through your feet by walkin
on these large bumps will, or should, cause you
to stop until the traffic passes.
But wait, theres more. A new law will
go into effect in 2017 that will force the mak-
ers of electric cars to add noise. Thats right.
Theyre too dang quiet and if a visually im-
paired person cant hear them, well, they might
step out in front of one of them contraptions.
As luck would have it I recently installed a set
of loud exhaust pipes on my Harley, so now
Im compliant with all state and federal noise
regulations.
One of the great benefits to our job was
becomin members of the Los Angeles Fire-
mens Credit Union. The name was unique too,
no doubt about it. We also worked for the best
Department in the world and our Credit Union
mirrored that fact. It was a special benefit as
well, not only because of the personalized ser-
vice but because our money was safe and se-
cure.
Paid Advertisements:
We had Doris too. She always laid out
the red carpet for us that made that personal-
ized service really come to life. And getting a
loan, whether for a house, car or RV was pretty
dang simple, almost too simple.
Fast forward a few years and things
have changed. The name is no longer special
and that personalized service is a bit worn
around the edges. Our credit union has
opened its doors to the State of California and
is soon goin to let in the rest of the country.
I know things change. Heck, Harleys
and Porsches now have water cooled engines,
but do I have to listen to them phone recordins
that tell me, Please listen carefully as our
phone options have changed, or Were ex-
perincein a heavier than usual call volume?
OK, my Credit Union Board. Wave
your magic wands and eliminate those phone
messages and simply let us talk to a real person.
COWBOY HUMOR
A fleein Taliban terror-
ist, desperate for water, was
ploddin through the Afghan
desert when he saw somethin
far off in the distance. Hopin
to find water, he hurried to-
ward the mirage, only to find
a very frail old man standin
at a small makeshift display rack, sellin ties.
The Taliban terrorist asked, Do you
have water?
The old man replied, I have no water.
Would you like to buy a tie? Theyre only $5
The Taliban shouted hysterically, Idiot
infidel. I do not need such an over-priced west-
ern adornment, I spit on your ties. I need wa-
ter!
The old man replied, Sorry, I have
none, just ties, pure silk and only $5.
Pahh! I curse your ties. I should wrap
one around your scrawny little neck and choke
the life out of you, but I must conserve my en-
ergy and find water.
Okay, said the little old man, It does
not matter that you do not want to buy a tie
from me or that you hate me, threaten my life
and call me an infidel. I will show you that I am
bigger than any of that. If you continue over
that hill to the east for about two miles, you will
find a restaurant. It has the finest food and all
the ice-cold water you need. Go in peace.
Cursin him again the desperate Taliban
staggered away over the hill.
Several hours later, he crawled back,
almost dead and gasped, They wont let me in
without a tie!
AC
KEEP SMILIN!
choppedup@att.net
Angelo Pop Ramirez is 93 years old and living with
relatives in Colorado now. He still puts on his dress uni-
form and attends fire service functions with his firefighter
grandchildren. Thanks for the update Duane!
March 2017 35
STRUCTURE FIRE
Chinatown
Photos by Rick McClure, LAFD Photos by Harry Garvin,
and Yvonne Griffin

On January 11, 2017, first arriving firefighters found a one story commercial building with smoke showing at 1417 No Main Street. It took
approximately 75 firefighters one hour to knock down the flames. The cause of the fire was under investigation by the LAFD Arson Section.

36 March 2017
 MAJOR EMERGENCY STRUCTURE FIRE
Sylmar
Photos by David DeMulle and Mike Meadows

A fire broke out in a two-story self-storage building in Sylmar and damaged seven units before being contained by 110 firefighters with no inju-
ries reported. The incident, on January 27. 2017, was reported at 10:17 a.m. in the 13000 block of Foothill Boulevard at the Nova Storage units.

March 2017 37
 Paid Advertisements:

12521 El Dorado Place,

Victorville, CA 92392
Phn: 1-800-971-4808
Fax: 1-800-971-4809
info@TriStateSigns.com

38 March 2017
 KEVIN FABIAN, FF/PM, TODD PORTER, Captain
FC & DDS Telephone Coordinator
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 2017
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2017
Rancho Vista Golf Course
Navy Golf Course - Eagles Nest 3905 Club Rancho Drive, Palmdale CA
5660 Orangewood Ave, Cypress CA
Dinner - 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Social Hour - 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Dinner - 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM $35 per person - food, drink, live music & fun
Band - 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Call or text Carrie Porter - (661) 341-7187
Buffet - $35 includes tax, tip & gift - No host bar Hotel accommodations:
Hilton Garden Inn - 1309 W Rancho Vista
Call Natalie Goshi-Forney - (213) 576-8900 Courtyard by Marriott - 530 W Rancho Vista

JOSEPH CASTRO, Chief Deputy,

Emergency Operations JACK WISE, Battalion Chief, Battalion 12

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 2017 SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2017

Brookside Golf Club Sagebrush Cantina

1133 Rosemont Avenue, Pasadena CA 23527 Calabasas Road, Calabasas CA

Social Hour - 5:30 PM Dinner - 7:00 PM Dinner: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Tex Mex Buffet - $60 includes tax, tip & gift
$55 per person
Call Battalion 12 Office - (818) 756-8612
Call Lora or Evelyn - (213) 978-6300 Casual Attire
RSVP by March 24, 2017

Recent Retirements

Daivd R. Paulin 03/22/1987 03/10/2017 Firefighter III, FS 112-B
Kevin R. Nida 05/04/1980 02/28/2017 Battalion Chief, Industrial Commercial
Thomas P. Garifo 04/16/1987 02/12/2017 Fire Inspector I, Valley Public Safety
Eduardo Mena 12/18/1983 03/31/2017 Firefighter III, MFC-C

March 2017 39
 FOR MORE INFO CONTACT LAFD CAPTAIN DANNY WU 626-590-6240 OR LAPD LIEUTENANT GREG DOYLE 818-634-6127
40 March 2017
 they were honored for the duration of their re-
lationship. Though Wus little brother is now
18 and a graduate of the program, the two con-
tinue to speak regularly, and Wu maintains his
enduring tough love.
Wus exemplary leadership with these
organizations as well as with Fire Cadet
Post 89, where he has been a co-advisor for 13
years has earned him recognition through-
out the LAFD. He won the LAFD Community
Service Award in 2011 and, earlier this year, ac-
cepted a new role as Emergency Medical Ser-
vices Captain at Operations Valley Bureau.
For Wu, community service is not about
attention or prestige. Each year, he says, he and
his LAPD St. Baldricks counterpart play rock/
paper/scissors to determine who has to speak to
the cameras. Recognition is not what motivates
him. Instead, Captain Wu merely believes in
improving peoples lives.

F
or members of the Los Angeles Fire De-
partment, working as a first responder
and serving the community go hand in
hand. So it comes as no surprise that Captain
Danny Wu, a firefighter for 16 years, is actively
involved in many community service projects,
both inside the LAFD and in his personal life.
Yet what sets Wu apart is his unwaver-
ing commitment to two projects in particular:
The LAFD/LAPD Annual St. Baldricks Event,
which raises big sums for childhood cancer,
and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los
Angeles, which provides one-to-one mentoring
to children facing adversity.
Wus connections to both reflect his
personal passions. He became involved with
St. Baldricks 13 years ago, when his captain
at the time, aware of Wus education and busi-
ness experience, asked for his help. Today, Wu
continues to lead the event simply because he
believes it is the right thing to do. This altru-
ism is what motivates Wu to wholeheartedly
devote himself to the project, pulling all-night-
ers in the days leading up to the event to ensure
everything is ready. Such commitment, paired
with support from his LAPD counterpart, has
enabled St. Baldricks continued success, with
over $1M in total funds raised.
Wus dedication to the Big Brothers Big
Sisters of Los Angeles is just as strong. A firm
believer in tough love, Wu has for 13 years
been committed to setting a positive example
for his little brother. This past spring, the two
participated in a graduation ceremony where
March 2017 41
I
t was a great turnout for all brackets that to a comfortable lead, until IAnson figured game three tie breaker and in the end Brower
represented the five divisions at the 2016 out how to return his serves. I believe the fan would pull away and win 11-10. Great games
Singles Tournament. I would like to thank award went to this match, these guys played fellas, and thanks for the hustle and show you
all that supported and participated in the tour- their hearts out all three matches. There was no two displayed.
nament. I know with AH codes and platoon easy point scored, with both of their wing span, Now the fourth match was the Mas-
duty it can be a challenge, so thank you. there was not an inch of the court that either ters Division with Joe Castro vs Eddie Marez.
The event was held at the Los Ange- of them could not get to. The match went to I would like to mention that this tournament
les Athletic Club in Downtown LA. They did
a tremendous job in catering food and drinks
throughout the day.
The first match was the D Division
which included Bobby Ward from 66-B vs
Alfonso Gonzalez from 56-B. Both gentle-
men showed up ready to play in an unknown
environment in front of a crowd of fans.
Bobby pulled away with a lead in the first match,
until Fonzy utilized his wisdom and placement
of shots to catch and win both matches. These
guys are getting better every time they get out
on the court.
Second match was between Jack Ba-
ham vs Jim Como 84s in the B Division.
This was going to be a match of strategy and
utilizations of time outs. These guys played ev-
ery point with thought and hustle. In the end
Como would pull away and win the B Divi-
sion.
Next came the C Division with
Shawn IAnson 89-A vs Kent Brower 93-C.
This match was out of control from the get
go. Brower had power serves that took him Alex Garcia & John Libby - A Finals Jim Como & Jack Baham - B Division

42 March 2017
was the last one for Castro while a sworn mem-
ber of LAFD. He retires in a few months. This
gentleman has not only mentored us LAFD
members in many ways in his day to day op-
erations but has also set a path for camaraderie
on and off duty through this sport. Handball has
been a tradition of OUR department and we are
recognized for having some of the best play-
ers around that enter tournaments off duty. Joe
has been part of the elite for many years and
continues to be top ranked. With that said this
match was watched by all to see if the skills
of Eddie can send Joe off to ride in the sunset
with a loss or a victory. The games were point
to point all the way til the end. Marez was get-
ting hot with rollouts from the back wall and
running Castro around. Joe had an answer to
all that was thrown his way by Marez. At the
end Castro would end his LAFD career on top
as he beat Marez. Thank you guys for the great
matches.
Now the A Division was the grand
finale. It would determine what we all wanted
to know who would hold the top rung of the
LAFD HANDBALL LADDER. You all may
know a gentleman by the name of John Libby
from 3-B who went up against the defend-
ing champion Alex Garcia from 66-B. Libby
has come back from a few years off, and by
the way, he has been playing so well that you
would not have guessed he has been off the
court. He held the top rung for many years in
the past and now he was shooting for it again.
Alex has been representing LAFD Handball in
tournaments all over southern California and is
improving his game in every aspect.
The first game was nose to nose the first
half, then Alex broke away with a comfortable
lead to take the win. As for the second game,
Alex jumped out to a lead right away but Libby
stood strong and chased down many shots and
showed some of his athleticism with his left
hand kill shots. At the end Alex would claim
the top rung once again for the LAFD 2016 as
the Overall HANDBALL CHAMPION.
Once again I would like to thank all of
those that participated and those that support
this tradition of the LAFD.

Shawn IAnson & Kent Brower - C Division Eddie Marez & Joe Castro - Masters Division Bobby Ward & Alfonso Gonzalez - D Division

What Is The...
Extinguisher Fund?
The brain child of Ted Bailie, retired from the LAFD and LAFRA, your stations Extinguisher Fund is a simple
way to collect donations for the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemens 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 stations extin-
guisher. 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 Firemens Fund is the heart of the Relief Association. This fund provides
assistance to our firefighters and families who are faced with personal difficulties and tragedies. 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, supported by the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemens
Fund, is there for them in times of need.

March 2017 43
 Paid Advertisement

44 March 2017
 Candlewood Country Club Tournament Results
January 30, 2017

Moorpark Country Club Tournament Results Westridge Golf Tournament Results

January 25, 2017 January 18th, 2017
Moorpark Country Club Bimonthly Tournament, January 25, 2017 - LowGross/LowNet
All PLAYER view and sort | PLAYER side game detail (skins, closest-to-the-pin, etc.)

March 2017 45
46 March 2017
 nt
me
o int h
p t
ap ril 6
S can n Ap
dy o
a Bo Fair
e t h
ak eal
n d m RA H
a AF
fo L
e t in t the
G a

T
he maximum coverage for a body scan has been increased to $700
per person. There is a limit of one scan every three years. This
benefit is for Relief PPO Medical Plan members.
LAFRA has contracted with provider Medical Imaging Center of
Southern California. If you get your body scan from MICSC, your will
receive (at no out-of-pocket expense):
MRI abdomen and pelvis scan for liver, kidneys, adrenals,
pancreas and spleen
Heart scan, including calcium score and CT coronary angiogram
Low-dose Lung CT lung cancer screening
Why is body scanning important?
Heart and lung disease are responsible for more than half of all
deaths in the United States each year. Most of these cancers progress
slowly over time causing no immediate symptoms. As a result, they are
diagnosed after symptoms have occurred. The National Cancer Institute
estimates that 3% to 35% of cancer deaths could be avoided through
screening. A body scanning can detect various cancers and common ma-
lignancies that a standard physical can miss. Discovering disease before
symptoms occur allows for more effective treatment that is less costly or
invasive
How accurate is body scanning?
Because this technology is new, results from long-term studies of
survival rates, cost-effectiveness, and patient outcomes are not available.
Experts in the field report that as many as 95% of their patients have
positive findings on their body scans. Approximately 33% of these find-
ings are clinically significant, meaning that they may cause symptoms,
require treatment, or need additional evaluation. An advantage of body
scanning is that the radiologist can precisely locate and measure disease
within the body.
The findings of a body scan can be valuable information for the
physician and patient about certain conditions that may cause future
problems, but do not indicate a more serious pathology. For example, a
kidney stone does not warrant immediate treatment, but the patient and
family physician can be aware that this stone may eventually cause pain
for the patient or require removal.
It is important to understand that a body scan should not be used
as a substitute for standard medical checkups by a primary care physi-
cian (PCP). A body scan is intended to serve as a complement to a regular
physical and to provide your PCP with a better, more complete picture
of your overall health. A clear scan is not a clean bill of health and any
new symptoms or conditions that develop after your study should be
discussed with your PCP.
Who should have a body scanning?
Body scanning is recommended for individuals over age 35, es-
pecially those at high risk for several diseases. Follow-up scanning is
recommended every 5 years. Smokers and other patients at high risk for
various diseases should consider follow-up scanning closer to every 3
years. Body scanning should not be substituted for a physical by a family
physician, but should be used as a compliment to regular medical care.
Visit micsc.com to find more about this provider or call (310)
829-9788. Consult your personal physician before undergoing health
tests. All benefits are subject to change. For questions about the Relief
PPO Medical Plan, call (866) 995-2372.

...A body scan can detect various cancers and common

malignancies that a standard physical can miss...
March 2017 47

Send your letters & comments to the editor at: editor@lafra.org
LA Firemens Relief Assn,
My family and I would like to
thank the Relief Association for the beau-
tiful flower arrangement delivered to the
Celebration of Life for my husband, Fran-
cis Gary Clinite. Also, the presenta-
tion of the flag by Battalion Chief Gene
Bednarchik was especially touching. Our
firefighter son, Capt. Mike Clinite with
San Luis Obispo Fire Dept. and grandson,
Firefighter Jake Clinite with Ceres Fire
Dept. were deeply moved also. Chief Bed-
narchik caught the light-hearted mood
we wanted to convey at the Celebration
. . . that of celebrating the wonderful life
of 89 years Gary had, thirty of those with
LAFD.
Thank you again
Carolyn Clinite
Paso Robles, CA
Trustee Gene Bednarchik with Carolyn Clinite
Dear Jim & Fire Family,
Thank you very much for all the
support and compassion you showed us af-
ter our fathers [Jere Souter] passing. You
provided much needed care and advice
during a very difficult time for us. Your
48 March 2017
kindness showed us how truly special the
Los Angeles Firemans Relief Association
and the Los Angeles Fire Department are
and what a blessing it is to have these or-
ganizations available to us. Our father was
honored to be a member of this fire family.
Thank you for the beautiful plant that was
delivered to our mom and for the shadow
box with the flag that was flown over Fire
Station 51.
Please accept the donation we made
to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Fire-
mens Fund in honor of Jere Souter.
Sincerely,
Joan Souter and her children Kim,
Shawn, Misty, Rodd and Scott
LA Firemens Relief Association;
I worked with Ted (Bunky) Jimenez
at old 17s from early 1973 until he trans-
ferred. I dont know for sure where he got
his nickname, but many of us in Batt. 7 had
them, most courtesy of Tony DiDomenico.
Since Ted and I both lived in Canoga Park,
we carpooled for quite a while. The last
time I saw Ted was at a F.S 39 reunion, and
I sat with Ted, his wife, and Ron (Food Gi-
ant) Myers. We had a lot of fun at 17s, and
a few Large Fires while at The Eastside
Sensitivity Training Center.
Rick Watters
Agoura Hills. CA
LAFRA -
Scottie [Harold L. Scott] and I were in
the same LAFD class of 10/18/1969. We
worked together at Engine 22 in 1976-77
and went to many fires together. He was an
excellent firefighter and I have many good
memories of him and Engine 22.
John Ware
Dear Andy,
Please accept this donation for the
WODFF in memory of my husband, Jo-
seph O. Michell. His birthday would have
been February 18th and our family always
used to get together to celebrate this spe-
cial and momentous event.
We still get together (there are 20 of
us now) and our kids still like to reminisce
about the fun times they had at the annual
firemens BBQ in San Pedro, the exciting
evenings at Dsineyland when the park was
reserved as a private party for LAFD and
guests, and the delicious Christmas turkey
dinners that were prepared by the crew of
Fireboat #1, A shift.
The LAFD family played a signifi-
cant part in the lives of our four children
and continues to do so in the lives of our
grandchildren and great grandchildren
(still counting!)
Sincerely,
Marie Michell
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
LAFRA
Dennis [Mendenhall], you will be
missed. You were a very generous and un-
selfish individual. Your family and friends
came first. Your tireless work at the Relief
Association will and has benefited the As-
sociation and will for years to come. You
left this world a better place. Thank you
for all the years you were my friend. You
fought a brave and hard battle with more
courage and attitude then anyone would
have expected. Go in peace my friend, go
in peace.
Dave Lowe
Newbury Park, CA
LAFRA

Dennis [Mendenhall] was my

neighbor and friend. My father was on the
LAFD from 1940 to 1970 as soon as Den-
nis and I met, we always talked about the
LAFD. Dennis dad was on the LAFD too,
so he and I traded stories of being sons of a
fireman. As it turned out, Dennis son and
my son are both military helicopter pilots.
Denniss son is Navy and mine Air Force.
Well, it turned out that our sons knew each
other and worked together. Small world.
Dennis would often stop by my house
Protect Those
when I was in the garage working on my
hot rod. He was a car guy and had a very with Special Needs
pristine Porsche that I always wanted to
buy. I am a retired cop and Dennis and I Firefighter Justin Mendence set up a special needs trust to ensure his
would often talk of how it was in the old
days. Each generation has its old days son and entire family is taken care of in the best manner possible.
and talking about ours was a real treat.
Dennis fought cancer for several years and You want to think everybodys going to take care of your kid because
I have never known anyone who faced ad-
versity with the courage and positive spirit
of Dennis. I not only really liked the guy,
I had a tremendous amount of respect for
If I handwrite a will,
everybody loves him, but unless you have a plan in placeyoure planning
to fail. Leaving it to chance is not in me and my wifes vocabulary.
him. I could easily see what a strong leader
he must have been. isnt that
A Special good
Needs Trust enough?
Helps You:
RIP my friend. Set up long-term funding for living expenses & care
Neal Rein Determine who will be the primary caregiver
Westlake Village, CA
Create an advisory group of experts to help caregivers make
sound decisions
Ensure your childs assets are protected & well-managed
Ensure your child maintains eligibility for special services

I sleep a little bit easier at night knowing that my son is set up for his
entire life, Justin said.

Whether you care for a child or adult with special needs or not,
everyone should consider setting up an estate plan. Ask for a
Getting Started Kit today by emailing Relief Association
Development & Marketing Director Marlene Casillas at
March 2017 49
MCasillas@lafra.org or calling (323) 259-5217.
 Los Angeles Fire Department

r i t Scho l ar Award
M e Cash Grants Up to $20,000
($5,000 per year each year in College)

s
Who is Eligible?

An applicant must be a dependent child or step-child of an active For more information on this years awards, go to the departmen-
or fallen LAFD sworn employee and currently a high school senior tal website www.lafd.org/scholarship or contact June Andrade at
or college freshman who will be enrolled next fall as a full-time the LAFD Scholarship Fund by phone at (213) 435-6095 or by
student in an accredited four-year college or university. email at june.andrade@lacity.org.

The scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit. The The application deadline is March 31, 2017
single most important factor is academic achievement, but Get an application today!
the all-civilian Selection Committee will also consider other
relevant criteria, including personal character and extracurricular Donations can now be accepted online at
accomplishments. www.lafdscholarshipfund.org
Please share this link with family and friends.

FYI, there are two other scholarship opportunities for your consideration.
For more information, please access
Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association www.lafra.org/scholarship
and Firefighters First Credit Union www.firefightersfirstcu.org

50 March 2017
 MEMBERS
James A. Rogers, Captain II.
Appointed May 12, 1947.
Retired on a service pension May 1, 1977 from FPB-Industrial & Commercial.
Passed away January 20, 2017.

Dennis L. Mendenhall, Captain II.

Appointed April 27, 1975.
Retired on a service pension April 30, 2009 from FS 49-C.
Passed away January 21, 2017.

Verdi L. Ventling, Fireman.

Appointed July 11, 1949.
Retired on a disability pension July 1, 1972 from FS 71-C
Passed away January 22, 2017.

Emil A. Oldar, Engineer.

Appointed December 1, 1947.
Retired on a service pension June 1, 1978 from FS 48-C.
Passed away January 26, 2017.

David T. Moorman, Captain II.

Appointed October 17, 1989.
Actively on duty at FS 96-C.
Passed away February 5, 2017.

William E. Stachowiak, Engineer.

Appointed May 29, 1951.
Retired on a service pension August 1, 1977 from FS 103-C.
Passed away February 7, 2017.

FAMILY
Diane L. Willis, spouse of John K. Willis, passed away January 10, 2017.
Carole I. Irwin, spouse of Glen G. Irwin, passed away January 15, 2017.
Betty J. Vrieling, surviving spouse of Gerrit J. Vrieling, passed away January 17, 2017.
Rose E Agnew, spouse of Shawn T. Agnew, passed away January 17, 2017.
Frances R. Mc Daniel, surviving spouse of William D. Mc Daniel, passed away January 20, 2017.
Dorothy E. Fowler, surviving spouse of Arthur F. Fowler, passed away January 22, 2017.
Laura L. Kallen, surviving spouse of William C. Wakeland, passed away January 25, 2017.
Betty J. Reagan, surviving spouse of George P. Reagan, passed away January 27, 2017.
Mary E. Maloney, surviving spouse of Willard Maloney, passed away January 28, 2017.
Lois J. Present, surviving spouse of Myron Present, passed away January 30, 2017.
Florene G. Grove, surviving spouse of Clifford M. Grove, passed away February 4, 2017.

March 2017 51
 Donations to Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemens Fund
PROCEEDS FROM THE
BUZZARD BAIT FAMILY
FUN RIDE
ALFRED ROY C/O WELLS
FARGO/DAVID MILLER
KAREN B. ADLOCH in support of
William Lievense
HAROLD N. BURKHART
RICHARD T. SAKURAI
ROBERT SAURMAN from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
ROBERT J. MUNOA from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
JULIE A. APODACA from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
BRIAN K. HISHINUMA from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
MARK B. STAFFORD from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
ARNO ADLHOCH in support of
William Lievense
LEANOR HAMBLIN in memory
& honor of my husband
Charles Chuck Hamlin
MATTHEW WAROFF from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
JULIE A. APODACA from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
BRUCE E. GALIEN from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
CITY OF LOS ANGELES
KEITH STEWART from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
BRADLEY N. GROSSMAN from
the Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
SCOTT D. MITCHELL from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
TIMOTHY D. WUERFEL JR. from
the Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
BRIAN K. HISHINUMA from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
52 March 2017
January 2017
BRIAN K HISHINUMA from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
KIRK P. BINGHAM from the
Retired Firefighters Breakfast at
Mimis Restaurant on 1/4/17
CARL A. COPPA from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
RICHARD L. WATTERS in
memory of my husband
Captain Frederick Martin
GERAL M. PAIZ from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
JOHN BANTLE from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
INSTALLATION SERVICES from
the Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
LISA DI STEFANO from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
JOHN L. PECEL in memory of
Steve Bascom
SCOTT D. MITCHELL from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
BBL TRUCKING CO. from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
DAYNA TOLSON from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
ENRIQUE & ROSA MERCADO
from the Buzzard Bait Family
Fun Ride
RAY LA FONTAINE from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
FIRE STATION NO. 66 from the
Fire Extinguisher Fund
DONALD J. PAONE from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
GAYLENE MCCARTY/RONALD
KINSLOW in memory of
Gary Clinite
HARRY F. SWOPE III/
ELIZABETH PALMER in
memory of Donald L. Nollner
DONNA B. ZIEL in memory of
Steven Dixon
DOUG & GINGER DOTSON in
memory of Steven Dixon
JOHN W. POTTER in memory of
Sonia Cundy
HERBERT & SONJA GERFEN in
memory of Francis Gary Clinite
ROBERT M. DEAN from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
MARK B. STAFFORD from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
DALE M. ROBINSON from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
LAWRENCE M. FIORI from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
GERALD E. JEFFREY JR. from
the Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
KAREN WALLER from the Buzzard
Bait Family Fun Ride
ROBERT P. STOVER III from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
BRENT M. BALICH from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
LEON M. SANCHEZ from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
SHELLEY P. COOK from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
MICHAEL G. MAC INNES from
the Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
DALE J. SMITH from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
JAMES E. GILLUM from the
Simi Valley Breakfast Club
HARRY M. MORCK in memory of
Jim Sanders
GENE & CAROLYN THURMAN
in memory of Jim Leake
JOHN & CHRISTINA MCKILLIP
in memory of Tony Didomenico,
Antoinette Didomenico,
Tony Didomenico Jr.
PETER & JUDITH FELTHOUSEN
in memory of Gary Clinite
JIM & BETSY HAWKINS in
memory of Francis Gary Clinite
COLLEEN WYRICH C/O
MARY ELLEN LEAKE in
memory of James R. Leake
JERROLDENE L. OGRADY in
memory of Gary Clinite
DANIEL J. KEMP in memory of
Theodore G. Jimenez
JOANNE M. BARTHELEMY from
the Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
LEON M. SANCHEZ from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
WARREN B. WORCESTER from
the Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
FIRE STATION NO. 87 from the
Fire Extinguisher Fund
MARY A. MEDOZA in memory of
Gary Clinite
LOU ORCUTT in memory of
Harold Scott
RONALD & DOREEN ENNIS in
memory of Gary Clinite
RICHARD & LAURA
MONTAGUE in memory of
Gary Clinite
EDWARD R. DELANEY in memory
of James Sanders
HENRY C. MILLS from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
KEVIN S. ELLEDGE from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
DONALD J. PAONE from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
KAREN WALLER from the
Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
WARREN B. WORCESTER from
the Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride
DAVID A. ROWLEY III
BILL ALVAREZ in memory of
Engineer Harold L. Scott

LAFD History - Great Fires L.A. Firemen Have Fought:
Researched by FRED S. ALLEN for a
story in the Grapevine 1963
While this fire came to be known as the
Hotel Brennan fire, the fire originated and
did most of its damage in the grade floor and
basement portion occupied by the Los Angeles
Wallpaper and Paint Company.
In the January 24, 1913, issue of the
Los Angeles Examiner appeared a most dra-
matic account of this incident written by an
unknown staff writer. For the enjoyment of our
GRAPEVINE readers, the Examiner story is
reprinted just as it appeared to the citizens of
Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Examiner
January 24, 1913
Fed by paints, oils and wallpaper of the
stock of the Los Angeles Wallpaper and Paint
Company, at 529 South Main street, a fire,
discovered shortly before 2 oclock yesterday
afternoon, swept from top to bottom of the five-
story building with the fierceness of flames in
a furnace, inflicting a loss of about $100,000
and furnishing a thrilling spectacle to many
thousands of persons during the stubborn fight
which lasted till nightfall before the firemen
had conquered. The fire started in the rear
part of the ground floor of the paint companys
store, but the cause of it is not known. As soon
as Chief Eley arrived he saw the seriousness
of the menace and a second and a third alarm
followed in rapid succession, until all of the
fire companies of the central portion of the city
were massed in the struggle to keep the flames
within the four walls and save what could be
saved from the burning building.
Fire Chief Eley, but lately risen from a
sick bed, led his men with persistent courage,
forcing his way again and again into the gas-
choked basement and the first floor, until a final
venture into the death tap almost cost him his
life.
An explosion of turpentine casks had
thrown a group of firemen out through a base-
ment entrance and had covered another group
with a mass of wallpaper from shattered shelv-
ing. Immediately following the rescue of these
men, just before 5 oclock, Chief Eley, who had
already fainted twice from exertion and expo-
sure to choking fumes, made his way from the
Submitted by Frank Borden Director of Operations, LAFDHS
The Brennan Hotel
rear alley forward through the basement, de-
termined to learn personally if there were other
stocks of explosive oils that would endanger
the lives of his firemen.
Presently the absence of the chief was
noticed, and a dozen firemen began a frantic
search for him. Firemen J. Reyes of Engine
Company No.5 came upon the chief, lying un-
conscious on the basement floor. Reyes picked
Chief Eley up and carried him up a ladder
through the sidewalk door. Eley was hurried
to the Hospital of the Good Samaritan, un-
conscious and in a serious condition. He was
treated with oxygen, and after an hour recov-
ered consciousness.
J. Reyes, later retired from the LAFD as
a Captain, stated that Chief Eley tripped and
fell through an open shipping hatch into nine
feet of hot water and turpentine in the base-
ment. Reyes left his company and entered the
hot water and rescued the chief swimming to
the hatch opening where Eley was lifted out of
the water with a pike pole. Reyes himself be-
came extremely ill from inhaling the turpentine
fumes and the hot water he swallowed making
the rescue. However, he was not taken to the
hospital or listed among those treated. Accord-
ing to Capt. Reyes, as he recalls the incident,
Assistant Chief ODonnell threatened to dis-
miss Reyes for leaving his company, but Capt.
Stephen Queirolo, a natural leader during
those early days, threatened to leave the job
if Reyes was penalized for his bravery, so the
matter was dropped. Reyes received no recog-
nition for his act.)
The value of stock of the paint com-
pany is placed
at $60,000. It
is a total loss.
The furniture
of the Bren-
nan was worth
about $15,000,
and it is almost
entirely de-
stroyed by the
fire and water.
The building,
owned by Gus-
tave Brenner of
San Francisco,
is estimated to have been worth about $75,000,
and half of that is the estimate of loss. None of
the walls fell. Wings Cafe, a chop suey place,
which occupied one of the ground floor rooms
adjacent to the paint company, suffered a loss
of about $5,000.
From 2 oclock until after 6, Main street
and Fifth and Sixth streets were blocked to traf-
fic. Masses of spectators were packed against
the ropes at the street corners, and thousands
more watched the fire from the roofs of the
Kerkoff, Central, Pacific Electric, Security and
other tall buildings in the vicinity. A portion of
the matinee audience at the Burbank theater
had reached the house before the streets were
closed, and most of them sat through the play,
in ignorance of the thrilling scenes in real life
that were being enacted just on the other side
of the swinging doors. The Optic theater, next
door to the paint store, was filled with an au-
dience watching the moving pictures when the
fire was discovered. The manager announced
that an accident to the film mechanism com-
pelled a suspension of the entertainment, and
the theater was emptied without confusion.
GALLANT FIREMEN KISSED
Rehearsal was on at the Century the-
ater, just north of the burning building. The
stage was drenched with water and the rehears-
al and evening performance were abandoned.
The chorus girls, in their makeup, watched the
fire, and, in their enthusiasm over the daring
shown by the firemen, rewarded some of them
with kisses as they came out of the smoke-
filled storerooms for breathing spells. There
The Brennan Hotel Fire,1913
March 2017 53
were thrilling rescues of women in grave peril,
but the women were moving picture actresses
and the rescuers were actors with terra cotta
complexions and black, cornice-like eyebrows.
The movies man was on hand within half an
hour of the time the fire started, with camera
and company, and seizing a time when the lad-
ders in front were not in use, the brave rescuers
carried limp women down them, while the cam-
eraman worked his crank and shouted hoarse
directions. So realistic was all this that a po-
liceman was deceived and, rushing forward,
seized an apparently unconscious girl from the
arms of an actor and was rushing to an am-
bulance with her when her friends effected a
genuine rescue.
Such was and is the story of one of the
great fires Los Angeles firemen have fought.
One cannot help but observe how fire reporting
has changed!!
THIRTY FIREMEN OVERCOME
Thirty firemen were overcome tempo-
rarily by the gas inside the building. Some of
them were revived and returned to their work.
Some were taken to hospitals for treatment. A
second and then a third alarm brought all the
downtown fire apparatus to the scene. Twen-
ty lines of hose poured their streams into the
The Gorter Water Tower with an elevated stream into
the hotel. There were no ladder pipes then. You can
see this LAFD icon at the Hollywood museum.
The hotel with fire through the roof.
54 March 2017
building from Main Street, from the The steamers are pumping into a myriad of hose lines
alley in the rear and from the roofs of and creating a lot of smoke themselves slightly obliter-
the buildings across the alley. Four ating the Gorter Water Tower in the background.
engines, the tower, two hook and
ladder trucks and three of four hose
wagons were grouped at the Main
street front.
The firemen fought against great
odds, as the combustible stock of the
paint store, in the rear of which the
fire started, blazed fiercely in spite
of the torrents of water that were
poured upon it. The flames swept
up an air shaft and spread to every
floor of the hotel, and down into the
basement, where most of the paints
and oils were stored. Embers fell all
about the block, but with the compe-
tent force and equipment Chief Eley
had brought to the contest, there was
at no time any real danger of the fire
spreading beyond the four walls.
The most tense period of the
fight came at a time when thousands
of watchers thought the spectacle
was ended. A sullen roar came from
the basement, the muffled report of
an explosion, presumably of tur-
pentine casks. Lieutenant J. Smith,
R. Conklin and Ed Welte of Engine
Company No.24 were entering the The firemen appear to be getting a handle on the fire.
basement and they were hurled back to the
street by the force of the explosion. On the missioner A.F. Frankenstein and Chief Eleys
ground floor a group of firemen were working physician, Dr. Arthur D. Houghton raced to
desperately when an avalanche of wall-paper, Riverside, borrowed an ambulance and a driver
jarred from shelves by the explosion, came and with siren and red light, rushed Chief Eley
tumbling down upon them. 100 miles to Good Samaritan Hospital where
he recovered and resumed work.
FIVE BURIED UNDER DEBRIS The day after the Brennan Hotel fire
Captain C.F. Blackwell, Howard Dyer the Los Angeles Examiner editorialized in sup-
and Roy King of Hose Company 23, William port of a proposed charter amendment creat-
Shiller of Engine Company No.7, and J.F. Cor- ing a better pension system for firefighters and
neaugh of Truck Company 1 were buried under police: Thousands saw the heroic men enter
the debris and were immediately in danger of the inferno into which their duty called them.
suffocation, their situation being all the more Shortly after word went whispering through
critical because the room was thick with smoke the watching throngs that they were lost and
and gases. A score of their comrades rushed in pity stirred all hearts as their unconscious
and dug frantically till all of them were rescued forms were being stumblingly brought forth
and carried out, to be hurried away to the Re- by their no less heroic fellows. Every now and
ceiving Hospital. then some firemen receive medals as pub-
Chief Eley was lic recognition of conspicuous acts of heroism.
hospitalized several The recognition is little enough The hero is
weeks before return- soon forgotten by the many. Only his family
ing to duty, although knows what the performance of his duty has
his injuries constantly cost him; the aches and pains, the failing eyes,
bothered him. That the strained vitals. Today the city is ringing with
spring he took a leave the news of the fire, its desperate character, the
of absence and went deadliness of the developed fumes, the brav-
to a Lake Elsinore re- ery of the firemen; yet 30 days from now, who
sort to recuperate. He will remember those names, who will think
was there two months of the men who, at the time, will be suffering
when he suffered a in silence from the aftereffects of yesterdays
major relapse and was injuries? The editorial concluded by implor-
near death. Fire Com- ing voters to approve the charter amendment.
This photo may have been taken later in the incident showing
a steamer next to the building or it may have been taken I sat down to read the latest Grape-
early when the fire started in the paint store basement. vine
Steamers pumping away on both sides of Main St.
The charter amendment passed that spring and
signed into ordinance September 16, 1913.
The Challenge Coin Story Continues
Last month I wrote a story about our
new LAFD Historical Society challenge coin
being sold in the gift shops at both museums.
One side has the LAFD Fallen Firefight-
ers Memorial Statues and the reverse has the
LAFDHS logo.
I received the following from Frank J.
Correa, Fire Station 97 A and USAF retired
with an interesting story about challenge coins.
Calendar for March 2017
* Fridays from 0800 to 1200 are work days on the Ralph J. Scott Fireboat
Dear Frank:
issue and as a history buff I always
look forward to the LAFD history article.
The addition of the LAFD challenge coin
caught my interest. I wanted to
share a little about the challenge
coins origins. During WWI, pilots
were issued a gold coin to use in
ef- fecting an escape if they went down
be- hind enemy lines. Squadron com-
manders wanted to make sure the
coin was always on them in case of a
quick scramble for a mission. As
a way to ensure compliance squadron
commanders started the coin chal-
lenge. The commander would slam
down his coin on the bar and anyone
caught without their coin had to buy
the commander a drink. If however
all the pilots had their coins then
the commander would have to buy
all of them a drink because he lost
the challenge. The tradition still
stands about 100 years later. Even
though I retired from the Air Force The Hollywood Museum is
Reserve 12 years ago I still have located in Old Fire Station 27 at
my challenge coin in my wallet. Its 1355 No. Cahuenga, Hollywood, CA
one of those things so ingrained it 90028. The Harbor Museum is locat-
will probably never leave me. So ed in San Pedro City Hall at 638 S.
the moral of the story is Challenge
Coin; never leave home without it
Beacon St., San Pedro CA 90731.
-Frank J. Correa 97 A and USAF retired Anyone interested in joining
our great cause by becoming a mem-
ber, or volunteering to work, or make
a donation of money or an LAFD item
LAFDHS Calendar for 2017 may contact us by mail:
(As we know it today) LAFDHS Museum & Memorial
2017 EVENTS 1355 No. Cahuenga Blvd.
May Hollywood, CA 90028
LAFDHS Annual Pancake Breakfast & Fire
Phone: 323 464 2727. But remember
Service Day, Hollywood Museum -
Sat. 5/13 at 0830 hrs. we are currently staffed part time, so
leave a message and we will return
your call. The fax number is 323-464-
7401. Our E-mail is: LAFDHS27@
aol.com. Web site at www.lafdmuse-
um.org. If you want to look at some
great LAFD history check www.
lafire.com. and check the LAFD web
site for information and events at
www.LAFD.org. We look forward to
hearing from you and seeing you at
the Museum.
The Los Angeles Fire Department
Historical Society is a non-profit 501
(C) (3) organization.
PRESERVE, EDUCATE,
MEMORIALIZE
March 2017 55
 LOS ANGELES FIREMENS RELIEF ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
January 11, 2017
MINUTES OF THE BOARD
OF TRUSTEES
January 11, 2017
CALL TO ORDER
President Bob Steinbacher
called the meeting of the Board
of Trustees of the Los Angeles
Firemens Relief Association to
order at 10:55 a.m.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Bob Steinbacher, President
Jeff Cawdrey, Vice President
Andrew Kuljis, Secretary
Trustee Frank Aguirre
Trustee Gayle Sonoda
Trustee Gene Bednarchik
Trustee Tim Freeman
Trustee Rick Godinez
Trustee John Jacobsen
Trustee David Peters
Trustee David Ortiz
Trustee Chris Hart
Trustee Tyler Tomich
Trustee Craig White
Trustee Steve Ruda
Trustee Joe Vigil
Trustee Steven Domanski -
Pension
Trustee Doak Smith Pension
Trustee
Tim Larson Pension
Todd Layfer - Executive Director
Liberty Unciano Controller-
Treasurer
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Trustee Chris Stine (Excused)
Trustee Steve Berkery (Excused)
Trustee Mike Sailhamer
(Excused)
GUESTS:
Dave Wagner, Grapevine Editor
Tom Stires, Retired
INVOCATION AND FLAG
SALUTE
Rick Godinez led the invocation.
56 March 2017
David Peters led the flag salute.
RATIFICATION OF
MINUTES
Bob Steinbacher entertained a
motion to ratify and dispense
with the reading of the minutes
of the Board of Trustees meeting
held December 7, 2016 and the
minutes of the Special Board
meeting held December 14, 2016.
David Peters so moved. Chris
Hart seconded. There was no
further discussion or objections.
Motion carried to ratify and
dispense with the reading of the
minutes of the Board of Trustees
meeting held December 7, 2016
and the minutes of the Special
Board meeting held December
14, 2016.
PRESIDENT REPORT
1) Andy Kuljis administered the
Oath of Office to new Trustee
Gayle Sonoda. Bob Steinbacher
indicated that Gayle is the first
female Trustee to serve on the
LAFRA Board of Trustees.
Andy Kuljis administered the
Oath of Office to the Group Two
Trustees: Rick Godinez, Craig
White, David Peters and Doak
Smith.
Andy Kuljis administered the
Oath of Office to President Bob
Steinbacher and Vice President
Jeff Cawdrey.
2) Bob Steinbacher referred to
the LAFRA 110th Anniversary
Dinner Dance and indicated that
it was a successful event with a
good time had by all.
3) Bob Steinbacher informed that
the LAFRA Health Fair will be
held on April 6th at the Frank
Hotchkin Memorial Training
Center.
4) Bob Steinbacher indicated that
they will be having their Board
Educational Offsite meeting
in May. The location is not yet
determined.
5) Bob Steinbacher informed the
Board that the Pechanga Reunion
will be held May 22nd through
May 25th. He indicated that they
will begin posting information
on the website just as soon as its
available.
6) Bob Steinbacher referred to
the Member Summary Sheets and
indicated that they are sent to the
membership to encourage them to
update their information such as
beneficiaries and/or coverage if
necessary.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board entered into Executive
Session at 11:16 am. The Board
adjourned from Executive Session
at 11:50 am.
The Board discussed a personnel
matter and took action.
VICE PRESIDENT REPORT
1) Jeff Cawdrey briefly reviewed
the upcoming conferences for
2017 and asked Trustees to let
him know which conferences they
were interested in attending.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR S
REPORT
1) Todd Layfer informed the
Trustees that the IRS Mileage
Rate has changed to 53.5 cents
per mile effective January 1,
2017. He asked that they use the
new Trustee Expense Voucher
provided to them.
2) Todd Layfer informed that
the Audit Committee planning
meeting will be on January 26th
at 8:30 am.
3) Todd Layfer referred to the
Budget presentation and indicated
that he will first present it to the
Admin committee on January
25th and then for approval at
February 8th Board meeting.
4) Todd Layfer reported on the
LAFRA.org website statistics
for 2016 and indicated that we
have had over 45K new visitors
and indicated that the top pages
visited were Funeral Notices,
Home Page and Grapevine.
He reported that the WODFF.
org website had 7,205 new
visitors with the top pages being
the Charity Page and the Golf
Tournament.
5) Todd Layfer indicated that the
annual onsite investment meeting
will be held on February 15th
at Beacon Pointe Advisors in
Newport Beach.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
REPORT
Bob Steinbacher indicated that
Garth Flint will be at the LAFRA
office on January 24th to discuss
investment allocation goals for
2017.
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 $883,217.71. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the usual
and customary bills in the
amount of $883,217.71.
The committee recommends
and I so move to pay $750 for a
foursome of golf and tee sign for
the Firefighters Quest annual
charity golf tournament. There
was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve $750
for a foursome of golf and tee
sign for the Firefighters Quest
annual charity golf tournament.
The committee recommends
and I so move to approve $150
for the LAFD Promotional
Badge Ceremony. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve $150
for the LAFD Promotional
Badge Ceremony.
The committee recommends
and I so move to approve the
transferring of the LAFRA
employee dental plan from Delta
Dental to Anthem Blue Cross.
There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to approve the
transfer of the LAFRA employee
dental plan from Delta Dental to
Anthem Blue Cross.
MEDICAL COMMITTEE
REPORT
David Peters presented the
following motion.
The committee recommends and I
so move to accept the applications
to the Medical Plan. There was no
discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to accept all
applications to the Medical Plan.
The committee recommends
and I so move to approve up to
$8K for health screenings at the
LAFRA Health Fair. There was
no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve up to
$8K for health screenings at the
LAFRA Health Fair.
RELIEF COMMITTEE
REPORT
Rick Godinez presented the
following motion.
The committee recommends and I
so move to pay:
The Sick & Injury benefits in the
amount of $34,780.18
The Estate Planning benefit in the
amount of $6,000
The Relief Death Benefits in the
amount of $27,000
There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to pay the above
Relief benefits.
Rick Godinez read the names of
members who recently passed
and asked for a moment of silence
from the Board.
MEMORIALS
Michael P. Celentano
John J. Rock
William A. Bowles
William T. Miller
James A. Sanders
William M. Atkins
ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
Rick Godinez presented the
following motions.
The committee recommends and
I so move to accept the donations
in the amount of $46,703.45 to
the Widows, Orphans & Disabled
Firemens Fund. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to accept the
donations in the amount of
$46,703.45 to the Widows,
Orphans & Disabled Firemens
Fund.
The committee recommends
and I so move to approve the
financial assistance applications
for surviving spouses, active and
retired members. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the
financial assistance applications
for surviving spouses, active and
retired members.
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/WEB
COMMITTEE REPORT
Chris Hart indicated that they will
ask Deborah Lew to come and
give the Trustees tutorials on how
to use the social media sites for
events.
YEARBOOK COMMITTEE
REPORT
Dave Wagner reported that
they have gotten a few bids
from vendors for the printing
of the LAFRA Yearbook. He
indicated that he will run them
by the committee for approval
and then work on scheduling
a photographer for the active
members.
BYLAWS/POLICY
David Peters indicated he would
like to have a committee meeting
to update the Policy Manual to
reflect changes on actions taken in
the Executive Session.
SCHOLARSHIP
COMMITTEE REPORT
Rick Godinez indicated that they
have revamped the application
process for simplification. He
indicated that the deadline to
submit applications is March 23rd
and the Essay event will be April
8th at the LAFRA office.
MARKETING &
DEVELOPMENT REPORT
Rick Godinez briefly reported
on the improvements of the
LAFRA website. He presented the
latest member testimonial video
featuring Jim Krebs and another
featuring Ryan Penrod. He
indicated that these testimonials
are played on a loop at most of
LAFRAs events.
SETTING OF DATES
1) Buzzard Bait Ride
January 14th 16th
2) Hook & Ladder March 18th
3) L.A. Marathon March 19th
4) Health & Wellness Fair
April 6th
5) Lane Kemper Softball
Tournament May 2nd
6) Offsite Strategic Planning
May 4th TBD
7) Pechanga Reunion
May 22nd May 26th
8) Hope for Firefighters
June 1st
9) LAFD Golf Tournament
September 25th
RETIREMENT DINNERS
1) Cori Tipton Wednesday,
January 25th B @ FHMTC
(Steinbacher)
2) Tim Freeman Wednesday,
February 22nd C @ The
Odyssey (Freeman)
3) Jack Wise Saturday, April
15th A @ Sagebrush Cantina
(Smith)
ADJOURNMENT
Bob Steinbacher entertained a
motion to adjourn.
David Peters so moved. Craig
White seconded. There was no
discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to adjourn.
The Board of Trustees meeting
adjourned at 12:45 p.m.
Bob Steinbacher, President
March 2017 57
 CLASSIFIEDS
For advertising information, please contact:
Eric Santiago - (323) 259-5231 - eric@lafra.org
Dave Wagner - editor@lafra.org
MERCHANDISE
FOR SALE
2015 HONDA ODYSSEY. 5
door EX-L, White Diamond
Pearl, beige interior, standard
equipment, original owner,
excellent condition. 16,500
miles. $28,000. Call Dale (559)
972-7235. Email:
dalethrw@reagan.com
FIRE DEPARTMENT
ANTIQUES AND COLLECT-
IBLES Pismo Pickers, located
in beautiful. Pismo Beach Ca.
has recently added a wide
variety of antiques and collect-
ibles from the private collection
of a retired LA City fireman.
There are alarm boxes, axes,
badges, toys, apparatus parts,
tools, extinguishers, collectibles,
decanters, etc. Pismo Pickers is
located at 537 Five Cities Drive,
Pismo Beach. (805)773-3777
FIREFIGHTERS TOYS FOR
SALE. See IG links for photos/
prices. Desiree 818-621-5075
2014 Lance 855s - https://ins-
tagram.com/p/BQBvcUeDUTq/
2003 Yamaha Roadstar 1600
- https://instagram.com/p/
BQB4x-9DkiE/
https://instagram.com/p/
BQBvvP6Diue/
2007 GMC Sierra 2500 Dura-
max Diesel - https://instagram.
com/p/BQBvSGZDFa1/
VersaHaul Motorcycle/Dirt Bike
Carrier - https://instagram.
com/p/BQQzjfpjmd5/
Robert August Surfboard
9 - https://instagram.com/p/
BQQz9wdDohI/
Tectrix ClimbMax stepper/stair
climber - https://instagram.
com/p/BQQ1dndDQk8/
True PS100 Treadmill -
https://instagram.com/p/
BQQ1x_6jGSv/
Venus 11 Ocean Kayaks -
https://instagram.com/p/
BQQ0kprDGGJ/
58 March 2017
REAL ESTATE
FOR RENT
ROOM FOR RENT IN
CHATSWORTH. Home near
Mason and Plummer. Full use of
house, yard and some garage
space if needed. Quiet neighbor-
hood. Beautiful home. Call for
more details or any questions.
Call Desiree at (818) 621-5075.
Fellow firefighter.
SERVICES
ARE YOU LOOKING TO
BUY, SELL, INVEST IN A
HOME? Call me, Diana Fuen-
tes, Realtor and wife to Fire
Captain 56A at 661.373.6569,
dianafuentesrealtor.com,
diana@nchal.com. I also
specialize in Probate Sales. A
generous donation, at close of
escrow to Adopt-A-Station.
Cal-BRE License 01794244.
BUSY BEAVER TREE AND
LANDSCAPE. Tree trimming
and removal, stumpgrinding, and
firewood sales. Mixed firewood,
eucalyptus and oak. Delivery
available or pick up. Licensed
and insured. Dwayne Kastor, FS
63-B - (818) 535-6368.
COUNSELING KIDS & FAMI-
LIES. Separation, divorce, kids
behavior problems (anger, acting
out behavior, defiance, attention
difficulties, hyperactivity, school
issues, family adjustment),
blended families, parenting, sup-
port, family issues, licensed mar-
riage & family therapist. Nancy
Goodwin with private office in
Temecula. Confidential, 20 years
experience, wife of retired LAFD.
(951) 231-1600. www.goodwin-
familycounseling.com
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-
agement using Elite Institutional
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
FIRE FAMILY ESTATE SALES
Call us when a loved one
passes, moves to a nursing facil-
ity or downsizes. Our profession-
al staff can handle every aspect
of estate liquidation. We have
worked with many fire families
and are here to help. Rebecca
Martin, LAFD wife (818) 216-
3637
www.firefamilyestatesales.com
GARAGE DOOR INSTALLA-
TION & SERVICE. Garage
doors and openers. Need to
replace your broken springs?
or does your door need repair,
even replaced? We do it all from
new product to repairing old.
Call (661) 860-4563 Grassroots
Garage Doors, Inc. Lic# 950020.
Son of 35 year veteran fireman.
ITS TAX TIME AGAIN! Special-
izing in Firefighter and Para-
medic Returns, Electronic Filing
available, year round bookkeep-
ing and accounting, business
and partnership returns, payroll.
All computerized processing with
over 30 years experience. Call
early for an appointment around
your schedule. Robert Sanchez
LAFD-OCD retired (818) 367-
7017, Cell (818) 216-1040.
MEXICO BIRD HUNTING.
Wild Pheasants, doves, morn-
ing dove, white wine dove &
eurasian dove, quail, ducks &
geese. (805) 686-1834 - Steve.
www.mexicobirdhunting.com
REC COVERS DIRECT - Spe-
cializing in RV, boat & golf cart
covers! We have quality and
durable covers to meet all your
needs. We offer discounts to all
active and retired firefighters,
law enforcement, and military.
Email: info@reccoversdirect.
com or call (949) 429-3029 for
your discount code at checkout.
Visit our website:
RECCOVERSDIRECT.COM
LAFD retired - Les Hunt
WAYNE PRESS CHIROPRAC-
TIC. Work, Auto, DMV, Well-
ness. Preferred provider for
most PPO, HMO, MPN, Union,
Auto accident and Workers
Compensation Plans. (818)
527-7246.
DrWaynePress.com
WINDOWS & PATIO DOORS
- vinyl replacement windows
& Patio doors. I also carry
aluminum, wood and entry door
systems. Rick Brandelli, Capt.
LACoFD, FS 8-C (800) 667-
6676.
www.GeeWindows.com
VACATION
RENTALS
BIG BEAR - Beautiful decked
two story cabin. 2 bedroom, 1
bath. Sleeps six. Pets OK. Near
lake, slopes, shopping. Fire-
place/wood, cable/WiFi. Fully
furnished except linens. Winter
$110/$650. Summer $100/$550.
2 night minimum.
www.schaffercabin.com
Call Donna/Beep (760)723-
1475.
BIG BEAR CABIN. 2 bedroom,
2 bath, 2 story. Sleeps 6-8.
About 6 miles from ski slopes
& lake. Fireplace/wood, cable,
full kitchen - furnished. $100
per night M - Th. $110 per night
F-Sun. Weekly available. Sheri
(909) 851-1094 or (760) 948-
2844.
BIG BEAR LAKES FINEST-
Deluxe lakeside townhouse, 2
bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 cable TVs,
HBO, DVD, WiFi, 2 wood burning
fireplaces, laundry room, tennis
court, indoor pool, sauna, spa,
boat dock. Fully equipped, includ-
ing all linens. Sleeps 6. 310-541-
8311 or nmbigbear@gmail.com
BIG BEAR CABIN. 4 Bdrm, 2
Bath 1,850 sq ft home on the
Eagle Point peninsula. Very
close to the lake, ski slopes,
downtown and grocery stores.
Sleeps 9 comfortably. 50 cable
TV, DVD, VHS, WiFi, wood
burning stove, fireplace, fire pit,
fire wood, BBQ, laundry. 2 night
min. Winter $160/night. Sum-
mer $130/night. +$90 Cleaning.
(4 days+ = no cleaning fee)
Some holiday rates apply. Tony
Zermeno (805) 625-1192
CATALINA BEACH COTTAGE
- 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, one block
to beach, view, fully equipped
housekeeping unit. Marci (818)
347-6783 or Clarence (310) 510-
2721.
CATALINA CONDO - HAM-
ILTON COVE. Ocean front, 1
bed, 1 1/2 bath, sleeps 4. Steps
to beach, pool, gym, putting
course, tennis and more. Newly
refurbished, fully equipped.
Includes golf cart, WiFi. Contact
Bart @ (310) 510-0190. Ham-
iltoncove.com. Ask for LAFD
8-89 discount. Owner active
LAFD.
DESERT CONDOS, RANCHO
MIRAGE (near Palm Springs). 2
bed, 2 bath. Fully furnished condo,
TV, internet, pools and spas.
Gated community from $115/night.
3 bed from $125/night. No smok-
ing. Barbara (626) 798-2484.
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 LANDING-
Waterfront, steps to the water.
Boat mooring out front, off-road
desert behind house. 3 bed/3
bath, fully furnished w/linens.
Direct TV/DVR, BBQ, Casino,
Grocery/Meat Market, Launch
Ramp, Marina with Boat House,
Gated Community. No pets/
smoking. $350 Dan Cook 310
418 1577.
LAKE HAVASU BEAUTY FOR
RENT - 3 bdrm, 2 bath, 1600
sq.ft. Fully furnished with all
amenities- Laundry & BBQ.
13,000 sq.ft. lot. 3 car boat-deep
garage. 3 miles from launch
ramp. Close to downtown shops
& restaurants. View of the lake.
Quiet street in good neighbor-
hood. No pets. No smoking.
Snowbird rates. Call Mike (661)
510-6246
LAKE NACIMIENTO. Oak
Shores gated community. 3
bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, large loft.
3minute drive to main marina in
Oak Shores. Large flat driveway.
Fully equipped kitchen, BBQ,
washer/dryer, TV/DVD. No
cable. No pets/smoking. $185/
night. 3 night minimum. Call Ben
(805) 444-2264.
MAMMOTH - 1 bedroom 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 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 - 2 bdrm,
2 bath, 2 TVs, 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 NEXT
TO THE GONDOLA VILLAGE
Fully furnished, three bed-
room, two bath with towels and
linens, newly remodeled kitchen,
internet and cable TV, pool and
Jacuzzi. Walk to the gondola,
shops, restaurants and ski in on
the new comeback trail. Parking
at the front door. Winter: $250/
night. Summer $150/night.
Holidays $300/night. Cleaning is
included. Call Mike Whitehouse,
Retired, 805-987-6122, email:
btkwhitey@yahoo.com
or Bruce Galien, Retired, 661-
645-7448, email: luvbaja2@aol.
com
MAMMOTH CONDO Cozy 2
bedrooms, 2 bath. Fully fur-
nished, WIFI, 3 TVs, pool, spa,
walk to shuttle, Old Mammoth
area. Winter $115, Summer
$90, plus cleaning fee $139 and
14% city tax. Includes linens.
No pets, no smoking. Call (310)
540-4648.
MAMMOTH CONDO AT 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 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.
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.
MAUI BEACH FRONT CONDO
ON NAPILI BAY - 50 from
water. Studios and 1 bedroom.
Luxury furnishings + full kitchen.
All the amenities! Mauis best
snorkeling/beach. All island
activities & Kapalua within 4
minutes. 5-day minimum, from
$150 per night (regularly $310/
night). Call Sherrie or Bill for
info/reservations (805) 530-0007
or email: pmimaui@aol.com
or visit:
www.napilibaymaui.com
MAUI CONDO 1 AND 2 BED-
ROOMS. Centrally located on
beautiful Maalaea Bay. Excellent
swimming and snorkeling; white
sandy beach. Minutes from golf,
tennis, fishing, shopping, airport
and resort areas. Marsha Smith
or Jeanne McJannet. Toll free
(800) 367-6084. www.maalaea-
bay.com
MAUIS MOST BEAUTIFUL
BEACH - Napili Bay. Beautiful
furnished condo that sleeps 4.
Lanai/balcony, full kitchen, king
bed, flat screen TVs/DVD, ACs
free WiFi (internet), 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
PALM DESERT-3 bed/2bath,
one level. New re-model, fully
furnished w/linens. Cable TV/
DVR, Private Patio, BBQ, Laun-
dry, Garage, Gated Community,
two (Pools, Jacuzzis, Tennis
Courts). Near College of the
Desert. $175 Dan Cook 310 418
1577.
March 2017 59
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Ro-
mantic Chalet Family getaway.
3 bed/2 bath plus loft. Sleeps
810. Cable TV, washer/dryer,
microwave, woodburning stove.
7 minutes to casinos and Heav-
enly. Located in Tahoe Paradise.
$115 per night plus cleaning.
Call Shawn or Rose Agnew at
(661) 250-9907 or (661) 476-
6288.
SUNSET RANCH PALM DES-
ERT. 163 acre ranch private ski
lake. Perfect for Family vaca-
tions. Ranch house accommo-
dates 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
VEHICLES
MOTORHOMES FOR RENT.
Several Class Cs & Class As for
rent. Serving family and friends
for over 15 years. LAFD, LASD,
IPD, OXPD, OXFIRE, LACO,
LACITY, LACITY SKI CLUB.
Visit us at www.so-cal-rv.com
or call 661-297-2398 as for
Jeff. Make money with your
motorhomes to offset your pay-
ment. We sub-lease RVs.
FOR HIRE
BATTALION CHIEF FOR CITY
OF LA HABRA HEIGHTS. Call-
ing all retired LAFD members!
Mimimum Qualifications: Five
years of broad experience in all
phases of municipal fire sup-
pression and prevention work,
including at least two years in sources@lhhcity.org or mail your
a responsible management signed and complete applica-
capacity. Prior experience as a tion, resume and cover letter to
California State Fire Instructor Grace Andres, 1245 N Hacienda
desired. Road, La Habra Heights, CA
90631.
Education: Bachelors degree
in Fire Science, Public Adminis-
tration, or closely related field is
preferred. For advertising
Salary range for this position information, please contact:
is $75,000 - $95,721 per year,
and is dependent upon qualifica-
tions of the selected candidate.
The selected candidate will be Eric Santiago
enrolled into CalPERS. A benefit
program is also available with (323) 259-5231
paid medical insurance, sick,
and vacation leave. or email: eric@lafra.org
To be considered: If you feel
you are qualified, please email a
or visit our website at
completed city application found
at www.lhhcity.org, resume www.lafra.org/advertising
and cover letter to humanre-

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60 March 2017
 My Buddy Hank Huizinga
By Don Gillett, LAFD retired

Growing up, Hank and I lived about four blocks from each other in Eagle too. He was so true to both wives, going to see them most every day a devoted husband
Rock. We attended the same schools, played ball with the same little league, and we for sure.
knew of each other on the job he a longtime engineer at FS 1 and me at 25s. But Hank had a bad stroke about a year and a half ago and ended up in the same
Hank and I didnt finally meet until the latter part of our careers with this great fire room with Star. Reedley is about 120 miles roundtrip from my mountain home near
department. Shaver Lake, but my caregiver and I always visited Hank and Star a couple of times a
Hank was at 50s when I transferred over there in 1972. Ours was an instant month.
friendship and remained that way for 45 years. We had lots of good times and experi- Last September, my friend Henry O. Huizinga, Jr. passed away at the age of 91.
ences like water skiing, snow skiing, and handball, along with frog whomping and My buddy is gone and I will forever miss him.
dove hunting out of my boat on the Kings River.
One time in Mammoth, we put a notice on the bulletin board that two LA
firemen whose ages totaled 100 Hank was 53 and I was 47 challenged all comers
to a doubles handball game for lunch and beers. It was difficult to play at 8,000 ft, but
I put my faith in Hanks long arms and big hands and we were able to pull off a win.
I was 41 years old when Hank convinced me to first take up snow skiing. We
skied together for many years until Hank decided to hang up his skis because he was
afraid he would knock us down getting off the lift which he did a few times. He was
78 at that time. I did get him back on skis once when he was 80 because he got a free
pass and other perks that day.
Hanks first wife, Julie, was the light of his life in those early years. She
ended up with Alzheimers disease which lasted for seven years. He met his second
wife, Star, and they had a good life together, then she came down with Alzheimers L to R: Hank Huizinga, Bert Jenkins, Ray Martin, Don Gillett

Task Force 50 circa 1979. L to R: Don Gillett, Tom Petrich, Ray Vasquez, Pete Ross, Hank Huizinga, Troy Bonar,
Harold Stephens, Jr., Herb Johnston, Mark Stormes, John Sanchez, Chester Port, Richard Elias, Don Ford

March 2017 61
 Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association
7470 N Figueroa Street
Los Angeles CA 90041-1725

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