Team Buzzard Bait

21 Annual
st

Hwy 10

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

THE 21st ANNUAL FAMILY FUN RIDE across
=
from OCOTILLO WELLS STATE OFF-ROAD
·=
"""

--
""C
�
VEHICLE AREA.which is located in EAST SAN DIEGO CO.

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

Hwy78
adventure ride. Bring motorcycles, quads, buggies
or four-wheel drives.
CAMP Blu Inn
• LOOK for red and black "B" signs ON HIGHWAY
78 South Side between Split Mountain Rd and the
Blu Inn. Follow green course markers. January 12 - 15, 2018
• The family ride will be on Saturday the 13th.
(MLK Holiday weekend)
SIGN UP WILL BE AT 8:00AM SATURDAY FOR INFO:
Raffle starts at 3:00 PM sharp. The ride should MIKE REITMAYER FS 29-C OR CELL 760-822-1641
take about 2-4 hours, figuring out the clues ?????? DOUG WEBER FS 17-C OR CELL 951-453-2520

Fee for the ride will be $20.00 PER PERSON.

All proceeds benefit the
WIDOWS, ORPHANS & DISABLED

FIREMEN'S FUND
 38
On the cover: Skirball Fire - By Jeff Zimmerman

Inset LAFD photo by: Ryan Cullom

Thomas Fire - Ventura County

2 • January 2018
 VOL. XCIV JANUARY 2018 NO. 5

• FEATURES •
LAFRA Dinner Dance
It was a time to “bring back camaraderie” at this year’s LAFRA
holiday dinner dance held at the JW Marriott in LA Live • .............06

Firefighter Rescues Four Children

The dramatic events surrounding the heroic rescue from a burning
structure in South Los Angeles • ...............................................10

How Sam saved us all a bundle!

A Tribute to Retired Pension Commissioner Sam Diannitto explains
how he saved both actives and retirees thousands of dollars • ..36

Study Links Firefighting and Cancer

The largest study ever conducted of cancer risk among career
firefighters found a higher risk for certain types of cancer • .........13

• CONTENTS •
President’s Message • .........................................................................05
Battalion News • .....................................................................................15
Station Fridge • .......................................................................................33
2017 Retirements
The complete list of last year’s retirees • ............................................34
The Retired Guys • ...............................................................................35
Department in Action • .........................................................................38
Memorials • ...........................................................................................43
Mailbox • ...............................................................................................44
Search and Rescue Ops
The oriented search and the nozzle fan search • .................................46
LAFD Merit Scholarships
Four receive grants for higher education • ......................................48
LAFD History
Harbor holocaust in 1944 • ..............................................................51
Minutes of the Board of Trustees • .....................................................54
Classifieds • ...........................................................................................57
Tailboard • .............................................................................................60

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

COPYRIGHT © 2018
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association.
No material may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

January 2018 • 3
 FIREMEN’S GRAPEVINE
owned and published by the
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
7470 N Figueroa Street, Los angeles CA 90041

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

PSO’s
Amy Bastman, Margaret Stewart, Brian Humphrey

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

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

LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 • January 2018
 Welcome to January 2018, the start of a fresh new year
where anything is possible. During this, my third year serving
as your LAFRA president, I will continue to embrace every op-
portunity for making improvements, because as someone very
wise once said, “if you always do what you always did, you will
always get what you always got.”
January is a month filled with health awareness events.
These include Cervical Cancer Screening Month, National
Birth Defects Awareness Month, National Glaucoma Aware-
ness Month, National Blood Donor Month, and Thyroid Disease
Awareness Month. These should serve as reminders to get your
annual wellness exam scheduled.
I want to express my gratitude to the first responders and
to everyone else who assisted during the devastating southern
California wildfires last month. Everyone did a fantastic job and
really shined while fighting fires and evacuating many thousands
of people. Sadly, many who were forced to flee found they had
nothing left when they returned. In a very sad bit of irony, two of
our own firefighters who were out saving the lives and homes of
others, lost their own homes. Thankfully their families were safe,
and the Relief will be there for them as they start putting their
lives back together.
As we’ve been experiencing over the past few years, there
really is no specific fire season anymore. Warmer than average
temperatures, low humidity, and the lack of rain already make for
a dangerous situation, but the Santa Ana winds only exacerbate
things. Use this as a wake-up call and don’t wait for something
tragic to happen before you get your wills, trusts, and estates in
order. Organize your files, including home and fire insurance pa-
perwork, and store it where you can easily access it during an
emergency.
We bid fond but tearful farewells to two of our long-time
Trustees – Steve Ruda and Chris Hart. Chris served on our Board
for 14 years. He was chairman of the Grapevine and Social Media
Committees, where he steered us online and into the 21st Centu-
ry, and also helped Dave Wagner make the Grapevine the premier
publication that it is today. And what more can you say about
Steve Ruda? Steve has given his all to LAFRA and the LAFD for
most of 40 years. It won’t be the same around here without him,
but his sage advice, charisma and exemplary ethos will be felt for
many years to come.
The LA Firemen’s Relief Association Holiday Party ‘Bring-
ing Back Camaraderie’ was held at the JW Marriott, LA Live,
in Downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, December 9, 2017 “C”
Shift. It brought back the old days of camaraderie with all who
attended. For those who couldn’t get a ticket, check out what you
missed on the next page.
Relief Dues have increased slightly effective January 1, 2018.
For active Relief members, it is at $1.18 per month. For retired
Relief members, the increase is 12 cents per month. The Relief
Death Benefit has increased from $4500 to $5000.
Estate Planning is a service offered by your Relief Association
– and this includes the creation of Wills and Trusts. Protect your
loved ones and your assets with an Estate Plan. You will receive
$600 to help complete the Estate Plan. LAFRA will advance
you another $1,200 to get the job done, so call (323) 259-5222
for more information. Or request a “Getting Started Kit” which
walks you through the process by calling (323) 259-5217. While
taking care of this, make sure your beneficiary designations are
up-to-date, as well.
Yearbooks are here and everyone who wanted one should have
one by now. We will also be sending out a copy to most every fire-
house and work location very soon. Thank you to the retirees who
Opted-Out – you saved us many thousands of dollars in mailing
and printing costs. The $50 Ralph’s gift card winners have been
drawn and the lucky ones will be receiving their rewards soon.
Questions, comments, or problems with the yearbook or delivery,
send an email to: yearbook@lafra.org or leave us a message at
(323) 259-5246.
SAVE THE DATE:
• The 21st Annual Buzzard Bait Family Fun Ride will be
held on Saturday, January 13, 2018, in the desert out near
Ocotillo Wells. Please contact Mike Reitmayer or Doug
Weber for more details
• The Hook and Ladder Enduro will be held Saturday,
March 17, 2018, near California City.
• The 2018 Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon
will take place on Sunday, March 18, 2018.
Be safe and be kind to each other!
Robert D. “SteinTalker” Steinbacher
president@lafra.org - 323.259.5200
January 2018 • 5
 More than 350 firefight-
ers and their significant others
gathered in the Platinum Ball-
room at the JW Marriott at
LA Live for the LAFRA din-
ner dance party. Many of the
tables at the festivities on Sat-
urday evening, December 9th
were filled with station mates,
who made the event their fire-
house holiday party as well.
The crowd looked pretty good all
scrubbed up. Most of the guys seemed to have
remembered how to properly tie a Windsor
knot and the ladies were decked out in every-
thing from Batiste to Taffeta, with a few Peau
de Soie thrown in for good measure. Even the
Fire Hogs left their colors at home in favor of
their semi-formals.
The bubbly flowed “freely” for the first
hour out in the reception area, as old friends got
reacquainted and fresh stories were exchanged.
There were four cash bars (and one ATM) that
helped to make this the happiest hour of the
evening.
When the guests were finally invited to
take their seats in the banquet room, the won-
derful aromas from the buffet were already be-
ginning to fill the room. But this being a fire
department event, there were a few bits of busi-
ness to take care of first.
The golden voice of the LAFD, Steve
Ruda, started everything off with a few warm
words of welcome. LAFRA President Bob
Steinbacher followed with thanks for all for at-
tending and making the event a huge success.
Tim Larson led an invocation, and only then
did the dining room manager summon the first
tables to the buffet line.
Everyone was overwhelmed by the
quality, presentation and service at the buffet,
and had their fill from the abundant cornucopia
of cuisine (and some had their fill six or five
times!). Only then were the lights lowered and
the vibrations of a variety of great dance tunes
began to rock the room. Inside, the dance floor
was jammed until midnight – the entire eve-
ning a welcome respite for the weary while the
strong Santa Ana‘s continued to blow outside.

LAFRA’s Event Coordinator Juliet

Brandolino and Social Media Director
Deborah Lew mug with Steve and Bob

Six LAFRA volunteers helped to

make this a party of epic proportions:
Rose Franco, Sandy Marquez, Marshall
Stevens, Anne Munsell, Virginia Newcomb,
and Lori Madden
6 • January 2018
LAFRA V.P. Jeff Crawdrey was
spotted in the chow line where guests
enjoyed a bountiful buffet that included:

January 2018 • 7
 The number of photo
strips generated from
Photos & Fountains
photo booth, owned
and operated
by Firefighter
Jerrod Webster

Two very sharp knives carved up

13 racks of juicy Prime Rib

18
and Butter Roasted Turkeys

Look who was 1st Two bald heads

in line at the buffet! are better than one
8 • January 2018
Chuck Ruddall showed off what he learned from the 14
dance lessons he took before the party

Disc Jockey and Fire-
fighter Greg Balandran of
FirePower VIP’s kept the
crowd dancing all night long
A gaggle of pastry
chefs prepared an array
of desserts that included

January 2018 • 9
 On January 16, 2017,
Task Force 33 responded to a
structure fire at a bungalow in
the Vermont Knolls neighbor-
hood of South Los Angeles.
Heavy smoke and flames were
showing from the front of the
house when they arrived on
scene. While performing for-
cible entry onto the property,
Firefighter Bryce Gutierrez
heard screams coming from
inside. At that same time, the
captain in charge confirmed
that four children - ages two,
three, five, and seven - were
still in the house.
10 • January 2018
 Locked security gates blocked the
front entrance, and as Gutierrez circled the
property he found security bars on all the
windows. He finally found a rear-bedroom
window - the only point of entry not yet
consumed by flames – through which he
could make access.
He hoisted himself through the win-
dow into complete darkness, with thick
smoke and zero visibility. Hearing muffled
noises in the distance, he called out, but
received no response. He then dropped to the
ground and, crawling on all fours, began to
search for the children.
Amidst the smoke and flames, he
found each child, one at a time. Each one had
gone unconscious, and as he came across
each limp figure, Gutierrez, not knowing
whether they were dead or alive, carried
them quickly back to the window, passing
each body to a waiting firefighter on the oth-
er side. He completed these motions until all
four children were rescued.
The children were badly burned
and were suffering from smoke inhalation.
They were treated on-scene by paramedics
and transported in critical condition to local
hospitals.
The children had been in the home
alone and were huddled in a bedroom when
firefighters arrived. Investigators believe
the mother was out on an errand when the
fire started. She returned and watched as
paramedics cared for the severely injured
children.
There was a smoke detector inside
the home at the time of the fire, but it melt-
ed, leaving no way of determining if it was
working when the fire started. There was no
electricity in the house, so it’s unclear what
started the fire.
Four children are alive today because
of the courageous actions taken by Firefight-
er Gutierrez. His exceptional service earned
him one of the LAFD’s highest honors, the
Medal of Merit. And in Sacramento, Assem-
blymember Mike Gipson led the State As-
sembly in a special ceremony to honor him.

January 2018 • 11
 A healthy diet and good dose of laughter do a body good.
So do regular check-ups.

1 Routine Physical Exam every year at 100% 3 Eye Exam every year, $10 co-pay
*details at lafra.org/wellness using VSP in-network provider

2 Body Scan every 3 years at 100% 4 Colonoscopy every 5 years at 100%

*limited to $700 *after age 50

5 Standard Immunization Vaccines at 100%

6 Dermatology and skin cancer check,

$15 co-pay

7 Well-woman Exam every year at 100%

8 Mammogram every 1-2 years at 100%

*women 40 years and older

All above benefits for In-Network providers only

*Plan
12 • coverage as of 01/01/18, all benefits subject to change
January 2018
 In the largest study ever conducted of
cancer risk among career firefighters in the
United States, the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention found that firefighters on aver-
age are at higher risk for certain kinds of cancer
than the general population.
Researchers studied cancer rates for
29,993 firefighters in San Francisco, Chicago
and Philadelphia between 1950 and 2009. They
found that more than two-thirds of firefighters
– 68 percent – develop cancer, compared to
about 22 percent for the general population, no
matter the race or gender.
100% Cancers of the respiratory, digestive,
and urinary systems accounted mostly for the
higher rates of cancer seen in the study popula-
tion. The higher rates suggest that firefighters
are more likely to develop those cancers. Some
cancers, like prostate and bladder cancers,
% were seen in higher-than-expected rates among
younger firefighters.
The population of firefighters in the
%
study had a rate of mesothelioma two times
greater than the rate in the U.S. population as a
whole. This was the first study ever to identify
an excess of mesothelioma in U.S. firefighters.
The researchers said it was likely that the find-
ings were associated with exposure to asbestos,
a known cause of mesothelioma.
The CDC also found that firefighters
who were exposed to more fires than their peers
experienced more instances of lung cancer
and leukemia, said Robert Daniels, a research
epidemiologist at NIOSH. Specifically, when
comparing firefighters to each other, the chance
of lung cancer diagnosis or death increased
with amount of time spent at fires. And the
chance of leukemia death increased with the
number of fire runs.
The following list represents various
types of cancer and their increased risk for fire-
fighters over the general population:
• Testicular cancer, 102%
• Multiple myeloma, 53%
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 51%
• Skin cancer, 39%
• Brain cancer, 32%
• Prostate cancer, 28%
• Stomach cancer, 22%
• Intestinal tract cancer, 21%
For more information:
• NIOSH Fire Fighter Cancer Study Website
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/ffcancerstudy
• NIOSH Science Blog: Is There a Link Between
Firefighting and Cancer? – Epidemiology in
Action, http://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science
blog/2014/12/17/cancer-ff/
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/pdfs/
FAQ-NIOSHFFCancerStudy.pdf

s only HAZARDOUS JOB

Firefighters face more risk than other workers
in developing these cancers:
Type: Increased risk
• Testicular cancer 102%
• Multiple myeloma 53%
• Non-hodgkin lymphoma 51%
• Skin cancer 39%
• Brain cancer 32%
• Prostate cancer 28%
• Stomach cancer 22%
• Colon cancer 21%
The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

January 2018 • 13
 Paid Advertisement:

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the
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WHY IMPACT CANOPY?

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14 • January 2018
 Engine 10 with LFD1003A at the
Thomas fire. Photo by Keith Cullom Kevin Frank promoted to A/O at FS 9-B

Stephen Lopez promoted to Captain I at FS 9-B John Marasco promoted to Captain I at FS 4-B

January 2018 • 15
Paid Advertisement

Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association Medical Plan may cover this examination.
16 • January 2018 Contact your plan provider to verify.
 Deputy Chief Fligiel congratulating Jordan Purrington
Matthew Stratton promoted to Captain I at FS 14-B who promoted to Engineer at FS 9-B

TURKEY BURNER 2017

On Saturday, November 25, 2017,
LAFD Handball and the United States Hand-
ball Association hosted the 8th Annual Turkey
Burner Handball Tournament. This Doubles
Tournament was a fundraiser to support youth
handball programs. There were four Divi-
sions: Caliente, Hot, Warm and Mild. Sergio
Guzman of FS 50 partnered with Pro-qualifier
John Wayne Cortez and won the Caliente Di-
vision, which represented the most skilled
six teams in the tournament. They were un-
defeated in the round robin format, and won
embroidered hoodies and handball gloves from
sponsor Owen Gloves. Sergio is LAFD Hand-
ball’s most improved player over the past two
years, and he has taken responsibility for the
LAFD player development program. Details on
that to come.

Sergio Guzman, on the right, from FS 50 took top

honors at the Turkey Burner 2017 tournament

January 2018 • 17
 Paid Advertisement

18 • January 2018
 Brett Barber promoted to A/O at FS 50-C Abel Gomez II promoted to Captain I at FS 12-C

Mario Garcia promoted to Captain II at FS 50-C The Hollywood Christmas Parade 2017 was a family event for FS 27

January 2018 • 19
 LARSON,
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15545 Devonshire Street, Suite 205

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Fax: 1-800-971-4809
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LA HABRA HEIGHTS FIRE DEPARTMENT

Seeking applicants for the positions of:
Fire Marshal & Part-Time Brush Clearance Inspectors
$35 - $39 per hr. (Projected) - WORK SCHEDULE – To Be Determined

BRUSH INSPECTORS/FIREFIGHTERS RETIRED? RETIRING?

The City of La Habra Heights is a rural wildland/urban interface community of 5300 residents, 2300
parcels with heavy brush, large homes and minimum 1 acre parcels. The City is classified in the
Very High Fire Severity Hazard Zone and requires 100% brush clearance for all parcels and is
located on the eastern edge of Los Angeles County between Hacienda Heights and Whittier.
The City is developing a new Brush Clearance program utilizing a Full or Part-Time Fire Marshal to
manage the program and several Part-Time Brush Clearance Inspectors starting in January 2018
The ideal candidate will have at least two (2) years of brush clearance experience inspection or
wildland firefighting experience.
Positions open until filled http://lhhcity.org Phone: (562) 694-8283 x326

Fire Chief Doug Graft, LAFD Ret. & Assistant Fire Chief Ron Myers, LAFD Ret.

20 • January 2018
The Hollywood Christmas Parade 2017 was a family event for FS 27

Companies partnered with MySafeLA at a school demo in San Pedro

January 2018 • 21
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phone: visit:
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(800) 244-3439 www.LAFRA.org
Los Angeles CA 90041
22 • January 2018
On 11/16/17, LAFD Pilot Jonith Johnson received his LAPD
Command Pilot wings after a rigorous year-long program. He
now moves back to Air Ops to complete additional training.
Photo by Greg Doyle

Companies used the Jaws to extricate a driver from her vehicle

on Woodman Ave on 11/15/17. Photo by Rick McClure

January 2018 • 23
Paid Advertisement:

What Is The...
Extinguisher Fund?
The brain child of Ted Bailie, retired from the LAFD and LAFRA, your station’s
Extinguisher Fund is a simple way to collect donations for the Widows, Orphans
and Disabled Firemen’s Fund. Ted saw the accumulation of change that the cook
dumped into the mess fund box each shift and had a better idea. If this change
was instead collected for the WODFF he figured it could really add up. With an
average of 50 cents per day per station, in a year there would be . . . well, you can
do the math!
So take your turn in the cooking rotation and remember to drop all your
change into your station’s extinguisher. There should be one in every firehouse.
And any loose change in your pockets, any that you find in the TV chairs, or
hoarded in the “ashtray” of your vehicle can be thrown in for good measure.
The Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund is the heart of the Relief
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 Firemen’s Fund, is there
for them in times of need.

24 • January 2018
Early morning fire in Echo Park on 11/21/17. Baby Noah was born on June 13, 2017,
LAFD Photo by Harry Garvin to Hannah and Kevin O’Connor (FS 20-B)

Engine 77 with a brush fire in La Tuna Cyn on A multi-vehicle T/A in Arleta on 12/2/17.
11/20/17. Photo by David DeMulle’ Photo by Mike Meadows

January 2018 • 25
Paid Advertisements:

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mail:
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phone: visit:
(800) 244-3439 www.LAFRA.org

26 • January 2018
 74’s and 77’s assisted ANF at the abandoned LACoFire
Camp Louis Routh on 11/2/17. Photo by David DeMulle’

On 11/16/17, companies handled an

auto vs light pole. Photo by Rick McClure

Engine 102 handles a small vegetation fire along the Orange

Line route in Valley Glen on 11/5/17. Photo by Rick McClure

January 2018 • 27
 Firefighters extricated one and transported three from this T/A on
11/4/17 at Lankershim Bl at the 101 Fwy. Photo by Rick McClure

Engine 87 responded to a T/A with fire at Devonshire St

and Woodley on 11/11/17. Photo by Rick McClure

Crew 3 digs in at the Creek Fire

28 • January 2018
The founders and first two foremen of Crew 3, Captains Greg Holly
and Derek Vehling (ret) in front of the mural painted by Rosie Tos
at FS 84. They started up the volunteer hand crew back in 2006.

On 11/4/17, Engine 104 handled an auto that hit

a tree and burst into flame. Photo by Rick McClure

January 2018 • 29

The Aesthetic Center and Medical Wellness
TheAestheticCenterTorrance.com
24554 Hawthorne blvd., Torrance, California 90505
424.237.2622
We are proud to announce
The Aesthetic Center provides
Los Angeles’s Firefighters with
fully integrated medical and
wellness services.
Paid Advertisement:
30 • January 2018
Engines 94 and 46 handled a garage on West Bl
on 12/7/17. Photo by Yvonne Griffin
The Aesthetic Center and Medical Wellness services
• In-Network Preferred Providers for those with
Anthem Blue Cross PPO insurance
• Accepting most PPO insurance plans
• Family Medicine and Concierge Services
• Complete wellness and executive physical exams
• Male and Female hormone balancing
• Lab draws and Boston Heart blood testing
• Evaluations for Sleep Studies
• Full service skin care and aesthetic services
(Botox, Fillers, laser treatments, peels and facials)
• Free consultations
All Firefighters and their families will receive a
10% discount on all Aesthetic Treatments.
During the week of Nov 6-10, Community Risk Reduction joined Rec and Parks to host
free public Hands-Only CPR trainings sessions in locations across the City. LAFD Photo

Fire Commissioner Jimmy Hara rode the LAFD

bandwagon at the Hollywood Christmas Parade

January 2018 • 31
 The City Council recognized the members of CA-TF1 for the work
they did during their deployment to hurricanes Harvey and Irma

The A-Unit investigates the death of a man who tried

to rescue his pets from a burning RV in Rancho Park

32 • January 2018
January 2018 • 33
 TOBI L. PERKINS, Captain I/Paramedic,
EMS 1-B, EMS Bureau
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2018
Newport Dunes - Back Bay Bistro
1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach CA
Social Hour - 5:00 PM Dinner - 6:00 PM
Buffet Dinner - $65
Natalie Goshi, MFC - (213) 576-8900 or
Fire Station 4 - (213) 485-6208
RSVP by January 25, 2018
David 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 Insp. I, Vly Public Safety
Raymond A. Hamel III - 10/02/1986 - 02/28/2017 - Captain II, FS 98-B
Eduardo Mena - 12/18/1983 - 03/31/2017 - Firefighter III, MFC-C
Todd P. Porter - 10/02/1986 - 02/28/2017 - Captain I, FS 3-B
Shawn L. Dean - 02/08/1987 - 07/31/2017 - Fire Inspector I, Fire Inspector
Cayce M. Culbertson - 12/12/1984 - 02/01/2017 - Captain I, FS 99-A
Cecil D. Morris - 02/02/1987 - 02/28/2017 - Captain II FS 75-C
Gregory S. Reynar - 05/03/1982 - 04/30/2017 - Assistant Chief, OVB-C
Kevin T. Fabian - 02/07/1987 - 02/28/2017 - Firefighter III, FS 4
Ernesto Ojeda - 06/22/1986 - 04/03/2017 - Captain I, USAR 88
Allen A. Black IV - 12/14/1986 - 01/31/2017 - Firefighter III, FS 69-C
Luke A. Milick - 12/14/1980 - 02/23/2017 - Captain II, FPB Compliance
John E. Sullivan - 02/09/1987 - 03/17/2017 - Captain I, Medical Liaison
Emile W. Mack - 09/10/1978 - 06/10/2016 - Assistant Chief,
Operations Valley Bureau
Reynaldo M. Delgado - 04/20/1980 - 03/25/2017 - Firefighter III,
FS 42-A
Taylor A. Gaskins - 09/14/1986 - 09/30/2017 - Engineer, FS 112-A
Donald Engh - 07/15/1947 - 06/01/1978 - Captain Marcus A. Allen - 04/13/1981 - 10/31/2017 - Engineer, FS 40-B
Ricky E. Terrell - 12/14/1986 - 02/28/2017 - Fire Inspector I, Fire Prevention
Steven S. Fernando - 12/18/1983 - 03/04/2017 - Firefighter III, Paramedic
Joseph L. Castro - 09/10/1978 - 03/31/2017 - Deputy Chief,
Emergency Operations
Michael T. Little - 04/07/1985 - 03/31/2017 - Assistant Chief,
Homeland Security
Eric J. Strode - 12/15/1986 - 06/30/2017 - Firefighter III, FS 80-C
Mary J. Zahyna - 12/10/1979 - 04/30/2017 - Captain I, EMS 4S
John N. Vidovich - 12/14/1980 - 05/31/2017 - Deputy Chief, FPB
Robert T. Tosaya - 10/02/1986 - 05/15/2017 - Captain I, FS 8-A
Jay N. Ceasar - 12/13/1982 - 08/31/2017 - Engineer, FS 84-A
Peter M. Benesch - 08/10/1980 - 06/30/2017 - Battalion Chief,
• January
34 Air Operations
2018
JIM “JIMMY” RODRIGUEZ, Engineer,
FS 74-A
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2018
Rodriguez Residence
10073 Orcas Avenue, Shadow Hills CA
Social Hour - 3:00 PM Dinner - 4:00 PM
No cost
Call FS 74 - (818) 756-8674 or
email: aggie.rodriguez@lacity.org
Kevin G. Mason - 05/10/1987 - 09/30/2017 - Fire Inspector I,
FPB Compliance
Alicia L. Welch - 10/01/1990 - 06/10/2017 - Battalion Chief, Recruit Section
Dean J. Stroud - 04/13/1986 - 07/31/2017 - Engineer, FS 73-A
Thomas C. Moore - 08/10/1980 - 07/31/2017 - Captain II, FS 69-C
Jean-Paul Adagio - 12/15/1980 - 06/30/2017 - Engineer, FS 112-C
Phillip E. Clark - 05/10/1987 - 05/31/2017 - Helicopter Pilot III, Pilot III
Richard Vallin - 04/16/1987 - 05/30/2017 - Firefighter III, FS 101-B
Ralph G. Guerrero - 04/12/1986 - 06/30/2017 - Firefighter III, FS 36-B
John C. Evans - 06/04/1987 - 06/30/2017 - Firefighter III, FS 104
Dale H. Thurow - 05/02/1982 - 08/31/2017 - Engineer, FS 114-A
Donald E. Green - 03/13/1983 - 05/30/2017 - Captain I, FS 65-B
Stephen L. Cooke - 09/10/1987 - 10/01/2017 - Captain I, FS 108-C
Eduard M. Hengst - 12/09/1984 - 06/28/2018 - Captain I, FS 76-A
Jose Moreno Jr - 03/13/1983 - 09/30/2017 - Captain I, FS 23-B
David E. Peters - 08/10/1980 - 09/06/2017 - Captain I, FS 114-B
Mark G. Scott - 06/23/1986 - 04/30/2017 - Captain I, FS 19-C
Donna M. Lee - 06/11/1986 - 09/30/2017 - Captain I, FS 114-C
Jim J. Rodriguez - 09/24/1987 - 01/31/2018 - Engineer, FS 74-A
Raymond J. Cuevas - 12/18/1983 - 09/07/2017 - Captain I, Drill Tower
Kevin D. Mokracek - 11/28/1988 - 11/07/2017 - Captain I, FS 24-B
Mario L. Molina - 03/20/1983 - 01/31/2018 - Engineer, FS 48-B
Kory L. Clark - 11/27/1987 - 02/28/2018 - Fire Inspector II, Development Svc
Michael K. Beverlin - 11/11/1984 - 03/14/2017 - Firefighter III, FS 114-A
Guillermo Bringas - 04/16/2017 - 01/30/2018 - Engineer, FS 23-C
Tobi L. Perkins - 12/17/1987 - 01/31/2018 - Captain I, EMS 1-B
Bennett P. Rogers - 03/02/1989 - 10/28/2017 - Firefighter III, FS 5
Connie R. Anderson - 12/09/1984 - 01/31/2018 - Fire Inspector I, FS 82-C
Jennifee L. Boscoe - 06/23/1986 - 01/31/2018 - Fire Inspector I,
Harbor Industrial
Ronald J. Sanfilippo - 04/13/1986 - 04/29/2018 - Captain I, FS 42-A
Mark V. Lillenberg - 11/22/1987 - 01/31/2018 - Engineer, FS 95-B
 Jumpin’ into the “Life Net” durin’ the
Drill Tower was not my strong point. While I
stood on the 3rd floor platform, lookin’ down
at the guys holdin’ the life net, the Drill Master
told me to “jump.” I did not. After repeatin’ the
order, I still didn’t jump. Finally, I was told that
if I didn’t jump I would be immediately termi-
nated. So I jumped, but I screamed all the way
down. I’d still like to know who came up with
this “circus act” requirement in order to gradu-
ate from the tower.
Speakin’ of a circus act, do you guys
remember Fred Nuesca? I had the pleasure of
meetin’ Fred and listenin’ about his time on the
Fire Department.
Fred was born in Los Angeles in 1936
and was raised in Santa Monica. He spent his
entire childhood growin’ up in “Old Muscle
Beach” next to the Santa Monica Pier in the
early 40’s and 50’s. Durin’ the summer months,
hundreds of acrobats, muscle men and weight
lifters gathered at this popular spot, includin’
Jack LaLanne and Vic Tanney.
Fred really enjoyed the atmosphere and
was especially drawn to anyone involved with
acrobatics. When Fred was seven years old he
started doin’ hand stands on the top of walls
and roofs or anywhere on a dare. He loved it.
When Fred turned 17, he joined up with the Fred always believed in hard work and COWBOY HUMOR
Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus, hard play. He said, “If everyone works hard Paul and Kathy were
but only with a promise to his mother that he together and plays hard together, a nucleus 85 years old and had been
would finish high school first. is formed for a strong team which eventually married for 50 years. They
Fred had a partner in the circus. Their act con- grows into an invincible team.” were both in very good
sisted of two to four horizontal bars in a row, set Because of his background, Fred was health, largely due to Kathy’s
up either in the air with a net, or on the ground called upon to become the third in the Depart- insistence on healthy foods
without a net. They were billed as “The Darin’ ment’s line of “Hook and Ladder Jumpers.” In and exercise.
Double Bar Duo.” Fred also dove from the top doin’ so, Fred revived a tradition that had not Sadly, while goin’ off on another vaca-
of the center ring post into a net, a height of been attempted since the 1930’s. Fred would tion, their plane crashed, sendin’ them off to
about 75 feet. perform his jumps (dives) from buildings or the Heaven.
When Fred turned 23 he decided it aerial ladder whenever or wherever the Depart- When they reached the pearly gates, St.
was time for a change and joined the LAFD. ment deemed it necessary. One of the favorite Peter escorted them inside and took them to a
He came on April 30, 1959 and retired Febru- spots was the Los Angeles Coliseum on July beautiful mansion. Paul asked Peter how much
ary 28, 1991. His rookie rotation was FS 87, FS 4th or Labor Day. all this was goin’ to cost. “Why nothin’,” St.
88 (old 88’s) and FS 39. He eventually ended Sadly, this tradition came to a close Peter replied. “This is your reward in Heaven.”
up at FS 27. when the Chief Engineer considered the Paul looked out the window and saw a
practice too dangerous. This ended an era in beautiful championship golf course. Paul asked
the history of the LAFD. As far as is known, about the green fees. St. Peter replied, “You can
no other Department ever had “Hook and play for free every day.”
Ladder Jumpers.” Paul and Kathy also had free meals
Durin’ Fred’s 32-year career with the every day. St. Peter reminded them they could
Department, he received two Medals of Valor. eat and drink as much as they wanted. He said,
Fred, it was a real pleasure meetin’ you “You’ll never get fat or sick. This is Heaven.”
and listenin’ to you about your Fire Department Paul glared at Kathy and said, “You and
career. You’re a true dinosaur. I mean that with your dang Bran Flakes. We could have been
much respect to you. You and others performed here ten years ago.”
your jobs in a truly professional manner and AC
brought great pride and respect to the LAFD. KEEP SMILIN’!
Fred Nuesca
Thank you for your service. choppedup@att.net

January 2018 • 35
 You may know that Asst
Chief Sam Diannitto served as
a pension commissioner for 42
years - 25 as the active fire elected
member and 17 as the retired fire
elected member. But I bet you
didn’t know he was responsible
for putting millions of dollars
back into the pockets of retirees.
Or saving active members hun-
dreds of thousands of dollars in
additional income taxes. Sam was the one who did the heavy lift-
ing on these and numerous other issues during his tenure.
MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR REIMBURSEMENTS
In the mid-1980’s, the Fed began charging a fee for Medi-
care Part B benefits. In response, UFLAC asked the City Council
to reimburse members who were being charged the fee. We ar-
gued that members had no choice and were required to sign up
for Medicare. And in turn, because Medicare became the primary
provider, the City’s costs in subsidy payments were reduced. We
figured that it was only fair that the City share these savings with
the members.
The Council eventually approved a reimbursement plan
for all City employees - except for retired sworn members! They
passed the buck to the Fire & Police Pension Board, saying only
the Pension Board had the power to approve sworn employee
benefits.
When the reimbursement plan was finally presented, the
Pension Board president, a mayoral appointee, immediately chal-
lenged the Board to permanently table the matter. He felt that
sworn members already received an “excessive level of benefits.”
But before a motion to table could be made, Sam jumped
in and asked if anyone on the City Council had raised an objec-
tion to granting this benefit to sworn retirees. Of course the an-
swer was “No,” being that the Council had already approve the
benefit for everyone else. Sam then quickly moved to grant the re-
36 • January 2018
imbursement benefit. The Board president was caught flatfooted
and Sam’s motion was approved 6 to 1.
Sam’s quick action saved the day and ensured approval
of this benefit. As to its value, eligible retired members will be
reimbursed $12.5 million next year alone.
HUGE TAX HIKE AVERTED
For many years, unlike public pension plans such as our
Fire & Police plan, private sector pension plans were required
to conform to Tax Code Section 415. Under Section 415, large
transfers of monies to pension funds that were made to avoid pay-
ing income taxes were disallowed. The code also forbid “excess
benefits” and set a maximum pension amount that could be paid
at the “normal retirement age” of 62.
For years, rich professionals complained bitterly to Con-
gress that these provisions were unfair because public pension
plans were not subject to Section 415. They hoped that this argu-
ment would result in the repeal of Section 415.
They finally got Congress to agreed that private and pub-
lic pension plans were not treated equally. But instead of repeal-
ing these provisions, Congress announced the tax code would be
changed so that public pension plans would also fall under Sec-
tion 415.
Needless to say, this caused great concern for public pen-
sion plans, especially Fire & Police plans. Unfortunately, no one
from the public sector seemed to know what to do.
Recognizing that a potential disaster was at hand, Sam
called me and said we needed to talk to the U.S. Treasury De-
partment to mitigate the effects of Congress’ announcement. Sam
had been the president of the National Conference on Public Em-
ployee Retirement Systems, the largest advocate for public pen-
sion plans in Washington, D.C., and had previously worked with
many staffers at Treasury. These were the same people who had
been tasked by Congress to write the new working rules for pub-
lic pension plans.
Sam set up a meeting where we explained that firefighter
and police benefit structures were completely different from oth-
er employees: age 62 was way beyond our
“normal retirement age;” survivor (IOD)
and disability pensioners were granted
pensions totally independent of age; and
we already had members (many fire and po-
lice chiefs) who had vested rights to pension
amounts that exceeded the 415 limits.
In our meeting we were told that they
were totally unaware of these types of is-
sues. Then they actually asked us if we
had any solutions! We proposed different
age and pension amount criteria for fire-
fighters and police officers; exemptions
from the 415 limitations for disability
and surviving spouse (IOD) pensions
(We argued these should be exempted
because they fell under Tax Code Sec-
tion 104 provisions.); and language that
would create “excess benefit” plans.
Weeks later we were informed that
we got everything we asked for. The new
415 rules would create special “carve out”
provisions for fire and police. The normal
retirement age would not be 62 and the pen-
sion amount limitations would be raised for
“early” retirement. The new rules established that
disability and survivor (IOD) pensions would be ex-
empt from 415 limits. And finally, provisions were adopted to
allow for the creation of “excess benefit plans”. All of these pro- Using an estimated 33% combined tax rate, this would have cost
visions were subsequently approved by Congress and are still in the average member an additional $6,716 in taxes. Assuming the
effect. average member worked an additional 15 years, we can clearly
Had it not been for Sam, these “carve outs’” would never see that Sam’s efforts saved those members well over a $100,000
have existed. Had that been the case, each year every active mem- in additional income tax.
ber would be paying income tax on the City’s contribution to the So, the next time you look at your pension check receipt,
plan. In 1986, for example, the average member made $43,750. or your bank statement, remember what Sam Diannitto has meant
The City’s contribution rate was 46.52%. That would have result- to your financial welfare, and offer a thank you to a very special
ed in the average member owing taxes on an additional $20,350. individual who will be truly missed.

January 2018 • 37
DECEMBER 2017 FIRE STORMS

Photo by
Mike Meadows
Creek Fire

“We’re in the middle of a weeklong red flag condition. We’re not done,” Chief
Terrazas said late in the week of December 3rd. “My firefighters have been working since
Sunday. Our people are getting tired.”
LAFD had already deployed strike teams to the Thomas fire in Ventura County,
when on December 5th, the Creek fire broke out above Sylmar. 400 firefighters were still
battling that blaze when the Skirball fire erupted in Bel-Air before dawn on Thursday.
Fifteen engines from the Creek fire had to be moved into the Sepulveda Pass fire, where
a total of 52 engines were engaged.
More than 15,000 acres burned and 60 homes were lost in the Creek fire. The
Skirball fire scorched 400 acres and destroyed six homes. The 250,000-acre Thomas fire
was still out of control as this issue of the Grapevine went to print.

Photo by Photo by
Greg Doyle Mike Meadows
Creek Fire
38 • January 2018 Creek Fire
 LAFD Photo by
Harry Garvin
Creek Fire

Photo by Photo by
Jeff Zimmerman Greg Doyle
Skirball Fire Creek Fire

Photo by
Mike Meadows
Creek2018
January Fire • 39
DECEMBER 2017 FIRE STORMS
Continued

Photo by
Greg Doyle
Creek Fire

Photo by Photo by
Ryan Cullom Keith Cullom
Thomas Fire Thomas Fire

Photo by
Ryan Cullom
40 • January 2018 Thomas Fire
 GREATER ALARM STRUCTURE FIRE
Pacoima
Photos by Rick McClure

It took 87 firefighters just 37 minutes, via largely a defensive operation, to

extinguish the flames at 12039 Branford St on November 10, 2017. Companies were able
to stop the spread of the fire from the 75’ x 25’ industrial building to closely situated
adjoining buildings.

January 2018 • 41
 Space Invaders arcade video game is
released. Though simple by today’s standards,
it was one of the forerunners of modern
video gaming. Guinness World Records ranks
it the top arcade game.
Ford introduces the Fairmont. It was a stunning
success for Ford, and the 1978 model set the
record for production of a new model, eclipsing
the record held by the 1965 Mustang.
42 • January 2018
Leon Spinks took the heavyweight title from
Muhammad Ali in a 15-round decision in Las
Vegas in February. Ali won the title back in a
rematch at the New Orleans Superdome in
September.
More than 150 new rookies join the LAFD
in January and September. Two platoons
attend 24-hour drill tower sessions on
alternating days, the first classes to have
peer-group instructors.
 MEMBERS
Herbert M. Brunwin, Captain. Appointed April 18, 1959.
Retired on a service pension May 15, 1994 from FS 8-A.
Passed away September 28, 2017.

Loth Westerman Jr., Engineer. Appointed April 20, 1963.

Retired on a service pension February 26, 1990 from FS 69-C.
Passed away November 15, 2017.

Gary R. Lonza, Firefighter III. Appointed April 17, 1971.

Retired on a service pension September 27, 1999 from FS 101-A.
Passed away November 19, 2017.

Jack V. Ross, Fireman. Appointed February 3, 1958.

Retired on a service pension February 1, 1978 from Rescue Maintenance-S.
Passed away November 19, 2017.

Edward S. Wormald, Fireman. Appointed October 28, 1947.

Retired on a service pension December 1, 1973 from FS 5-B.
Passed away December 1, 2017.

William T. Mc Donough, Engineer. Appointed June 10, 1947.

Retired on a disability pension May 1, 1978 from FS 43-A.
Passed away December 8, 2017.

Keith Stewart, Captain II. Appointed April 8, 1993.

Actively on duty at FS 12-C.
Passed away December 10, 2017.

FAMILY
Rita E. Brey, surviving spouse of Walter R. Brey, passed away November 20, 2017.
Rita H. Hoffman, spouse of Robert W. Hoffman II, passed away November 21, 2017.
Shirley J. Petty, spouse of Charles H. Petty Jr., passed away November 25, 2017.
Arelene Dragotto, surviving spouse of Frank J. Dragotto, passed away November 30, 2017.
Clara M. Shutz, surviving spouse of Alexander Shutz, passed away November 30, 2017.

Paid Advertisement:

January 2018 • 43

Dave & Bob,
My LAFD yearbook arrived in the
mail today, what a terrific book! Both of
you, as well as the Relief Association,
should be commended for producing such
a great historical album that all members
can be proud of. There is something within
the pages for everyone, active and retired.
It was especially gratifying to see the man-
ner in which you honored our fallen mem-
bers.
Once again, our Relief Associa-
tion has exceeded expectations and risen
to new heights as you continue to treat all
members with respect and dignity. Once
again, a job well done.
Thanks,
Dick Markota
LAFD, retired
Dear Bob,
Please accept this donation in mem-
ory of two of Air Operations exceptional
aviators, Billy Miser and Denny Menden-
hall. Billy, in his role as command pilot,
directed the first helicopter swift water
rescue in the Los Angeles River in 1983.
For his action, Billy received the LAFD
Medal of Valor. The following year Billy
oversaw the development and deployment
44 • January 2018
of the LAFD rappelling teams for the 1984
Olympics. Billy was also the author of the
poem “Ten Bells” which is occasionally
published in the Grapevine.
During one of LA County’s major
brush fires in the fall of 1993, Denny, while
serving as the helicopter coordinator, spot-
ted a woman at the top of Saddle Peak
whose home was being overrun by fire.
The woman, Lauretta Foy, a World War II
WASP pilot and an accomplished helicop-
ter pilot, had jumped into her swimming
pool for safety. Denny plucked her from
the pool and carried her back to the run-
ning helicopter. Denny was awarded the
LAFD Medal of Valor for his actions.
During kitchen table discussion,
Denny shared some of his knowledge of
the F-4 Phantom performance during his
Vietnam carrier days. On fact of the Phan-
tom was that it consumed 150 gallons of
fuel a minute in afterburner operation. That
consumption is about the same amount of
fuel that an LAFD helicopter consumes in
an hour!
Both gentlemen are remembered
for their professionalism, sense of humor,
and their personal concern for the pilots
and crewmembers under their command.
Regards,
Tom Jeffers III
Sun City, AZ
To whom it may concern,
The enclosed gift is made in cele-
bration of the birthday and exemplary life
of service of our good friend and neighbor,
Howard Dunford, a retired Los Angeles
firefighter. We wish to designate this gift
for the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Fire-
men’s Fund as we have in previous years.
Very truly yours,
Robert and Moira Fitch
Thousand Oaks, CA
Dear Andy:
I want to thank you from the bot-
tom of my heart for being there to guide
me during this difficult time. You were so
calm and strong, and knew just what to do
to have such a lovely service for Marshall.
It was everything he had talked about and
requested.
Andy, you are a fine and honorable
man, and most dedicated to your dear fam-
ily, the Los Angeles City Fire Department,
the Relief Association and the community.
Thank you and may God bless you.
Yours truly,
Maryann Prindle and family
Glendale, CA
LAFRA-
Russell Clyde was the first member
of the LAFD – and in fact the first fire-
man that I ever knew by name. In the mid-
1960’s, at the tender age of 6, our family
lived in a large Van Nuys home with a vast
expanse of linoleum. Russ was hired off-
duty by my parents for some pre-holiday
floor cleaning. He had a stellar recommen-
dation by some picky neighbors, and he
certainly lived up to their praise, impress-
ing my folks with a polite demeanor and
an exceptional work ethic that brought
him back time and again to make our home
sparkle. I remember being amazed when
my parents gave him the house key, allow-
ing him free reign in our home, an honor
they never bestowed on another worker.
After all, he was “Fireman Clyde,” and I
recall my parents speaking reverently of
Executing a Trust
him and all firefighters. For me, it was just
cool to meet and shake hands with a real
fireman. Alas, in 1969, my family moved
to Westlake Village, and I recall my mom
saying it was too many miles for Fireman
Clyde to travel – and besides, shag carpet
had become the rage.
I never forgot Fireman Clyde, who
16 years later was Firefighter Clyde when
I joined the Department. It was indeed a
strange (for me at least) honor to work
alongside him every now and then at Fire
Station 104 before his retirement. While I
can’t say he was the single reason I made
the LAFD my life’s work, he was certainly Now that you and your family have a living trust,
one of them, as I can still remember my do you know what to do when the time comes?
mom and dad saying “I wish there were
more people like Fireman Clyde in this
world.” I later came to know that Russ
Be prepared by attending a free educational
had a sometimes hard life, but I’m sure I seminar for trustors, trustees and beneficiaries.
wasn’t the only person, young or old, that
came to respect the person that he was.
Russ, your name will always bring me Visit FiremensRelief.org for
back to that childhood moment when I first
met you. Rest in Peace. dates, locations and details.
Brian Humphrey

I had the pleasure of working with

Larry Roberts at FS 33 in and FS 27 (both
in the 1980’s).
Larry Roberts was the finest para-
medic I ever met in my 34 years with the
LAFD. His performance was uniformly
outstanding, his attitude exemplary even
under very trying conditions, his docu-
mentation the most extensive I ever saw,
the example he set for younger members
the greatest.
My wife (Chief Snuggums), still re-
members how ecstatic Larry was after he
delivered his first set of twins as a para-
medic.
As a man and paramedic, Larry
was the GOLD standard to which I com-
pared other LAFD members. Larry will
be missed and long remembered by those
who worked with him.

Pat Shanley
For your “Getting Started Kit” contact
LAFD retired Marlene Casillas, Development & Marketing Director,
at (323) 259-5217 or email MCasillas@LAFRA.org
January 2018 • 45
ORIENTED SEARCH
Assume that Figure 1 is a large box
store like Costco or Wal-Mart. These types of
warehouse store occupancies have row after
row of either tiered storage or aisles between
display counters. Before we consider a search
in these types of occupancies, it is important to
realize that the size and/or floor plan will likely
consume an inordinate amount of time (partic-
ularly if visibility is minimal or non-existent)
and negate a meaningful and timely search.
Therefore, in these types of structures, it is
important to evaluate the difference between a
search and a recovery.
To begin the oriented search in Figure
1, assume the visibility is minimal at best, there
are several occupants who are unaccounted
for, and a search team of three will be utilized.
First, it is important to ensure or initiate some
type of ventilation to improve the interior en-
vironment and visibility. Second, the search
team would first develop an initial line (1)
from the front to the back of the structure that
would be used as a reference point during the
search. Some prefer a search line and some
46 • January 2018
advocate stretching a hose line as a reference
point. Although stretching a search line would
be quicker, it could be pulled in the direction of
a secondary line which could create problems
during the search. Conversely, if a hose line (1
½” or 2 ½”) is stretched as a reference point, it
would take more time and personnel to develop
but it would be more secure against unwanted
movements and maintain its relative position
during the search.
After the reference line has been devel-
oped, the three-person search team would enter
the building and search along the initial line to
the first aisle (the officer would stay on the line
with a firefighter to either side. If necessary,
the firefighters could use a tether to maintain
contact with the officer). When the search team
reaches the first aisle, the officer would direct
one firefighter to search the left aisle and the
other firefighter to simultaneously search the
opposing aisle while the office remains on the
reference line. Prior to searching the aisles,
each firefighter would attach a tag/search line
to the reference line (2) and begin the search.
This process allows each firefighter to confi-
dently search to the end portion of the aisle and
then return to the reference line/officer. When
both firefighters have returned to the officer,
the team moves towards the next aisle to repeat
the same type of search. This method would
be repeated until all aisles have been searched.
The search team would then follow the refer-
ence line back out of the structure. Although
this method would require some setup time, the
actual search would be coordinated and timely
under demanding conditions.
NOZZLE FAN SEARCH
Although this procedure is rarely used,
it is included as an option that can allow a
search to be used for two attack firefighters
who may be found on a hoseline or at the end of
a nozzle. This method was successfully used to
search for two firefighters on a nozzle that were
suddenly caught in a flashover in the Proud
Bird restaurant fire at LAX airport some years
ago.
This method utilizes two firefighters
using a nozzle as a reference point, searching
away from the nozzle (Figure 2) The search
team follows the hoseline to end of nozzle. If
necessary, the team leader can maintain contact
with the hoseline and tether the other firefighter
to the most appropriate side of the line as they
advance forward, searching the area around the
hoseline. The search person gives the tether or
tag line bag to leader. Person who will search
away from the nozzle removes approximately 4
to 6-feet of line and will loop the line over itself
and attach to a hand with a half hitch. Keeping
tension on line, the member will search the area
around the nozzle (A – first perimeter search).
If the initial search is unsuccessful, person on
nozzle will remove another four to six feet of
line, and repeat the operation as necessary (B
– second perimeter search, etc). This system al-
lows two persons to systematically search an
area, maintain contact with each other, main-
tain contact with their exit point of reference
(hoseline), and expand as necessary.
January 2018 • 47
 On June 8, 2017, at the 11th Annual
LAFD Merit Scholar Awards ceremony, the
academic excellence of eleven college-bound
students was honored.
The Merit Scholar Awards are cash
grants, made possible through the Jean Perkins
Foundation, of up to $20,000. To be eligible,
a student must be the child or stepchild of an
active or fallen LAFD sworn employee. The
eligible student must also be a high school se-
nior or college freshman. The scholarships are
awarded on the basis of merit. The single most
important factor is academic achievement, but
personal character and extracurricular accom-
plishments are also considerations.
This year’s five runner-up award win-
ners are to be congratulated for their outstand-
ing merits. Each received a one-time grant of
$2,500. They are Nina Hernandez, Angelina
Maldonado, Derek Ruedy, Anna Vidovich and
Taylor Wasserman.
The winner of this year’s “Best Es-
say” award of $2,500, sponsored by the LAFD
Foundation, was Nina Hernandez. The Fuji-
kawa Leadership Award is a one-time award of
$2,500 in memory of Ron Fujikawa, a found-
48 • January 2018
ing board member. The winner of this year’s
Fujikawa Leadership Award was Paris Barraza.
We would like to thank Mr. James Car-
roll Ill and Mr. Joe Connolly, Executive Board
Members of the Jean Perkins Foundation, Dick
Barrett, John Anglin. G. Louis Graziadio Ill,
Vicky Leek, Tom Mizo, Robert Nicholas and
Molly Taylor for their dedication and support
of our members and their children. We are
also grateful to the LAFD Foundation for their
sponsorship of the “Best Essay” award and to
the LAFD Sertoma Club, UFLAC, LAFD His-
torical Society and the LA Firefighter’s Asso-
ciation, Stentorians, and the Firefighters First
Credit Union.
2017 LAFD MERIT SCHOLAR AWARD
RECIPIENT BIOGRAPHIES
RACHEL BROWN is a graduating se-
nior from Newbury Park High School and is
the daughter of Captain II Jeff Brown, assigned
to the FS 60. She will be attending UCLA ma-
joring in Nursing. Rachel has been a volunteer
for the National Charity League where she as-
sists with various philanthropies such as Leu-
kemia and Lymphoma Society, Special Olym-
pics and Relay for Life. Rachel has a passion
for medicine. She has volunteered at the West-
minster Free Clinic, a clinic for low income
and homeless patients. She was responsible for
taking patient histories, vital signs, and pre-
senting patients to the doctor. Rachel has also
held a variety of integral positions with the As-
sociated Student Government, including Presi-
dent and Activities Commissioner. She imple-
mented the new tradition Panther Palooza, a
“battle of the bands” type of event to spotlight
diverse groups of students on campus. Rachel’s
athletic abilities include NPHS Cross Country,
and Track and Field teams from 2013- 2016.
She has received the Principal Scholar Athlete
Award, California Interscholastic Federation
for Achievement in CSF Championships for
NPHS Cross Country. Other awards include the
Silver Presidential Volunteer Service Award for
completing 274 service hours in one year.
LIA KITAHATA is a graduating
senior from Westlake High School (WHS) and
the daughter of Captain II Thomas Kitahata
assigned to F.S. 69. Lia will be attending the
 University of Washington in Seattle, majoring
in Computer Science. Lia has been a member
of the Girl Scouts for 12 years and has served
as Troop Leader and Treasurer. She grew up
camping and her experiences transformed her
into a lover of nature and an explorer of the
outdoors. One of her favorite family trips was
to Peru. Learning the culture and language was
eye-opening, and ignited a desire to learn about
other cultures. Lia has volunteered for the Lu-
theran Social Services Homeless Shelter, Spe-
cial Olympics World Games, and the Spark of
Love Toy Drive. Lia is a team member and man-
ager of the Westlake Swim Team, and a certi-
fied American Red Cross Lifeguard. As a mem-
ber of the California Scholarship Federation,
she served as secretary and as president. Lia
also served as treasurer of the Student Schol-
arship Federation. Lia is a member of the Na-
tional Honor Society and has received awards
for AP Scholar with Honor, and the WHS Stel-
lar Student Award. She also gained her Girl
Scout Gold Award in 2015 and a Presidential
Volunteer Service Gold Award for completing
more than 500 community service hours. Lia
graduates from Westlake High School with a
4.8 GPA and was co-valedictorian.
NICOLETTE (Nikki) RUIZ: is a
graduating senior from Trinity Classical Acad-
emy and the daughter of Battalion Chief Jim
Ruiz, assigned to Homeland Security. Nikki
will be attending the University of Notre
Dame, majoring in Neuroscience and Behav-
ior. She has demonstrated her leadership skills
early on. TCA did not have a cheer team, but
Nikki wanted to cheer for her school. She
quickly approached teachers and coaches to
help establish the TCA Cheer Team. Nikki’s
commitment extended to leading summer cheer
camp at Lake Hume, where her purpose was
to create a community among the high school
girls in biblical teaching. She volunteers at the
Hart Games Special Olympics and is a mem-
ber of Young Americans or Freedom and Mock
Trial - Speech and Debate Team. She is also
a member of the TCA Track and Field Varsity
Team 2016 – 2017, Varsity Cheer for four years
and served as captain 2015 - 2017. Nikki has
received the Coaches’ Award for Outstanding
Leadership in 2014 and 2015, Academic Ex-
cellence Award 2013 - 2017 and Distinguished
Scholar Diploma - the highest TCA diploma
award for completing the greatest number of
math, science and language courses offered
at Trinity Classical Academy in 2017. Nikki
graduates with a 4.7 GPA.
MICAH TOBON is a graduating se-
nior at Saugus High School and the son of Fire-
fighter Ill Gilbert Tobon, assigned to FS 114.
He will be attending Ohio University, majoring
in Computer Science with a focus on Electri-
cal Engineering. Since he was eleven years old,
Micah has been helping friends and administra-
tors set up and troubleshoot personal computer
systems and servers. During his freshman and
sophomore years he was head producer for an
on campus daily news show called the “Saugus
News Network.” Micah has volunteered with
the “A Million Meals” organization packing
meals for the hungry and homeless throughout
the world. He has also traveled with North Park
Community Church building houses. He was
involved with the SHS Ameri-Student Program
to integrate Chinese exchange students. Under
the SHS Mentorship Program he worked with
incoming freshman to ensure their success. He
also participated in “Every Fifteen Minutes,”
spreading awareness of drunk driving. Micah
has participated in organized basketball for
over 13 years and shared his love for basket-
ball by coaching elementary and middle school
kids. He was captain of the SHS JV Basketball
Team, and captain for the Varsity Team. Micah
has received awards for Defensive Player of
the Year as a freshman J/V and Varsity Basket-
ball, and the SAMMY Award which is given
to an athlete that maintains a GPA of 3.75 or
higher. Micah is a member of the Honor Soci-
ety and the California Scholarship Federation.
He graduates with a 4.5 GPA.

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All proceeds benefit your Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemenʼs Fund, a 110-year-old non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated helping our LAFD families in times of crisis

Explosion and Fire
Nearly Two Score Lives Snuffed in Harbor Holocaust:
Heroic Fireman Saves Many From Fiery Death in Water
By Deputy Chief Bill Goss
1944 Incident Report
The explosion and fire at Berth 233,
Wilmington on October 21, 1944, brought
into flaming reality one of the many potential
hazards of Los Angeles’ busy wartime harbor.
Involved in the fire were two hundred feet of
outfitting dock which was severely damaged to
a depth of about thirty feet.
At midnight on October 20, the S.S.
Fredricksburg, a tanker operating for the War
Shipping Administration, began loading tolu-
ene into hold number two, while at the same
time pumping water ballast out of hold num-
ber one. Toluene is a highly inflammable, very
volatile petroleum substance that has many
military uses.
As early as 8:00 a.m. on the 21st several
people detected the odor of what they thought
was gasoline around Berth 223. The Coast
Guard discovered that toluene was leaking into
hold number one and was being pumped into
the bay. The tidal current carries directly from
Berth 151 to Berth 223.
njoy
enjoy At the outfitting dock, Berth 223,
p ofof
op shortly before 2:00 p.m. naval and civilian
crews were busy spray-painting and welding
on LSM’s 211 and 212. (LSM – Landing Ship
Medium). A welder struck an arc and a flash
fire completely enveloped the LSM’s and the
A US Navy WWII LSM (Landing Ship Medium)
crisis
f crisis
Submitted by Frank Borden • Director of Operations, LAFDHS
docks. On the docks were about 25 vehicles, all
of which took fire.
At Boat 2, a short way down the bay,
the man on floor watch saw the flash of fire
and called to Captain Jack Allen. Captain Allen
turned in a still alarm and ordered immediate
response of the big 99-footer. Responding on a
first alarm were Boats 2 and 3, Engines 81 and
40, Rescue 36, Salvage 36 and Batt 6. Frank’s
Note: Engine 81 was located at Berth 227 on
Terminal Island on 7-1-41. Engine 81 moved
to Van Nuys in 1950.
As Boat 2 made its way up the channel,
a 4 1/2” tip was put on the ship’s main battery,
“Big Bertha,” and the bow and tower moni-
tors were readied for action. As they neared
the burning LSM’s, one sweep of the great 4
½” stream of water was all that was needed
to completely snuff out the fire on them. The
smaller batteries were at work breaking up the
fire floating on the water. Boat 2 turned and
came back and with one more mighty swoop,
extinguished the fires on the dock involving the
autos and trucks. To get an idea of the terrific
impact of a 4 ½” stream, it was noted that a me-
dium sized truck was pushed across the dock
by the force of the water as though it were a
toy. Frank’s note: The Historical Society has
the Big Bertha 6 inch nozzle that would pro-
duce up to 10,000 gallons per minute. Now on
display in the Harbor Fire Museum.
A photo of Fireboat 2 with forward monitors working on the
fire including “Big Bertha” on the top of the pilot house.
Fire Boat 3, with Senior Boat Opera-
tor J.V. Roquemore, responded along with the
rest of the assignment. He noticed that a con-
siderable number of men in the water around
the burning vessels and clinging to the nearby
wharves. As Roquemore was alone, due to the
depletion of manpower in the fire department,
his first duty appeared to be in the direction of
saving all possible life. Leaving the fire fight-
ing to Boat 2, he threw all the life preservers he
had to the men in the water and pulled them as
fast as he could reach them.
“Rocky” now had his boat full of in-
jured and suffering naval and civilian men. At
first they didn’t seem too badly injured, but
soon some showed the effects of severe shock
and many of them were seriously and danger-
ously burned. He took them to the Coast Guard
base at the old California Yacht Club across the
channel. Arriving there at 2:15 p.m. he deliv-
ered the seventeen cases he had aboard. In the
interval many of the injured had become un-
conscious and had to be removed on stretchers.
Boat 3 returned to the scene of the fire
and pulled in several more victims found in
the water and then made several trips bringing
medical officers, civilian doctors to the scene.
Sixteen men died and more than 35 hospital-
ized. Undoubtedly this toll would have been
much higher had it not been for the courageous
and efficient work of Mate Roquemore, who
January 2018 • 51

A photo of old Fireboat 3 which was quartered with Fireboat 2
has spent his 20 years on the fire department in
the bay area.
Although the fire on the LSM’s, water
and docks had been extinguished, a tough and
dangerous fire continued to burn amid the creo-
soted underpiling of the wharf. The dock had a
fire stop underneath, just north of the fire area,
but to the south there were no stops and in this
direction the fire continued to spread.
At 2:45 p.m., a second alarm brought
Engines 38 and 49, and Truck 48. From the wa-
ter side the fire boats closed in and rail standee
streams were directed into the burning piles.
Skiffs from the Coast Guard boats and Boat 2
with 1 ½” lines were sent under the dock, al-
though the acrid smoke and fumes made the go-
ing plenty rough. Along with the second alarm
assignment, the crews of Engine and Truck 24
were sent to the scene to provide additional
manpower. Starting at a point just south of the
blaze, axes and jumbo bars were used to cut
holes through the three inches of asphalt and
heavy 4x6 timbers that formed the dock. At
first cellar nozzles were tried, but it was found
that the barrels were too short to provide any
effective reach. Changing to Bresnan distribu-
tors, the desired results were achieved as they
could be lowered to any point necessary. From
this starting point other holes were successfully
cut along the pier until the complete area had
been extinguished. In some cases it was neces-
sary to lower men and lines into the openings to
get at stubborn pockets of fire in remote places
of the dock construction.
Subsequent arson investigations devel-
oped two theories as to the cause of the fuel
and vapors being in the bay around the LSM’s.
First it is known that toluene was escaping
into the bay from the Fredericksburg, and that
the tidal drift would carry it across the chan-
nel to Berth 223. If such was the case then the
question arises, why was there no flash back to
Berth 151? It is believed that incoming and out-
going sea traffic would break up the continuity
of any such flow on the surface of the water
and this coupled with the ebbing of the tide,
52 • January 2018
Old Fireboat No. 2 in 1945 with its 12-man crew. Notice it was
painted gray during WWII and maintained that color into the 1950s.
would confine the polluted area to around the years since its retirement in 2003. We believe
ships at the pier and under the pier itself. The that in approximately one year the boat will be
fumes from the material and from fuel carried fully restored and ready to change from being
in some instances in open containers aboard the in a shipyard to being in a museum. We found
ships covered the site with a blanket of highly out recently that the Port of LA has dropped the
inflammable vapors that took just one spark to plan to build a museum structure for economic
start an inferno of death and destruction. reasons. With a change in leadership comes a
A second theory is that fuel leakage change in past priorities. The planned museum
from another ship that had been tied up to the was to be located just south of Fire Station 112.
same docks a short time before, had polluted The architect and engineering plans were 80%
the area along with some possible pollution complete when the decision was made to drop
from the tanker at Berth 151, and the fumes the museum off the drawing board. We are
from these being ignited, caused the fire. grateful to the Port for providing the tent that
Frank’s note: Another great story of now covers the boat to protect it from most of
our firefighters, fireboats and land companies. the marine environment. We have a good lo-
These large incidents in the harbor are rare, cation being adjacent to Fire Station 112 and
but when they happen it takes an all response the Battleship Iowa. The preservation plan was
from the LAFD and other agencies to gain con- approved by the LAFD and the Port sometime
trol. back after months of committee work and the
My connection with Chief Bill Goss buy in from the government and the communi-
goes way back because my Dad and Mother ty. The Fireboat Museum was part of the Port’s
both went to Manual Arts High School with
Bill, and my Dad joined the LAFD in 1942 just
after Bill. I remember meeting him many years
ago and hearing that he was a Deputy Chief
appointed by Chief Engineer Miller on May
5, 1956 as one of seven new Deputies affec-
tionately known by the firemen as the “Seven
Dwarfs”.
My last visit with Chief Goss was at
his house in Westchester when he asked me to
come over and get some books he wanted to
donate to our Museum.
He passed away in 2009 and his memo-
ry and legacy will live on at our LAFD Museum
because we have preserved some of his history
and contributions to the LAFD and the fire ser-
vice.
EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS
Old Fireboat 2 “The Ralph J. Scott”
Status report
Our LAFD Historical Society volun- The restoration of the Boat continues with work
teers have been restoring the boat for many now around the hull and in the engine room.
 This was the architect’s rendition of the proposed museum structure The Port of LA completed the major parts of the “Downtown “ con-
for the “Ralph J. Scott”. The boat could be seen through a glass wall struction project with the exception of the Museum for the Fireboat.
and visitors could enter the museum to see the boat at two levels. It can be seen next to Fire Station 112. Today it is just an open space

Downtown restoration plan which is

now completed without the museum
for the boat.
Now our Society needs to start
over with a plan to provide a suitable
museum structure for the boat so that
it can be displayed as a National His-
toric Landmark so that people from
all over our country and the world can
come and see it and learn about its 78
year history. We will be seeking the
support from the LAFD, our member-
ship, the harbor community and vari-
ous organizations so that we can again
have a plan for a museum structure
featuring the “Ralph J. Scott’ LAFD
Fireboat No. 2.
The Hollywood Museum is located in “Old Fire
There will be
Station 27” at 1355 No. Cahuenga, Hollywood,
more about this in the This is one of Bob Patterson’s great cartoons depicting the firemen going too far in
CA 90028. The Harbor Museum is located in San
next month’s Grapevine removing rust from Old Boat 2. This in reality is one of the reasons the boat will not
Pedro City Hall at 638 S. Beacon St., San Pedro
article. return to the sea. There are many thin spots in the hull. Pilot Bill Dahlquist can tell
CA 90731.
Frank Borden you about a real incident involving a leak in the hull that he stopped.
Anyone interested in joining our great
cause by becoming a member, or volunteering
to work, or make a donation of money or an
LAFD item may contact us by mail:
LAFDHS Museum & Memorial
1355 No. Cahuenga Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Phone: 323 464 2727. But remember we
are currently staffed part time, so leave
a message and we will return your call.
The fax number is 323-464-7401. Our
E-mail is: LAFDHS27@aol.com. Web site
at www.lafdmuseum.org. If you want to
look at some great LAFD history check
www.lafire.com. and check the LAFD
web site for information and events at www.
LAFD.org. We look forward to hearing from
you and seeing you at the Museum.

The Los Angeles Fire Department Historical

Society is a non-profit 501 (C) (3) organization.
“PRESERVE, EDUCATE,
MEMORIALIZE”

January 2018 • 53
 LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
November 1, 2017

CALL TO ORDER so moved. Tyler Tomich seconded. There Garth Flint of Beacon Pointe presented the
was no discussion or objections. 3rd Quarter investments for the LAFRA
President Bob Steinbacher called the portfolio. He reported that the markets
meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Los Motion carried to approve minutes Board have been very strong across the board and
Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association to Meeting Minutes of October 4, 2017. indicated that the driving force is the global
order at 10:22 a.m. economic environment. He indicated that
PRESIDENT REPORT we are not seeing inflation even though
ROLL CALL there is low unemployment due to a variety
1) Bob Steinbacher reminded the Board of reasons. Mike Breller reviewed the
MEMBERS PRESENT: that Open House was Saturday, November manager performance and asset allocations
Bob Steinbacher, President 4th from 12:00 noon to 4:00pm. and indicated that they have discussed
Jeff Cawdrey, Vice President with the Investment Committee about
Andrew Kuljis, Secretary 2) Bob Steinbacher informed the Board terminating some of the managers and
Trustee David Peters that the L.A. Retired Fire & Police holiday reallocating those funds.
Trustee Gene Bednarchik celebration will be on December 9th.
Trustee Chris Stine John Jacobsen reported on a separate
Trustee Steve Berkery 3) Bob Steinbacher referred to the LAFRA investment option with Southwest Value
Trustee John Jacobsen Dinner Dance on December 9th and asked Partners and indicated that they feel that it
Trustee Frank Aguirre those interested to sign up on the website would be a good opportunity to invest.
Trustee Steve Ruda and book their rooms.
Trustee Danny Wu John Jacobsen made the following motion.
Trustee Joe Vigil 4) Bob Steinbacher referred to the open
Trustee Rick Godinez enrollment and the changes made to the The committee recommends and I so move
Trustee Tim Freeman letters sent to the membership. He indicated to terminate Symons, Wedgwood and Titan
Trustee Mike Sailhamer that they will have the final numbers for and engage with Engaged Capital, Trian
Trustee Tyler Tomich enrollment by the beginning of November. and MIG with funding from Titan and
Trustee Tim Larson – Pension move Symons balance into St. James and
Trustee Steve Domanski - Pension 5) Bob Steinbacher provided an update on engage with Southwest Value Partners on a
Todd Layfer - Executive Director the Ad Hoc Pension Committee meeting separate investment with $910,800. There
Liberty Unciano – Controller-Treasurer and indicated that they may be in agreement was no discussion or objections.
to cancel the RFP for a medical plan but the
MEMBERS ABSENT: issue has not been laid to rest. Motion carried to terminate Symons,
Trustee Chris Hart Wedgewood and Titan and engage with
Trustee Doak Smith – Pension 6) Bob Steinbacher indicated that they Engaged Capital, Trian and MIG with
Trustee Craig White are currently working on the Board and funding from Titan and move Symons
Trustee Jim Duffy Committee meeting dates for 2018 as well balance into St. James and engage with
Trustee Gayle Sonoda as the special event dates. Southwest Value Partners on a separate
investment with $910,800.
GUESTS: EXECUTIVE SESSION
Tom Stires, Retired VICE PRESIDENT REPORT
The Board entered into Executive Session
INVOCATION & Flag Salute at 10:37am. 1) Jeff Cawdrey reported on the annual
The Board adjourned from Executive IFEBP conference he and Trustees attended.
Rick Godinez led the invocation. Tyler Session at 11:40am.
Tomich led the flag salute. 2) Jeff Cawdrey referred to the election and
Legal and personnel matters were discussed mentioned some of the changes and edits to
RATIFICATION OF MINUTES during Executive Session. Action was taken the Bylaws.
on the personnel matter.
Bob Steinbacher entertained a motion EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
to ratify and approve the Board Meeting INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
Minutes of October 4, 2017. David Peters REPORT 1) Todd Layfer reported that he is currently
54 • January 2018
working on the Employer Mandate
reporting with the City of Los Angeles to
ensure that the members have adequate
medical coverage.
2) Todd Layfer reported that they are
currently calculating the Transitional
Reinsurance fee.
MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT
REPORT
Rick Godinez provided an update on
the Marketing events and reported that
this has been a record breaking year for
Golf sponsorships. He indicated that the
Marketing Dept. is working on sending
“thank you” letters to the sponsors. He
reported on the Discovery School fundraiser
that so far raised over $20K. He stated
that they are currently working on getting
runners for the 2018 L.A. Marathon.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
REPORT
Tyler Tomich presented the following
motions.
The committee recommends and I so move
to pay the usual and customary bills in
the amount of $978,158.72. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the usual and
customary bills in the amount of
$978,158.72.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve $250 for the L.A. Retired Fire &
Police Annual Holiday Celebration. There
was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve $250 for
the L.A. Retired Fire & Police Annual
Holiday Celebration.
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. Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
Motion carried to accept all applications The committee recommends and I so
to the Medical Plan. move to approve the financial assistance
applications for surviving spouses, active
RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT and retired members. There was no
discussion or objections.
Steve Berkery presented the following
motion. Motion carried to approve the financial
assistance applications for surviving
The committee recommends and I so move spouses, active and retired members.
to pay:
ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE
The Sick & Injury benefits in the amount of REPORT
$32,068.64
The Estate Planning benefit in the amount The committee recommends and I so move
of $4,800 to advance funds for both active and retired
The Life & Accident Death Benefit in the members. There was no discussion or
amount of $24,000 objections.
The Relief Death Benefits in the amount of
$40,500 Motion carried to advance funds for both
active and retired members.
There was no discussion or objections.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Motion carried to pay the above Relief
benefits. Andy Kuljis reported that the election is
running as planned and indicated that the
Steve Berkery read the names of members ballots have been sent to the members.
who recently passed and asked for a
moment of silence from the Board. SETTING OF DATES
MEMORIALS 1) LAFRA Open House – November 4th
Wayne A. Havron 2) LAFRA Holiday Dinner Dance -
Jack Vander-Laan December 9th
John A. Wilmes 3) L.A. Retired Fire & Police Holiday
Richard D. Dickens Celebration – December 9th
John F. Gamrat, Jr.
Herbert M. Brunwin RETIREMENT DINNERS
Ray L. Johnson
Anthony La Palio 1) Taylor Gaskins – Saturday,
Ralph G. Nelson November 11th San Pedro
ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE ADJOURNMENT
Steve Berkery presented the following Bob Steinbacher entertained a motion
motions. to adjourn. David Peters so moved. Tim
Larson seconded. There was no discussion
The committee recommends and I so move and no objections.
to accept the donations in the amount of
$5,245.07 to the Widows, Orphans & Motion carried to adjourn. The Board of
Disabled Firemen’s Fund. There was no Trustees meeting adjourned at 12:39 p.m.
discussion or objections.
Bob Steinbacher, President
Motion carried to accept the donations in
the amount of $5,245.07 to the Widows,
January 2018 • 55
 Donations to Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund - November 2017

ALFRED LEROY ROBERT STRAIN ROBERT & MOIRA UNITED WAY

C/O WELLS FARGO/ FITCH in honor of our
DAVID MILLER VICE KENNETH E. BUZZELL in neighbor Howard BRUCE GALIEN/B&B
PRESIDENT honor of Retired Fire Dunford’s Birthday and MANAGEMENT in
Pension Commissioner Life of Service memory of Richard Gault
TOLUCA LAKE Sam Diannitto
CHAMBER OF FIRE STATION NO. 101 NICOLE RASOR MELANIE ALLEN in
COMMERCE proceeds from the Fire CECIL & CRISTY memory of Glenn Allen
from the Firemen’s Extinguisher Fund CRAWFORD in memory
Benefit Breakfast of Doris Nash GARY BOWIE
NETWORK FOR GOOD
COOPER T. KUNATH DAVID ASEM DEANNA PORTER
BARBARA ZULIANI in GARY SHELFORD from the
THOMAS J. JEFFERS III memory of Paul, Reno and Simi Valley Breakfast Gang GARY & DONNA
in memory of Bill Miser & Aldo Zuliani at the Firehouse Cafe CHILDRESS in memory of
Denny Mendenhall Richard and Louise Gault
GALE PLANAGAN HARRY M. MORCK in
RUBY A. JUSTIS in memory STROMBERG/ memory of LINDA DMARIO in memory
of my husband Charles WILLIAM PLANAGAN Richard Dickens of Alvina Bakula
“Charlie” H. Justis FAMILY in memory of
Richard and Louise Gault LARRY COHEN from the DONALD DUFFIELD in
ROBERT C. networking plus event from memory of
KLOPFENSTEIN ARLENE J. BURNHAM facility in June Ralph G. Nelson
from the Retired LAFD in memory of my husband
Kern County Breakfast Edwin Burnham ARCHER R. MORGAN in KRISTEN EGENES in
Club in Tehachapi honor of Andy Kuljis memory of Doris Nash
ANDREW D. MILLER in
CAMILLE SANDER C/O memory of Bill Rose NANCI CHRISTOPHER in DANIEL FADDEN in
DAVID SANDER in memory of David Moorman memory of Ralph Nelson
gratitude of your JOE & BARBARA
fundraising efforts ESPINOZA in memory of ANDREW D. MILLER in WAYNE & TONI
Dickie Gilmore memory of Bill Rose GEMMELL
GAULT FAMILY TRUST/
LAURIE FRIESEN in JANICE BOURDON in MARY L. PENNINGTON in DALBERT HOWARD in
memory of Dick Gault memory of my beloved memory of Ginnie Nelson memory of Richard Gault
husband Capt.
PATRICK M. SHANLEY David E. Bourdon CONNIE M. CLARK JAY MILLER
in memory of
Lawrence J. Roberts FIRE STATION NO. 85 FIRE STATION NO. 79 DARAN PAONE in honor of
from the Fire from the Fire Don Paone
BRONSON Extinguisher Fund Extinguisher Fund
PHOTOGRAPHY INC.
JAMES SMITH BRUCE GALIEN/B&B
LORRAINE SPEKTOR MANAGEMENT in
WENJUN XU memory of Larry Thomas

56 • January 2018
 CLASSIFIEDS
For advertising information, please contact:
Eric Santiago - (323) 259-5231 - eric@lafra.org
Dave Wagner - editor@lafra.org
MERCHANDISE
FOR SALE
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
REAL ESTATE
FOR SALE
2 BURIAL PLOTS at beautiful
Pierce Brothers Valley Oaks
Memorial Park in Westlake Vil-
lage. Located in Garden of Geth-
semane, plot 738 C & D , with
option to double stack for total
of 4 . $24,500.00 obo. (661)
433-5919
COLORADO MOUNTAIN
PROPERTY. 35 acre. Owner Fi-
nanced. $500 down. 3% interest.
Financed over 10/15/20 years.
Join 36 other firemen and
friends that have bought in the
same area. Contact Ron Massie,
LACoFD – (661) 313-7339.
PIERCE BROTHERS VALLEY
OAK MEMORIAL in Westlake
Village.
1. Oak Knoll Mausoleum. Court
II - Spaces 99D & 100D at heart
level. $24,500.
2. Garden of Tranquility.
Double interment. Estate 5E.
$26,500. Call (208) 818-5122
THOUSAND OAKS.
www.1609ehillcrest.com
Gated compound - main house
2400 sq ft. 4 bd/3 ba first floor
mastersuite, separate guest
home with private entrance,
1200 sq ft. 3 bd/2 ba central h/ac
full kitchen. Wood floors through-
out both homes. Saltwater pool/
spa. Multigenerational living,
co-ownership, livework, etc.
National blue ribbon schools.
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.
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, (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.
IT’S 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.
CALI+HI PHOTOGRAPHY
Weddings, Family, Maternity,
Newborns Lifestyle + Portrait
Photography
CALIHIPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Contact:
calihi@calihiphotography.com
Follow on Instagram:
@ calihi_photography
LAFD FIRE FAMILY
RED IRRITATED SKIN? Aging
lines, sun spots, acne or loss of
firmness? Rodan and Fields skin
products are clinically proven to
change your skin. Start using
products that make a difference.
Go to: https:/annatsanchez.
myrandf.com
Love the products? Start selling
them online and become an
independent consultant. Call
Annet (626) 818-1846 for more
information.
WAYNE PRESS CHIROPRAC-
TIC. Work, Auto, DMV, Well-
ness. Preferred provider for
most PPO, HMO, MPN, Union,
Auto accident and Worker’s
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
BASS LAKE. Lake view  2 story
cabin, 3 bedroom 21/2 bath, rec
room, forced air, sleeps 7-9. Fully
furnished,  big screen cable TV/
WIFI, red wood deck, gas BBQ,
walk to Marina/Pines Viilage. No
smoking or pets. $200/night. 4
night minimum. Larry Harris LAFD
retired (805) 509-5739
BIG BEAR - Beautiful decked
two story cabin. 2 bedroom, 1
bath. Sleeps six. Pets OK. Near
lake, slopes, shopping. Fireplace/
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- 4Bdrm
2Bath home. Eagle Point loca-
tion! Sleeps 9 comfortably. TV,
DVD, WiFi, 2Fireplaces, Firepit,
BBQ, laundry. 2night min. Win-
ter: $190 Fri/Sat, $160 Wkdays.
Summer: $140 Fri/Sat, $120
Wkdays. +$110 Cleaning. Some
holiday rates. -Tony Zermeno
805-625-1192
BIG BEAR LAKE’S 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. 2 bedroom,
2 bath, 2 story. Sleeps 6-8. About
6 miles from ski slopes & lake.
Fireplace/wood, cable, full kitch-
en - furnished. $100 per night M -
Th. $110 per night F-Sun. Weekly
available. Sheri (909) 851-1094
or (760) 948-2844.
January 2018 • 57
BULLHEAD CITY / LAKE
MOHAVE. 4 bedroom, 3 full
bathroom, 2200 sq/ft Located
in private community w/ private
marina and launch ramp. Direct-
ly across from the river, backs
to large park with grass. Fully
equipped kitchen, BBQ, Washer/
Dryer, TV/DVD. No cable. No
pets, No Smoking. Call Kevin
(805) 279-2430
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
58 • January 2018
garage. 3 miles from launch
ramp. Close to downtown shops
& restaurants. View of the lake.
Quiet street in good neighbor-
hood. No pets. No smoking.
Snowbird rates. Call Mike (661)
510-6246
LAKE HAVASU LANDING
RESORT. 3 bedroom, 2 bath,
waterfront house, boat, moor-
ing out front, fully furnished,
laundry, gas BBQ, launch ramp,
gated community, grocery
store, hardware store. No pets,
no smoking. Email Kathy at
scarkj@yahoo.com or call
(760) 858-4470
LAKE HAVASU LANDING RE-
SORT BEACHFRONT HOME
with boat mooring. Swim, ski
or fish from front yard. 4 bed/2
bath, fully furnished. DirectTV/
DVD/WiFi, pool table, laundry,
BBQ. Gated community with ca-
sino, groceries, marina, launch
ramp and off-road trails. No
pets, no smoking. $350 Bowen/
Garner email:
havasulanding27@gmail.com
LAKE NACIMIENTO. Oak
Shores gated community. 3
bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, large loft.
3minute drive to main marina in
Oak Shores. Large flat driveway.
Fully equipped kitchen, BBQ,
washer/dryer, TV/DVD. No
cable. No pets/smoking. $225/
night. $150 cleaning fee. 3 night
minimum. Call Ben (805) 444-
2264.
LARGE LAKE HAVASU HOME
FOR RENT – 5 bedroom, 3
bath, 2900 sqft home with ame-
nities & pool that easily sleeps
14+ people. Centrally located,
1 mile from the lake, close to
downtown shops and restau-
rants. Check out home at
https://www.vrbo.com/4648549ha
Call Julie 818-268-7906 for spe-
cial firefighter family rates.
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 bedroom
& large loft, 3 full baths, sleeps 8.
5 minute walk to Canyon Lodge.
Fully furnished, TVs, VCR/DVD,
pool, spa, rec room, sauna, lin-
ens included. Winter $175 week-
days, $195-weekends/holidays;
summer $125, plus cleaning. No
smoking; no pets. Craig Yoder
(909) 948-3659.
MAMMOTH CONDO - 2 bdrm,
2 bath, 2 TV’s, phone, garage,
pool, jacuzzi, fully furnished - ex-
ept linens. Near shuttle/chair 15.
Winter $125/night. Weekends
and Holidays $110 midweek.
Summer $95/night. $495/week.
No smoking. No pets. Jim John-
son (818) 992-7564, FS 80C.
MAMMOTH CONDO- SEA-
SONS FOUR RESORT.
Charming and cozy furnished
1 Bedroom sleeps 5. Updated
unit with amenities including
wifi, sauna, jacuzzi, phone,
rec room, 2 flat screens , DVD
players. W/D on site. Shuttle
stop. Walking distance to village.
$120/night + $80 Cleaning fee
Bobby@310-350-5552.
MAMMOTH CONDO 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 TV’s, pool, spa,
walk to shuttle, Old Mammoth
area. Winter $115, Summer
$90, plus cleaning fee $139 and
14% city tax. Includes linens.
No 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.
MAUI BEACH FRONT CONDO
ON NAPILI BAY - 50’ from
water. Studios and 1 bedroom.
Luxury furnishings + full kitchen.
All the amenities! Maui’s best
snorkeling/beach. All island
activities & Kapalua within 4
minutes. 5-day minimum, from
$150 per night (regularly $310/
night). Call Sherrie or Bill for
info/reservations (805) 530-0007
or email: pmimaui@aol.com
or visit:
www.napilibaymaui.com
MAUI’S MOST BEAUTIFUL
BEACH - Napili Bay. Beautiful
furnished condo that sleeps 4.
Lanai/balcony, full kitchen, king
bed, flat screen TV’s/DVD, AC’s
free WiFi (internet), complimen-
tary maid service, complimen-
tary coffee every morning and
breakfast on Fridays. Special
firefighters’ discount - Best value
in West Maui! Nice pool & BBQ
area - Close to beach! (800)
336-2185
www.napilivillage.com
Don Sprenger - retired LAFD
(949) 929-0989
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.maalaeabay.com
PALM DESERT - Gated mini
estate on half acre. Multi-family
friendly. Spacious 4 bedrooms
with game room. Come relax
and enjoy the large pool with
jacuzzi and built-in BBQ. Game
room has a pool table, ping pong
table, pinball machine and bar.
Patio areas with seating for all.
Walk to “El Paseo” dining and
stores. Pet friendly. No smoking.
Email: lilinoecastro@yahoo.
com or text (562) 895-8263.
PALM DESERT-3 bed/2bath,
one level. New re-model, fully
Deal direct with authorized Factory Dealers
Offering members of the Los Angeles Fire Department
Courteous, Ethical, and Special Consideration in the purchase of your new car.
GALPIN FORD
“#1 Volume Ford Dealer in the world for 20
consecutive years!”
Lincoln / Mercury / Honda / Mazda /
Volvo / Ford / Jaguar / Lotus / Aston
Martin / Spyker / Galpin Auto Sports
For special pricing contact
Terry Miller—Fleet Sales & Leasing
15505 Roscoe Blvd
North Hills CA 91343
818-797-3800 l www.galpin.com
1.800.GO.GALPIN
furnished w/linens. Cable TV/
DVR, Private Patio, BBQ, Laun-
dry, Garage, Gated Community,
two (Pools, Jacuzzi’s, Tennis
Courts). Near College of the
Desert. $175 Dan Cook 310 418
1577.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Ro-
mantic Chalet Family getaway.
3 bed/2 bath plus loft. Sleeps
8–10. 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:
HAMER TOYOTA, INC.
Camry / Celica / Corolla / Tundra
Tacoma / Sienna / Supra / Solara
11041 Sepulveda Blvd
Mission Hills CA
Ask for Steve Denson—Fleet Mgr
steve@hamertoyota.com
818-365-9621
“Specializing in hassle-free car buying”
sunsetranchoasis.com
or call Nick Davidson
** SPECIAL **
(424) 237-4121 ANNOUNCEMENT
WELCOME TO COEUR 2006 LAFD
D’ALENE, IDAHO. Fly into Yearbook Available
the easy Spokane Washington
International Airport and let the There are a limited number of
fun begin. Downtown location the 2006 LAFD/LAFRA Year-
sleeps 12 with hot food, art, books available for purchase.
wineries, shopping, & lakeside If you would like one, they are
fun Winter, Spring, Summer or available for a $35 donation to
Fall. Coeur d’Alene has it all. the Widows, Orphans & Dis-
https://www.vacasa.com/unit. abled Firemen’s Fund. Send
php?UnitID=11928 a check made out to LAFRA
LAFD family owned. WODFF, along with your name
and mailing address to: 2006
Yearbook, 7470 No. Figueroa
VACATION St, Los Angeles, CA 90041.
VEHICLES
MOTORHOMES FOR RENT.
Several Class C’s & Class A’s 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-calrv.com
or call 661-297-2398 as for Jeff.
Make money with your mo-
torhomes to offset your payment.
We sub-lease RV’s.
HONDA OF HOLLYWOOD
Honda - Sales and Leasing
Large Selection of Used Vehicles
6511 Santa Monica Blvd
Hollywood CA
Ask for Dave Erickson­­­­­­­­­
323-466-3251 l Fax: 323-462-0187
DaveE@hondaofhollywood.com
January 2018 • 59
 Fire Boat No. 1 was originally stationed at the foot of First Street in San Pedro.
The crew lived and worked out of the tent on the dock at the First Street landing.
FF Danny Elizarraras Collection - Photo Date: 1921
W
a
th
Fire Boat se
No. 1
P
a
Ph
Fa

The Fire Boat No. 1 “A” platoon crew in August of 1919.The photo was found at Fire Station 111
in 1972 while moving some old lockers so that City painters could paint behind them. The source
of the photo is unknown, but the location was at the First Street landing. LAFIRE.com Collection

60 • January 2018
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January 2018 • 61
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