VOL. XCIV MARCH 2018 NO.

• FEATURES •
Team Buzzard Bait
The 21st annual family gathering and desert fun ride continues
to bring in the gold for the Widows, Orphans & Disabled
Firemen’s Fund • .....................................................................08

Special Commendation –
Hollywood Jumper Incident
Firefighter Kenneth Fraser proves he’ll go “above and beyond”
both on duty and off • ...............................................................10

Changing of the LAFRA Guard

Perennial performer Steve Ruda steps down from the LAFRA Board
to make room for new blood. Introducing the new blood: Henry
Gasbarri, Rich Moody and Kenny Breskin • .............................06

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.

2 • March 2018
 On the cover: Structure Fire: Eagle Rock - By Mike Meadows
36

• CONTENTS •
President’s Message • .........................................................................05
Battalion News • .....................................................................................13
Station Fridge • .......................................................................................33
The Retired Guys • ...............................................................................35
Department in Action • .........................................................................36
7 Best Stretching Exercise
Prepare for the more challenging activity ahead • .....................................40
LAFD Golf Club
December tournament results • ...........................................................42
Retirement Dinners • ...............................................................................43
Memorials • ...........................................................................................45
Mailbox • ...............................................................................................46
LAFD History
The Sylmar Tunnel Explosion • ................................................................51
Minutes of the Board of Trustees • .....................................................54
Classifieds • ...........................................................................................57
Tailboard
Then and Now – Fire Station 54 • .............................................................60

Inset LAFD photo by: Adam Van Gerpen

Mudslides - Montecito

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

PSO’s
Amy Bastman, Margaret Stewart, Brian Humphrey

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

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

LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION

Robert Steinbacher................................................President
Jeff Cawdrey ..................................................Vice-President
Andrew Kuljis ........................................................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 • March 2018
Welcome March and spring cleaning!
It is that time of the year to look forward to springtime
and spring cleaning. A time of throwing out old and getting new.
One great thing to dispose of is bad habits! Like not getting your
living trust completed, or not reviewing your beneficiaries with
LAFRA, Pension Department, Credit Union, and UFLAC. Most
of these forms can be found online.
With that being said, you should have received or will be
receiving your “Member Summary Report” in the mail. Please
take the time to review this very important document that is gen-
erated from our FRITZ system. Verify that we have the correct
information on you and your family members. You can email, fax
or snail mail your corrections back to us.
Take a moment and look at your donations to the Widow,
Orphans, & Disabled Firemen’s Fund (WODFF). Enclosed with
the summary sheet will be a donation card for WODFF. The last
time we had an annual giving campaign was two years ago. So
for those of you giving ZERO, please consider giving $25 bucks
a paycheck. For those of you who have given over your years on
the department, THANK YOU, and please consider increasing
your amount.
Medicare and its coordination with our members and their
spouses is sometimes a challenge. The reasons are various and
widespread. It is extremely important to have accurate informa-
tion because the amount of subsidy you receive and premiums
paid will vary depending on what information you have on re-
cord. While it is only a small minority of our members that have
any issues, the ability to deal with any issue in a timely manner is
a huge benefit to the Relief Association and its affected members.
Your LAFRA Board of Trustees has approved the removal
of the “Seven Year Rule” for PPO Medical Plan participation.
This rule affected retired members who, while they were active,
did not participate in the PPO Medical Plan for a total of at least
84 months. These retired members will now be eligible to sign–
up for the PPO Medical Plan beginning with our April “Open
Enrollment” period. Coverage will then become effective on July
1, 2018.
Grapevine Editor Dave Wagner reports that more than
100 retired members have expressed an interest in attending our
Medicare Info Seminar. We even added an extra day and they are
both completely booked. We are also going to make our best ef-
fort to record the session and provide the video to our members
who are unable to attend via lafra.org.
Please mark your calendar or smart phone with the upcoming
LAFRA events:
• March 17th - Hook and Ladder in Cal City
• March 18th - LA Marathon
• March 20th - Medicare seminar at LAFRA
• May 2nd - Lane Kemper Softball Classic
• May 21-25 - Pechanga Reunion
• June 7th - Hope for Firefighters
Be safe and be kind to each other!
Robert D. “SteinTalker” Steinbacher
president@lafra.org / 323.259.5200
March 2018 • 5
KENNETH BRESKIN
Engineer Kenneth Breskin has been a fixture at “new”
87’s since it opened in 2008.
He’s one of the Haz Mat
guys that came over with the
Task Force from 70’s.
However, you prob-
ably know Kenny better for
all the car shows and pan-
cake breakfasts that he has
put on at 87’s over the years.
If there is a firefighter in
need, he is your go-to guy.
Just say the word and Bre-
skin will plan and execute a
fundraising event that will be fun, memorable and above all else .
. . raise money for a worthy cause.
Ken is also the FDUL, that’s the Food Unit Leader, for
Federal Management Team 4. Obviously, that makes him the
most important guy on the team! Delivering water, Gatorade, ice
and tons (literally) of fresh, healthy grub to crews working major
incidents is all his responsibility. He just recently returned from
the Thomas Fire and has many other campaign fires under his
belt.
With the blessings of Monique, his wife of 17 years, and
their blended family of three kids, Kenny has joined on to be a
LAFRA Trustee. “I’ve been doing fundraising for the Widows
and Orphans Fund for many years,” relates Breskin, “and now I
want to be just a phone call away from helping any of our mem-
bers and their families in need.”
RICHARD MOODY
While Captain Richard Moody doesn’t exactly walk the red
carpet at the Academy Awards, his work is critical to the success
of the show. You’ll find him
with the CIPTS team (Criti-
cal Incident Planning and
Training Section) at the com-
mand post, helping to ensure
that the event goes off safely.
You’ll also find Moody and
the team at other big events
like the World Series, the LA
Marathon, as well as large in-
cidents like brush fires.
Before he joined the LAFD,
Rich was a volunteer for nine
years with Orange County
6 • March 2018
Fire Authority. “We had 30 engines that were paid call and I was
working as much as I wanted,” he recalls. “I really didn’t even
want to be a professional firefighter. I was having a great time as
a volunteer.”
That was 18 years ago and things have definitely changed
for the Moody family which includes wife Erin and daughter
Mara. Rich has worked at great spots like 41’s and 11’s, and
spent ten years as an A/O. He also earned a BS in Marketing from
SDSU along the way.
Moody says he is very glad to be involved with LAFRA,
and is already having lots of fun working with his fellow Trust-
ees. But the impetus for his LAFRA involvement is a little more
serious. Rich has been involved on the logistics end of LAFD fu-
nerals and has worked alongside LAFRA helping the families of
the deceased. “Everyone comes together in these times of need,”
said Moody. “It’s been a real learning experience and now I want
to work with the Relief and share what I have learned.”
HENRY GASBARRI
Henry Gasbarri remembers his assignments before pro-
moting to engineer very
well. “9’s and 81’s were
great stations,” he recol-
lects. “We were busy but
had lots of fun. There were
some really great guys in
both spots.”
After promot-
ing in 2004, Henry spent
nine years at 72’s and
then moved over to 73’s.
On his way to work one
morning, he was T-boned
on the driver’s side by a
car that investigators said was traveling at 110 MPH. The acci-
dent occurred in his first-in at Roscoe and Reseda Blvds, and the
crew from 73’s responded and extricated their comrade from the
wreckage. He was in a coma for a month and was off-duty for 13
more.
“The Relief Association was literally a life saver,” recalls
Gasbarri. “They looked after my family (Carrie, his wife of 25
years, and their four kids) when I could not. I was very impressed
by LAFRA’s focus on helping families.”
Henry has joined the Board of Trustees in an effort to re-
pay that generosity. “I want to be part of what the Relief Associa-
tion offers. I want to give back in the same way that my family
and I were given,” he said.
 It’s always a bright and sunny day in September for the
LAFD Invitational Golf Tournament. The urbane Steve Ruda is
always chosen to handle the hosting duties for this event at the
Mountain Gate Country Club. And when Steve steps up to the
microphone, with a slight off-shore breeze blowing at his back
and a sweeping view of the Sepulveda Pass beneath him, he
always says, “Your worst day of golf is better than your best day
on the 405.”
Steve has worn many hats in his nearly forty-year tenure
with the LAFD - yellow, orange and white helmets; ball caps with
the Hope for Firefighters logo; Chairman of the Board of Honor-
ary Awards; and the heavy coronet of a LAFRA Trustee. In fact,
he has done two long stints as a Trustee, and has now decided to
step aside. “We need to groom other members to take over and
take us to new heights,” he recently told me. “We need to add new
assets to the organization.”
An unabashed disciple of Lane Kemper (they worked to-
gether as firefighters at 10’s), Steve also adheres to Carter Ames’
old adage “Do your job and a little extra.” Working on the LAFRA
Board, Steve says, is that little extra. “To be a part of this organi-
zation is the epidemy of service.”
Ruda has spent many long hours in the Relief and As-
sistance Committee rooms; was a strong proponent of the 1986,
2006, and 2017 yearbooks; and I’m sure he holds the world’s
record for attending, presenting badges and presiding as master of
ceremonies at more retirement dinners than anyone else in LAFD
history. The “Golden Voice” of the LAFD may now be lightening
up his work load as he approaches his golden years, but he will
remain heavy in the heart and soul of LAFRA and the LAFD for
years to come.

March 2018 • 7
8 • March 2018
 For the last twenty-one years, Martin
Luther King weekend and Ocotillo Wells have
had one thing in common - the Buzzard Bait
Family Fun Ride to benefit LAFRA’s Widows,
Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund. This year
was no exception and everyone was treated to
excellent weather, a great course, and no dust!
(Well, two out of three ain’t bad!)
We had a great turnout with more than
250 entries. There were kids as young as six
years of age on 70cc motorcycles, and adults
(acting like kids) sitting in their brand new (or
rented) RZR XP 1000’s. It was, however, a
family affair all the way.
The twenty-eight-mile course was re-
ally well laid out with twisty-turning slot can-
yons, tight sandy washes, wide open washes,
and fast pole line roads. There were stations
along the way to pick up poker cards and dig
for buried poker chips and dice. At the end, the
poker hands were turned in with the best hands
winning prizes. If you found a poker chip or
one of the dice, then you were allowed to spin
the “Wheel of Fortune” for additional cash
prizes. Many of those that won the money do-
nated it back, so that the Widows and Orphans
Fund was the true winner. There was a silent
auction as well with time at a condo in Colo-
rado and one in Mammoth up for grabs, along
with a fire axe and other great items.
Raffle tickets were sold for a chance
at some great prizes. During the raffle, t-shirts
were flying through the air and grown men
were wrestling over who got one. The event
co-chairs, Doug Weber and Mike Reitmayer,
were calling out numbers to keep the frenzy
going. Everyone was excited about winning
something. Then all of a sudden, Doug starts to
go down. Next thing we know Doug is yelling,
“Cut my sleeves, cut my sleeves!” Doug was
obviously overheated from all the excitement
and Mike, being a paramedic, recognized the
danger, and did just that. He cut the sleeves off
Doug’s sweatshirt! Not sure what that was all
about . . . ?
The Relief Association was once again
represented by the “Odd Couple” of President
Bob Steinbacher and Trustee Tim Larson. Bob
“Steintalker” and Tim “Smiling Jack” Larson
make a hell of a team. Always bickering back
and forth as to whom should be doing what in
and around Bob’s motorhome. Bob finally won
out when he got Tim to wash all his rugs. (See
photo)
Overall, we had a great weekend of
camaraderie, campfires, storytelling, reminisc-
ing, and family fun, all benefitting the Relief
Association’s Widows, Orphans & Disabled
Firemen’s Fund.
Save the Date. Saturday, March 17,
2018 - Hook and Ladder Enduro
March 2018 • 9
“Forget what hurt you in the past, but never
forget what it taught you.”

Firefighter Kenneth Fraser has been

able to apply this sincere quote from an un-
known artist to his own life, both on and off
duty. On January 24, 2017, while off duty,
heading home from the LAFD’s Geographic
Information System Unit where he had been
training, Kenneth was exiting the 101 Freeway lice officer. Explaining the situation to them, hardship to create a genuine connection with
at Hollywood Boulevard when he saw a mid- Fraser made it clear to them that he had already the jumper. After over an hour of talking and
dle-aged man on the overpass ledge. The man established a rapport with the man. Convinced, negotiating, he was able to convince the man
appeared to be planning to jump. the officers gave him the all-clear to continue. to climb back over the ledge. By that point, the
Though he had been on the job for less When Fraser returned to the man, he man had begun to lose his grip, and expressed
than six months, Fraser instinctively switched adopted a new approach. Fraser asked the man fear that he was going to fall. Fraser shouted to
to first- responder mode. He pulled his car over, if he could trust him, rather than vice-versa. the LAFD companies that were on-scene to cut
shouted for someone to call 9-1-1, and attempt- Once he assured Fraser that he was trustwor- the fence and pull the man to safety.
ed to clear the crowd that had gathered around thy, Fraser proceeded to disclose details of his To this day, Fraser regularly thinks
the jumper. difficult upbringing—details he had not shared about the man and worries about his well-be-
Finally making access to the potential with others. He spoke genuinely and from the ing. “If I help someone today, but not tomor-
jumper, he noticed that the agitated man was heart, sharing intimate details about the pass- row,” he says, “then my job’s not finished.”
already over the gate and on the ledge, legs ing of his father and much more. Only once he For his compassionate effort in as-
dangling below him. Though the man resisted concluded his own story, did Fraser ask if the sisting a man in need, the Los Angeles Fire De-
Fraser’s advances, telling him repeatedly to man returned his trust. partment presented Firefighter Kenneth Fraser
back away, Fraser persisted, convinced that if Ultimately, the new firefighter was with a Special Commendation.
he could get the man talking, it would keep him able to reveal his own perseverance through
from jumping.
Minutes into their conversation, the
LAPD arrived, sirens blaring. Their dramatic
entrance seemed to frighten the man, causing
him to recoil from Fraser and tell him once
more to back away. Respecting the man’s wish-
es, Fraser stepped away from the distraught
man and went and spoke with the arriving po-
10 • March 2018
March 2018 • 11
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12 • March 2018
Family and friends celebrate with newly promoted
Captain Shaun Gath (FS 2). Photo by Steve Schrobsdorf

Last shift for Captain I/Paramedic Tobi Perkins

on 1/31/18, retiring after serving 31 years.

March 2018 • 13
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14 • March 2018 Contact your plan provider to verify.
 A gas explosion destroyed a detached garage in Mt.
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Chief Chuck Butler of West Bureau, retiring after 37 plus years,

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March 2018 • 15
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16 • March 2018
Engineer Bill Bringas celebrated his last day on the job with friends
and co-workers on 1/30/18 at FS 23. Photo by Steve Schrobsdorf

Despite losing their World Series wager, 83-C & OVB received
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March 2018 • 17
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18 • March 2018
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March 2018 • 19
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20 • March 2018
 On January 14, 2018, Fire Station 26
was visited by Ms. Nancy Ellin and Mr. Robert
Ellin (divorced but still friends) with their re-
spective families. They brought dinner for all
14 members from the Italian restaurant “Jon
& Vinny’s” on Fairfax Ave. They were victims
of the fast moving Skirball Fire and were very
grateful to the members of the LAFD for their
home being saved.
Captain II, John Ziola (FS 26-C) was
working on Brush Patrol 19 with Eng. Stan
Quan (FS 19-C) when the fire broke out. Cap-
tain Ziola had the opportunity to speak with
several neighbors on their street before and
after the fire. All the neighbors were grateful
and Ms. Nancy Ellin insisted on thanking the
firefighters with dinner.
The Ellins, with their children and a
nephew, had a very nice time touring the station
and an opportunity to sit on the newest Truck
(T-26) in LAFD’s fleet. Mr. Robert Ellin then
FS 26 entertains and receives a donation
presented a check for $5,000.00 to the LAFD
from a grateful Skirball Fire family
Foundation. We are very grateful for a commu-
nity that cares and shows their generous appre-
ciation to the brave members of the LAFD.

Firefighters overhaul a fatality fire in Pico

Union on 1/1/01/8. LAFD photo by Erik Scott

March 2018 • 21
 M a k e Yo u r Rese r vat ion N o w !
Monday, May 21, 2018 @ 2PM (check-in) to Friday, May 25, 2018 @ 12PM (check-out)

ACTIVITY GUIDE
MONDAY - MAY 21st WE D N E SD AY - MAY 23rd
:: Check in & catch up with old friends :: Dinner / Wine & Beer (Provided) - Time: 6PM
:: Reception Get-Together - Beer & Wine (Provided) at Pechanga RV Clubhouse
:: Organization Reps at Clubhouse - 10AM-4PM
T U ES D AY - M AY 22 n d
:: Wine Trolley Tour - Time: 10AM THUR SDAY - MAY 2 4 t h
Limited space available - Sign up early! :: Golf “Journey” at Pechanga - Price/Time: TBA
:: Pizza Night - 6pm :: Organization Reps at Clubhouse - 10AM-4PM

Reservation for wine tour must come with meal choice.

FR ID AY - MAY 2 5 t h
CAVE CAFE
:: Check out! Till next time...
Sandwiches (Served with a choice of a side salad, a bottle of water & a dessert, **chef ’s choice).

Please select a Sandwich and a side salad:

• TURKEY SANDWICH - Roma Tomatoes, Red Onions, Romaine Lettuce, Pepper Jack
Cheese & Basil Aioli on Sourdough Bread - Gluten Free bread available
• HAM SANDWICH - Roma Tomatoes, Romaine Lettuce, Swiss Cheese & Whole Grain
Mustard on Sourdough Bread - Gluten Free bread available Check out LAFRA.ORG for more details on the above.
• ROAST BEEF - Roasted Red Peppers, Arugula, Sharp Cheddar Cheese & Sun Dried Toma
to Pesto on Sourdough Bread - Gluten Free bread available
• ROASTED VEGGIE SANDWICH - Zucchini, Red Peppers, Tomatoes, Onions, Fresh Moz
zarella & Basil Aioli on Gluten Free Multi-Grain Roll. SAVE YOUR HOTEL SPOT!
Side Salad Choices for sandwich selections: Please select one. :: Pechanga Resort/Hotel reservation, call (888) 732-4264
• PASTA SALAD: Kalamata Olives, Grape Tomatoes, Red Onions, Italian Parsley, Feta :: For other Hotels call (323) 259-5235
Cheese & Vinaigrette. (Nothing in the Pasta Salad can be omitted)

SAVE YOUR SPACE!

• SIDE SALAD: Spring Mix, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, Shaved Parmesan Cheese &
Balsamic Vinaigrette on the side.

NOT
RV SPOTS AVAILABLE - RESERVE YOURS
en Spring Mix Salad. (Served with a bottle of water & dessert **Chef ’s choice)

• CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD - Grilled Chicken on Romaine Lettuce, Shaved Parmesan

by calling LAFRA (323) 259-5200
Cheese, Croutons with Caesar Dressing on the side.

Email: sdomanski@lafra.org if you have questions.

• CHICKEN SPRING MIX SALAD - Grilled Chicken on Spring Mix Lettuce, Cherry To
matoes, Cucumbers, Shredded Carrots, Red Onions, Glazed Walnuts and Shaved Parmesan
Cheese with Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing on the side.

22 • March 2018

-
w!

Eng Jim Rodriguez, FS 74-A, celebrated his last shift with

family and friends on 1/28/18. Photo by David Blaire

A semi crashed and burned on the 5 fwy at

Penrose St on 1/26/18. Photo by LoudLabs

4264

On 1/27/18, TF 75 responded to the 15400 blk

of Devonshire St to a vendor cart fully engulfed.
Photo by Rick McClure

ions.

March 2018 • 23
Paid Advertisements:

24 • March 2018
 Companies support an LAPD Bomb Squad investiga-
tion in NoHo on 1/16/18. Photo by Mike Meadows

Firefighters fought two fires in one day at a storage

building in NoHo on 12/31/17. Photo by Mike Meadows

Recycling yard fire at 13314 West Saticoy St

on 1/3/18. Photo by Kelly Seidel

Jeff and Lindsay Sambar (FS 102-A)

are pleased to welcome their first
child, Harper Olivia, born on 11/8/17,
weighing in at 6 lb 11oz

March 2018 • 25
 THURSDAY,
THURSDAY,JUNE
JUNE7,7,2018
2018(C(CShift)
Shift) :::: 11:30
11:30 AM
AM TO
TO 2:30
2:30 PM

Benefiting your
Benefiting your

Delicious food, fun & prizes

Delicious food, fun & prizes
BRING YOUR
BRING YOUR FAMILY FAMILY
& FRIENDS
& FRIENDS The official charity of the
Los Angeles Firemen’s
The official Relief
charity of Association
the

For more information visit givetoahero.org/hope

Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association

For more
Julietinformation
CONTACT:
26 • March 2018 Brandolino (323) givetoahero.org/hope
visit259-5215 jbrandolino@lafra.org
CONTACT: Juliet Brandolino (323) 259-5215 jbrandolino@lafra.org
 so instead, he decided to set up residence on sion, gloves and all, Engineer Wolfe Jantz of
the right front brake caliber of the engine. Soon 18 “B” then removed the would be traveling
after a strong odor began emanating from the rodent from the front hub of E-18 - let’s just
bowels of the engine and the hunt was on to say in less than good condition. The well-done
discover the source. After a short search, the hitchhiker was then placed in a sealed plastic
Greeting from Battalion 15. So, things
cause was determined to be 18’s newest unwel- bag and put away in preparation for next bat-
are returning to normal after a rough few
comed member—the rat. With surgical preci- talion inspection. Waste not, want not, Chief!
months at FS 28. Yes, it’s hard to incorporate the
daily A.P.R. (Anticipated Period of Rest) with
all the construction, planned and unplanned, at
the station. With new solar panels now installed
and awaiting inspection, FS 28 will soon be the
greenest station in the battalion. Not only is the
city doing their part by harnessing the power
of the sun to save Mother Earth, some of the
station’s members are talking about setting up
a natural gas collection system in the station to
do their part too. Go Green Peace! As far as the
“unplanned” construction at the station, please
send all inquiries to FS 96 “B” for further infor-
mation.
Lastly from 28’s. We want to wel-
come back FF/PM John Hicks after suffering
a broken nose, two fractured wrists, and a torn
shoulder, the result of a structure fire and what
will undoubtfully go down as the most spec-
tacular ground level trip and fall in Battalion 15
history.
Speaking of natural disasters, FS 18
had their own trouble with Mother Nature.
Seems that a rat tried to hitch a ride on Engine Engine 18 stowaway
18. He wasn’t given a jump seat of his own,

he
ssociation
he Engines 8, 28 and 107 battled a vegetation E87 working a motorhome fire on 2/3/18
Association fire in the earlier morning hours of 1/24/18. at Balboa and Lassen. Photo by Greg Doyle

March 2018 • 27
 FF III / Arson Investigator
ROSA TORRES TUFTS
• Wednesday, April 4, 2018 @ 12 PM • Tickets are available for $36.00
per person.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Downtown Los Angeles • Tables of ten are available for $350.00
120 South Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles CA 90012 • NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT
THE DOOR (ONLY PICKED-UP)
• Please RSVP to (661) 433-4679 by
April 2, 2018 • LIMITED SEATING

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

28 • March 2018
George James celebrates his last shift with family and friends at 103’s on 1/30/18

March 2018 • 29
 TF 61 removed two electrocution victims from a billboard in the
8100 blk of West 3rd St on 2/6/18. LAFD photo by Harry Garvin

Paid Advertisement:

30 • March 2018
 A recruit firefighter graduates then proposes marriage
in front of his new LAFD family. Photo by Gary Apodaca

FF Ngo is already delegating tasks to the Mayor and Fire

Chief on his first day on the job. Photo by Adam Van Gerpen

March 2018 • 31
 Each year your Relief Association awards
Each
Each yearyour
year yourRelief
ReliefAssociation
Associationawards
awards
college scholarships to member dependents.
collegescholarships
college scholarshipstotomember
memberdependents.
dependents.

These include:
These include:
These include:
• The Leo K. Najarian Memorial Scholarship of $5,000
• TheLeo
• The LeoK.K.Najarian
NajarianMemorial
MemorialScholarship
Scholarshipofof$5,000
$5,000
• The Bill Goss Scholarship of $2,500
• TheBill
• The BillGoss
GossScholarship
Scholarshipofof$2,500
$2,500
• Three Relief Scholarship awards of $2,500
• ThreeRelief
• Three ReliefScholarship
Scholarshipawards
awardsofof$2,500
$2,500
• Dennis Mendenhall Memorial Scholarship of $5,000
• DennisMendenhall
• Dennis MendenhallMemorial
MemorialScholarship
Scholarshipofof$5,000
$5,000
>>> Online application available at lafra.org/scholarships <<<
>>> Onlineapplication
>>> Online applicationavailable lafra.org/scholarships<<<
availableatatlafra.org/scholarships <<<
OPEN FILING EVALUATION & TESTING
OPEN FILING EVALUATION
EVALUATION & &TESTING
TESTING
March 1 - 30, 2018
OPEN FILING Saturday, April 14, 2018
March1 1- 30,
March - 30,2018
2018 Saturday, April 14, 2018
Saturday, April 14, 2018

scholarship@lafra.org
scholarship@lafra.org
scholarship@lafra.org

32 • March 2018
March 2018 • 33
34 • March 2018

Cowboy Line-up
A few weeks ago Steve Canchola, an
Engineer at FS 87 “A”, organized a breakfast
get-together for a bunch of alumni of FS 14.
Steve spent a lot of years working at FS 66 and
someone told me he always thought a lot of FS
14 and the guys that worked there. So he de-
cided a breakfast was a good way to get some
of the COWBOYS together.
In case you didn’t know, Steve has a
passion for fixin’ up and detailin’ any Engine
he’s assigned to. Engine 66 was a work of art
and Steve did his best to ensure his rig spar-
kled. Now that he drives E-87, it also shines
bright. In fact, he’s not allowed to take it out of
quarters unless there’s ample cloud cover.
Anyway, thanks for the breakfast Steve,
it was good to see a few of the ol’ cow-hands
again. Left to right are: Mike Henry, George
Ortiz, Bruce Bickly, Steve Canchola, Alex Gar-
cia, Mike Bennett, Rodney Felix, Steve Shelp,
Jim Rix, Brian Baltad and Marc Aguirre.
have 20 years on if you’re still active. So, if you
enjoy meetin’ up with old friends and engagin’
in gobs of camaraderie, sign up and join this
great organization.
The best part of the party is the raffle
that takes place after dessert is served. Every-
one gets two raffle tickets. Various organiza-
tions donate all sorts of goodies, includin’ large
screen TV’s. This year Bill and Pam Finn got
their number called and won one of the 65”
flat screen TV’s. That’s right, a 65” flat screen
TV! Congratulations Bill on havin’ one of the
winnin’ tickets. By the way, the good people
at Straussner/Sherman were very generous in
donating these T.V.’s for this event.
But wait, the best part of this story is
that Bill Finn didn’t really have a good spot for
a 65” TV so he found out where it was pur-
chased, returned it and purchased a smaller TV.
Since the smaller TV was a bunch less money,
Bill took the excess funds and donated it to the
Widows and Orphans Fund. Thanks for your
generosity Bill. I’m sure the Relief Associa-
tion appreciates your kind donation.
COWBOY HUMOR
A large steel manufacturin’
company felt it was time for
a shakeup and hired a new
CEO. The new boss was de-
termined to rid the company
of all slackers.
On a tour of the facilities, the new CEO
noticed a guy leanin’ against a wall. The room
was full of workers and he wanted to let them
know that he meant business.
He asked the guy, “How much money
do you make a week?” A little surprised, the
young man looked at him and said, “I make
$400 a week. Why?”
The CEO said, “Wait right here.” He
walked back to his office, returned, and handed
the young man $1,600 in cash and said, “Here’s
four weeks’ pay, now get out and don’t come
back.”
Feeling pretty good about himself, the
CEO looked around the room and asked, “Does
anyone want to tell me what that goof-ball did
here?”
From across the room a voice said,
“Pizza delivery guy from Domino’s.”
AC
KEEP SMILIN’
choppedup@att.net
Retired Guys Dave Wagner, Allen Bart, Chuck Bucher
and Marv Williams at nearly 20,000’ above Africa

LA HABRA HEIGHTS FIRE DEPARTMENT

Seeking applicants for the positions of:
The Finns win big Fire Marshal & Part-Time Brush Clearance Inspectors
$35 - $39 per hr. (Projected) - WORK SCHEDULE – To Be Determined
On December 9, 2017, the Los Ange- BRUSH INSPECTORS/FIREFIGHTERS RETIRED? RETIRING?
les Retired Fire and Police Association put on The City of La Habra Heights is a rural wildland/urban interface community of 5300 residents, 2300
their annual Christmas party at the Sportsman’s parcels with heavy brush, large homes and minimum 1 acre parcels. The City is classified in the

Lodge in beautiful Studio City. The LARFPA

puts on a great party and the Sportsman’s
Lodge is the perfect venue. The food is great
and it’s a great opportunity to meet up with old
friends. I also overheard someone say that there
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.

were more than 500+ people at this event. The

Positions open until filled http://lhhcity.org Phone: (562) 694-8283 x326

great thing about the LARFPA is that you don’t Fire Chief Doug Graft, LAFD Ret. & Assistant Fire Chief Ron Myers, LAFD Ret.
have to be retired to join but you do have to

March 2018 • 35
MUDSLIDE
Montecito
Photos by Adam Van Gerpen

Shortly after the devastating mudslides in Montecito and Santa Barbara, the LAFD deployed more than 85 personnel to search for victims and assist those in need. This included
US&R Regional Task Force 9 (CA RTF-9), two Strike Teams, search dogs, a peer support team, and others.

36 • March 2018
March 2018 • 37
STRUCTURE FIRE
Eagle Rock
Photos by Mike Meadows and Matthew Hartman

38 • March 2018
 At 3:39PM on January 7, 2018, companies
responded to a reported structure fire at 4537 N
Eagle Rock Blvd. There they found a 75’ x 250’ vacant
commercial building with heavy smoke showing. The
property, surrounded by security fencing, required
forcible entry to gain full access to the structure.

March 2018 • 39
 The theory is simple enough: warm- as an effective strategy to defend against inju- stretching reduces the tension or stiffness in
ing up prepares your body for the more chal- ries and improve performance; combined, you muscles and joints. Simply stated, stretching
lenging activity ahead. A warm-up enhances have a powerful defense against injury, and enables the joint’s ability to move more freely
performance and helps prevent injury. Your have improved your chances of completing a and thereby increase its ability to move through
body is similar to a car’s engine. When it’s given task on the fire ground. a normal range of motion.
cold, it’s sluggish and runs rough; however, Firefighters like athletes will find them- We have three basic types of stretch-
when warmed, it runs smoothly, improving selves in precarious positions from time to ing: dynamic, which incorporates movement
performance! Most doctors recommend that time. For the firefighter, these precarious posi- during the stretch. Static, which is holding a
you warm up before stretching and beginning tions can be a matter of life or death. Your body position with little or no movement, and assist-
vigorous exercise. Muscles respond better to may be turning and twisting like a pretzel on ed, which requires a partner to assist in going
the stress the body puts on them when they’ve a morning call and then crawling like a snake beyond one’s own capabilities or holding resis-
been warmed up. Warming up can be as simple at a call in the late afternoon. Consequently, it tance for someone. The following demonstrate
as walking five to ten minutes. is in your best interest to take developing and nine static stretches.
However, warming the muscle is only maintaining flexibility very seriously.
the first step. What most professional athletes So, how do you become more flexible? • Triceps, Upper Back, Shoulder, and
know that the rest of us don’t is, exercise can, The answer is stretching. Regular stretching Sides: With your head and hips facing forward,
over time, shorten a person’s mus- helps maintain and improve flexibility. When place your elbow behind your head. Strive for
cles, thus decreasing overall mobil- you stretch, you are lengthening muscle and a comfortable pull. This is a good tension re-
ity. Stretching those same muscles connective tissue around the joints. The leaser.
will keep them flexible and allow
them to have full range of mo-
tion. Just as important, don’t
forget to stretch after
vigorous exercise to
maintain that flex-
ibility.
Your work
as a firefighter can
only benefit from
making warm-
ing-up, stretch-
ing, and im-
proving overall
flexibility a
priority in your
fitness train-
ing. All three
items listed
can stand alone

40 • March 2018
 • Upper Back and Shoulder: While
standing or sitting, place your opposite hand on
elbow as shown. Gently press and pull elbow
towards chest. This is another good tension re-
leaser.
• Calves: Place your hand on a wall,
arms extended slightly bending elbow. Extend
your left leg approximately 12 inches behind Triceps, Upper Upper Back Calves
you. Slowly bend your right knee keeping both
feet flat on the floor, lean forward into the wall.
Back, Shoulder, & Shoulder
Strive for a comfortable pull in your calf. & Sides
• Hamstring and Lower Back: Position
your body as shown, hands reaching towards
calves. Gently bend from your hips. Strive for
a comfortable pull down the back of your leg.
• Quadriceps: Stabilize your body while
standing on one leg, foot flat on floor. Now,
gently bring your other foot slowly towards
your buttocks as shown.
• Outer Hip: An effective stretch for
glutes, quads, low back and the piriformis. Lay
flat on your back with knees bent, gently bring
right knee up as shown. Strive for a comfort-
able pull through the hip.
• Lower Back and Hip: Lay flat on your
back and slowly, one at a time, pull each knee
to your chest as shown. Place both arms around
knees and hug knees towards chest.
Hamstring & Quadriceps Outer Hip
• Groin, Hip Adductors, and Lower Lower Back
Back: As shown, sit with the soles of your feet
together. Gently try to press your knees toward
the floor. Strive for a comfortable pull in your
inner thigh area.
• Knee to Chest: A nice stretch for your
hamstrings, glutes, quads, and lower back. On
your back with your knee towards your chest as
shown.

Lower Back Groin, Hip Knee to Chest

& Hip Adductors,
& Lower Back
March 2018 • 41
 Sunset Hills Country Club Bimonthly Tournament Rio Hondo Country Club Bimonthly Tournament
December 4, 2017 - LowGross/LowNet December 12, 2017 - LowGross/LowNet

Attention all LAFD

Golf Club Members and guests

Our annual “Memorial Club Championship” is going to be played this May 7-10 at the Westin Mission
Hills Resort. We’ll play the two courses at the resort, the Gary Player and the Pete Dye courses. Contact
Gary Mannan at grm_construction@yahoo.com for information.

42 • March 2018
 CHUCK BUTLER, Deputy Chief,
DARREN PALACIOS, Deputy Chief, Operations West Bureau
Operations South Bureau
THURSDAY, MARCH 8, 2018
SATURDAY, MARCH 3, 2018
Brookside Golf Club
Automobile Driving Museum
1133 Rosemont, Pasadena CA
610 Lairport St, El Segundo CA
Time: 6:00 PM
Social Hour - 6:00 PM Dinner - 7:15 PM
$60, tax, tip & gift included - Chicken or Beef
Buffet Dinner - $40
Raul Coronado - (714) 305-2578 or
Call OSB, Erika Cabrera - (310) 548-2558 or
Scott Larue - (661) 400-3404 or
Lori Skroce - (310) 548-2559
email: scott.larue@lacity,org

DEAN D. ULRICH, Assistant Chief, LAWA TONY SENIOR, Captain/Paramedic,

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 2018
Fire Station 80 - LAX
7250 World Way West, Los Angeles CA
Social Hour - 10:30 AM Lunch - 11:30 AM
BBQ Buffet - $25
Call FS 80 - (213) 978-2180 or
Oscar Scott - (213) 305-2027
email: oscar.scott@lacity.org
RSVP by March 10
FS 79-A
SATURDAY, MARCH 24, 2018
Holiday Inn Torrance Gateway
19800 S Vermont, Torrance CA
Social Hour - 5:00 PM Dinner - 6:00 PM
Buffet Dinner - $50 / Live Music: 8:00 - ??
Call Lita Senior - (213) 372-9935
RSVP by March 10. Limited rooms blocked
until March 10 for $129. Use code: TRP

BRIAN BALTAD, Engineer, FS 69 MICHAEL SCHAEFER, A/O, FS74-A

SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 2018 THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018
Fire Station 69
Caesar Banquet Hall
15045 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades CA
6723 Foothill Blvd, Tujunga CA
Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Social Hour - 5:00 PM Dinner - 6:00 PM
(Retirement Breakfast)
Buffet Dinner - $35
No Cost
Call FS 74 - (818) 756-8674
Call FS 69 - (310) 575-8569

March 2018 • 43
 jonathan dos santos giovani dos santos
#8 | Midfielder #10 | Forward

vs.

MARCH 31 ST
12:00 PM
tickets starting at only $20
A portion of each ticket will go
back to back to the widows
orphans & disabled firemen's fund.

To purchase tickets please visit LAGalaxy.com/FireFightersNight

44 • March 2018
 MEMBERS
Donald D. Renwick, Engineer. Appointed August 27, 1946.
Retired on a service pension June 1, 1974 from FS 108-A. Passed away January 4, 2018.

Harry B. Woods, Firefighter II. Appointed July 1, 1955.

Retired on a service pension June 29, 1980 from FS 93. Passed away January 4, 2018.

Seferino Godinez, Captain II. Appointed April 30, 1960.

Retired on a service pension June 24, 1990 from FS 95-A. Passed away January 4, 2018.

Robert B. Provence, Engineer. Appointed April 17, 1971.

Retired on a service pension July 21, 1991 from FS 101-B. Passed away January 6, 2018.

Ernst T. Spearman, Fire Inspector II. Appointed October 17, 1970.

Retired on a service pension October 22, 2000 from FPB. Passed away January 9, 2018.

Douglas F. Cully, Assistant Chief. Appointed August 27, 1946.

Retired on a service pension June 28, 1977 from Div. 1-C FS 6. Passed away January 11, 2018.

Jack R. Brodie, Fireman. Appointed August 19, 1947.

Retired on a service pension August 1, 1975 from FS 84-C. Passed away January 12, 2018.

Henry I. Bent, Engineer. Appointed September 23, 1957.

Retired on a disability pension February 28, 1977 from FS 37-A. Passed away January 15, 2018.

Carl C. Wilson, Fire Inspector II. Appointed August 19, 1947.

Retired on a service pension January 1, 1977 from FPB. Passed away January 16, 2018.

Johnnie R. Collings, Captain. Appointed February 10, 1948.

Retired on a disability pension November 30, 1976 from FS 48-B. Passed away January 17, 2018.

FAMILY
Yvonne J. Wilson, surviving spouse of Kenneth L. Wilson, passed away December 26, 2017.
Viola J. Rowe, surviving spouse of William L. Rowe, passed away January 5, 2018.
Lorraine Van Zon, surviving spouse of Dick B. Van Zon, passed away January 6, 2018.
Amanda J. Thurstan, spouse of Casen C. Bills, passed away January 10, 2018.
Frances M. Brett, surviving spouse of Elroy M. Brett, passed away January 12, 2018.
Constance G. Sundin, spouse of Allan Sundin, passed away January 17, 2018.
Joan E. Mc Chesney, surviving spouse of Robert E. Mc Chesney, passed away January 17, 2018.

Paid Advertisement:

March 2018 • 45

Dear Grapevine:
My name is Audrey Kay Rich. I
am the widow of Albert W. Rich. You sent
such a wonderful Yearbook. I was very
pleased and proud to be a member of the
LAFD family.
My husband Al was an Engineer,
had been on the department for 30 years,
and was very proud to be a member of the
LAFD. The yearbook is such a nice way
of keeping up with the members of such
a valuable and hard-working group of
people. This really has been quite a year
with all the wildfires, and now dealing
with mudslides. Other departments and
even other states coming together to help,
makes it even a more loving and caring
work place. Thank you again for such a
nice, hardback treasure to me.
My Al would be very proud. He
passed away from cancer after only living
five years of retirement, and 2 1/2 years of
that, he was ill. He never gave in to it, and
was use to being a fighter being a fireman.
Cancer has its own rules. We all want to
find a cure, and one day will.
Thank you for all you do for mem-
bers, and especially for all you have done
for me over the years.
Forever thankful,
Audrey Kay Rich,
Surviving Spouse
Dear LAFRA
Please accept this check in honor
of the birth of my great granddaughter,
Harper Sambar, daughter of Jeffrey Sam-
bar, Paramedic 102’s and Lindsey Sambar
on 11/08/2017. Also, please accept this
46 • March 2018
check in memory of Nina Clegg. A beauti-
ful friend.
Sincerely
Phyllis Stapel
LAFRA,
Thank you very much for the 2017
Yearbook. It is well done, cover to cov-
er. Of course, everything you do is well
done. Please accept the enclosed for the
WODFF.
Bill and Berry Dahlquist
Dear LAFRA,
Please accept this donation in mem-
ory of Damon Bell. I was just off proba-
tion and assigned to FS 58 when I first
met Damon. He was a seasoned Fireman/
Adjutant, driving Battalion 18. His quiet
and professional demeanor set him apart
from the noisy bustle of a fire house full
of young egos and energy. He was a good
role model and a pleasure to work with.
May he rest in peace.
Respectfully,
Jim Stiglich
Van Nuys, CA
Dear Andy,
Please accept this donation for our
friend, Richard Dickens. He lived a great
life, always helping others. I first met
Richard at old 17’s, in the late fifties. He
was our Engineer on the truck. We kept in
contact, and years later visited each other
quite a bit. He’s in Indiana and we are in
California. Richard was very engaged with
the Amish people in his community. He
and Martha traded favors with them. We
were also welcomed into Amish homes
because of them. It was quite an education
for us.
God bless,
Harry and Doris Morck
Dear Firemen’s Relief Association,
With special thanks to all of you. To
know you is to know people who are kind,
considerate, and thoughtful. To know you
is to be grateful for the special things you
do. For everything you’ve done for being
the special people that you are. Thank you
so very much for the beautiful flowers and
all your help.
Again, thank you
Anita Spearman
LAFRA,
Enclosed is a check for the WODFF.
My mom received so much from this or-
ganization in the 40 years before my dad
retired. We are three generations of Los
Angeles City Firefighters, and so grateful
for the Relief Association.
The Evans Family
Dear Grapevine Editor:
I would just like to take a minute
and drift from the norm of fun and games.
I just learned that Retired Engineer Walt
Somaduroff passed away this week. When
we have someone pass away, we are al-
ways somber, sad, reflective . . . but in this
case, Walt’s passing really made me stop
and think. (Walt is second from right in
this picture)
 Walt was the engineer at my third
house on probation, Engine 84. He was an
old timer already in 1981, but he taught
me a lot. He did teach me how to drive an Firefighter
Firefighter Justin
JustinMendence
Mendence
old 1960 Crown (60088) and the old GMC Firefighter
setset
upupa specialJustin
a special
needs Mendence
needstrust
trustto to
Tank Wagon that were assigned there.
While he may have been just a tad criti-
Firefighter
Firefighter
set
ensure up
ensurehisahis
special
Justin
son,
son, needs
Justin trust
Mendence
Mendence
diagnosed
diagnosed with to
with
cal of my driving and pumping skills, with setset
up
Autism, up
ensurea
Autism, special
a special
his
is is needs
son,
taken
taken needstrust
diagnosed
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in in to to
with
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a laugh, smile and cigarette hanging from ensure
ensure
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best hishis
Autism,
manner son,
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manner son,
diagnosed
takendiagnosed
care of with
possible.
possible. inwith
the
his mouth, he’d set me straight. Autism,
Autism,
best is is
taken
manner taken
care
care
of of
possible. in inthethe
If you take a look at this photo, we
are wearing our “standard” uniform of the “Unless
“Unless
youyou
have
have a best
a plan best
plan
in manner
manner possible.
place…you’re
in possible.
place…you’replanning
planning
to fail.
to fail.
day. Walt always told me, “Kid, when you “Unless
Leaving it toyou
Leaving to have
it chance isa plan
chance not ininme
is not inplace…you’re
me
andand
mymy planning
wife’s
wife’s to fail.
vocabulary.”
vocabulary.”
wear this uniform, as long as you have “Unless
“Unless
youyou
Leaving it have
to have
a plan
a plan
chance is in
notplace…you’re
ininplace…you’re
me and myplanning
planning
wife’s to fail.
to fail.
vocabulary.”
four white buttons showing, you are ok, Q. Why
Q. Why
Leaving is
Leaving it
is important
it important
it toit chance
to chance to
is not to
is notget
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mymyneeds
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wife’s trust?
wife’s trust?
vocabulary.”
vocabulary.”
but when that 5th button shows, you better Q. Why is it important to get a special needs trust?
go on a diet.” Q.Q. A.Why
Why A. isKids
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Relief
Relief
Association
Association
Development
Development
& Marketing
& March
Marketing
Director,
Director,
2018 •Marlene
47Marlene
Casillas at MCasillas@lafra.org
Casillas at MCasillas@lafra.org
or calling
or calling
(323)
(323)
259-5217.
259-5217.
48 • March 2018
 Building Real Estate Wealth – Is it for you?
At Firefighters First Credit Union, our
Business Lending team helps firefighters in
their pursuit of gaining wealth through invest-
ment in real estate. When firefighters look to
their future and assess the resources they have
and abilities they possess, many conclude that
real estate investment offers them one of the
best retirement and wealth creation opportuni-
ties available.
Is this something that you should ex-
plore? Being a real estate investor isn’t al-
ways glamorous, but it has proven to be one
of the best ways to build wealth over the long
haul, especially for the entrepreneurial minded.
Here are some reasons why you might consider
investing in rental properties.
1. Cash flow.
Many people invest in rental properties
simply because of the predictable, steady cash
flow – the extra money that is left after all of
the bills have been paid. The cash flow can
provide ongoing, monthly income that is most-
ly passive, allowing you to spend your time on
the job, with family or reinvesting in more real
estate.
Cash flow from rental properties is typi-
cally stable, and if positioned properly, it can
help you float through the bad times and live
well during the good times.
2. Tax benefits.
Here’s the short story: the U.S. Gov-
ernment rewards rental property owners. As a
rental property owner, you are able to deduct
nearly all of the expenses you’ll pay to manage
your property.
Then there’s the benefit of depreciat-
ing the property. The IRS allows real estate
investors to deduct the cost of the building over
time…even though the value of real property
generally goes up in the long haul. Deprecia-
tion is sometimes called a “phantom tax de-
duction” because although we deduct the cost,
there is no actual cash expense. This can lead
to a “paper loss” resulting in no tax liability,
when in reality you actually made money.
Also, the government has set signifi-
cantly lower tax-rates for long-term profits
(capital gains) and there is no self-employment
tax (that’s a 15% savings over other business
types).
Robert Kiyosaki (author of Rich Dad
Poor Dad) has been quoted saying “It’s not how
much money you make, but how much money
you keep…”. Guess what, he owns a lot of real
estate…
3. Other people’s money (leverage).
When making real estate investments,
it is very common to use other people’s money
to fund a property purchase via a loan. You’ll
still need to come out of pocket to make the
investment work, but lenders like Firefighters
First Credit Union are ready to provide most of
the funds needed.
Can you think of another investment
type that allows you to borrow most of the
funds and then pay it back over 20-30 years?
4. Principal pay down.
When you buy a rental property using
other people’s money, your tenant actually
gives you money to make the mortgage pay-
ment, which increases your net worth each
month as equity is built up in the property.
Let’s say you owe $200,000 on a rental
property, but next year you might only owe
$195,000 because the tenant has provided cash
for you to make the loan payment, making you
$5,000 richer. Ten, twenty or thirty years down
the road you will own a significant asset that
you can sell or continue renting, all thanks to
your tenant giving you money to make the
mortgage payment.
5. Appreciation.
We know from experience that real es-
tate prices do not always go up. We’ve recently
seen the low on this cycle during the great re-
cession and also the rebound in values. Over
time, however, values have proven to climb
higher. Understanding the long term value,
many investors are not in real estate for just a
year or two or five, but for the long term which
evens out fluctuations in market values, build-
ing property equity along the way.
Be smart…
So it’s easy to see why many investors
have acquired rental properties, the benefits
above just simply aren’t available for most
other investment types. Real estate investment
can be truly powerful and has proven to pro-
vide solid returns and grow net worth for many
people over many years.
But remember, just buying rental prop-
erties doesn’t mean success…you must be
smart about it. Spend time doing your home-
work, talk with the experts; real estate profes-
sionals, CPA’s, find investors that you know so
you can learn from their mistakes. Learn how
to find great property deals, evaluate invest-
ment opportunities and finance properties you
might want to buy.
One of your stops could be here at Fire-
fighters First Credit Union. We’re always hap-
py to share our observations and experiences
and put money to work for you to help your
net worth grow and to ultimately improve your
financial life.
Okay, we almost forgot the obligatory
disclaimer: we are not CPAs, tax planners,
financial advisors, or real estate professionals
and we are not giving investment advice in this
article. As recommended above, please consult
with qualified experts before making any deci-
sions.
For more information, please contact:
Tim Lewison
Vice President, Business Services
Firefighters First Credit Union
T: 800-231-1626, Ext 2272
F: 323-550-4941
E: tlewison@firefirstcu.org
March 2018 • 49
50 • March 2018

LAFD HISTORY –The Sylmar Tunnel Explosion, June 23, 1971
Written by Paul Ditzel for
“The LAFD A Century of Service”
Photos from the LAFDHS Archive
Sylmar seemed jinxed when another
disaster, a few months after the earthquake,
hit the area. The Lockheed Shipbuilding and
Construction Company of Seattle was digging
a 5.5 mile-long tunnel, 170 feet underground,
for the Metropolitan Water District’s Feather
River Project. The first clue of impending di-
saster came at 2:30 a.m., June 23, 1971, when
Task Force 98, Engine 91, Rescue-Ambulance
98 and Battalion 12 Chief Leo Najarian were
dispatched by Coldwater to 12800 Fenton Av-
enue, following a report of an explosion at the
tunnel’s digging head.
Four tunnel workers suffered fractures
and burns in what Najarian determined was a
methane explosion touched off by a welder’s
torch or by a “mole” digger machine striking
a spark when it hit a hard rock. Najarian called
for one more rescue-ambulance and was sent
Rescue 89. Using generator fans, Engine 91
began venting the tunnel. Determining that the
workers were only periodically testing for the
presence of methane, Najarian instructed su-
pervisors to make continuous testings and to
obtain better breathing apparatus. During the
day he monitored activities at the tunnel and
learned that state safety inspectors had certi-
fied that work could continue. When no more
alarms came from the 18-foot-diameter bore
site, Najarian began to hope his worst fears
would not be realized. Considered by the de-
partment as its foremost authority on hazardous
materials, Najarian’s nagging worries contin-
ued into the evening.
Najarian had just returned from an
alarm after midnight when Rescue-Ambulance
98, stationed in his quarters, was dispatched at
12:51 a.m., to a tunnel explosion at the same
address as the earlier one. Najarian would have
followed Rescue 98, except that at the same
time he was dispatched to a fire in Engine 24’s
district. When 24’s sizeup indicated the fire
was small, Najarian radioed Rescue 98 for a
radio report on the tunnel explosion. Rescue
98’s firefighters said a severe explosion had oc-
curred some five miles inside the Fenton Street
Submitted by Frank Borden • Director of Operations, LAFDHS
portal where as many as 20 workers were dig-
ging with the mole.
En route at 1:a.m., Najarian called for
Task Force 98 to respond to the Fenton tunnel
entrance and Engine 91 to go to the vent hole
at Roxford and Foothill. Najarian also called
for a second ambulance and was sent Rescue
89. Upon arrival, Najarian was told by Lock-
heed Project Manager, Loren G. Savage that an
explosion “20 times worse than the previous
night” had occurred 5.3 miles inside the tunnel.
Only one worker had escaped. Eighteen were
missing.
Najarian asked what the methane read-
ings were at the time of the explosion. He was
told workers had recorded readings of only
1 percent when the digger was not working.
When the mole started boring, however, the
workers were entering an earthquake fault and
the dirt turned into a powdery consistency.
While the digger cut, the gas appeared to be
coming out in puffs as if from pockets of heav-
ily concentrated methane. A crane was ordered
to the vent hole opening on Foothill as Najarian
hurried to the Fenton portal opening where a
search team would have to go in to look for the
18 missing workers. En route he radioed Cold-
water “in all probability, a major disaster has
occurred.” Najarian called for a longer duration
Site of the tunnel explosion in Sylmar. The crane is
lowering rescuers in a basket down into the mine.
Two LAFD members being lowered into
the mine shaft as rescue efforts continue.
breathing apparatus and the air utility unit with
its compliment of additional air bottles and ca-
pabilities for on-scene refilling of them as well
as bottles normally carried on apparatus.
To reach the tunnel entrance, firefight-
ers had to be lowered in a cage some 170 feet
to the portal opening. Task Force 98 firefighters
began loading a rescue train of two donkey en-
gine gondola cars with all available breathing
apparatus, extra air bottles, litter baskets and
stretchers, flashlights, resuscitators and first
aid equipment. Rescue 98 firefighters Gerald
R. Rainmaker and Thomas L. Cox, along with
Savage and two tunnel workers would go on
the first rescue train. If one gondola car de-
March 2018 • 51

Don Anthony, left and Freddie Risk, right, debriefing
with B/C Cameron Cramer, left and B/C Bill Ingram.
Fire Chief Ray Hill is speaking to A/C Robert Radke.
Behind are Chiefs Keith Wilson and Al Schultz.
railed, the other donkey engine car could back
put of the tunnel with the rescue team.
As the rescue train entered the tunnel
and rounded the first bend, radio contact was,
as expected, lost due to the winding nature of
the tunnel. Najarian, Task Force 98, and Rescue
89 proceeded to the Foothill Boulevard vent
hole. When the rescue team did not return in
half-an-hour, a second rescue team was starting
into the tunnel when they heard honking and
saw the red light of the returning rescue team.
The news was all bad. Rainwater and Cox re-
ported that visibility, even with their powerful
Wheat lamps was zero in the million-cubic-feet
inside the tunnel, their gondola suddenly struck
an object, derailed and turned sideways. The
firefighters had climbed out of the gondola and
found they had run over a body which could
not be seen with their lights. Cox and Rainwa-
ter determined the body was that of a worker
obviously killed in the explosion. Rainwater
proceeded down the tracks while looking for
more victims until he fell into a four foot hole
and was injured.
The firefighters concurred with Sav-
age that the excessive concentrations of smoke
and gases meant that if any of the 18 workers
on the graveyard shift survived the explosion,
they were almost assuredly dead from exposure
to lethal heat, smoke and gases. Regardless of
whether anyone remained alive inside the tun-
52 • March 2018
nel, rescue attempts had to be continued and
bodies had to be brought out. A second search
and rescue train slowly entered the tunnel,
disappeared around the bend and, while pro-
ceeding deep into the murk discovered, 1000
feet inside an unconscious worker, Ralph Bris-
sette. Miraculously, the force of the explosion
threw him to an area where fresh air was being
pumped into the tunnel. Rescue 39 rushed him
to Pacoima Lutheran Hospital where he would
survive.
During the next two days, fire compa-
nies worked in tandem, under extremely haz-
ardous conditions, while riding rescue trains in
and out of the hot, smoky, water-filled tunnel
while extinguishing fires and searching for vic-
tims. The LAFD operations continued for three
days until June 26, when all 17 bodies were
recovered. Medals of Valor were awarded to
Rainwater and Cox as well as to 17 other fire-
fighters who participated in the Sylmar tunnel
disaster.
The LAFD awarded the Medal of Valor
to the following 19 members for their personal
courage at great personal risk during rescue
operations at the 1971 Sylmar Tunnel Disaster:
Argus E. Abney, Donald F. Anthony, Walter
F. Ball, Cameron P. Cramer, Thomas L. Cox,
Frank Fasmer, John C. Gerard, John H. Hold-
sworth, Robert E. Radke, Gerald R. Rainwater,
Leon Ross Rauh, David P. Richardson, Alfred
B. Risk, Fred W. Stoddard, Forrest E. Taylor,
Jerome P. Tenhundfeld, Kenneth R. Thompson,
Keith A. Wilson, and Thomas A. Wilson.
42 YEARS LATER – A MEMORIAL
In December, 2013 I had the opportu-
nity to represent the LAFD and the LAFD His-
torical Society at a private memorial ceremony
held at the Metropolitan Water District facility
in downtown LA. The MWD unveiled a con-
crete memorial with the names of the 16 miners
who were lost and an MWD inspector. Families
of those 17 men came from all over the coun-
try to attend the emotional ceremony. The lone
survivor Ralph Brissette was there along with
his family. He was very appreciative of the
LAFD for his rescue and said he still misses his
friends who perished in the explosion so many
years ago.
Ralph Brissette, the lone survivor.
IN MEMORY OF RETIRED ASSISTANT
CHIEF DOUG CULLY
Assistant Chief Douglas Cully, LAFD
(retired)
WW II US Navy Submarine Service
Veteran - USS Seahorse (SS-304)
Doug Cully passed away on January 11.
2018 at the age of 93. He was appointed to the
LAFD on 8/24/46 and retired on 6/28/77 from
Division 1-C. I had the opportunity to work
with Chief Cully when I was appointed to A/C
in 1977. Those who worked for or with Chief
Cully enjoyed his personality, his humor, his
practicality and his abilities. He was one of the
great generation and rightly named.
As you look at the curved end of the
LAFD Hayward tool, you will see two lugs.
Any rookie that’s given a proficiency drill on
this tool in last 45 plus years will call them the
“Cully Lugs.” But where did this name come
from? In the early 70’s, Chief Cully and his
Aide, Dave Ford came up with idea of putting
two lugs on the curved end of the Hayward for
the purpose of opening tight or frozen valves
on fire protection systems. Using Dave Ford’s
mechanical background, they put the lugs on
the Hayward, tested it and it was adopted by the
LAFD and the tool is still in use today.
What few people know is some of the
fascinating life history of the one of the origi-
nators of this modification. At 18, Doug Cully
enlisted in the Navy and was sent to Coeur
D’ Alene, Idaho. for basic training. The word
floating around the camp was that those who
volunteered for submarine duty would be sent
to San Diego. It was thought the Torpedoman’s
school was there also. Being that was the
school he desired and wanting to get closer to
home, he volunteered and was put on a train,
which didn’t stop until it got to Chicago, home
of the Great Lakes Naval Training Center! So
much for the accuracy of the rumor mill.
Eventually Doug made it to Torpedo-
man’s School in Norfolk, Va. and graduated
from US Naval Submarine School in New
London, CT. From submarine school he re-
42 years later Ralph Brissette stands by the
memorial for those lost in the tunnel disaster.
ceived orders to a submarine tender and was
later transferred to the USS Seahorse (SS-304),
a Baloa class submarine, operating out of Bris-
bane, Australia.
While on board the Seahorse, Doug
went on seven war patrols in enemy waters.
On his fifth patrol the boat was severely depth
charged and was kept below the surface for a
prolonged period of time. The boat sustained
severe damage and despite many leaks, they
were able to surface, under the cover of a rain
squall and slip past the enemy. The boat was
able to slowly limp back to Guam on one en-
gine and then to Pearl Harbor for repairs. While
in Pearl Harbor, the submarine sailors were put
up at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki, for
a well-deserved R & R.
While on the way to their tenth war
patrol, Japan surrendered and the boat was The USS Seahorse crew photo. Doug Cully is sitting
recalled to Pearl Harbor. Doug Cully was dis- on the far left end of the photo third row up
charged from the Navy as a 3rd Class Torpedo-
man (TM3), qualified in Submarines.
Chief Cully joined the LAFD in Au-
gust, 1946. Some of the noteworthy incidents
he experienced were: as a rookie on the “Ralph
J Scott” he was on the water tower on the
Markay Ship fire in June of 1947, a Captain
on duty at the Signal Office during the Bel Air
Brush fire in 1962 and as an engine Captain at
66’s during the 1965 Watts Riots. Old Fire Station 6. Engine 6, Heavy Utility 6 and Di-
So the next time you hear the rookie say vision 1. Photo taken in 1977 by Chuck Madderom. Old Fireboat 2 “The Ralph J.
these are the “Cully Lugs” you know how they Scott” attacking a wharf fire
got the name and that a member of “America’s caused by the explosion of
Greatest Generation” was instrumental in their Doug Cully’s submarine, the USS Seahorse in 1943.
the tankship Markay in 1947.
creation. THANK YOU for your service, Chief Although the tower monitor
Cully. Rest in Peace. is not in operation here, this
USN information submitted by Ed Ban- was where Fireman Cully was
da, LAFD (Captain retired.) USS Wahoo (SS- working the monitor in the
565) 67-70 early stage of the fire.

The Hollywood Museum is located in “Old Fire

Station 27” at 1355 No. Cahuenga, Hollywood,
CA 90028. The Harbor Museum is located in San
Pedro City Hall at 638 S. Beacon St., San Pedro
CA 90731.
Anyone interested in joining our great
cause by becoming a member, or volunteering
to work, or make a donation of money or an
LAFD item may contact us by mail:
LAFDHS Museum & Memorial
1355 No. Cahuenga Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Phone: 323 464 2727. But remember we
are currently staffed part time, so leave
a message and we will return your call.
The fax number is 323-464-7401. Our
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”

March 2018 • 53
 LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
January 10, 2018
CALL TO ORDER
President Bob Steinbacher called the
Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Los
Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association to
order at 10:55 a.m.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Breskin.
Bob Steinbacher, President
Jeff Cawdrey, Vice President
Andrew Kuljis, Secretary
Trustee Chris Stine
Trustee John Jacobsen
Trustee Frank Aguirre
Trustee Steve Ruda
Trustee Craig White
Trustee Joe Vigil
Trustee Jim Duffy
Trustee Rick Godinez
Trustee Tim Freeman
Trustee Tyler Tomich
Trustee Gayle Sonoda
Trustee Gene Bednarchik
Trustee Mike Sailhamer
Trustee Kenneth Breskin
Trustee Richard Moody
Trustee Tim Larson – Pension
Trustee Steve Domanski - Pension
Trustee Doak Smith – Pension
Todd Layfer - Executive Director
Liberty Unciano – Controller-Treasurer
MEMBERS ABSENT: Larson have begun planning the Pechanga
Trustee Steve Berkery
Trustee David Peters
Trustee Danny Wu
INVOCATION & Flag Salute
Steve Ruda led the invocation and the flag
salute.
RATIFICATION OF MINUTES
Bob Steinbacher entertained a motion
to ratify and approve the Board Meeting
Minutes of December 13, 2017. Gene
Bednarchik so moved. Craig White
seconded. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to approve minutes Board
Meeting Minutes of December 13, 2017.
54 • March 2018
PRESIDENT REPORT
1) Steve Ruda addressed the Board to inform
that he has resigned as a Trustee. He stated
that it was his pleasure to be succeeded by
Kenneth Breskin.
2) Andy Kuljis administered the Oath of
Office to Richard Moody and Kenneth
3) Bob Steinbacher referred to the 2018
Committees and asked Trustee to let him
know of their interest to serve on other
committees.
4) Dawna Gray of Bradawn Inc. addressed
the Board with an update to the Pension
Department meetings concerning the
LAFRA medical plan and subsidies. She
recommended that the Board reconsider
some of the eligibility guidelines in place
concerning retirees.
5) Bob Steinbacher reported on the Drill
Tower class orientation and indicated that
51 recruits signed up for Relief Medical.
6) Bob Steinbacher indicated that Tim
Larson and Steve Domanski will be
attending the Buzzard Bait Ride this
weekend.
7) Steve Domanski reported that he and Tim
Reunion and wine tour.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The Board entered into Executive Session
at 11:44 a.m.
The Board adjourned from Executive
Session at 12:08 p.m.
John Jacobsen motioned to approve
the actions taken in Executive Session
pertaining to a personnel matter. Frank
Aguirre seconded. There was no discussion
or objections.
Motion carried to approve actions taken
in Executive Session pertaining to a
personnel matter.
VICE PRESIDENT REPORT
1) Jeff Cawdrey provided a list of the
upcoming 2018 conferences and asked
Trustees to let him know which they are
interested in attending.
2) Jeff Cawdrey referred to the approved
Bylaws and stated that they will be placed
in the Relief Documents folder for review.
He indicated that he will schedule a Policy
and Bylaws review meeting on February
6th and would like for all to attend.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
1) Todd Layfer informed the Board of the
new IRS mileage rate increase. He stated
that Irma has updated the Trustee expense
form for 2018 to reflect the change.
2) Todd Layfer indicated that he is currently
working on the 2018 budget and will
initially present it on the January 24th
committee meeting and to the Board for
approval on February 7th.
3) Todd Layfer provided a brief update on
the Yearbook costs. He indicated that we
will come in around 20% under budget.
4) Todd Layfer informed the Board that we
will be having Sexual Harassment training
for the staff and retired Trustees on January
30th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. He also
stated that we will have HIPAA training for
staff on March 8th.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
REPORT
John Jacobsen indicated that the annual
offsite for the Investment Committee at
Beacon Pointe will take place on February
28th.
AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETING
Joe Vigil informed that they will have the
Audit Committee planning meeting on
January 25th at 8:30 a.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
REPORT
Frank Aguirre presented the following
motions.
The committee recommends and I so move
to pay the usual and customary bills in
the amount of $940,834.57. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the usual and
customary bills in the amount of
$940,834.57.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve the purchase of a new telephone
system with Direct Tech. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the purchase of
a new telephone system with Direct Tech.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve contracting with ASCI Security
Systems for door security upgrades in the
amount of $14,000. There was no discussion
or objections.
Motion carried to approve contracting with
ASCI Security Systems for door security
upgrades in the amount of $14,000.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve the purchase of software and
hardware to upgrade the LAFRA servers
in the amount of $23,000. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the purchase
of software and hardware to upgrade the
LAFRA servers in the amount of $23,000.
MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT
John Jacobsen presented the following
motion.
The committee recommends and I so move
to accept the applications to the Medical
Plan. There was no discussion and no
objections.
Motion carried to accept all applications to
the Medical Plan.
RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT
Mike Sailhamer presented the following
motion.
The committee recommends and I so move
to pay:
The Sick & Injury benefits in the amount of
$40,185.60
The Estate Planning benefit in the amount
of $6,000
The Life & Accident Death benefit in the
amount of $12,000
The Relief Death Benefits in the amount of
$27,000
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the above Relief
benefits.
Mike Sailhamer read the names of members
who recently passed and asked for a moment
of silence from the Board.
MEMORIALS
Richard N. Wahrenbrock
Gary R. Lonza
Obe O. Doan
Jack V.Ross
Keith Stewart
Monte F. Graham
ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
Mike Sailhamer presented the following
motions.
The committee recommends and I so move
to accept the donations in the amount of
$31,713.02 to the Widows, Orphans &
Disabled Firemen’s Fund. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to accept the donations in
the amount of $31,713.02 to the Widows,
Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
The committee recommends and I so
move to approve the financial assistance
applications for surviving spouses, active
and retired members. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the financial
assistance applications for surviving
spouses, active and retired members.
ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE
REPORT
The committee recommends and I so move
to advance funds for both active and retired
members. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to advance funds for both
active and retired members.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Andy Kuljis administered the Oath of Office
to both Bob Steinbacher as President and
Jeff Cawdrey as Vice President for 2018.
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
REPORT
Rick Godinez reported that the Scholarship
Program application period will be from
March 1st through March 30th and the
exam date will take place on April 14th.
MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT
Rick Godinez reported that online donations
for 2017 were at $49,000 and was up $18K
from the previous year. He reported on the
Discovery School Holiday Gift Drive and
indicated that they are able to send gifts
to the 28 surviving spouses and the 21
children.
SETTING OF DATES
1) Buzzard Bait Ride – January 12 – 14
2) Hook & Ladder Enduro – March 17th
3) L.A. Marathon – March 18th
4) Lane Kemper Softball Tournament –
May 2nd
5) Pechanga Reunion – May 21st – 25th
6) Hope for Firefighters – June 7th
RETIREMENT DINNERS
1) Tobi Perkins – February 3rd Newport
Dunes, Back Bay Bistro (Sonoda)
2) Bill Bringas – February 10th Private
Residence (Steinbacher)
3) Jimmy Rodriguez – February 17th
Private Residence (Bednarchik)
4) Chuck Butler – March 8th B @
Brookside Golf Club
ADJOURNMENT
Bob Steinbacher entertained a motion to
adjourn. Tim Larson so moved. Craig White
seconded. There was no discussion and no
objections.
Motion carried to adjourn. The Board of
Trustees meeting adjourned at 12:45 p.m.
Bob Steinbacher, President
March 2018 • 55
 Donations to Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund - January 2018
DOLORES S. SCHNEIDER in memory
of Alvina & Edward Bakula
THOMAS J. SHARP
ROCK N ROLL CAFE C/O
JAMES B. TREICHLER in memory
of Dave Moorman
JANE JOHNSON/THE FIRE
CONNECTION APPAREL &
NOVELTIES
BELL L. WESTON in honor of my
husband Donald W. Weston and
son-in-law Gerald “Gerry” Foust
VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH & SCHOOL
RICHARD T. SAKURAI
ROBERT J. HROMADKA
RICHARD HARRY
WILLIAM A. FINN in honor of
“The Greatest Generation”
DON R. FORREST in memory
of retired fire chief Alan “Bruno”
Brunacini of Phoenix FD
ANTHONY & LISA SHAFER
ELIZABETH BLOOMINGDALE
BELL/LISA B. BELL
KIRK P. BINGHAM from the
Firemen’s Breakfast @ Mimi’s
Restaurant in Thousand Oaks
PAUL KAMKAR/
5501 FIGUEROA, LP
FIRE STATION NO. 107
from the Fire Extinguisher Fund
NETWORK FOR GOOD
FUMIKO HUMBERD, JR.
DAVID L. LILLY in memory of
Dennis Benkovsky
56 • March 2018
JAMES L. STIGLICH in memory of
Damon Bell
MARVIN H. FINK/HARRIET FINK
JEAN & JUSTIN BRINCKO
MARIAN L. PEACOCK in memory of
my husband Ken Peacock
HARRY & DORIS MORCK in memory
of Bill Mc Donough
RONALD E. WORDEN in memory of
Sef Godinez
GENE & JUDY ADAMS in memory of
Dennis Benkovsky
ED ADAMS
SHARON A. SANQUIST in gratitude of
the work of LAFRA
MICHAEL A. NIEMCZYK/MARIA
PELLILLO in memory of Barbara
Vine Espinoza, mother of retired LA
Firefighter Joe Espinoza
CHRISTINA M. MCKILLIP in
memory of Capt. Tony, Antoinette
and their son, Tony Dimenico Jr.
RICARDO A. RAMIREZ
ALICE L. CRANDALL in memory
of Paul Semerjian’s mom,
Jeanette Semerjian
RICHARD E. FOX in memory of
Bob Duncan
LON F. ROBERTS from the Antelope
Valley Retired Firemen’s
Breakfast Club
SHIRLEY & JAMES KERR in
memory of Barbara Espinoza
FIRE STATION NO. 28 from the
Fire Extinguisher Fund
PHYLLIS R. STAPEL in honor of the
birth of my great granddaughter
Harper Sambar
PHYLLIS R. STAPEL in memory of
Nina Clegg
ROBERTO J. LEDESMA in memory of
Dennis Benkovsky
GENE A. BEDNARCHIK
ROBERT L. ROBAR
MICHELE M. ADELINIA in memory
of Jeanette Semerjian
TONY & JOSEPHINE BASILE in
memory of Norman Janes
SARA DRESSEL in memory of
Dennis Benkovsky
CATHLEEN GARITE in memory of
Dennis Benkovsky
GENE & MARY KALDHUSDAL in
memory of Dennis Benkovsky
ANNA MELLOR in memory of
Norm Janes
MALLORY NIEMCZYK in memory of
Barbara Espinoza
BRUCE & GINA PINCUS & FAMILY
in memory of Jeanette Semerjian
MELINDA & DICK POLADIAN in
memory of Barbara Espinoza
MICHAEL & MINA SANTORO in
memory of Norman Janes
DAVID SEMERJIAN in memory of
Jeanette Semerjian
DON JAN SMITH in memory of
Barbara Vine Espinoza
PATRICIA SQUIRE in memory of
Jeanette Semerjian
BETTY ANN UNIBE in memory of
Ann Bullard
 CLASSIFIEDS
For advertising information, please contact:
Eric Santiago - (323) 259-5231 - eric@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
SEE-DOO BOAT 2007
Speedster with twin Rotax 1503
4-tec-4-stroke engines. Great
condition used in fresh water
only, Blue and White paint with
wake tower and Karavan trailer.
Great family Boat. $16,500 OBO
Call (310) 480-7939.
REAL ESTATE
FOR SALE
LAKE HAVASU CITY HOME
FOR SALE. 3 bedroom, 2 bath,
1700 sq. ft. Beautiful Santa Fe
pool home, 3 car garage, 8 foot
doors. $365,000. If this is not
the one, I have others available.
Retired engineer’ wife. Plan for
the Summer. Call Georgeann
Hoover, realtor at (310) 890-
1562. AZ broker #143001473.
husgeorgeann@gmail.com
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
FRANCHISORS WANT TO
PARTNER WITH FIREFIGHT-
ERS. Have you considered own-
ing a franchise? Most brands
offer 1st Responder and Veteran
discounts. Let me help you sort
through the options for free! The
franchisor pays me. I’m the son
and grandson of LAFD, Army
veteran and multi-unit franchi-
see. andy@thefranchisecon
sultingcompany.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 prod-
ucts? Start selling them online
and become an independent
consultant. Call Annet (626) 818-
1846 for more information.
SOUTHBAY EXPOSURE
PHOTOGRAPHY. Professional
photography services for all
wedding, family, student, life-
style, sports or events Serving
Southern Calif and destinations
beyond. Member of Pro Photog-
raphers of Calif. Aerial photo and
video also available. FAA certi-
fied. SouthbayExposure.com
(800) 448-0788. Tony Senior
LAFD retired
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, sleeps 7 , 21/2
bath,forced air, big screen cable
T.V. / WIFI, red wood deck , gas
BBQ, fully furnished except linens,
walk to marina/pines village.
No smoking or pets. $200/night
+$100 cleaning. 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. Fire-
place/wood, cable/WiFi. Fully
furnished except linens. Winter
$110/$650. Summer $100/$550.
2 night minimum.
www.schaffercabin.com
Call Donna/Beep (760)723-
1475.
BIG BEAR CABIN- 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
March 2018 • 57
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.
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.
COEUR D’ALENE IDAHO
Lakeside Resort Town. 1909
Vintage Vacation Home walking
distance to lake and downtown
entertainment. Sleeps 12 with
5 Bed-2 Ba, 3000 sq ft Fully
Furnished including Hot Tub.
Winter, Summer, Spring or Fall
easily accessible from Spokane
Airport. www.vacasa.com/unit.
php?UnitID=11928
http://www.vacasa.com/unit.
php?UnitID=11928
LAFD Family Owned
JUNE LAKE CABIN - 2BR/2BA
cabin with Carson Peak
view. Close to fishing & ski-
ing. Furnished, wood deck,
equipped kitchen, wood burning
stove, tree swing, cable /DVD/
phone. Garage/ample parking.
$100/night plus cleaning fee.
Email for pictures. Jeff Easton
LAFD retired (805) 217-5602.
junebound@gmail.com
LAKE HAVASU BEAUTY FOR
RENT - 3 bdrm, 2 bath, 1600
sq.ft. Fully furnished with all
amenities- Laundry & BBQ.
13,000 sq.ft. lot. 3 car boat-deep
58 • March 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-
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 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 MOHAVE / BULLHEAD
CITY. 4 bedroom, 3 full bath-
room, 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
LAKE NACIMIENTO. Oak
Shores gated community. 3 bed-
room, 2 1/2 bath, large loft. 3min-
ute 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 bed-
room & large loft, 3 full baths,
sleeps 8. 5 minute walk to Can-
yon Lodge. Fully furnished, TVs,
VCR/DVD, pool, spa, rec room,
sauna, linens included. Winter
$175 weekdays, $195-week-
ends/holidays; summer $125,
plus cleaning. No smoking; no
pets. Craig Yoder (909) 948-
3659.
MAMMOTH CONDO - 2 bdrm,
2 bath, 2 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 min-
utes. 5-day minimum, from $150
per night (regularly $310/night).
Call Sherrie or Bill for info/reser-
vations (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
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 SPRINGS- 3Bdr/3Ba
Pool home with great back yard
to BBQ. Fully furnished w/WiFi,
Big screen Cable TV and Pool
Table. Pets Ok on gated proper-
ty. Close to Palm Springs Aerial
Tramway,Casino and Down
Town. Call property manager for
DESERT SUNSHINE house and
ask for seasonal pricing.
(800) 215-9880
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:
sunsetranchoasis.com
or call Nick Davidson
(424) 237-4121
VACATION
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.
** SPECIAL **
ANNOUNCEMENT
2006 & 2017 LAFD
Yearbook Available
There are a limited number
of the 2006 and 2017 LAFD/
LAFRA Yearbooks available
for purchase. If you would
like a 2006 yearbook, they are
available for a $35 donation.
2017 are for a $55 dona-
tion - postage and handling
included. Proceeds from both
books benefit the Widows, Or-
phans, & Disabled Firemen’s
Fund. Send a check made
out to LAFRA WODFF, along
with your name and mailing
address to: 7470 No. Figueroa
St, Los Angeles, CA 90041.

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.

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Ask for Dave Erickson­­­­­­­­­
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March 2018 • 59
 Engine Company 54 Thanksgiving Day
November 27, 1986. 5730 Crenshaw
Blvd. Captain Larry Schneider, Engi-
neer Phil Chitwood, Firefighter Robert
Rivera, Firefighter James Meacham, W
(Note Phil’s daughter hiding on the left a
side of the Engine.)
th
se

P
a
Ph
Fa
Engine
Company 54

Engine Company 54 January 15, 1932.

5730 Crenshaw Blvd. “2 Inches of
Snow” Taken about 9 A.M., By Chas.
E. Scott. Fireman Harry M. Lewis, Fire-
man Earl M. Nave, (The above was writ-
ten on the back of the photo. It is not
known which man in the photo is Lewis
or Nave.)

60 • March 2018
We have devoted ourselves Workers’ Compensation
and our staff to providing Employment Litigation
the highest level of personal Personal Injury
services to our clients Disability Retirements

Please contact our firm for Located in the Van Nuys

a free consultation Historic Library Building
Phone (818) 788 1700 14555 Sylvan Street
Fax (818) 788 1705 Van Nuys, California 91411

Making a false or fraudulent workers’ compensation claim is a felony subject to up to five years in prison or a fine up to
$50,000 or double the value of the fraud, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and fine
March 2018 • 61
 Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
7470 N Figueroa Street
Los Angeles CA 90041-1725

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