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 IS YOUR STATION THIS YEAR’S CHAMPION?

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TEAM SIGN UP CONTACT:
Carey Schreiner (951) 318-2809
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TEAM REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS JULY 7, 2021 (BY CHECK OR CREDIT CARD)

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 On the cover: Fire 5 makes a drop near a structure at the Pinon Fire. Photo| 564FIRE

Photo Inset: Staying Stevens Strong! Photo | Taskforce 21

2 • July 2021
 VOL. XCVII JULY 2021 NO. 11

• FEATURES •
Generations
Part Deux • ................................................................................... 06

Mark Martinez Remembered • ...................................... 24

• CONTENTS •
President’s Message • ............................................................................05
Battalion News • ....................................................................................27
2019 Firefighter of the Year Awards
Captain II Rick Godinez • ................................................................36
The Coasters
Boomtown • .......................................................................................43
Memorials • ...........................................................................................44
The Station Fridge • ................................................................................46
Annuities & Selling Ice Cubes to Eskimos • ............................................47
Housewives of the LAFD • .....................................................................49
LAFRA Mail • .........................................................................................50
LAFD Mechanic - Allison Transmission • ...............................................53
LAFD History - Smoke Helmets • ..........................................................55
Minutes of the Board of Trustees • .....................................................56
Classifieds • ...........................................................................................58
Tailboard
Joanne Cameron • ................................................................................61

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

COPYRIGHT © 2021
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association.
No material may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

July 2021 • 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
John Hicks • Managing Editor............................................editor@lafra.org
Eric Santiago • Creative Editor...............................................eric@lafra.org
Display Advertising.................................................(323) 259-5200 ext. 231

PSO’s
Nicholas Prange, Margaret Stewart, Brian Humphrey

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Art Sorrentino, Alicia Iwakiri, Frank Borden, Mark Khitikian, Bonnie Lopez

PHOTOGRAPHERS
Gary Apodaca, David Blaire, Brandon Buckley, Chris Eckenrode, 564 Fire, Greg
Doyle, Harry Garvin, Steve Gentry, Yvonne Griffin, Kevin Johnson, Justin Johnson,
Gavin Kaufman, Rick McClure, Mike Meadows, Kyle Rausch, Jacob Salzman,
Peter Sanders, Erik Scott, Adam VanGerpen, Zak Holman

LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION

Jeff Cawdrey..........................................................President
Chris Stine .....................................................Vice-President
Jim Dolan & Steve Ruda ...............................Community Affairs Liaisons

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chris Bustamante JD Fox Mike Sailhamer
Craig White Jeff Halloran Rick Godinez
Danny Wu Jim Duffy Steve Berkery
Frank Aguirre Joe Vigil Steve Tufts
Gayle Sonoda John Jacobsen Tim Freeman Jr.
Gene Bednarchik Juan Albarran Tyler Tomich
Henry Gasbarri Kenny Breskin

CHAPLAINS
To contact a chaplain, please call Senior Chaplain, Tim Werle at
(213) 797-2404 or the MFC Floor Captain at (213) 576-8920
Kevin Smith..........................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
Daniel Lee............................Chaplain Rick Godinez........................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
Adriana Faust • Human Resources Director...............(323) 259-5247
Liberty Unciano • Controller/Treasurer..................(323) 259-5225
Bob Dillon • Operations Manager.............................(323) 259-5233
Marlene Casillas • Development & Marketing Director(323) 259-5217
Ana Salazar • Member Services Coordinator............(323) 259-5223

HealthComp
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 • July 2021
 Welcome to July, when we celebrate our country’s inde-
pendence and recognize the 4th as our nation’s birthday. In what
seems like a divided America, this is a time for us all to come
together and reflect on how fortunate we are to live in the Land
of the Free. Last July, things were slowly opening up in between
waves of Covid-19, and now a year later, it appears we are finally
getting to the end of this pandemic. Some, however, are still strug-
gling with long lasting effects from the virus. Children’s lifestyle
and routine has been totally affected due to the COVID-19 safety
protocols, and a significant number have lost their lives, while
others are struggling with mental health issues. Take the time to
make a positive change this fiscal year to check yourself, your
family, and ask the tough question of, “How are we doing?”
Speaking of positive changes, I welcome all the new en-
rollees into LAFRA’S medical plan. Below is a list for your re-
view of the plan design changes put in place by the Board of
Trustees effective July 1st, 2021.
Now you may also access a licensed psychologist, thera-
pist, or board-certified psychiatrist for video visits via smart-
phone, tablet or computer.
The annual prescription drug out-of-pocket maximum for
PPO providers will be $6,550 for self-only coverage, and $13,100
for family coverage
Out-of-network midwife charges are now subject to usual,
customary, and reasonable (UCR) limits instead of the prior max-
imum benefit limitation of $2,500.
Increases in Vision Care Benefits allowances for frames
from a VSP provider is increasing from $160 to $200. Laser Vi-
sion benefits from a VSP provider are increasing from $1,000 to
$1,500 per eye.
At our June 2nd, 2021 Board meeting, 10 Scholarship win-
ners from years 2020 and 2021 came to the LAFRA offices to
accept their awards and receive congratulations from the Board
of Trustees. 2020 was the first year of the increased scholarship
amounts awarded. These recipients received a total of $155,000
for the years 2020 and 2021. It is always an awesome experience
to see the bright smiling young faces and their families glowing
with pride as we see their future right before us. As the ceremony
ended, I was handed a letter of appreciation from Nicholas Rodg-
ers who is attending DePaul University. I read Nick’s letter out
loud as he thanked the Board for believing in him and investing
in his future. Well done, Nick! Lastly, a big thank you to Rick Go-
dinez and the Scholarship Committee. On July 22nd, 2021, Rick
Godinez will finally be honored as the
2019 Firefighter of the Year! Congratula-
tions, Rick. We will see you there!
At the 2021 Pechanga Reunion,
Thomas Muro Junior, who hired on with
the Los Angeles City Fire Department in
1946, graced us with his attendance. Tom
retired from Fire Station 2 as a Captain at
the young age of 55. He served 30 years.
On July 1st he will be turning 98 years young. Tom really enjoyed
chatting with Juan, the Wises, and many others while sipping on
his 4 P.M. shot of Jack Daniels at the Annual LAFRA Dinner at
Pechanga this year. Tom plans on attending again in 2022 where
he will be celebrating his 45th year living on pension! One lucky
guy!!
On behalf of the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Associa-
tion, I applaud the LAFPP Board for granting service-connected
disability pensions to Heidi Perez and Hope Roque following
their tremendous losses of Jose and George to Covid-19. Second-
ly, thank you to Commissioner Corrine Babcock for her service
on the pension board and wish her well in her new role on the
City of Los Angeles Fire Commission.
As vaccination numbers slowly continue to rise and the
controversial mask mandates for the immunized change, it’s nice
to see so many smiling faces. It is my hope that you will soon
be able to have a “small backyard BBQ with your loved ones!”
As Americans, we are STRONG, you deserve to be happy and
FREE, and WE as a nation will overcome.
Be safe out there!
150 250 350
Jeff J. Cawdrey
323.259.5202
president@lafra.org
July 2021 • 5
 I
n January 2021, the
Firemen’s Grapevine Addison Family
published a column en-
• Terry Addison. Engineer. October 18, 1969 to February 22, 2004
• Kenny Russel. Inspector. July 7, 2003 to present
titled “Generations.” Over
50 different families partic-
ipated. After this was pub-
lished, we started receiving
request for a part two. Well.
you asked for it, and we de-
livered. After months of
hard work, this is the sec-
ond installment of LAFD
Generations. A collection
of 80 additional groupings,
past and present, showing
that there is nothing more
important than family. The
following pages are filled Ahuero Family
with a collection of names • Douglas J. Ahuero. Firefighter III. December 14, 1980 to March 31, 2019
• Samuel J. Abbott. Firefighter III. January 9, 2019 to present
and pictures of LAFD • Taylor D. Ahuero. Firefighter III. January 6, 2014 to present
members and the fam-
ily members that preceded
them, worked side-by-side
with, or followed in their
footsteps. We take pride in
memorializing the strong
family ties that continue to Albarran Family
this day. We hope you en- • Ed Nunez. Firefighter III. March 1983 to June 2016
• Brandon Nunez. Engineer. August 2007 to present
joy the following second • Domingo Albarran Jr. Captain I. April 1985 to present
installment of GENERA- • Domingo Albarran III. Firefighter III. August 2017 to present
• Daniel Albarran. Captain II. April 2003 to present
TIONS! • Juan Albarran. Captain II. March 1980 to March 2016

6 • July 2021
 Arnado Family
• Joel Braff. Firefighter III. September. 6, 1994 to present
Arigoni Family
• Charlie Arnado. Captain I. February 16, 1975 to August 30, 2007
• Clint Arrigoni. Captain I. August 10, 1980 to February 28, 2016
• Jason Braff. Firefighter/Paramedic. March 1987 to April 2020
• Dean Arrigoni. Engineer. October 8, 2007 to present
• Tony Arnado. Firefighter/Paramedic. February 27, 1995 to present
• Jeff Braff. Engineer. October 1,1992 to present

Avery Family
• Amanda Avery. Firefighter III. November 28, 2017 to present
• Gregg Avery. Battalion Chief. December 15, 1986 to present

Balzano Family
• Richard Balzano. Captain II. June 1952 to December 1990
• Michael Balzano. Captain I. November 1977 to February 2013
• Daniel Balzano. Firefighter/Paramedic. January 2014 to present
ly
3 to June 2016
07 to present
l 1985 to present Bart Family
August 2017 to present •Kevin M. Bart. Captain—Ventura County. March 2004 to present
03 to present • Allen J. Bart. Engineer. February 27, 1977 to March 03, 2012
80 to March 2016 • Matthew A. Bart. Captain I. February 04, 2002 to present

July 2021 • 7
 Bernard Family
• Jan Bernard. Captain I. January 4, 1976 to July 13, 2008
• Scott Bernard. Firefighter/Paramedic. July 13, 2015 to present
Brennan Family
• Thomas Brennan. Battalion Chief. November 1973 to August 2007
• Scott M. Brennan. Engineer. June 12, 2006 to present

Brewster Family
• Patrick A. Brewster. Engineer. July 1973 to July 2003
• Victor C. Brewster. Engineer
• Craig Brewster. Captain.
• Gene T. Brewster. Battalion Chief.

Bowman Family
• William P. Bowman Sr. Auto Fireman. 1926 to 1951
• William P. Bowman. Engineer. 1951 to 1977 Croghan Family
• Michael Roy. Helicopter Pilot IV. 1966 to 1992 • Paul Croghan. Captain I. 1986 to present
• Michael Bowman. Battalion Chief. May 15, 1977 to May 31, 2016 • Larry Croghan. Captain I. 1980 to 2013
• Patrick Bowman. Firefighter II. 1940 to 1949 • Lou Croghan. Captain I. 1947 to 1978
• Scott Bowman. Helicopter Pilot IV. April 12, 1981 to January 31, 2017 • Fred Croghan. Captain I. 1957 to 1986
• Fred Newjahr. Battalion Chief. 1937 to 1967
• John Kesler. Captain II. 1978 to 2012 (not pictured)
• Eileen (Croghan) Kesler. Paramedic. 1979 to 1992 (not pictured)

8 • July 2021
 Butler Family
• Lawrence A. Butler. Auto fireman. 1942 to 1949
• Carl A Butler. Battalion Chief. 1968 to 2005
• Lawrence R. Butler. Captain I. 1971 to 2000 Castillo Family
• Mike Castillo. Battalion Chief. December 18, 1983 to present
gust 2007 • Matthew Castillo. Firefighter. October 22, 2020 to present

Carter Family
• Andy Carter. Firefighter III. 2000 to present
• Matt Carter. Firefighter/Paramedic. 2001 to present
• Bill Carter. Captain II. 1969 to 2008 Christlieb Family
• Scott Carter. Firefighter/Paramedic. 1998 to present • Zach Christlieb. Firefighter. March 5, 2018
• Scott Christlieb. Firefighter/Paramedic. November 29, 2019

y
nt

1967
ot pictured)
9 to 1992 (not pictured)

July 2021 • 9
 Cooper Family
• Kwame Cooper. Assistant Chief. December 15, 1980 to February 28, 2019
• Sheldon Smith. Firefighter. July 2018 to present
Clark Family
• Si Clarke Jr. Captain II. 1961 to 1995
• Si Clarke III. Engineer. 1994 to present
Espinosa Family
• Nathan Richard Espinosa. Firefighter III. June 20
• Frank Richard Espinosa. Captain I. December 198

Cummings Family Fasmer Family

• Louie Cummings. Engineer. 1947 to 1977 • Kurt Fasmer. Captain I. January 1978 to January 2013
• Brian Cummings. Fire Chief. February 11, 1980 to February 8, 2014 • Frank Fasmer. Battalion Chief. February 1949 to February 1979

Engel Family
• Russ Engel. Ranger. U.S. Forest Service. July 1949 to August 1975
• Pete Engel. Volunteer Firefighter. Mammoth Lakes FD. February 1983 to Decem
• Dick Engel. Captain I. August 1941 to February 1967
• Rich Engel. Captain II. February 1968 to February 1998
• Bob Engel. Captain II. August 1946 to June 1978
• Pat Engel. Battalion Chief. December 1971 to December 2006

10 • July 2021
 Fox Family
• Brandon Sherwood. United States Air Force Firefighter. 2016 to present
• Richard Fox. Engineer. January 6, 1973 to January 12, 2003
• Sean Fox. Firefighter/Paramedic LaCoFD. December 6, 1996 to present
• Edward Fox. Engineer. October 22, 1946 to January 6, 1973
• Thomas A. Fox. Captain. 1911 to 1939

Espinosa Family
osa. Firefighter III. June 2018 to present
sa. Captain I. December 1980 to February 2019

Franco Family
• Rick Franco. Firefighter. May 2017 to present
• Bob Franco. Assistant Chief. May 1977 to August 2013
• Rob Blaise Franco. Engineer. April 2015 to present

Freeman Family
• Tim Freeman Sr. Captain I. 1981 to 2017
• Tim Freeman Jr. Firefighter/Paramedic. 2014 to present

o August 1975 Garner Family

D. February 1983 to December 2003 • Richard Garner. Engineer. June 1955 to June 1980
7 • Doug Garner. Firefighter III. February 1972 to July 2003
1998 • George Garner. Captain. October 1931 to June 1963
• Jackie Ferguson. Captain I. June 1955 to June 1980
mber 2006 • Gerald Babcock. Captain II. January 1957 to June 1985

July 2021 • 11
 Gladden Family
Hays Family
• Robert Gladden. Fireman. 1947 to 1968
• Robert J. Hays Jr. Firefighter III. 1968 to 1999
• Marques Gladden. Employed by the Prison System.
• Robert J. Hays III. Engineer. 1988 to 2021
• Walter Gladden Jr. Engineer. 2003 to present
• Robert J. Hays IV. Firefighter OCFA. 2020 to present
• Chris Gladden. Firefighter/ Paramedic Long Beach Fire. 2005 to present
• Ana Gladden Wife/Mother
• Walter Gladden Sr. Captain II. 1980 to 2015
• Robert Gladden Jr. Inspector. 1978 to 2008

Hopkins Family
• Scott Hopkins. Firefighter/Paramedic. 1989 to prese
• Gordon Hopkins. Captain. 1964 to 1992

Grijalva Family
• David Grijalva. Captain II. July 5, 1976 to June 30, 2011
• David Grijalva Jr. Captain I. December 13, 1998 to present

Haworth Family
• James O. Haworth. Battalion Chief. August 29, 1964 to July 6, 1996
• Justin R. Haworth. LACoFD. November 29, 2017 to present

Hare Family
• Christopher J. Hare. Captain II. 1980 to 2016
• Fred W. Hare. Captain I. 1961 to 1981

Holland Family
• James J. Holland. Battalion Chief. November 24, 2002 to present
• James R. Holland. Engineer. October 17, 1970 to May 4, 2007
• John E. Holland. Engineer. May 1, 1950 to June 15, 1980

12 • July 2021
o 1999
21
0 to present

Josselyn Family
• Cindy Josselyn. Inspector II. February 8, 1987 to present
• Charles H Clair. Engineer. April 13, 1968 to September 3, 1994

s Family
r/Paramedic. 1989 to present
n. 1964 to 1992

Johns Family
• Jerry R. Johns. Firefighter II. January 1970 to February 1981
• Ralph H. Johns. Captain. October 1929 to August 1968
• Robert H. Johns. Captain. 1913 to January 1934
• Bill Welsh. Firefighter II. July 1956 to March 1988
• Scott Delzell. Firefighter Ventura County. 2020 to present
Johnson Family
• Paulina Alterman. Communications Operator. CALFIRE
• Robert Johnson. Fire Captain. CALFIRE.
• Clyde Johnson. Captain I. 1969 to 1991
• Erik Johnson. Firefighter. CALFIRE.
• Bryan Alterman. Fire Captain. CALFIRE
• Gunnar Johnson. Fire Captain. CALFIRE

Johnson Family
• Gerald L. Johnson Jr. Captain I. September 12, 1988 to present
• Gerald L. Johnson. Deputy Chief. June 10, 1961 to August 20, 1995
• Thomas A. Johnson. Captain I. March 2, 1989 to November 30, 2020
July 2021 • 13
 Kalnas Family
• Ted Kalnas. Captain II. August 10, 1980 to present
• Justin Kalnas. Engineer LACoFD. December 2011 to present
Lievense Family
• Matthew Lievense. Engineer. March 2007 to present
• Daniel Lievense. Captain. August 2001 to present

King Family
• Paul Orduna. Assistant Chief. 1957 to 1991
• Wince King. Fireman. 1947 to 1972
• Greg King. Captain I. 1974 to 2005
Leddy Family
• Curtis Leddy. Captain II. April 2000 to present
• Pat Leddy. Engineer. July 1973 to present
• Dan Leddy. Engineer. January 2000 to present

Knabe Family
• Travis Knabe. Firefighter/Paramedic Brea FD. April 14, 2012 to present Kozaki Family
• Wolfgang Knabe. Battalion Chief. August 10, 1980 to September 8, 2002 • Roy Kozaki. Assistant Chief. April 27, 1975 to May 1, 2008
• Adam Knabe, Captain II. November 25, 2002 to present • Jarred Kozaki. Engineer. January 27, 2014 to present

14 • July 2021
 Mellinger Family
• Gary J. Mellinger. Firefighter III. April 1974 to January 2005
• Lew Dell Sumner. Auto Fireman. January 1927 to January 1947

Maxwell Family
• John Maxwell. Volunteer Fireman—San Pedro Fire. 1905
• George Maxwell. Foreman—San Pedro Fire. 1905
• Bruce Maxwell Norman. Fireman. June 1961 to 1975

Mathews Family
• Ronald L. Mathews. Firefighter/EIT. 1986 to 2019
• Gerry Mathews. FF/Arson Investigator LACoFD. 1968 to 1993

Mokracek Family
• Chris Mokracek. Paramedic. 1987. Now EMS Chief Mono County
• Charles Mokracek. Apparatus Operator. October 8, 1969 to January 3, 1999
• Kevin Mokracek. Captain I. November 28, 1988 to November 7, 2017

Morales Family
• Michel Morales. Captain II. October 1986 to present
• Frank Morales. Captain I. April 13, 1986 to June 2016

McLorn Family
• Dana T. McLorn. Firefighter. Dec. 21, 2000 to 2003 then transferred to LA County to present
• Dana G. McLorn. Engineer. November 18, 1969 to March 20, 2007
July 2021 • 15

Monroy Family
• Sean Monroy. Engineer. March 18, 2007 to present
• Matt Monroy. Captain I. December 18, 1983 to present
• Mike Monroy. Engineer. September 10, 1978 to June 28, 2016
Munoz Family
• Ronnie Munoz. Engineer. 1980 to 2016
• Ray Munoz. LACoFD Firefighter/Paramedic. 2016 to present
16 • July 2021
Navarro Family
• Ruben Navarro. Captain II. October 9, 1983 to present
• Anthony Navarro. Captain II. March 29, 1990 to present
• Matthew Navarro. Firefighter III. December 29, 2014 to present
• Louis Navarro. Captain II. November 2, 1989 to present
• David Navarro. Firefighter/ Master Sergeant USMC. October 4, 1987 to February 4, 2020
Nelson Family
• Shane D. Nelson. Firefighter. July 13, 2015 to present
• Scott M. Nelson. Engineer. March 27, 1989 to present
Nagel Family
• Charles J. Nagel. July 1954 to August 1979
• Kevin Nagel. Firefighter III. August 1990 to present
 O’Connell Family Ousley Family
• Terry O’Connell. Inspector II. April 12, 1981 to June 30, 2019 • Richard L. Ousley. Firefighter/Paramedic. April 27, 1975 to June 30, 2008
• Jim O’Connell. Engineer. May 15, 1977 to December 26, 2009 • Richard E. Ousley. Captain. February 3, 1958 to July 5, 1978

ebruary 4, 2020

Pascolla Family Perez Family

• Garrett Pascolla. Firefighter III. November 28, 2016 to present • Matt Perez. Firefighter III. June 27, 2016 to present
• Greg Pascolla. Engineer. April 12, 1981 to May 31, 2019 • Gustavo Perez. Captain I. July 3, 1989 to present

Plumlee Family
• Bruce Plumlee. Captain I. February 10, 1968 to August 4, 1996
• Larry Hartman. Captain I. October 17, 1970 to August 28, 1999
• Bill Plumlee. Engineer. March 17, 1947 to June 30, 1975
• Ike Plumlee. Auto Fireman. August 7, 1929 to October 7, 1964
• Jack Plumlee. Firefighter III. June 10, 1947 to June 26, 1978
• Greg Plumlee. Engineer/Paramedic Anaheim FD. February 5, 2001 to present July 2021 • 17

Prange Family
• Ernest A. Prange. Fireman. 1953 to 1978
• Thomas A. Prange. Engineer. January 4, 1976 to June 30, 2009
• Fritz Neuhaus. Firefighter III. July 4, 1976 to June 28, 2011
• Nicholas Prange. Firefighter/Paramedic. July 20, 2015 to present
• George Xenios. Engineer. February 2, 1986 to May 26, 2016
• Pete Xenios. Engineer. October 9, 1983 to June 29, 2016
Raya Family
• Linda (Melgoza) Mitchell. Firefighter/Paramedic. 1979 to 1996
• Robert J. Raya. Firefighter III. 1948 to 1980
• Robert Melgoza. Firefighter /Paramedic. 1991 to 1996
• Andre B. Raya. Captain II. 1983 to 2019
• David J. Raya. Firefighter/Paramedic. 1980 to 2016
• Robert A. Raya. Firefighter/Paramedic. 1974 to 2010
18 • July 2021
Reyes Family
• Thomas A. Reyes. Captain I. February 16, 1975 to January 31, 2013
• Douglas S. Reyes. Captain I. February 10, 1980 to February 26. 2015
• Donald B. Reyes. Battalion Chief. March 4, 1984 to present
Quagliata Family
• Paul Quagliata. Captain II. May 16, 1977 to October 29, 1977
• Wallace Hasha. Engineer July 17, 1952 to June 1, 1978
• Chris Quagliata. Engineer. Las Vegas/Ventura County FD. October 12, 2002 to present
Rodriguez Family
• Jim Rodriguez. March 11, 1987 to January 31, 2018
•Daniel Rodriguez. December 13, 2016 to present
• Aggie Rodriguez. Division 3 Secretary. August 31, 1988 to December 19, 2018
• Miguel Rodriguez. 2000 to present.
Sammartano Family
• Frank Sammartano. Engineer. December 18, 1951 to
• Tom Sammartano. Captain. June 14, 1982 to April 3
ary 31, 2013
uary 26. 2015
sent

Souter Family
• Jere Souter. Captain I. 1962 to 1999
• Scott Souter. Captain II. 1991 to present
• Shane Souter. Firefighter III. 2015 to present
• Rodd Souter. Battalion Chief. 1988 to present

2 to present

Smith Family
• Nathan Smith. Firefighter/Paramedic Rialto FD. June 9, 2019 to present
18 • Craig Smith. Firefighter III. April 20, 1980 to April 20, 2008
• Kevin Smith. Firefighter/EIT. February 2, 2004 to present
1988 to December 19, 2018

mmartano Family
neer. December 18, 1951 to February 29, 1979
Shelford Family
in. June 14, 1982 to April 30, 2018
• Theodore “Ted” Shelford. Captain II. 1946 to 1977
• Gary Shelford. Engineer. 1968 to 2007 July 2021 • 19
 Spencer Family
• Paul Spencer. Captain Encinitas FD. January 31, 1996 to present
• Christopher Spencer. Firefighter/Diver. May 21, 2002 to present
• W. Doyle Spencer. Captain I. April 30, 1966 to April 30, 2007
• Patrick McCormick. Captain I. February 10, 1980 to February 20, 2018 Tannahill Family
• William J. Tannahill. Captain II. November 2,1962 to July 6, 1997
• Louis Hospe. Captain II. August 6,1936 to October 17, 1972

Torrez Family
Stires Family • David M. Torrez. Engineer. February 2009 to present
• Harry B. Stires. Captain. 1916 to 1934 • Andrew Torrez. Firefighter LACoFD. September 2017 to present
• Harry P. Stires. Captain II. 1941 to 1974 • David A. Torrez. Engineer. April 1981 to September 2013
• Tom Stires. Battalion Chief. 1963 to 1998
• Bill Stires. Captain. 1971 to 2002
• Elbert Niebergall. Engineer. 1947 to 1973
• Brian Stires. Captain. 2000 to present
• Keith Stires. Captain LACoFD. 2004 to present
• Bryan Miclette. Captain II. 2000 to present

20 • July 2021
 Valles Family
• Raymond Valles. Captain. Anaheim FD. 1957 to 1984
• Ray Valles. Fire Inspector. 1984 to present
Van Blarcom Family
• Robert Valles. Firefighter. 1986 to present
• Ray E. Van Blarcom, Captain I. April 1986 to May 2020
• Nicholas R. Van Blarcom, Firefighter III. September 2015 to present

Wasserman Family
• Garrett Wasserman. Firefighter III. January 22, 2018
• Curt S. Wasserman. Firefighter/Paramedic. February 2, 1986

Yoder Family
• John A. Yoder. Battalion Chief LACOFD. June 10, 1953 to February 2, 1983
• George “Dale” Yoder. Captain LACOFD. September 6, 1955 to April 6, 1980
• Craig A. Yoder. Battalion Chief. July 22, 1973 to May 11, 2011
• Curt D. Yoder. Captain Costa Mesa Fire. April 13, 1975 to December 28, 2007
• Chris G. Yoder. Fire Camp 2 LACOFD. July 7, 1976 to September 15, 1978
• Sean Yoder-Jerry. Captain Cal Fire. June 16, 1999 to present

July 2021 • 21
 Weireter Family
• Phil Weireter. Firefighter III/Staff Assistant. Nov 6, 1977 to March 1, 2013
• Cody Weireter. Captain I. February 06, 2009 to present

Wilkinson Family
• Ben Wilkinson. Fireman. June 10, 1947 to June 29, 1980
• Glenn Wilkinson. Apparatus Operator. July 26, 1973 to October 31, 2008
• Patrick Wilkinson. Apparatus Operator. January 30, 2006 to present
• Peter Wilkinson. Apparatus Operator. July 7, 2003 to present
• Michael Wilkinson. LAPD. June 25, 2007 to present
• Joseph Wilkinson. Captain I. June 5, 2000 to present

22 • July 2021
 Well, you have reached
the end of Part Deux. We
hope you enjoyed walking
through a bit of LAFD fami-
ly history, combined with the
present. Will this be the last
edition of this column, or will
the tradition continue? Only
time will tell. If we get enough
interest, we will look into a
part three. So, if you missed
Wise Family out on the past opportunities
• Harold Samuel Forker. Engineer. 1916 to 1942 to display your family pride,
• Jack Harold Wise. Battalion Chief. 1980 to 2017 please feel free to submit a
• Shane Michael Wise. Firefighter with National Forest Service. 2016 to present
family picture, along with the
name, final or current rank,
and times of service of the
concerned members. When
we get enough submission,
we will do our best to get it
out to you. Please submit the
information electronically or
contact us directly and we can
help. Send information as fol-
lowing. Example: John Doe.
Firefighter III. 1985-2020.
PLEASE follow this format.
Send picture(s) and informa-
tion to editor@LAFRA.org.
Ziemer Family
• Richard Ziemer. Apparatus Operator. November 7,1959 to November 30,1995 Don’t let history escape you.
• Roger Ziemer. Engineer. July 25,1970 to July 26,2008. Submit your information and
• Mark Ziemer. Firefighter Denver F.D. October 16, 1997 to present. keep the tradition of family
alive for GENERATIONS to
come!

July 2021 • 23
 Sixteen years ago I penned an article
on the passing of a dear friend, Denny Silgen,
and now it’s with great sadness that I present
another. Mark Anthony Martinez, a retired
CII, loving husband, father, friend, and mentor
passed away on May 8, 2021, in the comfort of
his home following a 19-month battle with can-
cer. Mark was 61 years old and leaves behind a
beautiful wife, Karen, twin daughters, Rachael
and Kaitlyn, and son, Daniel.
As with many of you, I too knew Mark
for some time - 40 years to be exact. We were
drill tower classmates, we both endured Batt. 2
while on probation, were A/O reliefs at FS14,
worked alongside and revered many of the
same firefighters, and as our careers wound
down, we eventually retired within months of
one another. Having said that, me gravitating
towards Mark had less to do with the afore-
mentioned and more to do with his character
and well-balanced approach to both life and
work.
Following his retirement, Mark and I
continued to talk often. On my drive home I’d
eagerly await our morning chats marinated in
his animated storytelling and gift of perspec-
tive. He’d routinely apprise me on the joys of
being a “stay at home” husband/father as well
as the tranquility that accompanied his post-
LAFD lifestyle. To say I admired Mark would
be an understatement – he counseled me when
I needed counseling, listened when I needed to
be listened to, made me laugh when I was a bit
melancholy, and in the end provided a poignant
roadmap on how to courageously confront un-
imaginable adversity.
Mark informed me of his diagnosis a
year ago during a phone conversation while
driving. Within moments of him saying, “Jer,
I have cancer,” I abruptly pulled to the side of
the road while wiping away tears and strug-
gling to maintain my composure. I listened
intently as he steadily defined his diagnosis,
prognosis and forthcoming treatment. Then, in who’d be concerned, I questioned his rationale. challenges he faced and the prospect of what
true Mark fashion he altered his tenor to as- He explained that if the word got out he would his future held. I called him in January and to
sure me he was determined to fight the good inevitably field endless calls in which the topic my pleasant surprise he was kayaking on Mis-
fight, not for himself, mind you, but for his lov- of conversation would be his illness. When sion Bay with Daniel. When I mentioned he
ing family. If any good is to come of this, he speaking with friends, Mark said, “I prefer to must be feeling well, he replied, “You know,
said, it’s that my faith and resolve will prevail focus on family, fishing and fine remembranc- Jer, I’m not feeling great, but it’s moments like
despite the unfortunate truth and unavoidable es rather than what afflicts me.” He never took this that I live for.” Mark relished the rapture of
outcome. kindly to being the center of attention and this floating on a kayak alongside his son together
Mark went on to say few were privy to illness wasn’t going to amend that. with the simple joy of propelling through the
his illness and insisted I not reveal it to others. During the past four months, Mark water knowing such moments were ever so
Knowing he had a large LAFD friends base spoke more frequently and candidly of the fleeting. He went on to say that he’ll treasure

24 • July 2021

these memories well into the afterlife, memo-
ries cancer can never take from him or his
family. He was determined to enjoy the wan-
ing days of his life in an effort to amplify his
memory bank for both he and his family.
Jesse Contreras, Mark’s A/O at FS61,
told me that Captain Martinez’ influence on
his crew was that of a father-figure and men-
tor more so than a firefighting aficionado.
Although most knew of Mark’s technical
knowhow and prowess as an A/O, it was his
ability as an officer to lead, manage and ex-
tract the best from his command that separated
him from others. When things went awry he
wouldn’t criticize or ostracize, but rather, he’d
reverse-engineer an issue and seek a solu-
tion. Conversely, when things went well, Mark
would credit his command and humbly forego
any accolades cast his way. According to Jess
and the men of FS61, Captain Martinez was the
embodiment of an LAFD officer.
Captain Mark Aguirre was a FF under
A/O Martinez for years at FS14. He told me
that aside from knowing his job like no other,
Mark was a humble man with a great work
ethic and as true a friend as a true friend can
be. He went on to say A/O Martinez was as
pragmatic as he was practical. He recognized
the adverse impact stress placed on FFs in the
heat of battle and as such developed sensible
SOGs derived from a wealth of experience.
A/O Martinez also coined the term “Short-n-
Shallow” as it relates to ventilation and rafter
direction. For those unfamiliar with the to-
tality of this concept seek out someone who
“opened roofs” with Mark to elucidate; you’ll
be glad you did.
Mark was authentic and frank. Accord-
ing him, saying what needed to be said was as
good for the soul as it was for the relationship.
Thus, when he was diagnosed it was important
for him to be as genuine with himself as he had
been with others; he could no more reject his
prognosis or suffering than reject himself. As
such, he was keenly aware that the manner in
which he lived was something he could affect,
and that regrets would never become an option.
From the time of his diagnosis Mark lived each
day as if it were his last, ultimately, leaving on
his own terms while never losing sight of the
man he was.
On May 6, 2021, Selwyn Lloyd, Sean
Conway and myself visited with Mark and his
beautiful family. It was a visit the three of us
have since internalized and a moment in time
we shall never forget. Lying in bed with Karen
by his side and daughter Rachael massaging
his legs, the five of us voiced story after story
as Mark lay peacefully, yet silent. For brief
moments he’d make eye contact with that
trademark piercing glare of his, and with that
simple gesture we knew our loving friend was
as present as one could be. Two days later,
Mark would pass. Although his departure
ushered in profound grief, it was a predictable
grief escorted-in alongside faith, warmth and
loving memories of family and friends.
Karen, Rachael, Kaitlyn and Daniel – as
you’re well aware by now, the LAFD expresses
our heartfelt sympathy and understanding over
the loss of your adored husband and father. We
realize no expression of ours can assuage the
grief you have experienced, and that the rem-
edy you seek will result from your faith and the
passage of time. While your bereavement may
at times be overwhelming, forever remember
that our love for you is eternal as it is funded
by the lives your beloved Mark graced while
on God’s good earth.
Mark – you’ll never leave the hearts of
those you’ve enriched, and through that, your
spirit and teachings will pass from generation
to generation.
Till we make relief again, my friend,
Jerry
July 2021 • 25
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26 • July 2021 Contact your plan provider to verify.
 Greetings from the Sinners and Saints of Battalion 2. Now, let’s
keep in mind, as always, these monthly articles are from photos and in-
formation this author observes and from what I get via YouTube, email,
Facebook, Instagram, news wire, grapevine, hearing things on week-
end drills, working SOD around the Battalion (which has been my best
source of late) and stuff I just make up etc. So, with that being said…
away we go.
Well, you know me, by now. I am always searching for truth, jus-
tice, and the American way. At times, well most of the time, it’s at some-
one else’s expense, mostly for humor, right? Let’s start this month with
“do the right thing.” Lately, there has been a special duty B/C working
SOD at the Batt. 2 office, along with a well-known Firefighter at 55s that
really really wants to get to the A-Unit. I’m not sure if it is a coincidence,
but it seems that this F/F volunteers to cook every time said chief works
his SOD there. Which is funny because the double nickel is usually so
busy the crew never has time to cook! Between the high call volume and
drilling in the Marlow Training room, there is no time! In addition, the Batt. 2 companies arriving at
SOD Chief, who just happens to be from Arson, likes the embryo inves- a structure fire on York Blvd.
tigator’s home cooking so much he will not trade SOD locations with a
regular assigned B/C that is in the middle of a six-day stretch. I’m glad
this never happens with my reliefs… or does it?
Moving on, it’s that time again that we huff and puff through yet
another exhausting Engineer’s exam and practical. Candidates from all
over are rushing out and practicing on engines all over the city. Well,
almost. Just east of FS 1 lays FS 16. I was told by the leaders over at this
incredibly busy location that they have decided that their engine is too
busy and I could not reserve time to practice for the upcoming practi-
cal. You know, grass season and all. I guess this is okay - not. I suppose
these leaders nor their drivers have ever had to go out and study or prac-
tice for an exam. I hope that MFC never has to use single engines for
overhauls or a fire watch or two, three, or four! For confirmation of this
story, you just may want to call 16s business phone, but please, please not
during daylight hours…. too busy!
So now, let us sashay back over to FS 12 where I have to report
some very disturbing news. The fella known as the Honky Tonk Man,
Jason Knight, is leaving and wants to move his locker closer to home
to a land far away called FS 69. I always thought you had to be a senior
citizen on the LAFD to earn a spot like this, but when you grow up on
the job working next to a fella like Jason, you lose track of time. And in
keeping with great tradition, Jason cooked up a storm on his last day at
the 12th! Good luck to you Jason, don’t forget your Battalion 2 pals that
you are leaving behind… or are you recruiting as well? When the Captain tells the crew at 12’s to
On a good-guy note, as you can see by the pictures attached to ladder a building, they take it seriously.
this article, members of FS 12 paid their annual Memorial Day respects
by cleaning up and doing routine maintenance at the Veterans Monu- Send your comments and rumors to plucks-65215@mypacks.net.
ment at Figueroa and York. Talk about leading by example!!! That’s it If you don’t, I’ll just make stuff up, kinda like I do already. So long, be
for this month. So, for now, be safe, wear your masks (when appropriate) safe, and take care of each other, and let’s safely get through this sum-
and wash your hands. Do not take any chances. Get the vaccine, we just mer in one piece.
got through Memorial Day so, let’s keep the momentum going through
the Fourth of July! Remember, no fireworks in the City of Angels!!! -Captain Jeffrey T. Spaulding

July 2021 • 27
 “A Free Percent!” on my pension?
Yes, it’s true…read on.

Giving you absolutely unbiased financial advice

that’s truly in your best-interest.
Can it be that you can stay an extra year (by possibly
deferring entry into DROP) and earn an additional 1%
on your pension?
Los Angeles Fire and Police Pension’s (LAFPP) website lists
on their Tier 5 information page that 20 years of service
(YOS) will yield you 50% of your final average salary (FAS)
when you retire. Then each additional YOS you earn 3%
to max out at 90% of your FAS with 33 years of service.
But “in the 30th year you receive 4%.” This brings us to
our title about “a free percent.” Yes, it is possible to get
something for free.
Now, this brings up other questions ― a bigger debate
― on how long to stay, when to enter the DROP, and
how many years total you want to work. Remember,
entering the DROP freezes your pay for pension benefit
purposes. If you entered the DROP a few years ago, you
missed a few substantial raises.
Did you make the right or wrong decision? This is largely
a personal choice that only the individual member can
answer after walking through a series of questions based
on their own individual financial goals and situation. A
blanket statement such as, “yes, enter the DROP because
a large amount of money will have accumulated after
five years” is the wrong way to look at it.
While investment advisors largely will advocate to “do
the full 5” this view is largely in their best interest as
they see this as an opportunity to manage your DROP
account when you retire. Remember, the DROP program
must be “cost neutral” to the city. What isn’t commonly
said as part of this “cost neutrality” is the city is a large
beneficiary of the DROP program, meaning the DROP
program saves the city money. Lifetime pension
payouts are reduced from DROP as lifespan is shortened
due to members staying longer. This is the hard truth
that has been proven time and again by the actuaries
hired by the city to determine if the DROP program is
“cost neutral.” Is the DROP program good for you? Should
you go at 20, 25, or 30 years? This is a huge decision,
based on many factors—don’t take it lightly.
With Andorra, you don’t have to “subscribe to
a podcast” (to then be bombarded with emails
from someone trying to sell you their investment
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through the City of Los Angeles Deffered Compensation Plan’s Self Directed Brokerage Option (SDBO). The information above should not be used as
personal financial advice and always consult your financial advisor before considering any investment.

28 • July 2021
The crew at FS 12 at their annual homage to the Veterans Monument

A 14-year-old teen who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest and was given life-saving emergency medical
treatment was reunited with members of Fire Station 63 who saved him. Photos | Kevin Johnson

July 2021 • 29
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30 • July 2021
 Fire 1 makes a water drop at the recent
Palisades Fire. Photo | Rick McClure

HR 3 is brought in to help during a traffic accident

on the 101 freeway. Photo | Rick McClure

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July 2021 • 31
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32 • July 2021
 Valley companies from Battalion 12, 15, and 10 assist on a fatality
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Firefighter works to control a fire in Members from Batt. 12 work on a descending

a junk yard. Photo | Mike Meadows hillside home. Photo | Mike Meadows

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Photo | Brandon Buckley & Rick McClure

July 2021 • 33
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Fire 2 makes a drop near Big Tujunga Canyon A fire was held to a detached one-story
Road just inside the ANF. Photo | Mike Meadows residential garage. Photo | Rick McClure

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July 2021 • 35
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36 • July 2021
Engine 64 handles an auto-fire in South FF Boswell prepares to extinguish a fully involved auto
Los Angeles. Photo | James Anderson on 70th St. and Estrella Ave. Photo | James Anderson

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Captain David Mack gives direction during tactics and began fighting this fire with copious amounts of
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July 2021 • 37
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42 • July 2021
 If you never knew or worked around
Ray “Boomtown” Mayo you truly missed out
on one of life’s great experiences. One of my
first memories of meetin’ Ray was when he
worked a SOD day at FS33. At the time I didn’t
know much about him but shortly after our
paths crossed it was very apparent that he was
a breed apart.
Several years passed and Ray, who by
then had promoted to Engineer, was assigned
to FS14 “C”. I had the good fortune of workin’
at FS14 “B” so Ray and I worked together on
SOD days. After a spot opened up for an En-
gineer on the “B” shift Ray slipped on a pair of
cowboy boots and walked into the corral.
So, there I was, workin’ side by side
with “Boomtown.” We went to many fires to-
gether and were assigned to untold strike teams
together. Bein’ on a strike team with Ray was
an experience I’ll never forget. Whenever we
got dispatched to a strike team, whether it was
one in the mornin’ or one in the afternoon,
Ray had one rule that he followed…stock the
engine with food. While the rest of the crew
scrambled around to insure their “Brush Bags”
had extra uniforms, towels, soap and socks,
Ray ran to the kitchen and started makin’ pea-
nut butter sandwiches and takin’ leftovers out
of the refrigerator for added snacks. It was an
act you had to see to believe. I later realized
that these “supplies” were onboard to insure
we had enough nutrients to sustain us until we
got to the brush fire.
Once we got to the fire and assigned
to a certain area or street, the residents, bein’
thrilled to see us, poured out of their homes
with armloads of food……sandwiches, soda,
pies, cakes and sometimes complete home
cooked meals. Seein’ the engine gettin’ filled
up with more food had Ray grinnin’ from ear
to ear. He was in his happy spot and fairly cer-
tain he wouldn’t starve.
But Ray was always fightin’ the “Battle
of the Bulge.” Boomtown was the poster child
for what was then referred to as the “Fat Man’s
Club,” which meant he had monthly weigh-in
sessions with TFC Bill Finn to show he had
lost a minimum of two pounds per month. It
was a battle for Ray to lose weight. He tried
very hard and would even go out on the hand-
ball court and play a few games to hopefully
sweat off a few pounds before the weigh in.
On one occasion Capt. Finn walked
into the bathroom ready for Ray’s monthly
weigh-in and found him standin’ on the scale,
completely naked. Ray had taken off his un-
derwear hopin’ that less cotton around his
waist might be enough to meet his weigh-in
goal.
Unfortunately, Ray ended up havin’ to
meet with then Bureau Commander of Fire
Suppression & Rescue Deputy Chief Don An-
thony, who would decide how many days off
Ray would get for this infraction. Once seated
in front of Chief Anthony he was grilled about
his failure to lose the required weight. Chief
Anthony then wanted a reason why he wasn’t
losin’ the weight.
Ray simply told Chief Anthony “Chief
I have no excuse, I’m just weak.” Well that got
Chief Anthony to sit back in his chair and ex-
claimed, “Ray, you’re the only one I’ve had up
here that hasn’t blamed someone else for their
weight loss failure. Now go back to your sta-
tion.”
Ray also needed help with his vehicle,
which at the time was an older Chevy Subur-
ban. Needless to say it was a pile of ****! Not
only was it mechanically unfit to drive but the
interior was straight out of a horror film. Sand-
wich and candy wrappers, full and empty soda
cans, insects and dead rodents scattered every-
where. Plus, you couldn’t see out of the rear
or side windows because they were covered
with thousands of window stickers. All three
shifts at 14s decided to clean up Ray’s Subur-
ban. One shift scraped off all the stickers and
cleaned the exterior while another buried the
dead rodents and power washed the interior.
Lastly all mechanical malfunctions such as
brakes, ignition and transmission issues were
fixed. At last, Boomtown had a new Suburban.
Besides lovin’ to coach and play foot-
ball Ray also enjoyed surfin’ and hangin’ out at
the beach. His passion for the ocean ultimately
developed into the “Mayo Classic,” which was
an annual surfin’ and eatin’ bash usually held
at “Old Man’s Beach” in Orange County. This
get together eventually became a charity event
that helped support the Widow, Orphans &
Disabled Firefighter’s Fund.
Ray was definitely one of the “good
guys” on the Fire Department. A true char-
acter that doesn’t come around often enough
on our job. His infectious smile and outgoin’
personality will certainly be missed.
Boomtown may have had many faults
and hiccups durin’ his time on the job but when
the alarm sounded and Engine 14 turned onto
Central Ave. you could always depend on him
to get the job done. He was an outstandin’ in-
dividual and Engineer. You did your job well
Ray.
Thanks for all the memories and the
good times we shared together Ray. I’m sure
all of us that knew and worked with you will
never forget you. I think we’re all better off for
havin’ known you.
I’d like to also thank Ray’s wife, Lor-
raine Mayo. She was very gracious and pro-
vided me with the pictures you see here.
AC
KEEP SMILIN’!
choppedup@att.net
July 2021 • 43
 MEMBERS
PAUL P. PATAPOFF, FIREMAN.
Appointed December 17, 1951.
Retired on a service pension June 27, 1979 from FS 76.
Passed away May 10, 2021.

LARRY D. SIMPSON, CAPTAIN II.

Appointed April 8, 1961.
Retired on a disability pension August 31, 1986 from FS 96.
Passed away May 14, 2021.

DAVID R. HOCHENEDEL, FIREMAN.

Appointed May 29, 1951.
Retired on a service pension June 1, 1980 from FS 63.
Passed away May 18, 2021.

JOHN E. RUEDY, CAPTAIN II.

Appointed November 20, 1989.
Actively on duty at Disaster Response Section.
MICHA
Passed away May 22, 2021.
MC OSK
THOMAS V. ROHRBACK, CAPTAIN II.
Appointed November 7, 1959.
Retired on a service pension January 31, 1992 from FS 47.
Passed away May 22, 2021.

JOANNE CAMERON, FIREFIGHTER III.

Appointed December 18, 1983.
Retired on a service pension May 4, 2002 from Fire Safety Education Unit.
Passed away May 23, 2021.

BRIAN HITCHINGS, ENGINEER.

Appointed April 30, 1966.
Retired on a disability pension June 18, 1992 from FS 104.
Passed away May 24, 2021.

THOMAS J. CROWLEY, CAPTAIN I.

Appointed April 1, 1973.
Retired on a service pension July 22, 2004 from FS 108.
Passed away June 12, 2021.

FAMILY
Lillian M. Altree, surviving spouse of Clarence J. Altree, passed away May 4, 2021.
Florence Myers, surviving spouse of John M. Myers, passed away May 5, 2021.
Margaret Barrett, surviving spouse of James M. Barrett, passed away May 7, 2021.
Gwendolyn L. Munden, surviving spouse of Larry D. Munden, passed away May 28, 2021.

44 • July 2021
 35TH ANNUAL IAFF FALLEN FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL
September 18th, 2021 (Travel dates are Sept 16-19)
1315 E Pikes Peak Avenue
Colorado Springs, CO 80909

2020/2021 IAFF HONOREES

MICHAEL DONALD GLEN DON JAMES RICHARD RAY JOSE

MC OSKER WALLACE PHILLIPS WELCKER COMO WATSON VANBLARCOM PEREZ

CALIFORNIA FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL -19TH ANNUAL

September 25th, 2021 (Travel dates are Sept 24-25)
State Capitol Park – East Side
Sacramento, CA

2020/2021 CFM HONOREES

DON GLEN JAMES RICHARD RAY JOSE GEORGE

WELCKER PHILLIPS COMO WATSON VANBLARCOM PEREZ ROQUE

FOR INFORMATION EMAIL LAFRAFSG@LAFRA.ORG July 2021 • 45

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August  2014  •  45
July 2021 • 47
48 • July 2021
 To start off, you are not alone in how you feel, there are
others! Are you one that puts on a happy mask for the world to see
just because you are a spouse of a Firefighter? For all they know,
you’re married to a Hero. Yes, of course we enjoy the perks of it
all, and for a while, we choose to see the good and overlook the
bad.
Twenty-twenty and 2021 have been difficult years for us
all. As a spouse of a first responder, we must temporarily assume
the role of a single parent while our Firefighter is away. These
long periods of isolation can change the family dynamics and
shift roles. It can also cause periods of loneliness, role overload,
role shifts, financial concerns, needs of family/friend support,
and increased parenting demands. Feelings of lack of control and
concern about our Firefighter’s safety can all exacerbate the bur-
den placed on us—the spouse. The stress may trigger or exacer-
bate our mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
Left untreated, these problems can affect our long-term mental
health, which in turn, affect the well-being of the children, and
marital support for our Firefighter when on duty and their return
home. After a while the load gets heavy, and at times you feel you
are alone mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We
as spouses are integral to the health of our families, we too have
elevated levels of stress, depression, and anxiety.
Fortunately, there has been an increased awareness for the
mental health of our first responders and available treatment for
PTSD that so many are silently suffering with. Are you one of
them? Some of us enter into a relationship with a Firefighter with
plenty of our own unresolved junk in our head and that can add
to the relationship hardships when they arise. Many Firefighters
come home to spouses that are not prepared on how to handle or
cope and are in need of support themselves. If we are struggling
with depression ourselves, we may find it hard to provide the sup-
portive role that can ease our Firefighter as they come home. Our
depression may lead to marital conflict which can exacerbate our
Paid Advertisement:
Firefighter’s work stress and adjustment issues. Out of love, our
desire is to support and care for them, and it initially starts off
that way as we put our own feelings aside, but because we may
have our own personal unresolved issues, along with being ex-
haustive and having tiresome days tending to the kids on your
own, our fed-up attitude can creep up and meet your tired Fire-
fighter when they walk through the door after having a sleepless
night or traumatic call. I’ve been there and thankfully we both
survived!
There is not much awareness to the mental health of the
spouses of first responders. Unfortunately, our Department has
experienced some great loss and tragedies. As a spouse, we may
not be on the front lines but we are on the home front. Empa-
thetically we care with love and support and we too can acquire
secondary PTSD. As a fire wife, I personally have found it im-
portant to ask how his shift was and if there were any disturbing,
lingering feelings on his calls. I’d prompt him to dump it on me
not realizing that I too have created visuals that can negatively
affect myself. Unknowingly, we take on their burden by becom-
ing fixers and may become hyper vigilant to all their triggers. As
time goes on, we collect it all just as they do, piling it on top of the
load we are already carrying at home. After years, it all adds up
because it is not one call that affects them, it is years of numerous
calls. I came to a point where I realized I needed some support
and so I searched for a first responder spouse retreat. PTSD can-
not only damage our psyche but it can also impair our marriages.
Luckily, I was in a good place in my marriage and my firefighter
was more open to seeking the support for his PTSD and it has
been a great benefit. This fire life can get to you. Learn to priori-
tize your own health and well-being. A healthy fire family unit is
integral to our Firefighters and so important in doing their jobs.
Do not be afraid to seek help if you feel you are in need of
emotional support. There are department resources. Seeking help
is a sign we are human; not that we are weak!
July 2021 • 49

DEAR LAFRA,
My Heartfelt thanks for help-
ing make Roger Fiala’s Celebration of
Life such a beautiful and memorable
day. Many people stated that it was
one of the nicest memorial services
they had ever attended. The service in-
cluded a scripture reading by our dear
friend, Retired Fireman Bob Klop-
fenstein. Chaplain Danny Keon made
the flag presentation very personal
and gave a background on Roger’s 43
years with the Los Angeles City Fire
Department. Bagpiper Chris Parke put
his talents to work at the opening and
ending of the service. Many Thanks
to each of them. Also, the beautiful
floral arrangement sent by the Asso-
ciation was greatly appreciated. Roger
always said, “becoming a member of
the Los Angeles City Fire Department
was one of the best decisions he ever
made.” He loved his job and all of the
people he worked with. Please accept
this donation for the Widows, Orphans
& Disabled Firefighter’s Fund in lov-
ing memory of my husband, Captain
Roger J. Fiala.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Fiala
WODDF
Please accept the enclosed
donation in memory of louis (Lou)
Croghan.
I do not have her mailing ad-
dress, but any acknowledgement can
50 • July 2021
be sent to Terry Croghan Stevens if
you have a record for other donations
made in Memory of Lou Croghan.
Thank You.
Sincerely,
Barb and Greg Schavey
LAFRA,
Please accept this donation in
the Memory of my husband, John
(Jack) Conn, who passed away on
December 20, 2020. He loved his job
and made life-long friends with many
of those he worked with over the 20
years he was on the Fire Department.
Keep up the good work of serv-
ing the families of those who served
the City of Los Angeles.
Sincerely,
Doris A. Conn and family.
IN MEMORY OF LEE S. LEWIS—
FIRE INSPECTOR
Lee Lewis and I completed our
careers serving in the Fire Preven-
tion Bureau as Inspectors. Lee always
maintained a professional demeanor
with a calm, cool temperament, and
great sense of humor. He is a Gentle-
man who will be missed. My Condo-
lences to the Lewis Family.
Rest Well, Sir.
Rick Erquiaga
LAFRA
Please accept this donation in
Memory of Frank Borden.
Greg Newland
LAFRA
Please send this donation to the
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Fire-
fighter’s Fund in Memory of Mike
Brumbaugh.
Thank you,
Christine Brumbaugh
IN MEMORY OF THOMAS V.
ROHRBACK—CAPTAIN
I had the pleasure of meeting
Tom in 1960. We became handball
partners for 25 years. We won many
“A” doubles and singles champi-
onships. We enjoyed each other’s
company on and off the job and with
the families. He made me a better
player and he was always a teacher of
the game. He was a great leader as cap-
tain at FS 92. He always had his crew
trained to be the best they could be. He
also had the best and most supportive
wife in Carol. We travel around the
country a lot playing in tournaments
and he continued on after he retired
and on many championships in open
tournaments. He was a great father and
had four very supportive children that
I got to watch grow up from babies
to adulthood. He was my friend for
61 years. I’ll never forget you, Tom. I
know you’ll be playing in heaven so
I’ll have you as partner again one day.
My prayers will be with you and your
family. Thanks for all the memories,
Tom.
This is my first time I have sent
a message, but you are the best of the
best and you also made me the best
that I could be on the court.
Richard (Dick) Chrisman
HOME EQUITY LOAN vs. HELOC - What’s the difference?
Using the equity in your home to pay off high-interest debt
and/or make home improvements can be a hard financial
decision. Low annual percentage rates and streamlining your
monthly payment make second mortgages attractive. The
decision to use your home for collateral should be weighed
carefully.
Home Equity Loan or Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
Second mortgages come in two basic forms: home equity
loans and home equity lines of credit, or HELOC. They typically
offer higher interest rates than primary mortgages because the
lender assumes greater risk—in the event of foreclosure, the
primary mortgage will be repaid before any seconds.
However, because the loan is still collateralized, interest rates
for second mortgages are usually much lower than typical
unsecured debt, like credit cards, and consolidation loans.
Is a second mortgage a good idea?
Before you decide which type of second mortgage is best
for you, first determine if you need one. If you have ongoing
spending issues, using the equity in your home may not help.
Ask yourself the following:
• Do you frequently use credit cards to pay for household bills?
• If you subtract your expenses from your income, is there
a deficit?
• If you were to pay off your creditors using the home equity,
would there be a strong possibility of incurring more
unsecured debt?
If you responded “yes” to any of the preceding questions,
tapping out the equity in your home to pay off consumer
debt may be a short-term solution that can put your home in
jeopardy of foreclosure.
If you use the equity in your home to pay off your unsecured
debts, then run up your credit cards again, you could find
yourself in a very difficult situation: no home equity, high debt,
and an inability to make payments on both your secured and
unsecured financial commitments. Spending more than you
make is never a good reason to use the equity in your home.
How do I get started?
If you have determined that using the equity in your home
is sensible, your next step is to understand how to obtain a
second mortgage, and choose between a home equity loan
and a home equity line of credit.
When looking at second mortgages, many lenders have added
fees, such as closing costs—which can include loan points and
application, origination, title search, appraisal, credit check,
notary and legal fees. Our HELOCs have no hidden fees.
This Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.
Another decision is whether you want a fixed or variable
interest rate. If you choose a variable rate loan, find out how
much the interest rate can change over the life of the loan and
if there is a cap that will prevent the rate from exceeding a
certain amount.
Home Equity Loans
With a home equity loan, you will receive the cash in a lump
sum when you close the loan. The repayment term is usually
a fixed period. Typically, the payment schedule calls for equal
payments that will pay off the entire loan within that time.
Interest rates are usually fixed rather than variable. You might
consider a home equity loan rather than a home equity line
of credit if you need a set amount for a specific purpose,
such as an addition to your home, or to pay off your entire
unsecured debt.
Home Equity Lines of Credit
A home equity line is a form of revolving credit. A specific
amount of credit is set by taking a percentage of the appraised
value of the home and subtracting the balance owed on the
existing mortgage. Income, debts, other financial obligations,
and credit history are also factors in determining the credit line.
Interest is usually variable rather than fixed. Some HELOCs
allow for interest only payments that may result in a balloon
payment at the end of the term. Others may have an interest
only period, followed by a repayment period. In these situations,
your payment can significantly increase once the interest only
period ends.
The advantage of a home equity line of credit is that you can
take out what you need periodically, and interest will only be
charged when you deduct the money. Accessing your HELOC
can be as easy as writing a check or transferring money
between accounts.
We are here to help
Call us anytime if you have specific questions about your
unique situation. You can reach us at 800-231-1626 or visit us
online at FirefightersFirstCU.org.
Sincerely,
Dixie Abramian
President/CEO
Check with your tax advisor to determine if interest may be deductible.
Source: BALANCE
July 2021 • 51
Paid Advertisement:

25 RISING SUN RD
L AV I N A , M O N T A N A 5 9 0 4 6
FOR SALE BY LAFD FAMILY AT $1,200,000

130 acres outside of Lavina, Montana surrounded by beautiful pine trees, hills, and gorgeous views.
A true slice of heaven.

Custom 2300 sq. ft. home built in 2016 on 130 acres outside of Lavina, Montana. Three bedrooms, two SCAN ME FOR
bathrooms, a great room (kitchen, living room, and dining room) with a gas fireplace. Three car attached garage. MORE PICTURES!
Covered front and back patio area with an additional rock patio for entertaining. A spa on the patio area outside
the master bedroom. Quartz counter tops in the kitchen and bathrooms, large, tiled master suite shower, tile floors
along with carpet in the bedrooms. Large laundry room with custom cabinets, oversize pantry with a work desk
and coffee bar. Built in vacuum system, speakers throughout the house and on the back patio area. Security system
and good well water. A few walking steps to a 40 ft. X 60 ft. insulated shop with outside hangover.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT GARY AND VICKI EDWARDS AT
406-575-4473 OR GARYEDWARDS2030@GMAIL.COM

52 • July 2021
 Paid Advertisement:

Beautiful Tehachapi cabin with amaz-

ing views from 6800’ location. Totally
off the grid solar with backup genera-
tor, workshop, all modern amenities,
bathroom, wifi, propane heat, two
wood stoves, etc. Exclusive gated ac-
cess with only a few other property
owners with access to 2500 arches of
BLM land that boarders Tejon Ranch.
Less than two hours from downtown
LA. Only the highest quality products
went into building this retreat. There
is a 20-acre property where the cabin
sits, and a 13-acre property also includ-
ed with a natural spring that feeds the
abundant wildlife. This is the perfect
weekend getaway and outdoorsmen
paradise. Everything included, cabin,
shop, tools, furniture, both properties
$149K. I moved out of state 5 years
ago and now ready to sell. Call or
email Bob Doyle, GFD retired, for ad-
ditional detail & pics, (818) 482-9092
operationalize@hotmail.com

Every triple in service was built with an Allison transmission except

two. Do you know which two? Bonus points if you know what transmis-
sion they used. Photo and information provided by LAFD_Mechanic visit:
www.LAFRA.org

mail:
P.O. Box 41903
Los Angeles CA 90041

phone:
(800) 244-3439

July 2021 • 53
 Donations to Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund

BPX ENERGY DAVID GASTELUM in memory of Ray Mayo

NETWORK FOR GOOD JOHN GENES in honor of The Lord Almighty

ROBERT L. KILPATRICK, SR. in memory of GERALD HUTCHINSON in memory of

Mark Martinez Ray “Boomtown” Mayo

ROBERT L. KILPATRICK, SR. in memory of JEFFREY JR. FAMILY in memory of Ray Mayo
Frank Borden of the Historical Society
DAWN KOSSMAN in memory of John Ruedy
DANIEL J. KEMP in memory of Ray Mayo
LEN LAKIN in memory of Ed Villavicencio
DENNIS T. SMITH in memory of
Eddie Villavicencio TIMOTHY LARSON in memory of Tom Rohrback

JOHN L. PECEL in memory of RONALD LEYDECKER in memory of

Ray Mayo & Mark Martinez Mark Martinez and Ray Mayo

JOHN L. PECEL in memory of RONALD LEYDECKER in memory of Brian Hitchings

Thomas Rohrback
ODETTE LOCKWOOD STEWART in honor of
PLANTE & MORAN, PLLC in memory of Tim Larson’s birthday
Paul Patapoff
GREGORY NEWLAND in memory of Ray Mayo
VIRGINIA C. HONOHAN
ROCCO PACCIONE in memory of Frank Stassi
GARY T. SHELFORD from the
Firehouse Cafe Breakfast Klatch PATRICIA SQUIRE in memory of Raymond Mayo

RYAN D. UMALI PATRICIA SQUIRE in memory of Joanne Cameron

PHYLLIS R. STAPEL in memory of Clarence R. Stapel DENNIS STRONG in memory of Eddie Villavicencio

MARCELLA BISSON in memory of Wilfred Bisson JASON TORREY-PAYNE in memory of Mark Martinez

GARY BOWIE in memory of Eddie V. JOE & ELVIRA WILKINSON AND FAMILY in
memory of Betty Stepan
MANUEL CASTANEDA II
JUAN ZABALZA in memory of Ray Mayo

54 • July 2021

LAFD HISTORY – LAFD Smoke Helmet & Signaling Horn
Recently, the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society
(LAFDHS) acquired a very unique and cherished antique depicting the
beginnings of a breathing apparatus for the LAFD. As luck would have
it, retired Engineer Dan Mehterian’s father and longtime friend, Ellen
Hahn, were clearing out her garage and came across a strange device;
she had no idea of what it was or what it was used for. Nevertheless, she
gave it to Dan, who in turn was perplexed as to its use and by whom. In
a very round-about manner it ended up at the restoration site of the old
Fire Boat #2, the Ralph J. Scott. When I examined the device, I noticed
a manufacturer’s tag on it which I recognized.
The following is a brief history of the Siebe-Gorman Smoke Hel-
met and Signaling Horn.
Augustus Siebe was born in Germany in 1788. He was raised
and educated in Berlin and was a gifted engineer. In 1816, he emigrated
to England where he designed and built watches, guns, and instruments.
Later in his career he was best known for deep sea diving gear inven-
tions.
In 1819, Augustus Siebe, with his partner William Gorman,
founded Siebe-Gorman Ltd. Development of a smoke helmet for the fire
service started in the 1820s. This was long before the breathing appara-
tus we have today was ever thought of. There was a great need for some
way to supply a fireman with fresh air to enter a smoky environment,
basement, or confined spaces.
Early in the 1820s development on what would become known as
a smoke helmet continued. A few years of hard work resulted in a work-
ing example ready for testing. Construction consisted of a light wood
frame covered with hard leather. Mica lenses were installed as viewing
ports. An exhaust valve fitted a steady flow of fresh air moving through
the helmet. This also kept the viewing ports from fogging up. A soft
leather shroud was installed for neck and chest protection.
Signaling Horn used as a safety signaling
device—Donated by Dan Mehterian
Submitted by Mike Howell & Gordon Briggs • LAFD Retired
An air pump also had to be built to supply fresh air to the helmet.
Several types were attempted but the one that worked well was a bellows
design, a round barrel shape about 10 gallons in volume. It had two bel-
lows separated by a tension spring. This kept the air supply constant as
the operator moved a hand lever back and forth.
The air pump was connected to the smoke helmet with a hose.
The hose was split off into two short hoses to connect to two fittings on
either side of the helmet. A foot-operated bellows with an air horn used
to signal the fireman advancing with the helmet. A life line for signaling
the pump operator was always worn by the fireman.
ADVANCING SMOKE HELMET WEARER
Air Horn Operator to Smoke Helmet
1Pull - Air Required
2 Pulls - Slack off Life Line immediately
3 Pulls - Help me out immediately
3 Blasts on the horn or 3 pulls on the life line - GET ME OUT OF
HERE IMMEDIATELY!!!
After 1830, Siebe-Gorman went on to develop deep sea diving
gear. Much of the design and engineering that went into diving helmets
came from the smoke helmet. The materials were different, brass and
copper, but the intake and exhaust valves were much the same. They
supplied military, commercial and sport diving gear until 1999 when
they ceased operations.
Photo from 1910. LAFD members in the
harbor training with smoke helmets.
July 2021 • 55
 LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
May 5, 2021

CALL TO ORDER the April 7, 2021 Board Meeting Minutes.

Steve Berkery moved. Chris Bustamante 9) Jeff Cawdrey referred to the new domes-
President Jeff Cawdrey called the Meeting seconded. There was no discussion or ob- tic partner process. If the member is active,
of the Board of Trustees of the Los Ange- jections. the domestic partner arrangement must
les Firemen’s Relief Association to order satisfy the requirements of the City of Los
at 10:05 a.m. (Today’s meeting conducted Motion carried to ratify the April 7, 2021 Angeles for the domestic partner to receive
via conference call and in person due to Na- Board Meeting Minutes. health care benefit. If the member is retired,
tional Emergency of Coronavirus) domestic partner arrangements must satisfy
PRESIDENT’S REPORT the requirements of L.A. Fire and Police
ROLL CALL Pensions.
1) Jeff Cawdrey introduced Mike Kanne as
MEMBERS PRESENT: LAFRA’s new legal counsel. Mike Kanne INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
Jeff Cawdrey, President thanked the Board for the opportunity to REPORT
Chris Stine, Vice President serve LAFRA and briefly provided insight
Trustee Steve Berkery to his litigation experience and background Garth Flint and Mike Breller presented the
Trustee Gene Bednarchik as well as past clients. LAFRA 1st Quarter Investment Perfor-
Trustee Kenneth Breskin mance review. They reviewed our current
Trustee Chris Bustamante 2) Jeff Cawdrey provided an update on the investment allocations and reviewed per-
Trustee Jim Duffy Pension Board meeting and we discussed formance by asset class holdings.
Trustee J.D. Fox the open enrollment timeline.
Trustee Jeff Halloran EXECUTIVE SESSION
Trustee Joe Vigil 3) Jeff Cawdrey informed the Board that
Trustee John Jacobsen the upcoming June 2nd Board meeting will The Board entered into Executive Session
Trustee Henry Gasbarri be in-person in the LAFRA office board at 11:29 a.m.
Trustee Tim Freeman room. The Board adjourned from Executive Ses-
Trustee Mike Sailhamer sion at 11:53 a.m.
Trustee Gayle Sonoda 4) Jeff Cawdrey referred to Open Enroll-
Trustee Brian Wall ment and reported that 24 members joined Member updates were discussed during Ex-
Trustee Craig White the medical plan and 21 have termed. ecutive Session. No actions were taken.
Trustee Danny Wu
Trustee Steve Tufts – Pension 5) Juan Albarran referred to the Pechanga VICE PRESIDENT REPORT
Trustee Juan Albarran - Pension Reunion and indicated that they have 34
Todd Layfer - Executive Director RV spots reserved and 44 people signed up 1) Chris Stine referred to the Board Offsite
Liberty Unciano – Controller/Treasurer for the Wine Tour. He indicated that Mike on June 7 & 8 and indicated that it will be
Sailhamer will coordinate the golf day. held in Huntington Beach. He indicated
MEMBERS ABSENT: that we will be discussing short- and long-
Trustee Frank Aguirre 6) Jeff Cawdrey referred to the Drill Tower term goals for LAFRA. 2) Chris Stine re-
Trustee Tyler Tomich 81 recruit class and indicated that they will ferred to the Annual IFEBP conference and
Trustee Rick Godinez be presenting on May 18th to approximate- indicated that those that have registered
ly 30 recruits. should have received information on hotel
INVOCATION & Flag Salute information and registration.
7) Jeff Cawdrey indicated that he attended
Mike Sailhamer led the invocation. John a UFLAC meeting and indicated that they EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
Jacobsen led the flag salute. discussed mental health and treatments.
1) Todd Layfer informed the Board that
RATIFICATION OF MINUTES 8) Jeff Cawdrey referred to the LAFRA LAFRA staff are scheduled to return to
medical claims and indicated that they were work at the LAFRA office in July. He in-
Jeff Cawdrey entertained a motion to ratify up by 23.66% for the 1st Quarter of 2021. dicated that we will use a hybrid schedule,

56 • July 2021
splitting the employees into two groups.
The groups will work on an alternating ba-
sis by working one week from home and
one week in the office.
2) Liberty Unciano provided an update on
the current annual audit.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
REPORT
John Jacobsen presented the following mo-
tions.
The committee recommends and I so move
to pay the usual and customary bills in the
amount of $1,239,602.12. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the usual and
customary bills in the amount of
$1,239,602.12.
The committee recommends and I so move
to pay the professional fees in the amount
of $88,748.90. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to pay the professional
fees in the amount of 88,748.90.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve $600 for the Drill Tower 81
Graduation ceremony. There was no dis-
cussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve $600 for the
Drill Tower 81 Graduation ceremony.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve $9,500 initial setup fee for the
email system migration and $226.05 per
month service fee. There was no discussion
or objections.
Motion carried to approve $9,500 initial
setup fee for the email system migration
and $226.05 per month service fee.
MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT
John Jacobsen presented the following
motion.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve the medical plan bills totaling
$874,317.19. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to approve the Medical
Plan bills totaling $874,317.19.
RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT
Steve Berkery presented the following mo-
tion.
The committee recommends and I so move
to pay:
The Sick & Injury benefits in the amount of
$16,225.24
The Estate Planning benefit in the amount
of $9,249.32
The Life & Accident Death benefits in the
amount of $24,000
The Relief Death Benefits in the amount of
$15,000
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the above Relief
benefits.
Steve Berkery read the names of members
who recently passed and asked for a mo-
ment of silence from the Board.
MEMORIALS
John M. O’Neill
Frank W. Borden
Lee S. Lewis
ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
Steve Berkery presented the following mo-
tions.
The committee recommends and I so move
to accept the donations in the amount of
$30,844.34 to the Widows, Orphans & Dis-
abled Firefighter’s Fund. There was no dis-
cussion or objections.
Motion carried to accept the donations in
the amount of $30,844.34 to the Widows,
Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve the financial assistance applica-
tions for surviving spouses, active and re-
tired 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
No Emergency Advancements
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
REPORT
Mike Sailhamer reported on the attendance
for the Scholarship Exam day and indicated
that the winners will be presented at the
June Board meeting.
MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT
REPORT
Gayle Sonoda informed that the WODFF
will now be an official charity on the Kelly
Blue Book website. She indicated that Kai-
ser will donate two mountain bikes for the
L.A. Marathon and 5K fundraiser.
SETTING DATES
1) Pechanga – May 24 – May 28
ADJOURNMENT
Jeff Cawdrey entertained a motion to ad-
journ. Steve Berkery so moved. Mike Sail-
hamer seconded. There was no discussion
and no objections.
Motion carried to adjourn. The Board of
Trustees meeting adjourned at 12:14 p.m.
Jeff Cawdrey, President
July 2021 • 57
 CLASSIFIEDS
For advertising information, please contact:
Eric Santiago - (323) 259-5231 - eric@lafra.org
MERCHANDISE
FOR SALE
VINTAGE HONDA MO-
TORCYCLE. 1975 CB750
Supesport. Detailed, tuned,
complete original. Over $3000
invested. This model bike is
in the AMA Hall of Fame for
classic motorcycles! Why? It
was the world’s first superbike.
The first 4-cylinder bike from
a major manufacturer. Call for
info/pics. $7200 OBO. (760)
533-7558
SERVICES
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 HEAT-
ING & AIR - Free estimates,
residential, commercial. Great
rates for LAFD and LAPD.
Toll free (877) 891-1414,
(661) 298-3070, FAX (661)
298-3069. State License No.
527114
KEVIN LOCKHART ROOF-
ING & CONSTRUCTION
Roofing repair and mainte-
nance, construction water-
proofing solutions. Kevin
Lockhart 18 A (661)810-4980
lic #536528
REBEKAH KEARNS PHO-
TOGRAPHY. Family + Event
Photography. rebekahkearns
photography.com
rebekah@rebekahkearns
photography.com
insta@rkearnsphoto
LAFD Family
58 • July 2021
SOUTHBAY EXPOSURE
PHOTOGRAPHY
Professional photography
services for all wedding, fam-
ily, student, lifestyle, sports or
events. Serving Southern
Calif and destinations beyond.
Member of Pro Photographers
of Calif.Aerial photo and video
also available. FAA certified.
SouthbayExposure.com  No special events. Gorgeous
(310) 630-7506. Tony Senior,
LAFD retired.
VACATION
RENTALS
AZ - VACATION RENTALS.
Home to Spring Training, Bar-
rett Jackson Auto Auction, and
Arabian Horse Show – West-
World. Two homes.
1. Walking distance to Sloan
Park - Chicago Cubs Spring
Training Fields, 3+2 - Pool -
Putting Green – Mesa
@cubbiehousemesaaz
2. Walking distance to Scott-
sdale Stadium and 10 minute
drive to Salt River Talking Stick
Fields and Tempe Diablo Sta-
dium. 3+1 - Old Town Scotts-
dale @scottsdale76th
Call us – Rod, FS-56B or
Diana: (661)294-0971 to book
direct and avoid the short-term
rental platform fees.
BEAUTIFUL BIG BEAR
CABIN. Two-story with vaulted
ceiling, 2BD/1BA . Close to
lake, shops, skiing, and for-
est. Great deck, lots of trees,
fireplace/wood, cable TV/WiFi,
BBQ, fully equipped except
linens. 6-person max , pets ok.
$150/winter, $140/summer,
2-night min. Contact Donna at
(760) 723-1475 or DnBeep@
gmail.com. See photos at
www.schaffercabin.com
GORGEOUS WATERFRONT
RIVERHOUSE on the lagoon
of the Colorado River for rent.
Family home-5 bedrooms,
large bonus room for kids, 4
1/2 baths . Sleeps 15. Fully
loaded with top of the line
appliances. Private launch
ramp. No pets. No smoking.
No large parties or events.
Contact: Gigi (714)454-0922
(Spouse-LAFD) for special
firefighter family rates and for
snowbirds Check out details:
https://airbnb.com/h/theriv-
erhousevacationhome
GRAND CANYON/ WIL-
LIAMS, ARIZONA. 4 bed,
3 bath Historic Home one
block from Route 66. WALK
to everything! 8 person MAX.
house. Unique property.
www.HistoricYellowHouse.
com
Listed on National Register of
Historic Places Grand Canyon
Railway, Bearizona, Elephant
Rocks Golf Course. Call
Kerry-Lynn Moede (602) 818-
6559 JDMoede@aol.com
GUEST CABIN IN
CHATSWORTH. Behind
closed gate. 1 bedroom, 1-1/2
baths, full living room and
kitchen plus fireplace. Pet ok.
One person only. $1500 per
month, includes utilities.
(818)590-4479.
HAVASU/BOATERS.
3bdrm(2king,1full) 2bath, turn-
key, w/d, WiFi, Dish, gas bbq,
1/2 mile to Windsor launch,
covered gated boat parking,
3 nites $450, $100 for each
additional nite- cleaning in-
cluded, pics available. Email:
rickpuglisi1103@msn.com
(626) 665-9890
HAVASU LANDING
3 Bd, 2 BTH home, sleeps
6-7. Gated Community. Fully
furnished, pano view of lake.
Wi-fi, direct TV, flat screens
and BBQ. Clubhouse, pool,
spa and rec. center steps
away.California side of Lake
Havasu. Enjoy the casino, two
launch ramps or the 12 min
catamaran shuttle to London
Bridge. No Smoking/Pets.
$250 nt. Weekdays, $300 nt.
Fr-Sat. Excl. Holidays. 2 nt.
min. Cleaning fee of $125.
Call Tony Wren 760-688-6082
LACoFD for questions and
pics.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
HOME. Across the street from
Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
3Bed/2Bath in town of Speed-
way. Walk or bike to Main St.
Short drive, 7 miles, to Lucas
Oil Stadium,Downtown Indy,
Riverfront, Museums, Etc.
Available most dates except
May 20 to 27. Call Tina or
Craig at 805/377-0686 or
805/377-3640
JUNE LAKE CABIN -
2BR/2BA cabin with Carson
Peak view. Close to fishing &
skiing. Furnished, wood deck,
equipped kitchen, wood burn-
ing stove, tree swing, cable /
DVD/phone. Garage/ample
parking. $100/night plus clean-
ing fee. Email for pictures. Jeff
Easton LAFD retired (805)
217-5602.
junebound@gmail.com
LAKE HAVASU AMAZING
LAKEVIEW POOL HOME.
1800 sq.ft. built 2018, 3
bed, 2 bath, sleeps 8. (King,
Queen, Full 2xTwin). Finished
backyard with pool and spa.
Fully furnished w/ linens, WiFi,
internet TV, laundry, large
kitchen, BBQ, 2 car garage.
Quiet neighborhood. 3 miles
from launch ramp. No pets /
no smoking. Call Karen (661)
965-0542.
LAKE HAVASU BEAUTY
FOR RENT - 3 bdrm, 2 bath,
1600 sq.ft. Fully furnished
with all amenities- Laundry &
BBQ. 13,000 sq.ft. lot. 3 car
boat-deep garage. 3 miles
from launch ramp. Close to
downtown shops & restau-
rants. View of the lake. Quiet
street in good neighborhood.
No pets. No smoking. Snow-
bird rates. Call Mike (661)
510-6246
LAKE HAVASU LANDING
RESORT BEACHFRONT
HOME with boat mooring.
Swim, ski or fish from front
yard. 4 bed/2 bath, fully fur-
nished. DirectTV/DVD/WiFi,
pool table, laundry, BBQ.
Gated community with casino,
groceries, marina, launch ramp
and off-road trails. No pets, no
smoking. $350 Bowen/Garner
email:
havasulanding27@gmail.com
LAKE HAVASU LANDING.
TH1-29, Waterfront, 3 BD 3
BA, Furnished, Direct-TV,
DVD, WiFi, BBQ, Moor-
ing, Casino, Market, Launch
Ramp, Marina, Off Road
Trails, Gated, No Smoking/
Pets, $275 Weekday, $795
Weekend Fr-Sat, $1895 Week
7 Days, Maid $100, Resort
TOT fee 25% of total bill, bring
pillows and sheets, (310) 418-
1577, daggertooth@aol.com
LARGE LAKE HAVASU
HOME FOR RENT – 5
bedroom, 3 bath, 2900 sqft
home with amenities & pool
that easily sleeps 14+ people.
Centrally located, 1 mile from
the lake, close to downtown
shops and restaurants. Check
out home at
https://www.vrbo.
com/4648549ha
Call Julie 818-268-7906 for
special firefighter family rates.
LAKE HAVASU LANDING
RESORT. 3 bedroom, 2 bath,
waterfront house, boat, moor-
ing out front, fully furnished,
laundry, gas BBQ, launch
ramp, gated community, gro-
cery store, hardware store. No
pets, no smoking. Email Kathy
at scarkj@yahoo.com or call
(760) 858-4470
LOG CABIN NEAR JACK-
SON HOLE WY: Close to
Snake River, Grand Tetons,
Yellowstone, World Class Ski-
ing. Call (818) 207-0811 LAFD
Retired. Visit: www.aspenhill
cabin.com for all information.
MAMMOTH CONDO, La
Vista Blanc, Cozy 2 BD 2
BA, Furnished, WiFi, Cable,
Pool, Spa, BBQ, Sleeps 4,
Winter $120, Summer $90,
Maid $175, 14% TOT(6092),
No Smoking, (310) 540-4648,
pvignery@aol.com, (310) 418-
1577, daggertooth@aol.com
MAMMOTH CONDO AT
MAMMOTH ESTATES.
4BR/3BA, sleeps 10, fully
furnished, 2 TVs, DVDs, WiFi,
towels/linens, fireplace. Full
kitchen. Walk to Gondola
Village and shuttle. Complex
has pool, spa, sauna, laundry.
Winter $355/night, Summer
$240/night, plus cleaning.
Includes city bed tax. No pets,
no smoking. Dory Jones (310)
918-0631 or Kelly Corcoran
(310) 619-5355
MAMMOTH CONDO. Two
bedrooms, Large loft. Three
full bathrooms. Sleeps 8. Walk
to Canyon Lodge. DVD, Cable,
Wifi, Pool, Spa, Rec. Room,
BBQ. Winter $175 Sun - Thurs
$195 Fri /Sat Holiday Periods.
Summer $150 Plus Clean-
ing. No Smoking or Pets. Call
Craig Yoder (909) 948-3659.
MAMMOTH CONDO. Up-
dated 2 bedroom 1 bath old
mammoth/ eagle lodge area.
Sleeps 6. Fully equipped
kitchen, wifi, pool, spa, laun-
dry. Walk to restaurants, bars,
stores, park and trolly. Winter
$150 summer $130 plus clean-
ing fee, holiday rates vary,
multiple night discounts. No
pets.Contact Will Nevins 26”B”
(714) 697-2587
MAMMOTH CONDO AT THE
WOODLANDS - Spacious
& sunny. 2 bedroom, loft, &
2 baths. Sleeps 8. Cable
HDTV, DVD, & Wi-Fi. Pool,
Jacuzzi, & sauna in complex.
On shuttle route. No smoking
& no pets. $145/night winter,
$110/night summer. Plus
cleaning and bed tax. Call
Terry Imlay (949)322-3473 or
(949)458-0768
MAMMOTH CONDO IN
SNOWCREEK IV
Super nice 2 bedroom / 2
bathroom located in FANTAS-
TIC Snowcreek IV. *PETS
WELCOME! King, Double
Queen bunk, & trundle, Nicely
furnished with high-end appli-
ances. Fully stocked kitchen.
Washer/Dryer in the unit.
Pricing varies by season and
demand. Exceptional condo!
Goldencreek637@gmail.
com, 909-576-2025, Web-
site: https://goldencreek637.
wixsite.com/mysite
MAMMOTH LAKES - One
bedroom, extremely charming
wildflower condo. Full ameni-
ties, close to shuttle. Antiques,
art, satellite TV, fireplace.
Sleeps 4. Winter $110, Sum-
mer $85 plus cleaning fees.
Call Bill Clark (818) 371-6722
Email: shakesong@aol.com
MAMMOTH SEASONS 4
CONDO. Cozy 1 bedroom
condo with full-size pullout
couch and bonus room with
twin size bunkbed that com-
fortably sleeps 4 adults and 2
children. Conveniently located
15 min walk between the Vil-
lage and Canyon Lodge at 244
Lakeview Blvd. Visit https://
www.seasons4.com/94269/
for pics, amenities, and
reviews. $125/night; off-peak
(May, June, Oct, Nov): $100/
night; cleaning: $100. Bobby
(310) 350-5552.
MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET:
Walk to Canyon Lodge. Studio
loft sleeps 4. Queen beds, full
kitchen, 2 baths, garage park-
ing, 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.
NASHVILLE CONDO. Two
bedroom condo, sleeps 6, in
Downtown Nashville. Walk-
ing distance to Broadway St,
hockey and NFL stadium.
Contact Wayne, LAFD @
(805) 796-7863 for availability
and price.
PALM DESERT CONDO.
Montery Sands, 3 BD 2 BA,
Furnished, WiFi, Cable, Pool,
Jacuzzi, Tennia, Sleeps 6 max,
$150 Night, $800 Week, $2950
Month, Maid $150, 11%
TOT(STR2019-0002), Up
Charge for Concerts, No
Smoking/Pets,
(310) 418-1577, dagger-
tooth@aol.com
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
Romantic Chalet Family
getaway. 3 bed/2 bath plus
loft. Sleeps 8–10. Cable TV,
washer/dryer, microwave,
woodburning stove. 7 minutes
to casinos and Heavenly.
Located in Tahoe Paradise.
$115 per night plus cleaning.
Call Shawn or Rose Agnew
at (661) 250-9907 or (661)
476-6288.
WATERFRONT RIVER-
HOUSE ON THE LAGOON
OF THE COLORADO RIVER
for rent. Beautiful family home-
5 bedrooms, large bonus room
for kids, 4 1/2 baths,Sleeps
15. Fully loaded with top of the
line appliances. Private launch
ramp. No pets. No smoking.
Contact: Gigi (714)454-0922
(Spouse-LAFD) for special fire-
fighter family rates. Check out
details: https://airbnb.com/h/
theriverhousevacationhome
WANTED
PART TIME HELP WANTED.
Work during your down time
in Mitigation. Great second
career and trade.
Email Resume to:
servicenrca@puroclean.com
VOLUNTEER ENGINEERS
NEEDED.
LA HABRA HEIGHTS FIRE
DEPARTMENT.
(562) 694-8283 Ext. 4
www.Lhhcity.org
For advertising info,
please contact:
Eric Santiago
(323) 259-5231
or email:
eric@lafra.org
July 2021 • 59
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60 • July 2021
 On May 24 2021, LAFD lost a pioneer of the LAFD. Joanne Cameron was one of two women to breech the male dominated world of firefighting in the LAFD. Ap-
pointed on December 18, 1983, alongside Julie Gardner, Joanne began her firefighting career at one of the busiest houses in the City, Station 33. Assigned to the truck,
she was a far distance from her native home of Plainfield, New Jersey. By the time the Department celebrated its 100th birthday, there were ten women Firefighters,
and many more to follow. We salute Joanne for being one of the first, and thank her for her dedicated service to the citizens of Los Angeles. Rest in Peace, Joanne.

July 2021 • 61
 Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
7470 N Figueroa Street
Los Angeles CA 90041-1725

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Experience.
Enjoy.

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