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ONLY 24 TEAMS CAN PLAY, FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED! 16339 Fairfield Ranch Road
DON’T BE THAT STATION .. DO NOT MISS THIS ONE! Chino Hills, CA 91709

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includes Pizza & refreshments (does not include Kemper shirts)
TEAM SIGN UP CONTACT:
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TEAM REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 10, 2024 (BY CHECK OR CREDIT CARD)

T-SHIRTS $25
LONGSLEEVE $30
HOODIES $40
CREWNECK SWEATSHIRT $35
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Order Deadline April 10, 2024

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On the cover: Members of Air Ops perform a river rescue in Pacomia. Photo | Mike Meadows

Photo Inset: TF21 defending the B-side exposure at Manchester. Photo | James Anderson
2 • April 2024
 VOL. XCX APRIL 2024 NO. 8

• FEATURES •
The Last Hook & Ladder Jumper—Fred Nuesca • .....07

Benefits of The Ultimate Hot Box • ............................08

The History of the Seagrave A xe • .............................10

• CONTENTS •
President’s Message • ...........................................................................05
Battalion News • .....................................................................................13
Rosie’s Corner—Tom Taylor • ...............................................................31
Estate Planning • ....................................................................................33
Mini-Drill 101 • ........................................................................................35
Retirement Dinner Announcements • ...................................................37
The Station Fridge • ...............................................................................39
Dealing with Spam • ...............................................................................41
The Coasters
Electric Cars • ...................................................................................43
LAFD Shift Calendar • ...........................................................................47
Memorials • ...........................................................................................48
Retired Guy
The President • ....................................................................................49
LAFRA Mailbox • ....................................................................................50
LAFD History
TIC • ....................................................................................................52
Donations • .............................................................................................54
Minutes of the Board of Trustees • ........................................................55
Classifieds • ...........................................................................................58
Tailboard
Fire Service Day • .................................................................................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 © 2024
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association.
No material may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

April 2024 • 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
Erik Scott, Nicholas Prange, Margaret Stewart

Financial guidance from CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Art Sorrentino, Deborah Lew, Mark Khitikian

someone who gets you PHOTOGRAPHERS

Gary Apodaca, David Blaire, Brandon Buckley, Chris Eckenrode, Greg Doyle,
Harry Garvin, Yvonne Griffin, Justin Johnson, Gavin Kaufman, Mike Meadows,
Kyle Rausch, Jacob Salzman, Adam VanGerpen, Rick McClure, Jason Stilwell
Let’s connect to get you where you want to go.
Jennifer M Brown, CFP®, CDFA®, BFA™
LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION
LAFD wife
Financial Consultant | 805-375-3258 Chris Stine .............................................................President
jennifer.brown@thrivent.com Jim Duffy ........................................................Vice-President
connect.thrivent.com/jennifer-brown Jim Dolan, Steve Ruda & Gene Bednarchik.......Community Affairs Liaisons
CA Insurance 0816794
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Brian Wall Frank Aguirre Mike Sailhamer
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) Cesar S. Garcia JD Fox Milton Quintana
owns the CFP® certification mark, the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL
PLANNER™ certification mark, and the CFP® certification mark (with Chris Bustamante Jeff Halloran Paul Duke
plaque design) logo in the United States, which it authorizes use of Craig White John King Steve Berkery
by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and Danny Wu John Marasco Steven Jones
ongoing certification requirements. 5980702.1 Derwin Pitts Juan Albarran Tim Halloran
Elber Navarro Kenny Breskin Tyler Tomich

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 Tim Werle............................Chaplain

Danny Leon..........................Chaplain Mark R. Wolf......................Chaplain
George A. Negrete..............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
Vivian Dang • Human Resources Director..................(323) 259-5247
Liberty Unciano • Controller/Treasurer..................(323) 259-5225
Trevor Inouye • Operations Supervisor.....................(323) 259-5286
Marlene Casillas • Development & Marketing Director(323) 259-5217

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: $60. Single issues $8 postpaid. Back issues $10
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 253. 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. The Fire-
men’s Grapevine uses Chat.openai.com as an editing and sourcing resource. Articles written in this publica-
tion may contain information from such source.

4 • April 2024
 Hello April… new month, new beginning, new mindset, new
focus, new start, new intentions, new results. May it be a great month
and bring laughter, joy, good health, and camaraderie to all my friends,
family, coworkers, and loved ones. I would like to take a moment to ac-
knowledge the courage, bravery, steadfastness, and perseverance of our
Firefighters and their families involved in the recent Alameda Incident.
This incident has affected all of us, but no one more than the members
involved and their families. Our focus at LAFRA is to support these
members and their loved ones in any way we can over the weeks and
months ahead. LAFRA is working in collaboration with UFLAC and
the LAFD to focus on the recovery and long-term wellness of our mem-
bers and their families.
Attention all members, you should have received a Mem-
ber Summary Report last month. What is included in your Member
Summary Report, and why do you need to review it? This report will
provide you with all the current information that LAFRA has on file
for you. This document includes your current Relief dues, Life and Ac-
cident coverage, Estate Planning Benefit, and (LTC) Long Term Care
coverage if purchased above the base coverage. While you are reviewing
this document, please pay close attention to the last line, which is the
amount, if any, you are contributing to Widows, Orphans, and Disabled
Firefighters Fund. If you are contributing, please consider increasing
that amount, or if you are not contributing, please open your heart and
start your monthly investment today for this great organization. You can
call Member Services at (323) 259 5287 to get started today. Another
great option is to become a recurring donor; simply visit givetoahero.
org/donate-now to set up monthly contributions via credit card, e-check,
PayPal, or Venmo.
It’s that time of year again for changes to your medical
coverage. The month of April is open enrollment for the LAFRA PPO
Medical and Kaiser plans. Open enrollment will occur this month for
coverage effective July 1, 2024. You should be receiving an open enroll-
ment package this month. If you need additional info, please reach out to
the Member Services team. Open enrollment is the time to add or delete
dependents and the opportunity to join a medical plan for Firefighters by
Firefighters. If you do not take advantage of this open enrollment period,
you will have to wait until October’s open enrollment unless you have an
IRS qualifying event like a marriage or the birth of a child.
The Medical Committee and Full Board approved the 2024
plan renewal at the March board meeting. The rate increase for
LAFRA’S PPO plan for retirees will be 1.77%, and for the active PPO
plan, the increase will be 8.50%. These increases will be effective July 1,
2024. We are still unsure what the new subsidy increase will be for our
upcoming contract negotiations. LAFRA did present our plan to LAFPP
last month for approval, as this is part of our contractual obligation. We
have provided all documentation requested and are awaiting a decision
from LAFPP on what the increase in subsidy will be for this next plan
year. This item will be on the agenda at the April 4, 2024, LAFPP meet-
ing. LAFRA will provide updated rates as soon as we are provided with
those changes from LAFPP. If you are currently enrolled in our Kaiser
HMO plan and are an active member, you will see an increase in pre-
mium of 5.22%. If you are Medicare eligible, you will see a decrease of
-6.56%, and if you are a non-Medicare retiree, you will see an increase
of 5.20% for a net decrease of 2.71% overall. The Medical Committee
made the decision to make some plan design changes for this renewal
to the Kaiser HMO plan. These changes were necessary to maintain the
affordability of the Kaiser HMO plan and to be consistent with the cur-
rent LAFRA PPO Medical copays. Effective July 1, 2024, the following
changes will take effect: Increasing the office visit copay from $10 to
$15 per visit. Increasing the Emergency Room copay from $75 to $150
per visit for Non-Medicare Retirees and $120 per visit for Medicare Re-
tirees. Prescription copays are increasing from: Generic Tier 1: $5 retail/
$10 mail to $10 retail/ $20 mail. Brand Tier 2: $10 retail/ $20 mail to $20
retail/ $40 mail. Specialty: $10 copay to $20 copay.
Workers Compensation update: Have you suffered an injury/
illness that has been the result of a work-related cause? If you’re an
active member, the process is somewhat clear and has become more
streamlined. When a member is injured, notification shall be made to
the member’s supervisor as soon as possible. The supervisor would then
initiate the reporting process through the Injury/Illness Reporting Sys-
tem. This process includes several forms, including the DWC-1 form
that needs to be signed by the member. Once forms are submitted by the
supervisor MLU is notified and becomes the main point of contact be-
tween the members and our Workers Compensation TPA (Sedgewick).
If you are retired and need to file a Workers Compensation Claim for
a work-related injury/illness, please contact The Medical Liaison Unit
(MLU) directly at:
Medical Liaison Unit (MLU)
Figueroa Plaza, 201 N. Figueroa Street, Room 1250
Los Angeles, CA 90012
lafdmedicalliaison@lacity.org
Phone: 213-202-3440 Fax 213-202-3174
ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS: The Lane Kemper Softball Classic
is rapidly approaching. Please join us on April 24, 2024, from 8:00 am-
5:00 pm for this historical event, benefiting the WIDOWS, ORPHANS,
& DISABLED FIREFIGHTER’S FUND. For more information, please
contact Jud Ream (310) 770-5421 or Chad Corona (760) 533-9426. Refer
to page 1 for flyer.
Save the Dates:
• Scholarship Exam Day – 4/13
• Lane Kemper – 4/24
• Pechenga Reunion – 5/13 to 5/17
• Hope for Firefighters – 6/6
Christopher Stine
president@lafra.org
323.259.5202
April 2024 • 5
 Let’s give it a go!
Make Your Reservation Now!
Monday, May 13 to Friday, May 17, 2024

SAVE YOUR HOTEL SPOT!

CONTACT PECHANGA RESORT / HOTEL RESERVATION
AT (888) 732-4264
 CHECK IN & Catch Up with Old Friends - 2 PM
13  RECEPTION GET-TOGETHER Beer & Wine (Provided)
34 SPOTS AVAILABLE
 ADVENTURE TBA SAVE YOUR SPACE!
14  PIZZA NIGHT - 5 PM
Visit LAFRA.ORG/2024-PECHANGA-REUNION
for RV SITE MAP information, BEFORE contacting
 ORGANIZATIONAL PARTNERS & REPRESENTATIVES, Juan Albarran for reservations.
15 SHOP LAFD MERCH at Clubhouse - 10 AM-2 PM
 DINNER / Wine & Beer (Provided) -
5 PM PAYMENT: Once your RV spot is reserved, contact
Loan Tran for payment at (323) 259-5254.

 GOLF “JOURNEY” AT PECHANGA - Price/Time: TBA RESERVE YOUR SPOT AFTER MARCH 6, 2024
16
CLUB BOOKING CANCELLATION POLICY
Clubs will be charged $10.00 per site for any site canceled within 30 days of the
check-in date. Cancellations within two weeks of arrival date will be charged the
 CHECK OUT - 12PM! Till next time...
17 full amount for all nights booked. Pet fees will be collected by the Club
Coordinator. Three pets are allowed per RV. There is a $5.00 charge per pet for
up to seven nights; there is no charge for service animals.

CONTACT: JUAN ALBARRAN (805) 807-3616 or jmalbarran@lafra.org

6 • April 2024
Visit LAFRA.ORG/2024-Pechanga-Reunion for more details
!
Fred Nuesca was born in 1936 and
grew up in Santa Monica and nearby West
Los Angeles. He spent his early years play-
ing on the gymnastic equipment on Muscle
Beach just south of Santa Monica, where many
gymnasts, circus performers, and muscle men
could be seen working out on a regular basis.
Stars such as Steve Reeves, Arnold Schwar-

OT!
zenegger, and Jack LaLanne could be found
there on any given day, and many folks would
gather there on holidays for impromptu work-
TION outs and exhibitions. After one such sponta-
neous show, Fred was recruited to become an
acrobat and flyer for the Ringling Brothers and
Barnum & Bailey circus. His time performing
at circuses, events, and other demonstrations
was great preparation for him to fulfill his life-
long dream: becoming a Fireman.
In 1960, Fred joined the LAFD. He was
24 years of age. He always sought out active
N
assignments that pushed him to his physical
limits. He is a twice-decorated recipient of the
Medal of Valor and was asked by the Admin-
istration to demonstrate his bravery and skill
t for the community by diving into the life net
at Public Relations events. These performanc-
es helped the citizens of Los Angeles really of the “California Big Trees” program. Fred
understand the extreme lengths to which the has shared his knowledge of the outdoors as
2024 firemen would go to protect them, and Fred a volunteer with the National Park Service
was a real exemplar of dedication to getting and is a docent with Malibu Creek State Park
the job done. He remembers his time with the where he spearheaded the much-needed clean-
ays of the
LAFD, helping others in dire need, as the most up and maintenance of the grounds and visi-
arged the rewarding of his life. After over 30 years of tor center. Not content to keep his free-time
the Club service, Fred retired in 1991. activities to the forests, Fred has enjoyed free
er pet for A lifetime hiker and explorer of the diving, scuba diving, skydiving, spelunking,
Santa Monica Mountains, Fred has always marathons, ultra-marathons, and Ironman
pushed himself to find the most remote and competitions, alongside such indoor pursuits
untouched areas possible. Those explorations as antique restoration, with a specialty in an-
have led him to discover pictograph sites tique cash registers. He can currently be found
previously unreported and locations of rare in Newbury Park, California, living his very
plants, and he also participated in the registry best life.

April 2024 • 7
 Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic,
saunas were not what I thought of when
it came to an exercise-wellness program.
When I belonged to a gym pre-pandemic,
the sauna would be a nice added bonus ev-
ery once in a while, if I had time to spare.
Now in 2023, I think a lot differently. Re-
search over the last eight years has shown
an association between sauna use and a
reduced risk of cardiovascular disease -
the number one killer of firefighters. The
results of the research confirm that there
are many reasons we all should be sitting
in a hot box for at least 20 minutes a day, a
few times a week.
In April 2015, an article titled “As-
sociation Between Sauna Bathing And
Fatal Cardiovascular And All-Cause Mor-
tality Events” was printed in The Journal
of the American Medical Association.
The study, based out of Eastern Finland,
tracked 2,300 men and found a positive
dose-dependent effect of sauna use on
heart-related diseases. Men who used the
sauna 2-3 times per week had a 22% de-
cline in sudden cardiac death, while men
who used it 4-7 times per week had a 63%
reduction in sudden cardiac death. These
numbers are eye-popping to the general
public, but even more so to the members
of the fire service. The National Fire Pro-
tection Association (NFPA) states that
8 • April 2024
more than half of firefighter fatalities on
duty were sudden cardiac deaths. Regular
sauna use has also been shown to reduce core body temperature will rise. By hav-
heart disease by 50% and strokes by 60%. ing trained your body to sweat at a lower
According to Dr. Rhonda Patrick, a core body temperature through regular
Ph.D. in biomedical science from St. Jude exercise and sauna practice, you’ll be less
Children’s Research Hospital, saunas act
as an “adversity trigger,” creating ben-
eficial stress much like exercise and ice
baths. When working through a nagging
injury or when you’re not feeling up to ex-
ercising due to a bad night of sleep, the
sauna is a saving grace to help maintain
muscle mass. A sauna session can be a
substitute for a rest day by activating vari-
ous cellular response pathways, some of
which help prevent muscle atrophy. Sauna
use also improves overall fitness, endur-
ance, and resilience. If you haven’t used a
sauna before and are not particularly ac-
tive, staying in for more than five minutes
is not recommended. Over time, those
who develop a regular sauna practice
begin to sweat at a lower core body tem-
perature. People who exercise regularly
also train their bodies to sweat at a lower
core body temperature. This, in conjunc-
tion with staying hydrated, will help im-
prove endurance on the fire ground. When
wearing turnouts on a fire, over time your

likely to “fall-out” and perform when
needed, rather than become a liability.
Sauna use helps excrete various
heavy metals and carcinogens firefighters
are exposed to during fires and overhauls.
Some toxins are excreted through urine,
some through sweat. Regular sauna use
has a robust effect on releasing toxins that
are excreted through sweat. Cadmium,
which is a highly toxic metal and known
to cause cancer by targeting the body’s
cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal,
neurological, reproductive, and respira-
tory systems, is sweated out at a 122-fold
increase by using the sauna. If you never
sweat, you never get rid of some of these
toxins. The sauna can also be used to ad-
dress certain aspects of depression. While
the sauna is not getting to the root of men-
tal health issues, elevating a person’s core
body temperature one to two degrees was
able to produce an antidepressant effect
that lasted up to six weeks after a single
sauna session. Much like exercise, sauna
use helps release endorphins leading to a
robust antidepressant effect. While this is
not a platform to guide department policy,
a little common sense goes a long way.
First and foremost, always stay hy-
drated. A mixture of water, lemon juice,
and a touch of salt is a perfect way to keep
your body hydrated and is a cheap alter-
native to sugary Gatorades. If you’re not
feeling hydrated, skip the sauna. Second,
if it’s a Red Flag Day, skip the sauna for
obvious reasons. Third, work your way
up. Using the sauna four to seven times
a week for 20 minutes at 175 degrees is
where the most benefits are found. While
at work using the sauna, get the benefits
and get out.
The reductions in sudden cardiac
death, cardiac disease, depression, and
inflammation should be reason enough to
use a sauna, but there are even more ben-
efits than that. People also benefit from
improved mental health, better immunity,
and an extended lifespan, which are all
too important to overlook. Dedicating a
sliver of your time to using a sauna can
completely change your body and mind
in the long run. Consider incorporating
sauna use into your exercise-wellness pro-
gram.
April 2024 • 9
 According to the LAFD Drill Man-
ual, the pickhead axe is one of the most
functional tools carried on fire apparatus.
Its multiple uses have long proved valu-
able, and the pride in which members care
for them is unparalleled. Whether venti-
lating a Victorian or breaching a wall, the
pickhead axe has become a firefighter’s
best friend. Unfortunately, the most cher-
ished of all LAFD axes is also the rarest:
The Seagrave Axe.
Although LAFD axe heads his-
torically came in different shapes and
weights, they are now standardized, and
so too are the handles, which are made of
synthetic material instead of traditional
wood. As irreverent as this may sound to
firefighters of old, today’s firefighters pre-
fer a synthetic handle as opposed to the
feel and elegance of hickory or ash.
As for my taste, the most enjoy-
able aspect of cleaning up after a fire was
sipping on a cup-o-joe while scraping,
sanding, and rubbing boiled linseed oil
onto my 36-inch hickory axe handle. Be
that as it may, one pickhead axe stands
out amongst all others in LAFD folklore:
the incomparable Seagrave Axe. While
the allure of this distinctive axe may have
faded in the minds of our youthful De-
partment, the history behind the Seagrave
Axe should forever be internalized as part
of LAFD culture.
Aesthetically, the head of a Sea-
grave Axe is unlike any pickhead axe ever
made. There are four distinct traits dif-
ferentiating this axe from others: (1) the
overall length is longer, (2) the breadth of
the blade is thinner, (3) the pick angle is
cast slightly downward, and (4) the “axe-
lip” (where the handle enters the head) is
diamond-shaped.
In 1826, blacksmiths Samuel and
David Collins, along with a wealthy
cousin of theirs, founded an axe manu-
facturing business on the banks of the
Farmington River in South Canton, CT.
Despite the Industrial Revolution having
10 • April 2024
commenced seventy-five years earlier,
blacksmiths took an entire day to produce
a single unsharpened axe. The three men
believed their business would flourish if
they could create a way to mass-produce
high-quality sharpened axes at wholesale
prices. They went on to name their new
venture, Collins & Co.
The three owners were diverse
innovators with backgrounds in metal-
lurgy, fabrication, and finance. They com-
menced their manufacturing enterprise
by bringing in several blacksmiths from
neighboring areas and making each a
specialist in a single aspect of the fabrica-
tion process. This specialization enabled
Collins & Co. to mass-produce quality
axes that were sharpened, less costly, and
ready for immediate use.
Collins & Co would soon go on to
introduce various other edge tools, steel
plows, military swords, and bayonets. As
sales increased, newer machines and in-
novative manufacturing techniques were
introduced to meet said demand. Amer-
ica’s expansionist philosophy of that era
triggered an upsurge in demand, and the
innovative Collins & Co did not disap-
point.
As business surged and the work-
force increased, Collins & Co. built
dwellings and various other infrastruc-
tures to accommodate employees and
their families. The company eventually
added grocery stores, a bank, a school, a
theater, and a rail line to ensure the overall
contentment of their “family-like” work-
force. In 1830, the township of South Can-
ton, CT. renamed their city “Collinsville”
in appreciation of the goodwill expressed
by Collins & Co.
Collins & Co. ultimately entered
the international market primarily to ser-
vice the harvesting demands of Central
and South America, the West Indies, and
Cuba. During its heyday (about 1919), the
company made nearly 90% of all axes and
machetes used in those countries and in
the United States. The Collins Co. became
a legitimate global competitor and, in
time, was the world’s leading axe manu-
facturer.
This global prominence, however,
resulted in competitors counterfeiting
their axes and marketing labels. Although
several US patents were obtained to cur-
tail such practices, none proved as valu-
able as stamping the company emblem on
their axes. The stamped “Crown, Arm &
Hammer” insignia above the word “Le-
gitimus,” along with the names “Collins
& Co” and “Hartford,” were thereafter
etched into the axes.
Coinciding with the company’s
growth and area development, the Col-
linsville Volunteer Fire Department was
established in 1846. Shortly thereafter, the
Collins Co. fabricated a unique-looking
axe (the Seagrave Axe) for the Collins-
ville fire engine, which they aptly named
the “Fireman Axe.” Years later, Fredric
Seagrave, founder of the Seagrave Corpo-
ration, commissioned the Collins Co. to
provide a similar axe as a standard com-
plement on all new Seagrave fire engines.
It is alleged the Fireman Axe com-
missioned by Fredric Seagrave was later
nicknamed the “Seagrave Axe” because
of its association with the Seagrave Cor-
poration. In addition to the standard in-
signia stamped on all quality axes, those
made exclusively for Seagrave also in-
cluded the wording: “Manufactured by
Collins & Co Expressly for the Seagrave
Corp.” Although no definitive proof has
been found as to when the production of
the Seagrave Axe was discontinued, it is
believed to be circa 1921, as low produc-
tion numbers ceased to justify the cost.
Aside from the Collins brothers, a
machinist named Elisha K. Root became
the company’s most notable employee. In
1830, Root invented “die casting,” which
was critical in the production of their
high-quality axes. Unlike “mold casting,”
die casting involves injecting metal into a
mold under high pressure, thus creating a
more uniform product with dimensional
accuracy. Thanks to Root’s ingenuity, the
costly post-machining of axes had now
been eliminated.
Elisha K. Root went on to create
several more patents, including an au-
tomated machine that shaved the blade
of axes in an effort to reduce the cost of
grindstone finishing. More than anything,
however, Root re-conceptualized the
making of axes that catapulted Collins
Co. into the world’s leading axe manufac-
turer. Elisha K. Root’s inventiveness soon
became widely acclaimed and, within
time, captured the attention of another fa-
mous industrialist.
In 1849, gun maker Samuel Colt
(Colt 45) recognized the industrialist na-
ture of Elisha K. Root and hired him away
from the Collins Company. Root went on
to carry out his duties with great success,
developing several more techniques and
machinery related to the gun industry.
Root’s contributions to the Colt indus-
try were so noteworthy that after Samuel
Colt’s death in 1862, Elisha K. Root was
named President of Colt Firearms.
After 140 years of success and com-
munity pride, the Collins Company closed
its doors for the final time in 1966. Today,
the Canton Historical Museum (www.
cantonmuseum.org) preserves about 26 of
the original factory buildings and several
hundred of their artifacts, including the
Seagrave Axe.
Although the history and culture of
the LAFD are vital to its very existence,
they can sometimes be challenged by
those indifferent to the greater good. As
firefighters, everything we do is a prod-
uct of a complex set of causes, ideas, and
practices. Therefore, it’s imperative that
those still wearing a badge remain inquis-
itive of the history of their vocation, as it
can inspire an appreciation for what may
otherwise appear insignificant.
April 2024 • 11
 FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION

COME AND HONOR

THE 2023
FIREFIGHTER OF THE
YEAR

CaP.tain II
Richard Moody

THURSDAY, APRIL 18TH AT 12PM

UNIVERSAL HILTON HOTEL

555 UNIVERSAL HOLLYWOOD
DR., UNIVERSAL CITY, CA 91608

Please RSVP to (661) 433-4679

by April 12, 2024
Tickets are available for $42 per person
Tables of twelve are available for $480

No tickets will be sold at the door, only pick-up

Limited seating available

Please make your check out to the

Los Angeles Firefighters association

Mail check to:

LAFFA
PO Box 6303
Lakewood, CA 90714

12 • April 2024

Hello again, readers! It’s April, and
that’s a fact. It’s been a slow news cycle,
partially due to my lack of SOD but also to no
contributions to the battalion email. Luckily,
I’ve gathered one good story from the bat-
talion, and it lets me get my creative writing
juices flowing. I give you: A Tale of Two
Sisters.
There once were two “sisters” from
two different misters, two different lads
from two different dads. Both had family
on the job and had promotional aspirations.
Both lived far from the city and liked the
backcountry. Both sisters were at other as-
signments until fate brought them together
to the same shift at the same station. Now,
fate, if that’s what you’ll call it, has a sense of
humor and irony. They were both assets to the
crew, but they had one weakness: calls after
midnight. It really is surprising that they both
came from some of the busiest assignments in
the city prior to being made 800 partners, but
Family and friends celebrated Firefighter III Paul Sasso’s last day on the job after serving the City of Los
Angeles for 33 years. Congratulations for finally making it to the end of your career—let the fun begin!
maybe they just didn’t sleep before. I digress. not so much the turnout time or response
The sisters had trouble waking up for route that determines who arrives first but
runs after they fell asleep. Long rings and which of the two sisters can wake their brain
short rings, gong lights or no gong lights: it up first.
didn’t matter. One would sleep in her bed, That’s all I’ve got. Hope to see you all
and the other would sleep just about any- at Bats and Beers and Hope for Firefighters.
where else in the station, which made for Send all your stories and fun pictures to:
emergency hide and seek with a 60-second Battalionjuan@gmail.com
time clock. Now, this is where our humorous
friend named fate comes in. One sister makes
A/O and promotes into a task force next door
to her previous assignment on the same shift.
The other sister is about to make A/O and is
the permanent actor.
One night, one sister is driving her
new ladder truck in MacArthur Park, and
the other is driving her truck in South Park.
A long ring comes in late at night, and both
Task Forces speed towards the fire. The
incident is on the border between the two dis-
tricts, and it’s anyone’s guess who will arrive
first. Now, even though these two “sisters”
aren’t related, you’d think they were because
as both task forces approach the incident, the
New LAFD recruitment technique? (Don’t worry, Chief—
sisters still had some waking up to do. The
The equipment was recovered! No harm-No Foul! And,
address came and went as both trucks passed
no photo credit!!!!
each other AND the incident. Turns out it’s
April 2024 • 13
 THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2024
B SHIFT 11:30 AM TO 2:30 PM

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Benefiting

14 • April 2024 GIVETOAHERO.ORG/HOPE

4

S
LE

Members of Station 88 prepare to help in a rescue

of a man in the LA River. Photo | Station 88

One man was found deceased within an abandoned building following an

intense fire that required 92 Los Angeles Fire Department responders nearly
two hours to extinguish in the early morning hours. Photos | Jacob Terzoli

PE April 2024 • 15
 $150 $2
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than three years of harassment $15 settlement due to traumatic limb
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LAFD Engine 98 quickly extinguishes a non-injury auto fire
TION in Arleta. Photos | Ismael Miranda and Jason Stilwell

April 2024 • 17
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18 • April 2024
 Trucks 33 and 64 going defensive.
Photos | James Anderson

Whether it be rain on duty or snow off duty, camaraderie

is alive and well in Battalion 13. Photo | Station 65

April 2024 • 19
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20 • April 2024
E65 going defensive at a major emergency structure Engine 64 makes quick work of a suspected
fire in 33’s first-in. Photo | Eric Reynoso stolen vehicle on fire. Photo | James Stilwell

Members of Station 86 prepare for Swift Water Operations. Photos | Shawn Phillips

April 2024 • 21
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22 • April 2024
L

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Battalion 17 companies make quick work of a structure fire

in a medical building in 105’s first-in. Photos | Leo Kaufman

April 2024 • 23
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The Executive Board of Stentorians and guests enjoy some camaraderie at their annual bowling event honoring the memory of Dexter McDaniel

Pictured below are FF/PM Tanika Hubbard, Arson Investigator Afara Lalaind, FF Cliff Taitt, FF/PM Dajon Moore, Inspector Gerald Durant, Execu-
tive Secretary Alicia Thompson, in the back Capt I Robert Hawkins. Photo | Stentorians

FF Julian Jackson and FF Chaz Anderson

serving the community at CicLAvia.
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Engineer Vince Mena passes the torch, or in this case, the bull, as he retires from the department and Engineer
Johnny Ornelas becomes the “Bull” Engineer - or the member in rank with the most seniority on the job.

April 2024 • 27
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Retired members gathered in force at the first ever San Luis Obispo County
Luncheon. Keep your ears open for the next one. Photo | Jack Reiss

April 2024 • 29
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30 • April 2024
 “Our Fallen Soldier” — a fitting title for a piece of art commemorating one of our own, Tom Taylor. On Saturday, March 2,
2024, an assembly of friends and family convened at Fire Station 60 in North Hollywood to pay homage to Tom Taylor, an esteemed
LAFD Apparatus Operator who made the ultimate sacrifice on January 28, 1981. In memorializing Tom’s passing, our accomplished
resident artist, Rosie Tos, undertook a creative endeavor involving a distinctive medium — Tom’s former locker door at his final as-
signment, FS 60.
The artwork features a vintage Seagrave Axe, symbolizing a century of dedicated service. The fire axe cradles an ‘80s-era
helmet, adorned with a contemporary Apparatus Shield. Serving as a backdrop are components of the modern-day uniform, includ-
ing the cap piece, complete with rank name worn post-1983. Two Magnolias poignantly represent the two spheres of Thomas Taylor’s
life — one at home and one at work. A dignified American Eagle oversees both the contemporary and historical, embodying the
enduring traditions of the Los Angeles City Fire Department.
Over the preceding 43 years, members have been urged to open the locker and delve into its contents. Therein lies a reposi-
tory of insights gleaned from that momentous day, preserved for subsequent generations of firefighters to learn from and then pass
on. Our gratitude extends to the members of Fire Station 60 and our esteemed artist, Rosie Tos, for their poignant tribute to Tom’s
sacrifice and their commitment to conserving the past while propelling us toward the future.

April 2024 • 31
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32 • April 2024
 Firefighting is a hazardous profession. It’s better to plan now than from a hospital bed.
As I sat down at the table in the firehouse kitchen, the young fire-
fighter set a steaming cup of coffee in front of me. “What about
estate taxes?” he asked, sitting down across from me.
“If you remain a Firefighter, you’ll probably never have an estate
in excess of $20 million. Knowing you won’t have to worry about
federal estate taxes will just make you honest about estate plan-
ning,” I replied.
“Then I guess I don’t really even need a trust,” he said, kind of
half question, half statement.
“No, that couldn’t be further from the truth! Let’s assume, God
forbid, that you’re injured on the job and can no longer handle
your financial affairs. You’ll need to have designated a power of
attorney. Whether it’s your wife or someone else, you’ll need to
have it in place before the event. The same thing is true for an
advanced health care directive.”
The young Firefighter squirmed in his seat as I continued, “Yours
is a hazardous profession and stuff happens. Best to plan for it
now, not from a hospital bed.”
He slowly nodded in agreement.
“You work hard so your family will be taken care of,” I said
between sips of coffee. “But your wisdom and love can last a lot
longer than you do. Who will raise your children if you die? If
both you and your wife should both die?”
A firehouse conversation with Richard Block, Attorney at Law
From the look on his face, it seemed as if he hadn’t really given
these questions much thought.
“Without a plan, a judge who knows nothing about you or your
family will make that decision,” I told him. “With a plan you can
nominate a guardian. And if you have a disabled child, you’ll
need to set up a special needs trust to provide for their needs that
are not taken care of by federal or state agencies.”
He slowly nodded again.
“A trust will also protect your children against the loss of their
inheritance if your spouse remarries,” I added. “And an insur-
ance trust is a good place to put your life insurance so you can
make sure that the proceeds are used to benefit your family the
most.”
Continuing his slow nod he asked, “So what is this all going to
cost me?”
Looking him straight in the eye I replied, “A trust will save you
money. Believe me when I tell you that the cost of estate plan-
ning will be a lot less than probate fees to a lawyer and your
executor.”
I downed the last of the coffee in my cup and stood up. “So, I’ll
see you in my office next week as planned?” I asked.
“Definitely,” he said with that now familiar slow nod.
April 2024 • 33
 Landmarks and fire departments across Los Angeles
will glow in respect of fallen firefighters and their
families. We invite landmarks, fire and community
organizations, businesses, and homes across the
nation to light up RED to honor fallen heroes.

April 29 - May 4, 2024

#LAFDLightTheNight

For more information and to

share your photos, visit:

GiveToAHero.org/Light-The-Night

34 • April 2024
eles
heir
nity
the
oes.
Putting on a mini drill for the Los
Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) re-
quires careful preparation and attention
to detail. Mini drills are a crucial part of
training for Firefighters and emergency
responders, as they allow them to practice
and improve their skills in a controlled en-
vironment. Here are some general steps to
follow when putting on a mini drill for the
LAFD.
1. Determine the Objective of the
Drill: Before you can put on a mini drill,
you need to decide what skills or scenar-
ios you want to focus on. The objective
of the drill should be specific and clearly
defined, and it should align with the train-
ing needs of the LAFD. You may want to
consult with LAFD leadership or training
officers to determine the most important
skills to practice.
2. Identify the Resources Needed:
Once you have a clear objective in mind,
you need to identify the resources neces-
sary to execute the drill. This may include
equipment such as hoses, ladders, and res-
cue tools, as well as props or obstacles to
simulate realistic scenarios. You may also
need to coordinate with other departments
or agencies to secure additional resources.
3. Develop a Scenario: With the
objective and resources in mind, you can
now develop a scenario that will chal-
lenge your fellow Firefighters. The sce-
nario should be realistic and relevant to
the LAFD’s mission, and it should pro-
vide opportunities for the participants to
practice the skills identified in step one.
Consider the level of difficulty and the po-
tential risks involved in the scenario, and
make sure that all safety precautions are
in place.
4. Coordinate with Participants:
Once the scenario has been developed,
you need to coordinate with the partici-
pants to ensure that everyone is prepared
and available to participate. This may in-
volve scheduling the drill at a convenient
time (not right after lunch), communicat-
ing the objectives and expectations, and
assigning roles and responsibilities to
each participant.
5. Conduct the Drill: On the day of
the mini drill, make sure that all neces-
sary resources are available and that the
participants are ready to go. Set up the
scenario and give clear instructions to the
participants on what they need to do. Ob-
serve the drill carefully to ensure that all
safety protocols are followed and that the
objectives of the drill are being met.
6. Debrief and Evaluate: Once the
drill is complete, gather the participants
together for a debrief and evaluation ses-
sion. This is an important opportunity to
discuss what went well, what could have
been improved, and how the participants
can apply what they learned in future situ-
ations. Encourage open and honest feed-
back, and use the information gathered to
improve future mini drills.
In conclusion, putting on a mini
drill for the LAFD requires careful plan-
ning, attention to detail, and a focus on
safety. By following these general steps,
you can help ensure that the drill is effec-
tive in helping Firefighters develop and
improve their skills. Remember that the
objective of the drill should be specific
and clearly defined, and that the scenario
should be challenging and relevant to the
LAFD’s mission. With the right resourc-
es and coordination, mini drills can be a
valuable part of training for the LAFD.
April 2024 • 35
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36 • April 2024
 LAFAYETTE CARTER, Captain, FS 40

SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2024

Eagle Rock Women’s Club

5105 Hermosa Ave, Los Angeles CA

Social Hour - 5:00 PM Dinner - 6:00 PM

$50 per person

Call or Zelle - (909) 297-0581. Venmo: @Lafayette-Carter

33 years of service

TED KALNAS, Captain II, FS 80

FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024

Knollwood Country Club

12040 Balboa Blvd, Granda Hills, CA

Social Hour: 5:00 PM Dinner: 6:00 PM

$80 per person

Call Vedamay - (818) 439-0723

or Venmo: @vedamay-bradford (RSVP by April 5)

43 years of service

JEFFREY SHAMBURGER, Captain, FS 3-B

SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2024

Fire Station 3
108 N Fremont Ave, Los Angeles CA

8 AM - 12 PM

Retirement breakfast with Tacos AL-KA Seltzer to cater

First come, first served.

Info - (661) 860-1738 or email: firestation94@yahoo.com

30 years of service

April 2024 • 37
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38 • April 2024
April 2024 • 39
 Registration Opens for the 2024 US Police & Fire Championships in
San Diego
- The Olympic-style games offer first responders the opportunity to compete amongst their peers in over
35 different sports at venues throughout San Diego -

The California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF), a non-profit organization committed to promoting sport
and physical fitness among first responders, is thrilled to announce that registration opened on January
15 for the 2024 US Police & Fire Championships. Happening in San Diego from Saturday, June 8 to
Saturday, June 15, the games will feature a variety of sports including bench press, dodgeball, air pistol,
pickleball, rowing, baseball, bowling, golf, tennis, CrossFit®, and more.

“We are thrilled to be hosting our 57th season of the games in San Diego,” said Larry Collins President of
the California Police Athletic Federation. “Each sporting event offers athletes the opportunity to practice
and exercise their physical and mental well-being alongside their peers. Now, the United States Police &
Fire Championships have grown to be one of our most popular events for athletes across the country
and truly exemplify our efforts to unite public safety personnel from varying backgrounds and cultures.”

The US Police & Fire Championships are an Olympic-style competition for first responders and public
safety personnel across the United States. The annual games draw thousands of athletes from law
enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, custom and correctional officers, as well as
full-time employees (active and retired) of any eligible agency or organization in the capacity of 9-1-1
dispatchers, detention-custodial officers, crime scene investigators, or lifeguards. Last year, CPAF
expanded their eligibility requirements opening the games to volunteer and part time firefighters,
reserve law enforcement officers and peace officers, in good standing, of an eligible agency with a
minimum of two years’ service.

Now, participating athletes from all departments get the opportunity to compete amongst their peers in
a variety of Olympic-style games that offer the opportunity to celebrate the human spirit at its very best.
These games provide a welcome connection between public safety personnel from varied backgrounds
and cultures and offer the opportunity to develop camaraderie and celebrate their accomplishments.

The US Police & Fire Championships are one of four events that the California Police Athletic Federation
presents in addition to the bi-annual World Police & Fire Games, the First Responders Relay and the new
North American Fall Classic, which debuted last year. Registration for participation in the US Police &
Fire Championships begins January 15 and to sign up, please visit www.cpaf.org

40 • April 2024
 Spam emails have become a regu-
lar occurrence with many of our mailboxes.
Spam is almost as old as the invention of email
itself, but they have only gotten more frustrat-
ing. Not only is spam annoying to deal with,
but it can also be dangerous, leading to infec-
tion, ransomware, and fraud.
What can you do about spam mes-
sages, especially if you notice you’re receiving
a lot of spam in your inbox? Without cutting
yourself off from the internet entirely, there
are some methods and practices you can take
to lessen the amount of spam you receive.
Natural Networks is a managed IT services
company and premium email provider; we
recommend taking the following steps to clear
spam in your inbox.

TRAIN YOUR FILTER

Most mail clients include a spam but-

ton: this is a specific button that is meant to
indicate a particular email was marked spam.
When spam comes to your inbox, don’t just
delete it but instead highlight it and mark it as
spam by pressing the spam button in your mail
client.
By marking messages as spam, you
are training the filter to identify similar mes-
sages to also be spam. Eventually all messages
that share similarities with the original spam
message will begin to get automatically fil-
tered into your spam box. You can also search
in your spam box to check for any messages
that may have been a false-positive, and mark
those as “not spam” in your mail client.
NEVER REPLY TO SPAM EMAIL
If you notice a message in your inbox
that is spam, it’s best to not open it at all, sim-
ply mark it as spam and move on. If you do
open a message and later find that it’s spam,
simply close the message and then mark it as
spam. Never click any links, buttons, images,
or download any attached files from a message
if you suspect that it’s spam.
If you received a spam message that ap-
peared to come from a legitimate source, you
should take time to inspect the email header,
that is the message’s “to:” and “from:” fields to
ensure that the email address is from who they
claim they are. Spam messages often come
from sources that try to mask their identities
as a more legitimate organization or person,
but upon careful inspection you can see where
the email is coming from.
If a spam message has been sent out
from someone you recognize, you should con-
tact them directly outside of the email plat-
form and let them know their account may
have been compromised.
BE CAREFUL WITH WHERE YOU PRO-
VIDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS
So many companies and organizations
today ask for your email address to obtain a
certain service, or product. However, it’s im-
possible to know for certain how secure these
companies will be with your email informa-
tion. The services you sign up for using your
email could be networked to other companies
and organizations who will inundate you with
spam emails with additional offers and ser-
vices.
To help prevent these companies from
sending spam messages to your email, it’s rec-
ommended that you setup what’s known as a
“throw-away account.” A throw-away email
account can be any simple valid email account
such as a free Gmail account you can provide
to companies that require an email to provide
you a simple service. This is an email account
that you intend to give out when a company or
organization requires it to sign up for a ser-
vice, or register for something like a demon-
stration.
USE AN ANTI-SPAM FILTER
This is for companies or organizations
who have several email accounts and want to
prevent spam from reaching their team mem-
bers altogether. Spam filtering services can
take a more aggressive and active role in iden-
tifying and stopping spam. An email spam fil-
ter will act as an additional layer of protection.
Natural Networks provides premium
spam filtering services for many of our cli-
ents, and it goes a long way in flagging and
preventing viruses, malware, spam, and other
potentially harmful messages from reaching
the users inbox. Spam filtering services use
several methods and protocols to quickly iden-
tify and delete spam messages. Spam filters
can also rely on a dictionary of known spam
messages and accounts, which helps to imme-
diately identify and deny these types of emails
from getting through.
By following the above recommenda-
tions, you can start diminishing the amount
of spam messages you get in your inbox ev-
ery day. If you’re interested in learning more
about how a spam filtering service from Natu-
ral Networks can help stop the amount of spam
your company gets, give us a call today!

April 2024 • 41
 Enhancing the LiveHealth Online virtual care
experience for your employees.
LiveHealth Online is upgrading to a new and improved whole-person virtual care experience that is seamlessly
integrated into the SydneySM Health app on December 28th 2023. The new experience provides faster, more
reliable access to care using the latest in secure technology.

An integrated and connected virtual care experience.

Whole-person virtual care.
Urgent care, mental health, and specialty services, including
dermatology, women’s health, and condition care programs are Virtual care visits are
continued through LiveHealth Online.
available through the
The most technologically advanced virtual care available.
The improved interface is simple to use and easy to understand. Sydney Health and
Stable and secure video technology provides the best Internet LiveHealth Online apps,
connection speed and video quality, giving employees a crystal-
clear experience during the visit. and/or Anthem.com and
No more waiting rooms. LiveHealthOnline.com
Employees will simply receive an email or text when it’s time for
the visit. After the initial visit intake is completed, employees
can go about their business until the doctor is ready to see them
instead of sitting in a virtual waiting room.

Enhanced virtual care accessibility.

LiveHealth Online promotes equity by reducing language barriers with interpreter services available that
meet WCAG compliance requirements.

LiveHealth Online is offered through an arrangement with Amwell, a separate company, providing telehealth services on behalf of your health plan.

42 • April 2024
 California drivers have the privi-
lege of drivin’ on some of the worst roads
in the country, and the condition of these
roads will probably get worse in the co-
min’ years as electric cars and trucks
take over. That’s because money for road
repairs and maintenance depends on the
state’s motor fuel taxes, and that revenue
is expected to go down. Electric vehicles
don’t use gasoline, so EV drivers don’t
pay the gas tax. The Legislative Analyst’s
Office is warnin’ that $4 Billion annually
could disappear by 2035 when the state’s
ban on the sale of gas burnin’ cars takes
full effect. So, to make up for the loss of
the gas tax on electric vehicles, the land
of Fruits and Nuts is testin’ vehicle tax-
es based on miles traveled. This system
would use GPS satellite information to
track a vehicle’s mileage and set fees and
taxes accordingly. Big Brother will now
be watchin’ you from above!
I made a doctor’s appointment for
a routine check-up, you know, to have my
fluid levels checked and to ensure my tire
pressures were correct and to make sure
no nuts or bolts had loosened up. I made
the appointment about a month prior, so
when the day came and I walked into the
doctor’s office with my appointment veri-
fication in hand, I checked in. The lady at
the front desk verified my insurance in-
formation and then asked, “Why are you
here?” I told her and showed her my ap-
pointment notice. She seemed puzzled but
checked her computer information. With
some head scratchin’, she told me she
didn’t see an appointment for me. After
further investigation, she confirmed there
was no appointment and apologized pro-
fusely. She then asked if I wanted to re-
schedule the appointment. Since this was
goin’ to be a routine check-up, I asked if I
could make the new appointment a “phone
visit” with the doctor. I figured I could tell
the doctor my tire pressure was normal
and all my nuts and bolts were torqued to
the proper specifications. She agreed, and
the phone visit was scheduled.
A few days prior to the phone visit,
I got an email askin’ me to verify my birth
date, insurance, phone number, home ad-
dress, and emergency contact informa-
tion. After completin’ that information, I
was taken to another page that displayed
various information on dietary supple-
ments and weight loss enhancements. It
was nothin’ more than advertisements.
What a pile of horse dung.
You know, it’s bad enough havin’
to watch endless medical advertisements
on TV, but now I must be bombarded with
medical ads just to complete a simple
phone visit with my doctor. What hap-
pened to the phone
call from a real per-
son askin’, “Will
you be keepin’ your
appointment, yes or
no?” Some have lost
their way.
AC
KEEP SMILIN’
choppedup@att.net

All About Your

Fire Station Extinguisher Fund
My name is Ted Bailie and I am a retired Los
Angeles City Firefighter. The Extinguisher Program
was started back in 1996 by Larry Hoerner, the late
Bruce “Snake” Larson, and myself. I also have to
give credit to my wife, Diane, for suggesting this Ex-
tinguisher Program to me while she was reading the
Grapevine. I want to thank all the fire stations that
have an Extinguisher Collection Box in their station
and for their continued support of this worthwhile
cause.
The families of Firefighters that the Los Ange-
les Firemen’s Relief Association help with the many
donations that they receive are grateful to those that
are able to help in their cause. The Extinguisher
Fund is just another way to continue to support the
many Firefighters and their families.
For those new Firefighters and old alike, dona-
tions that get into the Extinguisher can come from
anyone, anywhere, and at any time. The loose
change in your pocket, the TV chairs, the left-over
money not spent on mess that day, or even from
people who come into the Fire Station that want to
donate to the Widows, Orphans, & Disabled Fire-
fighter’s Fund.
When I Retired in 2008, all 104 LA City Fire
Stations had an extinguisher in their Fire Station or
facility. If there is a Fire Station without an extinguish-
er, please let a Relief Association Trustee know and
we will see to it that the station gets one.
If every Fire Station collected $30 each quarter,
the Relief Association would receive approximately
$12,000 or more per year.
Thank you to all that continue to support The
Widows, Orphans, & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
through their donations and though the Extinguisher
Fund. My Best Regards to All My Brother and Sister
Firefighters.
Ted Bailie (Retired LAFD)

April 2024 • 43
 LOS ANGELES RETIRED FIRE & POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION, INC.

The 2024 online application is now open!

SCAN HERE TO APPLY

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE IS APRIL 8, 2024.

Qualifications:
Be a high school senior or college freshman at the time of application.
Achieve at least a 2.5 GPA.
Be a dependent of a legal guardian who is a dues-paying member of
the Los Angeles Retired Fire & Police Association (LARFPA).

44 • April 2024
April 2024 • 45
 NEW LOCATION

LOS ANGELES RETIRED FIRE & POLICE ASSOCIATION, INC.

ANNUAL PICNIC
&
BENEVOLENT FUNDRAISER
JUNE 5, 2024
$20
RAFFLE
TICKETS
PER
PERSON
$ 1 EA.
AT THE

LOS ANGELES RIVER CENTER & GARDENS

570 W. AVE. 26, LOS ANGELES, CA 90065

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING 10 AM - 12 PM

LUNCHEON & RAFFLE 12 PM - 3 PM

NAME PHONE ( )

NUMBER IN YOUR PARTY AMOUNT ENCLOSED ($20 PP)

PLEASE CHECK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: FIRE POLICE

RAFFLE TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE OR AT THE DOOR.

If paying by check, please cut this portion out and mail with your check to
LARFPA at 9521 Las Tunas Dr., Suite 4, Temple City, CA 91780
Tickets also available online at larfpa.org/events.

46 • April 2024
 LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION UNITED FIREFIGHTERS OF LOS ANGELES CITY
24|MAY 323.259.5200 LAFRA.ORG 213.977.9001 UFLAC.ORG

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

APRIL 2024 JUNE 2024 1 A 2 A 3 B 4 A

DUTY ROSTER S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 1
A Platoon 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 National Fallen Firefighters
B Platoon Foundation Memorial
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
C Platoon 23 Emmitsburg, MD / May 4-5
28 29 30 30 24 25 26 27 28 29
International Firefighter’s Day

5 C 6 B 7 B 8 C 9 C 10 D 11 D
E
N
D

F
L
S
A
Fire Service Day

12 E 13 D 14 F 15 E 16 E 17 F 18 F

Mother’s Day Armed Forces Day

19 G 20 G 21 H 22 G 23 I 24 H 25 H

26 I 27 28 J 29 I 30 K 31 J

Memorial Day (observed)

OFFICES CLOSED
MAY

April 2024 • 47
 MEMBERS
STEVEN C. BURROUGHS, ENGINEER.
Appointed July 22, 1973.
Retired on a service pension February 1, 2003 from FS 107.
Passed away February 23, 2024.

HAROLD W. CHOATE, HELICOPTER PILOT III.

Appointed November 24, 1962.
Retired on a disability pension March 15, 1990 from Air Ops.
Passed away February 28, 2024.

DARRELL L. BROOK, ENGINEER.

Appointed September 1, 1962.
Retired on a service pension October 11, 1987 from FS 76.
Passed away February 29, 2024.

ROBERT VANDERHAGEN, CAPTAIN.

Appointed January 24, 1949.
Retired on a service pension January 1, 1978 from FS 12.
Passed away March 2, 2024.

DAVID L. BUISING, CAPTAIN.

Appointed June 10, 1961.
Retired on a service pension August 19, 1984 from FS 93.
Passed away March 10, 2024.

FAMILY
Sharon J. Larson, surviving spouse of Vernon B. Larson, Passed away January 21, 2024.
Delora L. Charles, surviving spouse of James N. Charles, Passed away February 8, 2024.
Joyce Correll, surviving spouse of Harry R. Correll, Passed away March 9, 2024.
Shirley Cooper, spouse of Lorrell B. Cooper, Passed away March 9, 2024.

48 • April 2024
 Tony Di Domenico passed away on
January 18, 2004. This is a tribute to his sense
of humor on the 20th anniversary of his pass-
ing.
Tony was truly one of a kind, a once-
in-a-generation person who was both profes-
sional and humorous. You will hear it said
about someone that there will never be anyone
like him. Tony is the epitome of that saying.
The reason for that is the Fire Department and
society have changed to the point that Tony
and his humor would not be allowed to exist.
Tony joined the LAFD on November 7,
1959, and retired on February 25, 1988. Dur-
ing his career, he held the rank of Fireman,
Captain I, and Captain II. He was also the Bat-
talion 7 aide and was the P.I.O. from 1979 until
his retirement. In 1985, Tony was named Fire-
man Of The Year. This was one of the proudest
moments of his career. Bob Patterson, Tony’s
friend and mentor, and also one of the great
LAFD cartoonists, wrote the Grapevine piece
when Tony received the award: “A plaque with
the names of all past recipients dating back to
1967 hangs on the wall in the entry of the Fire-
men’s Relief Association office. The plaque
reads, ‘The Fireman Of The Year Award Rec-
ognizes That Special Firefighter, Who Not By
Any Single Act, But Rather Through His Out-
standing Dedication To The Fire Service, Dis-
tinguishes Himself Above All Others.’’’ That
was the quintessential description of Tony. Not
only was he involved in LAFD-related activi-
ties such as Sertoma, but he was also busy in
the Boyle Heights community. He wrote ar-
ticles for La Opinion and several other local
newspapers explaining the activities of the
Fire Department on such subjects as arson and
community relations. He also wrote an article
entitled “Arson...The Crime Without Mercy”
in memory of Tom Taylor. He was also a big
booster of Los Bomberos, which he wrote
about on many occasions.
The next several stories are from when
Tony was the Battalion 7 Grapevine writer,
The East Side Kid. Most of the people in these
excerpts have passed away, but there are some
who are still alive. For those people, these sto-
ries will bring back many memories, but for
most of us, they will, hopefully, bring smiles.
The stories that follow are from what Tony re-
ferred to as “The Golden Days of the LAFD.”
Most of these stories are either directly out of
the Battalion 7 Grapevine columns Tony wrote
from February 1969 until January 1979 when
he became the Department P.I.O. or from his
“Famiglia” e-mails. Absolutely none of these
stories were made up because Tony believed
that you should “never let the facts get in the
way of a good story.”
When Tony wrote the Battalion 7 col-
umn for The Grapevine, he was known as The
Eastside Kid. His way with the English lan-
guage, at least the way he spoke English, will
never be equaled. He would use phrases like
“His tongue hung out like a red flannel neck-
tie” to describe the loser in a handball game
and “We’re not going to let the facts interfere
with a beautiful story like that,” which eventu-
ally became, “Never let the facts get in the way
of a good story.”
BATTALION 7 Tony had a thing for
noses. With guys like Ernie Castillo, Sam
Ortega, Vito Maggipinto, Bob Degenfelder,
Red McDevitt, and Sam Chernow around how
could you not, on occasion, mention their nos-
es? Did I forget to mention that Tony also had
a more than somewhat prominent proboscis?
Until the operation anyway. He wrote about
it in the November 1972 Grapevine: “The ‘B’
shift caught a boomer last month on the East
Side. The TV coverage was excellent- espe-
cially the close-up of the famous Sammy Cher-
now profile. My son and I were watching the
tube at home and caught the action. Now this
kid doesn’t have a mean bone in his body - he
just slipped - it happens in the best of families.
He shouted, ‘Look daddy - it’s Sam Chernow!’
‘How can you tell son; there are lots of guys
there with 17s on their helmets.’ ‘Yeah, but
there’s only one with a big funny nose- -like
you had before the operation.’ ‘What does this
kid know from funny noses Sam - has he ever
seen Maggipinto up close - or Sam Ortega - or
Ernie Castillo?’ No one was safe when Tony
was writing, not even Tony. “Last month’s
column made mention of several of our very
favorite characters and also their very funny
noses. The names of Ortega, Castillo, Maggip-
into (hilarious), and Chernow I believe were
used. It now seems that one of the wives of the
above failed to see the humor of the moment
and is currently talking to a ‘hit’ man on the
East Side. Don’t waste your time - no hit man
with any class at all is going to hit a newspaper
guy. Bob Patterson told me that a long time
ago, and almost everyone is familiar with Pat-
terson’s verisimilitude.” Tony was not only a
great storyteller, he was almost a great hand-
ball player too. He won the Class “C” champi-
onship but never made it any farther because
of a war injury. While he was serving aboard
an aircraft carrier in the Korean War, a kami-
kaze plane hit the ship causing an injury to his
left arm. Because of this injury, he was told by
no less than the greatest handball player the
LAFD has ever seen, Vito Maggipinto, “Kid,
you have a million-dollar right hand but only a
twenty-five-cent left hand.” After that, every-
one played his left side and thus prevented him
from becoming an “A” player. That’s the way
Tony told it, so you know every word was the
truth.
Gone from the job are guys with names
like Norman “Red” McDevitt, Bob “Gorilla”
Hays, Mel “Chamois Face/Dog Faced Boy”
Dodgion, Dick “Mongo” Gilmore, Rick “RTP”
Watters, Ernie “Batman” Castillo, Tommy
“Mumbles” Muro, “Indian” Bobby Raya, Fred
“The Polish Prince” Folta, and “Wee” Willie
Kessen, to name just a few. Gone are places
with names like, “The Eastside Sensitivity
Training Center” or “The Santa Fe Zoo.” The
men that worked in these places and the events
that occurred there cannot be duplicated to-
day.
Art Sorrentino
Dawestsidekid@Yahoo.com
April 2024 • 49

WODFF,
Please accept this donation in mem-
ory of Anton John Felando, deceased, on
behalf of the John Klarin, JoAnn Gaydos,
Diana Lindsay, Danette Bothwell and
families.
IN MEMORY OF JOHN C. BARNES—
APPARATUS OPERATOR
Another good friend gone! I met
John in a grocery store in Hamilton, Mon-
tana. We had never crossed paths on the
job. I was in a check out line and noticed a
LAFD ball cap on the man ahead of me in
line. Soon found out he retired way ahead
of me, and of course we shared some mu-
tual friends. As a young guy on the job,
he had been assigned with Gary Cramer
at 22’s. John was in his second career as a
Ravalli County Sheriff. I always addressed
John as “Officer” Barnes. Over the years,
we would get together with our wives for
lunch at various local spots. It was always
a sight to see John and Carol pull up, be-
cause there was always at least 3 golden
retrievers in their vehicle. May you rejoice
in eternity with the Lord and once again
with Carol.
Bud Molle
IN MEMORY OF CLARENCE R.
LINDSEY JR.—ENGINEER
Jan Bernard and I worked together
with Ben Lindsey at Engine 108 in the
mid 70’s. Why we two new guys on the
job transferred up on the hill early in our
careers, well for me, it just happened.
I’m glad I did, as it turned out we met up
with an engineer that turned out to be a
50 • April 2024
peach of a man and gentleman, that was
Ben. Together we experienced responding
at night in total darkness out of a barn at
the Old F.S. 108. Months later we moved
to our “new quarters”, F.S. 108, less than a
stone’s throw away from the old barn. Ben,
Jan and I hammered nails together at one
time, Jan was our boss. To Ben’s family
my Condolences and a heartfelt thanks for
sharing him with us.
Tom Guzman
IN MEMORY OF NELSON E.
STRANGE—FIREFIGHTER III
Ed Strange or “Strange Eddie” took
the dictum of the “engine house being
your second home” to heart. In the eve-
ning it was not unheard of to witness Ed
strolling into the TV Room resplendently
attired in a robe or smoking jacket while
enjoying his evening pipe. Take note that
his robe was not on the schlock rack of a
warehouse clothier, but was resplendent
with his monogram. He was one class act
and a true practitioner of his craft.
Rest well my “not off the rack” colleague.
Allen N. Norman
IN MEMORY OF THOMAS E.
BALTZER—ENGINEER
Balls was an old friend of my par-
ents. At an anniversary party, some wrap-
ping paper got caught up in the candles on
the table. Almost every drink and glass of
water was tossed across the table putting
out the “major” conflagration. Someone
asked Tom and I why we didn’t try and
help and do something. Tom, without skip-
ping a beat said, “I wasn’t about to waste a
perfectly good drink.” And while camping
we always had the biggest bon fire!
Chris Segovia
IN MEMORY OF GEORGE E.
BRESSLER JR.—FIREMAN
As a young fireman I worked
around George at FS 29.
It was a great experience and hum-
bling at the same time. George was one of
the “old-timers.” He could praise you and
then cut you off at the knees.
RIP George.
Mike Bowers
IN MEMORY OF GARY E.
RUMMELL—BATTALION CHIEF
My favorite guy to run into at an-
tique shows and swap meets. A wealth of
historic information. To Margie, and the
Rummell family; our condolences.
Larry and Ceci Hoerner
LAFRA.
Please accept this donation for the
Widows, Orphans, & Disabled Firefight-
er’s Fund on behalf of the Antelope Valley
Fireman’s Breakfast Club.
IN MEMORY OF GEORGE L.
VARNUM—ENGINEER
I worked with george at old 61’s
and really learned a lot from this man! He
was the consument engineer in all areas! I
remenember the one thing thar stands out
the most was that everytime we got a new
captain on any shift, he would wait till
the captain was alone in the office and, as
there was a pole hole there, he would come
down and land on his butt on purpose, get
up, dust himself off and walk out! Mean-
while the captain would sit there stund and
yelling you all right …. Was really funny
to watch.

Gary Klasse

IN MEMORY OF JOHN C. BARNES—

APPARATUS OPERATOR

I went to San Fernando High School

with John, played football and had a lot of
fun together during the 1950-60’s. Cars,
hunting, camping, we even saved a baby Protect Those
barn owl. Yes, we did! It had fallen out of
a nest and John decided to care for it at
home so he put it in his truck sitting on the
with Special Needs
seat while we finishing hunting. On our re-
turn, the bird has made itself at home and Firefighter Justin Mendence set up a special needs trust to ensure his
relieved itself of last night’s dinner all over son and entire family is taken care of in the best manner possible.
the upholstery. It was a long drive home in
the smelly truck but we laughed our heads “You want to think everybody’s going to take care of your kid because
off. Then there was the baby Bobcat that everybody loves him, but unless you have a plan in place…you’re planning
needed a home, that’s another long story!
His Dad was on LA County Fire and John to fail. Leaving it to chance is not in me and my wife’s vocabulary.”
was hired there but a few years later joined
the LAFD. As happens in life we went
our separate ways but we always shared a
A Special Needs Trust Helps You:
Christmas card or phone call to ‘catch up’ • Set up long-term funding for living expenses & care
on our happenings and family doings.
Another good man gone, my heart- • Determine who will be the primary caregiver
felt sympathy and condolences to his fam-
ily, Rest In peace my friend. • Create an advisory group of experts to help caregivers make
sound decisions
Dave Kuebler
• Ensure your child’s assets are protected & well-managed
• Ensure your child maintains eligibility for special services
IN MEMORY OF RICHARD L.
WATTERS—CAPTAIN II
“I sleep a little bit easier at night knowing that my son is
Rick and I came on the job together set up for his entire life,” Justin said.
and became good friends. Over the years
we’ve had many motorcycle rides lots of
them to the rock store. Between the two
of us we were always dropping in on each
other without even letting the other one
know that we were going to show up. Made
for Good times. I want you to know, RTP
that you’re going to be greatly missed. You Whether you care for a child or adult with special needs or not,
will be riding with the big guy from now everyone should consider setting up an estate plan. Ask for a
on. “Getting Started Kit” today by emailing the Relief Association
Development & Marketing Director at donations@lafra.org
Jim Gillum or calling (323) 259-5217

April 2024 • 51
 Photos and information submitted by Don Nash II, LAFD Retired

Hughes Aircraft Company

Probeye Thermal Imaging Camera
Before we get into this month’s article.
I want to say it was a privilege and an honor
to be able to share Frank Baker’s life on the
LAFD with all of you in the past few months.
It was a lot of fun matching the photos to his
story. And I learned a lot about drill tower
life in the 1950s, the two-platoon system, and
how the LAFD operated in those times. I’ve
known his son Brian since my Explorer Scout
days in the 1980s and worked with his grand-
son Andrew when I was an Engineer at 38s
from 2019-2021. However, I hadn’t met Frank
until Fleet Week 2022 at our Ralph J. Scott
Fireboat 2 exhibit. An interesting gentleman
with a wealth of knowledge.
The LAFD Historical Society has so
many artifacts in its possession that it is im-
possible to display all of them at once. One
such item is the Hughes Aircraft Company’s
Probeye Thermal Imaging Camera. On occa-
sion, I will rummage through the gold mine of
historical items we have in our vault waiting
for an opportunity to be displayed in one of
our museums. I will pick an item and tell you
something about it.
In 1929, Hungarian physicist Kálmán
Tihanyi invented the infrared-sensitive (night
vision) electronic camera for anti-aircraft de-
fense in the United Kingdom. The first Ameri-
can thermographic camera developed was an
infrared line scanner. This was created by the
US military and Texas Instruments in 1947
and took one hour to produce a single image. It
wasn’t until the 1960s when thermal imaging
was introduced to the commercial and indus-
trial sector of the civilian market.
The Hughes Aircraft Company Prob-
eye infrared thermal imager was introduced in
1974. It was the first portable TIC that didn’t
need a power cord to operate. A totally analog
device that fetched an $8,000.00 price tag in
1974 dollars. It’s a heavy device, about eight
pounds with the Argon canister attached, but
it was lightweight for its time. Over 5,000
were produced. During my research, I found
some used ones on different websites in vari-
Firefighter Matthew Rivera, FS 27-A demonstrates the proper hand
ous condition for sale as of this writing. They
position for operating the Probeye Thermal Imaging Camera.
were still being used in commercial applica-

52 • April 2024
tions as late as 2007. couraged to assist. If interested, call the Hol-
The Probeye was powered by nickel lywood Museum at (323) 464-2727 and leave a
cadmium batteries that were retained in the message. We will contact you as soon as pos-
device by snap rings giving the user three to sible.
four hours of operation. The thermal imager
had three inputs: brightness, contrast, and fo-
cus control. It also had a tripod mount where a We recognize the Line of Duty sacrifice of the fol-
wrist strap could be attached as an option. The lowing members during the month of April...
case was constructed of heavy gauge steel, but
it was not waterproof. • Capt Thomas S. Home 04-12-1909
The Argon bottles were charged at • Frm Ercil G. Morse 04-07-1924
5000 PSI and were used to cool the sensor. • Frm Eldo W. Gerloff 04-06-1927
When it fell slightly below 1000 PSI, it was • Frm Sylvestre Madrid 04-21-1932
swapped out for a full one. This was to prevent • Capt Fred W. Toenjes 04-08-1935
the bottle from running completely empty pre- • Frm Paul M. Shapro 04-05-1936
venting any kind of contamination to enter. • Frm Ben H. Morris 04-06-1940
Now here comes the murky part. After • Eng Bernard O. Burge 04-01-1957
talking to a lot of retired members, no one that • Frm William Wagner 04-28-1957
I have spoken to has any idea who might have • Sr Insp Donald G. Wilson 04-17-1962
carried it. Could it have been the mobile lab? • Sr Insp Weikko A. Rahkola 04-19-1962
Or the Hazardous Material Squads of yester- • Eng Arthur M. Compton 04-08-1966
year? It has LAFD markings with red LA City • Capt John M. Lobestein 04-21-1067
tag affixed, so it was in the LAFD inventory • Capt George W. Winchester 04-01 1969
at one point in time. If anyone reading this • Frm Dermond E. Patterson 04-22-1975
article knows, please contact the LAFD Holly- • A/O Ray A. Moore 04-20-1976
wood museum and share your knowledge with • FF Jesse E. Longwill, Jr. 04-10-1977
us. • FF Brian E. Phillips 04-25-1979
• Capt William F. Axtman 04-27-1987
Volunteers • Capt Bob A. Phelps 04-15-1993
• FF/Para Michael G. Sylvia 04-21-1997
It has been a while since we’ve gotten • Capt. Robert Egizi 04-01-2002
some new people to help with preserving the • B/C Jerome A. Boyd 04-28-2017
vast history of the LAFD and the City of Los • FF Brian G. Corntasselo 04-04-2023
Angeles. Active and retired members are en-

The black argon bottle attached to the thermal imager is used to cool the sensor.

April 2024 • 53
 Donations to Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund

NICK ZEUG from your Nationwide Life Insurance - Retirement Account

FIREFIGHTERS FIRST CREDIT UNION

STEVEN J. BERKERY from your Corporate Secretary Payment

RICHARD J. ERQUIAGA in honor of Lauren P. Derosier

RICHARD J. ERQUIAGA in honor of Kenneth L. Meyer

GARY T. SHELFORD from the Firehouse Cafe Breakfast Klatch

GARY T. SHELFORD from the Firehouse Cafe Breakfast Klatch

DAN AND KAREN O’KEEFE in honor of Christine “Tina” Brumbaugh

Turning their individual passion into action, the members of the Eternal Flame Society
are helping our friends and comrades overcome unexpected tragedies and challenges.

By including a gift in their will or trust to your Widows, Orphans & Disabled
Firefighter’s Fund, these special donors are making an investment in our
firefighter family.

These bequests come in all shapes and sizes, including:

• A specific dollar amount
• A percentage of the estate
• A “residual” gift (whatever is left over after other bequests are distributed)

Simply tell your attorney the details of the gift you wish to leave to your Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund,
a non-profit charity, tax ID #95-6205446, serving our LAFD families for more than 116 years.

Join these extraordinary members of the Eternal Flame Society by including a gift in your estate plan and contacting
Relief Association Development & Marketing Director Marlene Casillas at (323) 259-5217 or mcasillas@lafra.org.

54 • April 2024
 LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
February 7, 2024
CALL TO ORDER PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Chris Stine called the Meeting of the Irma Mondragon Plaque Unveiling: Prior to the
Board of Trustees of the Los Angeles Firemen’s Re- opening of the board meeting, the unveiling of the
lief Association to order at 10:24 a.m. memorial plaque in honor of Irma Mondragon took
place. The plaque, designed by Juan Carlos Sanchez,
ROLL CALL detailed a beautiful photo and tribute to Irma and all
that she meant to the Relief Association. Members
MEMBERS PRESENT: of Irma’s family were on hand to witness the unveil-
Chris Stine, President ing and express their thanks.
Jim Duffy, Vice President
Trustee Frank Aguirre Pension Update: The new subsidy formula is await-
Trustee Cesar S. Garcia ing approval from ad-hoc committee. Then from
Trustee Jeff Halloran there it goes to the commissioners for a vote that
Trustee Tim Halloran would then become internal policy. More to come
Trustee Steve Jones on this as things progress.
Trustee John Marasco
Trustee Elber Navarro On Thursday, March 7th the medical plan renewal
Trustee Derwin Pitts presentation to the Pension Commissioners will
Trustee Milton Quintana take place. Dawna and Heather with Gallagher, Inc.
Trustee Brian Wall have been working on the presentation.
Trustee Craig White
Trustee Danny Wu Firefighter of the Year Luncheon, April 18th (Rich
Trustee Juan Albarran – Pension Moody): The luncheon will take place at the Uni-
Trustee Steve Berkery – Pension versal Sheraton. The Relief has purchased one table.
Trustee Kenneth Breskin – Pension Trustees are instructed to let Jim and Chris know of
Todd Layfer - Executive Director their interest in attending; and in case an additional
Liberty Unciano – Controller/Treasurer table will need to be purchased.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Shift Calendars: If you need a shift calendars, there
Trustee Chris Bustamante are a couple of boxes here. These are the 9 x 12 ver-
Trustee Paul Duke sions. They made a couple of updates. If there is a
Trustee J.D. Fox trustee or station has need for a calendar, please see
Trustee John King Chris after the meeting.
Trustee Mike Sailhamer
Trustee Tyler Tomich
UFLAC Update: At the last general membership
GUESTS: meeting, it was noted that negotiations are taking
Family Members of Irma Mondragon place with a focus on higher pay and medical sub-
Steve Ruda, Community Liaison sidy.
Garth Flint, Beacon Pointe
Mike Breller, Beacon Pointe Estate Planning Benefit: The Relief provides a $750
benefit for estate planning/trust. LARFPA has also
INVOCATION & Flag Salute created a similar benefit at $600. Chris encouraged
members to join LARFPA for their benefit(s); and
Steve Ruda led the invocation. Garth Flint, of Bea- to also take advantage of the benefit provided by the
con Pointe, led the flag salute. Relief. It was also mentioned that there are opportu-
nities for members to leave a legacy by remember-
RATIFICATION OF ACTION AND MIN- ing Widows & Orphans in your trust or will.
UTES
Colorado Springs Memorial/CPF Memorial: There
Chris Stine entertained a motion to approve the will be seven (7) honorees at the IAFF Colorado
January 10, 2024 Board Meeting Minutes. Juan Al- Springs Memorial on Saturday, September 21st.
barran so moved. Kenny Breskin seconded. There Their names are Keoki Deporter, Brian Corntassel,
was no discussion or objections. Valerie Roberts, Dan Ramirez, Sean Stilson, Rich-
ard Tucker, and James Stiglich Eight (8) trustees
Motion carried to approve the January 10, 2024 will attend, at minimum, one per family and an ad-
Board Meeting Minutes. ditional trustee. The full travel dates are Thursday,
September 19th through Sunday, September 22nd.
California Memorial will take place on Saturday,
October 12th. According to policy on the California
Memorial, right now, Keoki Deporter, Brian Corn-
tassel, and Valerie Roberts are approved. In process
yet not yet approved, is Dan Ramirez, Sean Stilson,
and Richard Tucker. James Stiglich, for this state,
is still not determined yet because he’s technically
right around that 10-year mark and they haven’t
made a decision on that, but they’re trying to get
him across the finish line with the 9/11 arrangement
because of his 9/11 exposure. More updates to come
and Diane Vigil is on top of this to determine the
numbers.
Pechanga Reunion: The Pechanga Reunion will
take place Monday, May 13th through Friday, May
17th. Wednesday, May 15th is Vendor Day. To date,
ten (10) vendors have confirmed their attendance. If
a trustee cannot attend for multiple days, May 15th
is a good day to be present. Chris requested the
event be promoted by the trustees with the actives
and retirees at breakfasts, retirements, and other
events as appropriate to encourage people to attend.
The flyer will be sent out in mass. There are options
to camp or stay at the hotel for the reunion. There is
a firefighter public safety discount on rooms avail-
able. Ten (10) vendors will be attending. Linda Lara
of LAFD Fire Apparel is onboard to attend and sell
merchandise. UFLAC will also be present. Alma
Fowble is in again as the “fun coordinator.”
Chaplain Responsibilities & LAFRA Support:
Chris received a call from the chaplain core request-
ing a way for them to showcase some of the positive
things they do; outside of showing up when some-
one passes. They want people to know who they are
and how they can be of assistance. There are a lot
of connections among the chaplains and the LAFD.
Marlene Casillas shot video and photos, in full uni-
form, of each chaplain. She will start by writing up
a profile for each chaplain on their background and
what religion that they actually represent.
Live Health Online: Chris advised that members
have been providing feedback recently about the
Live Health App. They were having issues in seeing
a doctor, the change in the look and access of the
app, etc. Chris, in checking his own app, discovered
the look and feel of the app has indeed changed.
Medical provider accessibility has changed. Previ-
ously, member would log in and a list of doctors
with names and pictures were shown as available
for a member’s selection of the doctor they wanted
to go to see. Now, you put all your information in,
then you go into a queue and then a provider is as-
signed to you.
Chris will send a demo of what things look like now
and then it will be promoted via our social media
channels as well. Information about Live Health
April 2024 • 55
Online has been updated on our websites.
FitOn Health: At the March 6th Medical Commit-
tee meeting, representatives from Sharecare and
FitOn Health will be on hand, in -person or via
Zoom, to provide a status update since the rollout of
the new gym membership network and its enhance-
ments. The challenges of navigating the app were
discussed and it was recommended that more steps
or a cleaner tutorial should be provided. The FAQ
page created has been helpful. Also, it is best to go
to Sharecare first, prior to going to the FitOn Health
app. Overall, the positives, so far, have been getting
gym access for youth ages 13-17 and the availabil-
ity for facilities outside of your normal gym type of
facility. Further, they are still working on increasing
the number of gym facilities in less densely popu-
lated areas where Relief members reside.
Retirement Celebrations & Trustee Attendance:
Trustees have been pretty busy with work, life and
attending these celebrations. If you are approached
about presenting the badge at the ceremony, it is im-
perative that you attend and make the presentation.
If the requested trustee is unable to attend, please
let Chris know immediately so another trustee can
attend in their place.
Board Educational Offsite: The offsite meetings
will take place Sunday, June 23rd through Tuesday,
June 25th in Huntington Beach. The expectation is
that all trustees will be in attendance. There will be
a presentation by Ian Bennett on the PSOB benefit,
either in-person or via Zoom.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Chris Stine entertained a motion to move into an
Executive Session for voting members of the board.
Steve Berkery so moved. Juan Albarran seconded.
The Board entered into Executive Session at 10:57
a.m. The Board adjourned from Executive Session
at 11:30 a.m.
Member updates and fundraising events were dis-
cussed in Executive Sesson.
VICE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
2024 Conferences: Jim sent an email to the board
in mid-December about the upcoming dates. The
IFEBP Washington Legislative Update is happen-
ing in Washington, D.C. on Manday, May 6 through
Tuesday, May 7th. Jim will send out an email about
this conference. An additional email to be sent in
February covering more conferences available for
the year with information about who can, should or
will attend. Jim will keep the board up to date on the
conferences schedule.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
Member Profile Report Mailing: This is the annual
report that summarizes a member’s coverages and
56 • April 2024
deductions. It is at the printing house right now.
It will likely be sent out within the next couple of
weeks.
Payroll Donation Letters: Donations are acknowl-
edged in a couple of different ways. Payroll deduc-
tions are done annually. A one-off or in memory/
honor/tribute of donation will generate an immedi-
ate letter/electronic acknowledgement via the De-
velopment & Marketing department.
1099s: If you had over $600 in income from the
Relief Association, you will receive a 1099 form.
Contact Loan Tran or Yan Niu in Accounting with
any questions.
2024 Budget Preparation: The medical budget will
be a big portion of the overall LAFRA budget. The
medical budget will be reviewed at the February
21st Medical Committee meeting. It will then be in-
corporated into the overall LAFRA budget for final
presentation to the Board at the March 6th meeting.
FRITS 3.0: Todd, Chris, and Bob Dillon are meet-
ing every other week for updates and project check-
ins. The Elevation Solutions team is putting together
training or reference manuals and videos for the
staff to use in system operation. The project remains
on track and on budget.
Golf Wrap Up Meeting: The Golf Committee had
their wrap up meeting for the 2023 LAFD Invita-
tional on January 30th. Financially, it was a good
year. There were 82-86 golfers who participated.
With this number of golfers, there was a faster pace
of play.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Beacon Pointe Offside Meeting: This offsite meet-
ing has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 13th
at the Beacon Point offices in Newport Beach. Nine
(9) committee members are attending.
Also, the IFEBP Investment Institute will take place
in Rancho Mirage, CA on Wednesday, March 6th
and Thursday, March 7th. Three committee mem-
bers will attend.
Garth and Mike entered the meeting at 11:45 a.m.
Beacon Pointe 2023 Investment Performance Re-
view: NOTE: This discussion took place before im-
mediately after the Executive Session and before the
Vice President and remaining reports on the agenda.
Garth and Mike took the board through a detailed
assessment and discussion of the 2023 Investment
Performance Review. Interest Rates, Inflation and
Stock Market Performance was discussed. Also,
Asset allocation was discussed including exposure
to Large Cap, International, and Alternatives along
with Fixed Income. Market returns for 2023 were
excellent with a composite return of 14%.
Garth and Mike exited the meeting at 12:15 p.m.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
Audit Preliminary & Fieldwork Dates: The prelimi-
nary work will take place on Monday, April 1st thru
5th and April 8th – 12th for fieldwork. The commit-
tee will meet to review the audit.
BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT
Juan reported on the reg-4 that is scheduled for
Monday, March 25th. This is a holiday; however,
Operations staff will cover. There are estimates out
on an emergency generator for power. These will be
reviewed and presented to the board when ready.
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
$1,337,330.30. There was no discussion or objec-
tions.
Motion carried to pay the usual and customary
bills in the amount of $1,337,330.30.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay
$685 for lapel pins. These are the pins worn with
a suit and designate the wearer as a Relief trustee/
member. There was no further discussion or objec-
tions.
Motion carried to pay $685 for lapel pins.
MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT
Frank Aguirre presented the following motion(s).
The committee recommends and I so move to ap-
prove the medical plan bills totaling $1,324,274.82.
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the Medical Plan bills
totaling $1,324,274.82.
RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT
Steve Berkery presented the following motion.
The committee recommends and I so move to pay:
The Sick & Injury benefits for Active & Retired in
the amount of $22,238.40 The Estate Planning ben-
efit in the amount of $8,850
The Life & Accident Withdrawals of $0
The Assistance Committee in the amount of
$13,839.24 The Emergency Advancements in the
amount of $0
The Widows & Orphans Disabled Firefighter’s to
accept donations in the amount of $24,700.95 The
Life and Accident Death Benefit in the amount of
$24,000
The Relief Death Benefits in the amount of $60,000
Motion carried to pay the above Relief benefits.
Steve Berkery read the names of members who
recently passed and asked for a moment of silence
from the Board.
MEMORIALS
Leroy B. Young
David Carson
Dale H. Messman
Dennis G. Bogard
Tom G. Harrison
Michael G. Ziemann
Paul R. Olson
Stephan C. Morgan
Werner H. Wahlers
James Stiglich
Gary E. Rummell
Tom Kenyon
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Steve Berkery started the LAFD Retiree Facebook
Page. He is working through things surrounding the
implementation of the page. Kenny Breskin may
join him in managing the page going forward. Steve
requested assistance in operating the page. Chris
advised Steve to get with Danny and potentially our
social media vendors, Deborah and Nick, for addi-
tional guidance and input before the page is shared
with the masses.
BY-LAW COMMITTEE REPORT
Jeff Halloran advised the committee met on Janu-
ary 24th. They are working through some updates
and changes to the policy book and bylaws. J.D. has
all those changes. There will be another meeting on
Wednesday, February 21st after committee meet-
ings.
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT
Application & Exam Dates: The scholarship ap-
plication filing period is Friday, March 1st through
Sunday, March 31st. The exam date is Saturday,
April 13th. Milton Quintana noted the information
is on the Relief website (under the Benefits tab in
the black ribbon near the top of the homepage) and
an ad will be in the March Grapevine. The contact
email address is scholarship@lafra.org.
MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE REPORT
New Bequest: The daughter of a retired firefighter
is leaving her assets to Widows & Orphans. This is
Planned Giving!
Videos/Web Articles/Newsletter and Other Con-
tent: We have dozens of videos in editing and will
be rolling them out strategically this year on our
YouTube, web sites, newsletter and social media.
Several medical plan testimonials are in editing
along with shorter PPO plan and Relief benefits
“shout outs” with members touting how great the
benefits and services are and appreciating the value
of membership. Videos watched, in all or in part, at
this meeting included ones on:
Hook and Ladder Enduro Video (https://www.
wodff.org/hook-ladder/),
Drill Tower Graduation Class 2023-2 Video
(https://www.wodff.org/drill-tower-graduations/),
and its YouTube short (https://www.youtube.com/@
givetoahero/shorts), and finally Social Media Wrap
We are now doing YouTube shorts, the platform is
pushing these and investing more in channels that
have them – also it is a fantastic way to get more
views, in order to qualify and keep a donation but-
ton, we must maintain a certain number of views
annually. These are less than one minute long and
are shot and produced in the vertical format rather
than the more traditional landscape.
Important Note: The business cards our video team
hands out at the Drill Tower graduations and the
signage they bring out is working! We saw a surge
in Instagram followers as well as new newsletter
subscribers on that Thursday. This is the perfect
target audience for us to capture and engage with
since they have a family member or friend that is
now LAFD, and they are most likely to get involved
with us – subscribe, follow, watch, share, volunteer
and hopefully at some point donate!
Social Media Report from Nick:
Instagram
Followers grew by 86% (226 to 421)
Organic reach has increased by 827% (445 to 4,127)
LinkedIn
Organic impressions grew by 176% (1,503 to 4,158)
Clicks to the website grew by as much as 1,500%
(92 to 1,476)
Engagement rate increased by as much as 3x (5.63
to 13.16)
Facebook
Reach (31,612), profile visits (2,813) and new page
likes (70), all increased by as much as 120% (vs
2022)
CARS donation Program: The CARS program is
bringing in a steady stream of donors. The total
from 2021 to present is $11,383. April is monitoring
the incoming donations on a monthly basis and fol-
low up with the donors, thanking them, and tracking
all the data and associated information in our Donor
database based on reports and info CARS shares in
its portal.
NEW BUSINESS
“Wild Bill” Camping Trip: This is a trip in honor of
Bill James. Milton advised he is working on a flyer
for the event. The flyer will be shared with the board
and then promoted on social media. The camping
trip has been going for a few years. This year, a goal
is to try to bring in a little bit more money this year
and make it more of a charity event. It takes place
in Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground up in
Buellton on Thursday, May 16th through Monday,
May 20th. Some of these dates overlap with the
Pechanga Reunion.
SETTING OF MEETING DATES
Hook & Ladder Enduro: The event will take place
on Friday, March 15th & Saturday, March 16th.
Lane Kemper Softball Classic: The event will take
place on Wednesday, April 24th.
Hope for Firefighters DTLA: The event will take
place on Thursday, June 6th.
Bob Manoa has that informal event for “if you ever
wanted to work at 14s or if you worked at 14s” on
Sunday, March 24th. This is an open event.
The next committee meetings will take place on
Wednesday, February 21st. The next board meeting
will be on Wednesday, March 6th.
RETIREMENT CELEBRATIONS
Chris requested to be informed if a trustee has been
contacted about a retirement celebration (luncheon,
dinner, etc.) or if they know if a trustee is needed to
attend. There are a number of celebrations coming
up in early 2024.
Mike Kolezar @ Brewport Tap House 16:00 on Sat-
urday, February 3rd.
Antoine McKnight @ Hilton Culver City 18:00 on
Saturday, February 3rd.
Paul Medina @ FS44 08:00 on Thursday, February
8th.
Joe Kovacic @ St. Anthony Croatian Church 712 N.
Grand LA 18:00 on Saturday, February 17th.
Falo Tiumalu III @ Elks Lodge No. 966 San Pedro
17:00 on Saturday, March 2nd. Juan will be there
and can present if necessary.
Jabari Jumaane @ The Beehive 16:00 on Saturday,
March 9th. Brian Wall will handle.
Ted Kalnas @ Knollwood Country Club in Grana-
da Hills 17:00 on Friday, April 26th.
ADJOURNMENT
Chris Stine entertained a motion to adjourn. Juan
Albarran so moved. Craig White seconded. There
was no discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to adjourn. The Board of Trustees
meeting adjourned at 12:52 p.m.
Chris Stine, President
April 2024 • 57
 CLASSIFIEDS
For advertising information, please contact:
Eric Santiago - (323) 259-5231 - eric@lafra.org
REAL ESTATE
FOR SALE
TWO S/B/S GRAVE SITES FOR
SALE. Rose Hills Cemetery Whit-
tier, curbside graves in the Garden
of Affection, $9,000 ea., or both
for $17,000. Contact: Larry Wilson
(LAFD retired) @ (951)780-1838.
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 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
INCOME TAX PREPARATION
Tired of paying excessive fees for
lncome Tax Preparation? A and J’s
Tax Service has been in business
for over 30 years. We offer year-
round friendly service at very af-
fordable prices. We are located on
Ventura Blvd. ln Woodland Hills.
Joe Flores, Certified Tax Profes-
sional, retired LAFD firefighter/
paramedic. Business telephone
(818) 340-3575. Cell (818) 521-
9227. ajstax@hotmall.com
KEVIN LOCKHART ROOFING &
CONSTRUCTION. Roofing repair
and maintenance, construction
waterproofing solutions. Kevin
Lockhart 18-A (661)810-4980
lic #536528
VACATION
RENTALS
AZ - VACATION RENTALS. Home
to Spring Training, Barrett Jackson
Auto Auction, and Arabian Horse
Show – WestWorld. Two homes.
1. Walking distance to Sloan Park
- Chicago Cubs Spring Training
Fields, 3+2 - Pool - Putting Green
– Mesa @cubbiehousemesaaz
2. Walking distance to Scottsdale
Stadium and 10 minute drive to
58 • April 2024
Salt River Talking Stick Fields
and Tempe Diablo Stadium. 3+1
- Old Town Scottsdale @scotts-
dale76th
Call us – Rod, FS-56B or Diana:
(661)294-0971 to book direct
and avoid the short-term rental
platform fees.
BEACH COTTAGE AT SILVER
STRAND, OXNARD. 2 BR/2 bath.
Sleeps 6. W/D in unit. Outdoor
Pizza oven, bbq, indoor/outdoor
games, etc. 6 houses from the
beach. Walking distance to local
restaurants, market, and tavern.
Quiet, beautiful neighborhood near
Channel Islands and downtown
Ventura. Endless beach sports
and activities. Special Firefighter
rate. Lisa Gillis (562) 787-1940
BEAUTIFUL BIG BEAR CABIN.
Two-story with vaulted ceiling,
2BD/1BA . Close to lake, shops,
skiing, and forest. Great deck, lots
of trees, fireplace/wood, cable TV/
WiFi, BBQ, fully equipped except
linens. 6-person max , pets ok.
$150/day, 2-night min. Week rate
available. Contact Donna at (760)
723-1475 or DnBeep@gmail.
com. See photos at www.schaf-
fercabin.com
BIG BEAR RENTAL. 3 bedroom,
3 bath chalet with large loft with
it’s own bathroom in Fawnskin,
Big Bear Lake. Sleeps 10, walking
distance to some of the best hik-
ing trails in Big Bear, 15 min drive
to Snow Summit and Big Bear
Village. Huge back deck area with
phenomenal views of the lake.
Lots of cooking supplies; instapot,
air fryer, and more! Game room
with boardgames, pool table,
foosball and darts.
https://abnb.me/24MAsKIuZlb
CAMBRIA HAVEN IN THE PARK
HILL AREA OF CAMBRIA. A
beautiful studio with one queen
bed, perfect for two people to get
away. Enjoy ocean sounds and
views with a patio and yard for
that small pet. Full size kitchen.
Close to Moonstone Beach, the
Fiscalini Ranch and Cambria’s
West Village. Hearst Castle is
minutes away. Call Ana 559-
974-2509 for fire family discount
pricing.
CLASS A 28FT EASY TO DRIVE
RV RENTAL: 2021 FREEDOM
TRAVELER. Spacious with four
beds and two slide outs. Sleeps
six. One queen in back, full bed
under cab and two more. Binder
needed for Insurance. Text John
at (805) 407-6373 for further
information or questions
Email: nsatutor@gmail.com
COEUR D’ALENE, ID HOME
One story 2 bed, 1.5 bath
located in quiet neighborhood in
the Sanders Beach area. Fully
furnished, wifi, central heating/
ac, laundry. Walking distance to
downtown CDA, the lake, parks,
and multiple bars/restaurants.
No pets, no smoking. Contact
Andrew at CDArental99@gmail.
com for questions, availability,
pricing.
COLORADO RIVER HOME IN
MOOVALYA KEYS. Parker, Az.
3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Sleeps 8,
50’dock, gated community. $450/
night plus fees, 3 night min.
okpauly@hotmail.com
COZUMEL, MEXICO CONDO
Beautiful, large, modern 3
bedroom, 3.5 bath condo at The
Landmark, 3800 sq. feet. Sleeps
6, ocean views, steps from beach.
Smart TV, Wi-Fi, pool, jacuzzi,
tennis. All master suites with
ensuite bathrooms. No smoking.
Call David (LAFD retired) at 949-
294-2953.
Email: azmalproperties@gmail.
com
Facebook: The Landmark 511
COME TO MAMMOTH. Newly
renovated, studio-loft. Beauti-
ful, top-floor unit. 2 full baths,
fully-stocked kitchen, cozy patio
facing the woods, plenty of natural
light. Pool, hot tub, dry sauna and
laundry are steps away. Mid-town,
convenient and just steps away
from the shuttle for snow, trails
and lakes.
Questions: mattydspence@
gmail.com
visit: https://bit.ly/MammothK10
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/theriver-
housevacationhome
GRAND CANYON/ WILLIAMS,
ARIZONA. 4 bed,
3 bath Historic Home one
block from Route 66. WALK
to everything! 8 person MAX.
No special events. Gorgeous
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
HAVASU/BOATERS.
3bdrm(2king,1full) 2bath, turnkey,
w/d, WiFi, Dish, gas bbq,
1/2 mile to Windsor launch, cov-
ered gated boat parking,
3 nites $450, $100 for each addi-
tional nite- cleaning included, 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 cata-
maran shuttle to London Bridge. No
Smoking/Pets. $175 nt. Weekdays,
$225 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 Speedway.
Walk or bike to Main St.
Short drive, 7 miles, to Lucas Oil
Stadium, Downtown Indy, River-
front, 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.
Sleeps 8. Within a mile of fishing
& skiing. Close to Mammoth and
Yosemite. Spacious living room,
kitchen, and wood deck. Smart TV
and Wifi. $150/night plus cleaning
fee of $125. Email for pictures.
Brian Smith LAFD (310)872-7311.
junecabin52@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 smok-
ing. Call Karen (661) 965-0542.
LAKE HAVASU BEAUTY FOR
RENT - 3 bdrm, 2 bath, 1600 sq.ft.
Fully furnished with all ameni-
ties- Laundry & BBQ. 13,000 sq.ft.
lot. 3 car boat-deep garage. 3
miles from launch ramp. Close to
downtown shops & restaurants.
View of the lake. Quiet street in
good neighborhood. No pets. No
smoking. Snowbird rates. Call
Mike (661) 510-6246
LAKE HAVASU GETAWAY
3 bed, 2 bath, Kitchen, Boat Park-
ing, with a AMAZING VIEW of the
lake. located near restaurant’s,
and the option to use two different
boat launches both about 1 mile
from house. large fenced in back-
yard. Small PETS are welcome,
NON SMOKER Please. $180. nt.
Weekends $240. Fri-Sat EXCL
Holidays. 2 night min. Cleaning
Fee $125. pics avaialable. Email
rbrianson@hotmail.com call
Brian LAFD 714-376-2032
LAKE HAVASU LANDING.
TH1-29, Waterfront, 3 BD 3 BA,
Direct-TV, DVD, WiFi, BBQ,
Mooring, Casino, Market, Launch
Ramp, Marina, Off Road Trails,
Gated. No Smoking/Pets, $285
Weekday, $850 Weekend, $1995
Week, Maid $150, Resort TOT fee
25%, bring linen, (310) 418-1577,
daggertooth@aol.com
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 casino, groceries,
marina, launch ramp and off-road
trails. No pets, no smoking. $350
Bowen/Garner email:
havasulanding27@gmail.com
LAKE HAVASU LANDING
RESORT. 3 bedroom, 2 bath,
waterfront house, boat, mooring
out front, fully furnished, laundry,
gas BBQ, launch ramp, gated com-
munity, grocery store, hardware
store. No pets, no smoking. Email
Kathy at scarkj@yahoo.com or
call (760) 858-4470
LAKE HAVASU POOL HOME.
1900 sq. ft. remodeled 3 bdrm,
3 1/2 baths, sleeps 8. (1 King,
2 queens). Backyard with pool,
jacuzzi with underwater lights.
Fully furnished w/ linens, laundry,
WIFI, INTERNET, TVs, BBQ.
$150 weekdays, $250 week-
ends, $175 cleaning fee. 2 night
minimum. No smoking. Call Gabe
Moreno at 714-724-5556 or email:
fightin25@yahoo.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.
LOG CABIN NEAR JACKSON
HOLE WY: Close to Snake River,
Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, World
Class Skiing. Call (818) 207-
0811 LAFD Retired. Visit: www.
aspenhill
cabin.com for all information.
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. Com-
plex has pool, spa, sauna, laundry.
Winter $404/night, Summer $292/
night, plus cleaning. Includes city
bed tax. No pets, no smoking.
Dory Jones (541) 218-6443 or
Kelly Corcoran (310) 619-5355
MAMMOTH CONDO IN SNOW-
CREEK IV. Super nice 2 bedroom
/ 2 bathroom located in FAN-
TASTIC Snowcreek IV. *PETS
WELCOME! King, Double Queen
bunk, & trundle, Nicely furnished
with high-end appliances. Fully
stocked kitchen. Washer/Dryer in
the unit. Pricing varies by season
and demand. Exceptional condo!
Goldencreek637@gmail.com,
909-576-2025, Website: https://
goldencreek637.wixsite.com/
mysite
MAMMOTH CONDO.10min walk
to Village 1bd+loft, 2ba, sleeps 6,
in unit pvt dry sauna, garage park-
ing, WiFi, Smart TVs, balcony with
view, spa, pool. Fire Dept rates
available. David Jaureguy, LAFD,
(818)266-9844
bigwoodtreetops@gmail.com
MAMMOTH CONDO. Updated
2 bedroom 1 bath old mammoth/
eagle lodge area. Sleeps 5. Fully
equipped kitchen, wifi, pool, spa,
laundry. Walk to restaurants, bars,
stores, park and trolly. Winter $175
summer $130 plus cleaning fee,
holiday rates vary, multiple night
discounts. No pets.Contact Will
Nevins 26”B” (714) 697-2587
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 Cleaning. No Smoking
or Pets. Call Craig Yoder (909)
948-3659.
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. $160/night
winter, $125/night summer. Plus
cleaning and bed tax. Call Terry
Imlay (949)322-3473 or (949)458-
0768
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 SEASONS 4
CONDO. Cozy 1 bedroom condo
with full-size pullout couch and bo-
nus room with twin size bunkbed
that comfortably sleeps 4 adults
and 2 children. Conveniently
located 15 min walk between the
Village 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:
Studio/Loft, 2 bath, King bed,
sleeps 4. Full kitchen, WiFi,TV,
DVD, HDMI input Garage parking.
Walk to Canyon Lodge. Ski back
trail. 2 night minimum. No pets/
smoking. Oct-April $150/nite, May-
Sept $100/nite. Plus $155 cleaning
& linens. Jeff & Lisa Moir. LAFD
ret (661) 254-5788
MAMMOTH SNOW CREEK IV.
beautiful, full remodel 2b/2ba
1King, 1Queen, +couch to queen.
Sleeps 4-6. Fully stocked open
kitchen, large smart TVs, jacuzzi.
Bottom floor next to parking. No
smoking/no pets. www.airbnb.
com/h/ourdeerfriendsretreat
Text or email for fire rates.
Ourdeerfriendsretreat@gmail.
com Shane Hirsch (LAFD)
(714) 803-9324
MAUI, HAWAII VACATION
RENTAL. Kamaole Sands beach
front resort, spacious I bedroom,
2 bath condo #7104 located in
Kihei beautiful beach and garden
views with park like settings, with
pool, jacuzzi and bbq stations
just outside of relaxing lanai. For
pictures and rates contact:
mauirentalgroups@vtrips.com
complex #7104 sleeps up to 4
adults with some exceptions for
children. Retired firefighter owned
with 10% discount given to all
LAFD firefighters and policemen.
NASHVILLE CONDO. Two bed-
room condo, sleeps 6, in Down-
town Nashville. Walking distance
to Broadway St, hockey and NFL
stadium. Contact Wayne, LAFD
@ (805) 796-7863 for availability
and price.
SHELL VACATION CLUB time-
share points for sale! Points allow
for maximum travel flexibility. Stay
at any Shell Resort or use RCI to
travel the globe with thousands
of options! 8700 annual points
can be used for accommodations,
airfare, rental cars, or cash out.
Take over deed for $10,000 obo!
Same point value costs $30k-40k
at resort. Maintenance fees are
$235 monthly. Vince Nixon—LAFD
retired 805-585-8808
RIVERFRONT IN BITTERROOT
VALLEY, MT. New custom 2/2 in
Darby. Fish from deck! Leather
furn. Brand new appliances. Out-
door entertaining. Fly fishing, ATV
trails, hiking.Traeger/Blackstone.
Outdoor pool table. Wi-Fi, cable.
Laundry. 1 min. from where they
film “Yellowstone.” May – Sept.
Daughter of fallen firefighter.
www.bitterrootriverhouse.com
or call (406) 274-7670
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. $125 per night
plus cleaning. Call Shawn (661)
476-6288.
For
advertising,
email:
eric@lafra.org
April 2024 • 59
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60 • April 2024
 Fire Service Day

Well, it’s almost May, which

we all know is the month we celebrate
Fire Service Day. This is just a friendly
reminder to make sure you take the time
to remind family and friends to stop by
their local fire station and say a quick
hello to the crews working that day,
and to let them they are appreciated for
their service to the community at large.
This month’s tailboard is from a 1960’s
Grapevine. It is a photo of an old pam-
phlet that was handed out to people who
attended such event during that time.
Thank you to Photographer David Blaire
for the use of his great photo.

April 2024 • 61
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
7470 N Figueroa Street
Los Angeles CA 90041-1725