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Saturday,

december 5 th , 2015

12 pm to 4pm

Visit our new offices!

Enjoy great food & catch up
with old friends...

This year we honor the work

and dedication of

James E. Coburn

Los Angeles Firemens

Relief Association

7470 N. FIGUEROA STREET

LOS ANGELES CA 90041

for information:

jbrandolino@lafra.org
323.259.5215

lafra.org

VOL. XCII

OCTOBER 2015

NO. 2

FEATURES
Celebrating the Life of Steven Robinson

Everyone who had the honor of knowing Pilot/Firefighter

Steven Robinson will always remember his positive attitude and

commitment to the job. He touched the lives of thousands of his
colleagues and the people who he served. .............................08

The Fire 3 Tragedy

The loss of four lives and critical injuries to two of our members

was one of the darkest days for the LAFD. .............................11

CONTENTS
Presidents Message .........................................................................05
Election of Trustees Announcement ................................................06
Your LAFRA Board of Trustees ........................................................07
Battalion News .................................................................................12
The Retired Guys .............................................................................27
Fire Hogs
The Fallen Heroes Memorial Ride ................................................28
Department in Action ...........................................................................30
Promotions ........................................................................................34
Station Fridge ...................................................................................37
Chaplains Corner
Procrastination is the thief of time ............................................39
Work Comp Report
Firefighters at greater risk for cancer ........................................41
Retirement Dinner Announcements .................................................45
Mailbox .............................................................................................46
Memorials ........................................................................................49
Dollars and Sense
The Credit Union celebrates 80 years ........................................51
LAFD History
The chemical hose wagon ............................................................52
Minutes of the Board of Trustees .....................................................55
Classifieds ...........................................................................................57
Tailboard ..............................................................................................60

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

COPYRIGHT 2015

Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association.

No material may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

2 October 2015

On the cover: Commercial Structure Fire - Watts

30

Photo by: David Blaire

Follow us on Facebook

www.facebook.com/firemensgrapevine

Inset photo by: Adam VanGerpen

Steven Robinson Memorial
October 2015 3

FIREMENS GRAPEVINE
owned and published by the

Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association

7470 N Figueroa Street, Los angeles CA 90041

EDITORIAL STAFF
Dave Wagner Editor..........................................................editor@lafra.org
Eric Santiago Creative Editor.....................................esantiago@lafra.org
Juan-Carlos Snchez Project Coordinator................jcsanchez@lafra.org
DisplayAdvertising....................................(323) 259-5200 ext. 231, 232, 260

PSOs

Margaret Stewart, Brian Humphrey, Erik Scott

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mike Mastro, Frank Borden, Jody Houser,

Michael Stefano, Monte Egherman, Steve Ruda

PHOTOGRAPHERS

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

LOS ANGELES FIREMENS RELIEF ASSOCIATION

Juan Albarran........................................................President
Robert Steinbacher .......................................Vice-President
Andrew Kuljis ........................................................Secretary
Barry Hedberg
Chris Hart
Chris Stine
Craig White
David Lowe
David Ortiz
David Peters

BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Doak Smith
Frank Hernandez
Frank Aguirre
Gene Bednarchik
James E. Coburn
Jeff Cawdrey
Joe Vigil

Mark Akahoshi
Rick Godinez
Steve Berkery
Steve Ruda
Steven Domanski
Tim Larson
Tyler Tomich

CHAPLAINS

To contact a chaplain,
Please call Senior Chaplain Rick Godinez at (213) 797-2404
or the MFC Floor Captain at (213) 576-8920
Greg W. Gibson...................Chaplain
Danny Leon..........................Chaplain
George A. Negrete...............Chaplain
Aquil F. Basheer..................Chaplain
Tim Werle............................Chaplain

Hershy Z. Ten.......................Chaplain
Roger Fowble.....................Chaplain
Mark R. Woolf.....................Chaplain
Jesus Pasos.........................Chaplain
Craig Poulson.....................Chaplain

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

Claims & Benefit Information...................................(866) 99-LAFRA

THE FIREMENS GRAPEVINE (USPS 191-060) is published monthly by the Los Angeles Firemens
Relief Association, 7470 N Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, California 90041. Annual $24 Subscription
included with Association membership; Non-members: $36. Single issues $3 postpaid. Back issues $6
postpaid. Periodicals postage paid at Los Angeles, CA and at additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send
address changes to: THE FIREMENS GRAPEVINE Magazine, P.O. BOX 41903, Los Angeles, CA 90041.
Printed by Collective Color, Los Angeles CA. For Classified and Display Advertising rates please call (323)
259-5200, ext. 231, 232 or 260. All editorial matter must be received by the Editor eight weeks prior to the
month of publication. The opinions expressed herein are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect
the official views of the Los Angeles City Fire Department or the Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association.

4 October 2015

Hello
October is going to be a busy month, so hang on! Effective
the 1st of this month, our durable medical equipment (DME) model
was changed. Please see page 26 for important instructions for DME.
This October is also the beginning of our Open Enrollment period
for the LAFRA Medical Plan. You will have the chance to enroll or
make changes to your LAFRA medical benefits. These changes will
be effective on January 1, 2016. Also be on the lookout for Open
Enrollment information in your mailbox.

In another Relief administrative matter, we will be accepting nominations for Group 1 Trustees until the close of business day
October 15th, 2015. This group includes six Active Trustees and one
Retired Trustee. Please fill out the form located on page six of this
issue and forward it to Andy Kuljis.

Speaking of Andy, I would like to borrow a theme from Andys presentations at our retiree events that is applicable to us all KEEP YOUR BENEFICIARY STATUS CURRENT! This applies to
your trusts as well. If you have any questions please call us.

Nominations were submitted and accepted for President and
Vice President for 2016. Robert Steinbacher will be your incoming
President. Jeff Cawdrey will be our Vice President. We are very fortunate in having two very capable individuals step up and lead us.

As I mentioned October is going to
be a busy month, but September was no less
busy. Your LAFRA staff made presentations at both Drill Towers as well as attending the recruit graduation at Drill Tower 40.

LAFRA staff has prepared and made
available a video guide for our flag ceremony at the firehouse for deceased members.
It is available on CD and at www.lafra.org/
flag-ceremony-for-relief-members. This is
to assure we properly pay respect to members who have passed away.

One of the facets of the LAFRA/
LAFD that is seldom recognized is our
Chaplain Corps. In recent events this outstanding group of individuals again went
above and beyond their routine assistance
(as if anything they do could be classified
as routine). The whole corps is fantastic and
very committed. However one individual,

Roger Fowble, provided tremendous support for several members

and their survivors. Thank you Roger.

On September 11, 2015, I had the chance to attend the 9/11
observance at our museum. At the observance I was reminded of
the LAFD Fallen Firefighter Memorial at the Hollywood Museum
and Memorial to be held on October 10, 2015. Thats 10/10 @10:00.
Please attend. This is our chance to recognize those who have passed
and to thank the families for their sacrifice.

Lastly classmate and longtime Trustee Jim Coburn has retired. Congratulations Jim! The Board voted to honor Jim as our
Open House honoree for December 5, 2015. Please save the date to
honor Jim and come see your new building.

Juan Albarran
president@lafra.org
323.259.5200

Jim Coburns retirement luncheon at FS 3

October 2015 5

lection time again is bearing down upon us. Elections are

a very important aspect for the life and health of your Relief Association. It is now time to nominate members of the
Association for the offices of six Active Trustees and one Pension
Trustee positions.
There will be six (6) Active Trustees elected at-large by Active
members and one (1) Pension Trustee, elected by Pension members,
for three year terms. If more than six actives run, the six with the
most votes will elected. If more than one pensioner runs, the one
with most votes will be elected. If no more than six active members
and no more than one pension member runs, there will be a white
ballot declared by the Board and those running will be deemed
elected.

As stated in the Bylaws, Article VII, Chapter I, Section 7136, The

Trustees shall attend all meetings of the Board, unless excused,
visit the sick and injured members in their respective districts,
report upon all matters coming within their scope of assignments and
responsibilities, and perform such other duties as may be assigned
to them by the Board.

The Trustees are the elected representatives of the membership of

the Association, who are responsible to their constituency and to
the Association as a whole. A conscientious effort must be made
by each Trustee to be knowledgeable of the Associations By-Laws
and their responsibilities to the members of the Association. The
Association is governed, and its business conducted by the Board
of Trustees. Dissemination of information relative to the Association and to its membership is conducted primarily by the Trustees.
Conversely, opinions, requests and suggestions are channeled to the
Board, through the Trustees. A close liaison with the membership is
paramount to the performance of the duties of a Trustee.
Nominations are open October 1 through October 15, and will
close at the end of the business day on October 15, 2015.
Only members of the Association in good standing may serve as
an Officeror Trustee. The commitment of a Trustee position is for
three years.
Please Mail, FAX or Email a letter in the following format, with
a recent picture of yourself and a short statement/bio, by close of
business on October 15, 2015.

I, _______________________________________, do hereby submit my name as a

candidate for the position of Active or Pension (circle one) Trustee on the Board
of Trustees of the Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association.

The letter is valid for the General Election of 2015. Mail or FAX to:
ANDREW KULJIS, SECRETARY
Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association
7470 N Figueroa Street, Los Angeles CA 90041 FAX (323) 259-5204 AKULJIS@LAFRA.ORG

6 October 2015

LOS ANGELES FIREMENS RELIEF ASSOCIATION

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

BARRY G. HEDBERG
PENSION TRUSTEE
RETIRED
bhedberg@lafra.org

DAVID L. LOWE
PENSION TRUSTEE
RETIRED
dlowe@lafra.org

TIM LARSON
PENSION TRUSTEE
RETIRED
tlarson@lafra.org

FRANK AGUIRRE
FS 104-B
faguirre@lafra.org

MARK AKAHOSHI
BATT. 9-B
makahoshi@lafra.org

GENE BEDNARCHIK
MFC - A
gbednarchik@lafra.org

STEVE BERKERY
ARSON (ACTS)
sberkery@lafra.org

JEFF CAWDREY
FS 49-C
jcawdrey@lafra.org

JAMES E. COBURN
RETIRED
jcoburn@lafra.org

STEVEN DOMANSKI
RETIRED
sdomanski@lafra.org

RICK GODINEZ
FS 2-A
rgodinez@lafra.org

CHRISTOPHER M. HART
FS 26-C
chart@lafra.org

FRANCISCO HERNANDEZ
FS 90-C
fhernandez@lafra.org

DAVID ORTIZ
CSU-S
dortiz@lafra.org

DAVID PETERS
FS 114-B
dpeters@lafra.org

JOE VIGIL
FS 95-B
jvigil@lafra.org

STEVE RUDA
BATT. 11-B
sruda@lafra.org

DOAK SMITH
RETIRED
dssmith@lafra.org

CHRISTOPHER STINE
FS 10-A
cstine@lafra.org

TYLER TOMICH
FS 10-B
ttomich@lafra.org

CRAIG WHITE
BATT. 5-C
cwhite@lafra.org

JUAN M. ALBARRAN
PRESIDENT
jalbarran@lafra.org

ROBERT D. STEINBACHER
VICE PRESIDENT
FS 114-C
bsteinbacher@lafra.org

7470 N. FIGUEROA ST. LOS ANGELES CA 90041

ANDREW KULJIS
SECRETARY
RETIRED
andy@lafra.org

TODD LAYFER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
tlayfer@lafra.org

800.244.3439

LIBERTY UNCIANO
CONTROLLER
lunciano@lafra.org

VISIT FIREMENSRELIEF.ORG
October 2015 7

Helicopter Pilot/ Firefighter III

Active Duty
Born: May 24, 1965

Appointed: October 2, 1986

L.O.D.D: August 9, 2015

teven was born in 1965 in Santa Monica

to Janet and Dennis Robinson. It was just
a few years later at Palisades Elementary
when the pranks began. A note sent home to
be signed by his parents went back to school
signed MOM. He was not good at forging parent signatures.

At six, Steve learned how to water ski.
There were bets he couldnt get up, but he did.
He became a very good skier doing all kind
of tricks. Later, a minor ski accident caused a
rope burn on his neck. The next day his teacher
asked about the injury. My parents tried to
hang me, he said.

Following in his fathers and brothers
footsteps, Steven joined the LAFD in 1986. He
soon promoted to engineer and after ten years
he earned the job of is life Helicopter Pilot.

Steven married Jennifer Melling and
they gave us two wonderful grandchildren,
Brandon and Kyle. Steve was a wonderful father involved with his kids in every way. Steven, Brandon and Kyle all achieved various
levels of competence in martial arts.

In March of 1998, the Fire 3 event
changed the lives of our family forever. There
were many years of recovery and periods of
severe stress and hardship. We have had 17 additional years and many wonderful times with
Steve. It was after the accident that Kyle was
conceived.

We enjoyed golfing with Steve, he
loved the game. He could hit the ball further
than anyone I know, sometimes even straight.
Steves mom almost always shot a lower score
than him. Steve, we want one more round!

The whole family loved the times in
our Lake Tahoe house. Boating, skiing, hiking and many other sports were the highlights,
however, Steve liked to spend a lot of time on

the couch. Building this house was a family

project. After we bought the property Steve,
his brother Richard (also a firefighter) and I set
out with chainsaws, axe and shovels to remove
seven large pine trees. Soon construction began. Just try to build a house with your son who
worked construction for a few years! Arguments were daily and intense. Looking back at
the construction and the times we had together
in Tahoe, I know Steve would agree, were the
best days of our lives.

Steve, its not goodbye it is until we
see you again.

8 October 2015

Dennis and Janet Robinson


My name is Lance Messner. I am a pilot at Fire Station 114/Air Operations and Steve
Robinson was my friend.
Steve was inspiring:

Steves uniquely determined spirit
brought him success at an early age, as he became one of the youngest firefighters ever to
become a pilot at Air Operations. But the beautiful thing about Steve was that he encouraged
so many others to follow the same path and join
him at Air Ops.
Steve was tenacious and passionate:

When I arrived at Air Ops as a new pilot and discovered that Steve was going to be
my primary instructor, you can only imagine
my relief. I knew the training would be hard,
but what could be a better situation than having
your best buddy as your trainer. I soon realized
that this was the furthest thing from Steves

mind. My training lessons with Steve were

FAR more difficult than my check rides. My
daily grade sheets were littered with red pen
comments . . . NEEDS IMPROVEMENT. This
was Steves way of insuring I would pass. He
left no stone unturned and would not compromise.
Steve was a good listener:

He had those intense blue eyes cradled
by his indelible smile.
Steve was always willing to help:

When my wife was involved in a freeway accident, Steve happened upon the scene
and stopped to help her, driving her into Air
Operations.

Thank you, Dennis and Janet, for raising a son with these qualities. The ripple effect
of Steves character will live on in the difference he made in all of our lives.

Brandon and Kyle, although your time
with your father was too short, your Dads passion, his vision to set and accomplish goals, his
leadership, and his fervent desire to help others
are attributes that all of us fathers only hope
to pass on to our sons. These gifts DEFINED
every single day of your Dads life, and they
will no doubt LIVE ON IN YOU.

Jen, remember you have an extended
family within the fire service. Please dont hesitate to reach out for support . . . even if nothing
more than just to talk or help with the boys
(as Steve always called Brandon and Kyle).

And Steve, as you take this final walk
with God, I would like to say, Aviator to Aviator: May you always have calm winds . . .
keep your wings level with the horizon . . . and
well see you at your final destination someday
. . . Roger that.

October 2015 9

Paid Advertisement

10 October 2015


In the days since hearing of and responding as a chaplain to Steve
Robinsons passing I have been struck by the overall significance of the
Fire 3 crash. By itself, the loss of four lives and critical injuries to two
of our members is big enough, but since it happened in the shadow
of Captain Joe Dupees line of duty death, our first in fourteen
years, the impact of incident #147 is quite broad.

Fire 3 and any loss of life is never about numbers,
its
Its about our members. March 8 and 23 of 1998 are days
t h e
LAFD should never forget. We dont want to relive those
events,
but out of honor and respect we must never forget the
lost and the
hurting that remain. We still need each other.
George Negrete, LAFD Chaplain

The Eternal Scar

By Nicholas Reiner

March 23rd, an ordinary day, just one to

forget.
Maybe for you, but not for me, not yet.
I was changed that morning, changed in
my soul and my heart,
A morning for me that will stand apart
My Dad died that day doing what he did
best
Saving lives without much rest.
The helicopter--the cradle of life had rudder failure and started to descend.
The girl in the chopper dying, my dad and
others gave a hand to lend.
The aircraft was lost, my Dad lost with it.
I was thunderstruck, shocked, and utterly
sad
That my life had taken this turn because of
the loss of my Dad
I didnt know what to think, or say
I experienced nothing but sadness that
horrible day.
I was left without a father to guide me on
my way.
Left without a leader, I began to sway
Back and forth with a question I had
Why did God choose to take my Dad?
Why me, why him, why oh why?
What would my life be like if he were
here, alive?

How would I have been, what would I have

done?
Would I have been a good or bad son?
Ill never know, because I cant change
the past
This is why my memories and prayers
must last
One of his favorite quotes was Always
take the high road.
Well, when I think of him I ponder this
quote.
And I think that if he died to save then I
can stand up and be brave
Face my fears, and take up my crosses
Accept hardship, and deal with my losses
I am scarred forever because he died
Unable to forget what is contained inside
This wound, once open and throbbing
without control
Now silent, numbed, a deep meaningful
hole
Eternally present, once only pain,
Now death gives way to hopeful gain
A tear, a smothered cry, anguished
undenied
Find here a knowing, a caring and warmth
supplied
The day is gone, the scar will stay
His courage, now mine, will lead the way.

NTSB Report
Accident occurred MAR-23-98 at LOS ANGELES, CA Aircraft: Bell 205A-1
On March 23, 1998, about 0740 hours, a Bell 205A-1, operated by the LAFD, experienced
an in-flight tail rotor system failure. During the attempted forced landing, the helicopter
impacted trees and terrain approximately 1.5 miles northwest of its destination. The
purpose of the flight was to provide air ambulance transportation for a seriously injured child. The helicopter was destroyed, and the commercial certificated pilot and one
crewmember were seriously injured. Three additional crewmembers and the passenger
sustained fatal injuries. The local area flight originated from the Van Nuys Airport about
0722. Upon dispatch, the helicopter proceeded about 8 miles northeast and landed about
0729 at the Stonehurst Elementary School playground, near the scene of an automobile traffic accident. The 11-year-old trauma patient (passenger) was loaded into the
helicopter, and the pilot took off about 0731. Using the air traffic control call sign of
Lifeguard Fire Three, the pilot proceeded in a south-southeasterly direction directly
toward the Childrens Hospital. About 0737, during cruise flight over Griffith Park, the
pilot experienced a partial loss of control and transmitted that he was experiencing an
emergency. About 1/2 minute later, the pilot indicated that he was making a forced
landing. During the wreckage examination the helicopters two tail rotor blades and the
adjacent 90-degree gear box were observed missing from the tail boom. These components were
subsequently located on a hillside debris path
within approximately 0.1 mile of each other, and
about 1 mile north of the main wreckage. The yoke
assembly, which normally secures the rotor blades
together and connects to the drive shaft, was observed fractured. A local metallurgical laboratory
reported the yoke had a fatigue fracture.

October 2015 11

Captain Jim Coburn completes 35 years on

the job with a celebration at FS 3 on 8/31/15.

Its October and Halloween is just
around the corner, which means that ghost and
goblins will be out and about this season. But
before we get to that lets Greet and Trash-Out
to those who have served on the East Side.
Farewell Chief Wordin, back to Special Duty
with the assignment of solving our ghostly
false alarm problem in the City - one quick
and easy solution would be to slap a bill on
to the owners front door, which would be a
nice trick or treat for them. We welcome in
Ben Wood from Battalion 13 to Battalion 2.
Remember, you start off your assignment with
a 100, until you start knocking off your own
points. Also, last but not least, off IOD, so
whether or not hell be coming back will all be
a matter of how fast his knee heals is Captain
Toledo. If his knees recover as fast as his
mustache grows, he should be back in no time.

Back to the ghosts that haunt the East
Side. FS 12 had a supernatural experience
when Engineer Tim Aguayo was chasing his
engine south bound in the alley behind the
station for two blocks. Some say he thought he
saw a ghost because by the end of the day, he
was missing hair and it all turned white! Also,
while at 12s, when making relief at another
station, dont wait until 8 am to start making
oats and trying to contribute your Two Cents
into a line-up when you have to take off and
shouldve done so a lot earlier. But have no
fear, Captain Ybarra put this future captain
in his place and hopefully he understands
what it is when you hear the term, We owe
ourselves. Bottom line, wake up early and be
ready to be relieved. Keep up tradition and do
the right thing!

I have a question for all members How is it a battalion member always goes
off FI or SK when he is detailed to a rescue?
When doing this should he go home or remain
at the station where he is assigned continuing
to work out for several hours? Doesnt anyone
notice?

In closing, thanks for the reports/
issues from our captains and rank & file out
there. Have a safe and wonderful Halloween.
Be responsible.
Signing out,

Companies handled a small fire

at 731 So. Spring St on 8/7/15.
12 October 2015

CarlosDangerBatt2@gmail.com


The members of Task Force 27, USAR
88 and Rescue 76 were recognized at the Fire
Commission meeting on August 18, 2015, for
saving the Heritage Barn, a historical landmark, from collapse while it was being renovated. The members did an outstanding job
shoring and stabilizing the building during a
four hour operation. Ms Frances Offenhauser,
a member of the Hollywood Heritage Board of
Directors, showed up to personally thank each
of the members.

The Heritage Barn, also known as the
Lasky-DeMille Barn, was built circa 1895.
Today it houses the Hollywood Heritage Museum, featuring archival photographs from the
silent movie days of motion picture production, movie props, historic documents and
other movie related memorabilia.

The summer is finally over. The hot
weather is gone, and the rains are coming . .
. or are they? It seems that no one can decide
what the weather is going to do. Are we going
to have an El Nino? Or is the drought going
to continue through this winter into the next
century?

Even with such great uncertainty
in the air the men and women of the great
harbor battalion are ready for anything. When
I say anything, I mean anything. It turns out
that about a month ago Task Force 85 was
completing their daily, fully suited up drill
for brush season when all of the sudden a
car pulls up next to another, a couple of men
jump out of one car running hastily towards
the other. The guys in the other car promptly
started running away. It turns out that these
two guys that ran away had stolen the vehicle
and were attempting to strip it of its contents
directly adjacent to the brush drill. Apparently
Task Force 85 wasnt having that. They knew
what they had to do; they had trained for this
very moment, trained for making a difference and without hesitation. Without a second
thought, FF/PM Chris Stellern bolted towards
the fleeing suspected criminal. The speed was
that of a bullet enhanced by the lightning of
Zeus himself. Apparently the other part of
the crew ran around the building to head the
criminal off at the pass, which as we know
from Blazing Saddles, never works. Stellern

The Fire Commission honors

TF 27, USAR 88 and RA 76

chased the individual and scared

him so badly
that he tripped
in the grass and
was successfully taken into
custody by the
LAPD. Nice
work! It must
have been a sight
to see.

In other sightings across the Battalion, retired members Captain Pete Goff and
George Carbajal were spotted cruising around
San Pedro . . . Nice Bandana!!!

On 8/27/15, Air Ops and

ground companies affected
a rescue below the cliffs at
Point Fermin.
Photo by Jon Androwski

Again, the Harbor Battalion is doing a
great job. As we head into this fall and winter,
its a great time to reflect about what we have,
and what we have developed over our careers.
Keep doing the great work, with the great
attitudes, and youll see that great things will
come as a result.
Happy October

Goff and Carbajal still cruisin Pedro

October 2015 13


On 8/6/15, FS 59 members raised a
flag in honor of retired Fireman Howard F.
Romps.

Companies quickly extinguished a

small brush fire in the Sepulveda
Basin on 8/6/15.
Photos by Greg Doyle

14 October 2015

Firefighters treat one of eight victims in a fatal collision on the 405.

Photos by Juan Guerra

Chuck Bucher (FS 109) and daughter

Juliette on the summit of Mt. Rainier

Flag dedication ceremony for Steve Robinson

at FS 114 with his family in attendance.

Co-workers celebrated Mike Jacalones last day on the job at FS 39

October 2015 15

Jim Kwasigroch and Keoki Deporter, were joined by family and friends to
celebrate their retirements with a luncheon at 114s. Photos by Frank Garner

Kwasigroch family

Deporter family

Jim and son Scott, FS 33-C

Keoki with his dad, LAFD retired 1986

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16 October 2015


On June 25, 2015, the crew and apparatus of Fire Station 15 abandoned their
old quarters at 915 West Jefferson Blvd and
moved two blocks away into their new home
at 3000 South Hoover Blvd. The old station
had been in service for almost 65 years.


FF/PM Dan Apodaca of FS 20 was
recently acknowledged by the Fire Commission for going above and beyond the call of
duty in two separate incidents. It was a matter
of an LAFD member being in the right place .
. . at the right time . . . twice!

In June of 2014, FF/PM Apodaca was
bass fishing at Diamond Valley Lake near
Hemet. As he fished, conditions deteriorated

until about 10:20 a.m. when the lake was shut

down and all boaters were asked to return to
shore.

Dan battled gale-force winds and
pounding waves as he slowly worked his way
back across the lake. He navigated largely via
GPS, stealing a peek every 5-10 seconds to
look for hazards. During one of these sneak
peeks, he saw the head of a man in the water,
his waving arm extended.

What followed was a gut-wrenching
rescue effort worthy of a Hollywood movie.
There was a capsized rental boat, two men
clinging to that boat and the third man in the
water who had waved him down.

Daniels efforts to position his boat
near the three men seemed endless every
turn of the steering wheel was more than
countered by wind gusts that were later
confirmed at 90 mph. He finally was able to

maneuver his boat to capture all three men and

pull them in.

A Board of Honorary Awards investigated this incident and determined to award
FF/PM Apodaca with the highest honor the
Medal of Valor.

In a second incident, while working
on Rescue 15 with FF/PM Ryan Sanders, Dan
responded to a complaint of chest pain. The
patient took treatment but refused transport to
the ER. But FF/PM Apodaca would not take
no for an answer, and eventually transported
the patient to Good Sams cath lab.

Just minutes after entering the cath lab,
the patients aorta tore open and she went into
cardiac arrest. Good Sams cardiac surgery
team quickly stopped the bleeding, and was
able to save her life.

FF/PMs Sanders and Apodaca were
honored with Certificates of Appreciation for
their actions.

FF/PM Apodaca receives Medal of Valor.

Photos by PIO David Ortiz and David Blaire

Out of the Old and into the New.

Photos by David Blaire
October 2015 17

18 October 2015

Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association Medical Plan may

cover this examination. Contact your plan provider to verify.
Paid Advertisement:

Save times six!!

FF/PM Dan Stark pulled six kittens
from a burning structure in 91s first-in in
August. He rendered aid to the felines using
O2 due to their smoke inhalation. And yes,
he saved them all! Says Dan, That was one
of the craziest things I have ever done in my
life. Knowing I am highly allergic to cats,
they make my face swell up and I can have
an asthma attack. However I heard their cries
and I said There are animals in there, and I
didnt care what they were! The people of San
Fernando and Sylmar were so happy when I
came out with all the kittens. It was good PR
for the Department too.

The Fire Hogs joined Jay Leno at FS 77 to raise

money for veterans. Photo by Adam VanGerpen

E 77 attacks vehicle fire in front of 9030 Laurel

Canyon Blvd on 8/8/15. Photo by Rick McClure

LF 98 members treat one of two injured adults in

an auto vs pole on 8/21/15. Photo by Rick McClure
October 2015 19

At the Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association, we are committed

to bringing you health care and other benefits that you can count
on. We are dedicated to providing excellent service and design our
benefits by focusing on the needs of our members.
Coverage is available nationwide through our extensive PPO network
or use any service provider
Preventive care is covered at 100%
All co-pays are waived during the first 30 days following a covered
accident or injury
Long-Term Care Coverage for qualifying participants

Sign Up During Open Enrollment

In October

Look for enrollment details in the mail.

FOR MORE INFORMATION call 323.259.5200 x222 or x223

20 October 2015

Visit us at www.lafra.org

Companies contained a fire to one unit of the Glenoaks

Hotel on 9/3/15. Photo by Ryan Ling, SoCalFirePhoto.com

Engine 98 with S/T 1001A at the Fork Complex Fire in NorCal

Truck 21 after a fire at 43rd St and Broadway on 8/30/15. Photo by Yvonne Griffin
Paid Advertisement:

phone:
(800) 244-3439

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

visit:
www.LAFRA.org

October 2015 21

E-89 handled an auto on 8/16/15.

Photo by Rick McClure

On 7/20/15, Task Force 89 and Air Ops transported

an injured youngster from Sun Valley Middle School
to Childrens Hospital. Photo by Mike Meadows

On 8/18/15, Engine 89 battled a well

involved BMW on Coldwater Canyon.
Photo by Rick McClure

TF 89 responded to a high pressure hydrant sheared at Sherman Way

and Coldwater Canyon Bl. on 8/9/15. Photo by Mike Meadows
22 October 2015

FF/PM Rick Larson celebrating his last shift with the guys at FS 97.

Pat Leddy (LAFD retired) pins the engineers badge

on son Dan, while brother Curt (LAFD Capt), family
and the crew at 70s look on.
October 2015 23

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24 October 2015

LF 73 handled a hydrant at Saticoy

and Reseda. Photo by Greg Doyle

Greetings from the Far West!

For starters, the only movement in the
battalion is FF Taillon going from 73s to 93s.
Good luck at your new assignment.

On Friday, August 14, a strike team
was deployed to Simi Valley for a brush fire.
During the evening, Battalion 17 and Engine
105, along with engine companies 93, 77, and
102s, stopped on a street to have something
to eat. Little did they know that the home they
stopped at belonged to retired Captain David
Pisarev and his wife Joyce. David was having
dinner with retired Captain Larry Bickly and
his wife, Christine. Both members retired from

FS 105 in 2009. They offered the guys food

and drink, but the crew had already eaten.
Another neighbor brought them coffee. What
are the odds of Engine 105, without knowing,
stopping at the house of a past member of FS
105? A lot of active and retired firefighters live
in Simi Valley and try to take care of all the
members of the fire service when they have
the chance. It was great for them to see L.A.
City Firefighters on the local streets and take a
few minutes to talk with those members who
they had worked with in the past.

Congratulations to Captain II Denning
and Captain I Pearson on their retirement.

The two had a great retirement breakfast held

at 73s last month. The crew went above and
beyond and put out a huge spread for all the
visitors.

Thanks for sending in the last story. I
cant write this column without them. But I
need more stories next go around or Im going
to start making stuff up. With that being said,
rumor has it that starting in November, 72s
800 is going 24 hour.

Remember, dont shoot the messenger
and keep em comin to: grapevinebatt17@
gmail.com

Rick Denning and family

on last shift at FS 73

Pearson (106) and Denning (73)

celebrate last shifts
October 2015 25

urable medical equipment (DME)

is an important and vital component of our Relief Association. After
evaluating our Medical DME Plans, the
Association decided to implement more cost
effective methods to manage this necessary
benefit.
Effective October 1, 2015, per
LAFRAs updated policy change, the LAFRA
offices will have five DME items available to
LAFRA members or the members household
on a check-out/check-in basis. These items
will be: Canes, Crutches, Folding Walkers,
Geriatric Chairs and Wheelchairs.

26 October 2015

We ask that health plan members

obtain their DME through their medical plan. If you are receiving ongoing
DME maintenance supplies through PS
Medical, you will need to contact your physician to obtain a new prescription to forward to
your new DME supplier before October 1st.

Please refer to the LAFRA website for
updated information at:
https://www.lafra.org/dme

Please see below to locate a DME
provider based on your LAFRA plan enrollment: (SEE TABLE BELOW)

onty Majesky was a true character.

He squeezed three lifetimes worth of
livin into 72 years. Whether it was
workin on the Fire Department, or fishin, or
wrappin and makin fishin poles, or buildin
race cars for the 1/4 mile, Monty put all he had
into everything he enjoyed.

Monty joined the United States Marine
Corps in March 1961 and was honorably discharged in March of 1964. He then worked as
a mechanic in Santa Monica for a few years
and decided that becomin a fireman would
bring back a little excitement to his life. Monty
joined the Los Angeles City Fire Department
on February 10, 1968. His first assignment was
Truck 94-B. He then rotated to FS 26 and was
eventually assigned to Truck 26-B. After spendin time at 94s, 3s and 64s, Monty promoted
to Auto Fireman (A/O) and went to FS 1-A in
July of 1974. Less than a year at 1s, Monty
made it back to 33-A where he stayed for 10
years.

Montys interests were varied, but he
really enjoyed workin with the Jaws of Life
and teachin younger members the finer points
of vehicle extrication. In fact, vehicle extrication became sort of a passion with Monty and
in July 1988 he transferred to FS 27, where he
was assigned as one of the A/Os on Heavy
Rescue 27. In 1992 Monty moved on to FS 56,
where again he was assigned to Heavy Rescue
56.

But it wasnt just the Fire Department
that Monty enjoyed. He was an excellent mechanic and loved working on cars and buildin
them to go drag racin. In the early 90s, Monty
converted a 1965 2-door Chevy wagon into a
race car. He also raced a 1965 Chevelle. These
cars were entered in the Sportsman class and
were raced at Pomona and L.A. County Raceway. As you can imagine, Monty won many
trophies, which are still all hangin from the
ceilin of his shop. Montys wife, Melissa, also
shared and enjoyed in Montys love of drag
racin.

Monty loved fishin and enjoyed organizin and join fellow fireman on long range
fishin trips to Mexico on the Qualifier 105.
He also spent time ridin dirt bikes in the Santa
Clara river bottom before the developers came
along.

Monty also loved football and the
Green Bay Packers were his team. He organized Super Bowl parties that were enjoyed by
all that went. They became events that no one
wanted to miss.

Monty was a great story teller and was
the hit of any retirement dinner because you
never knew what he would say. Monty was a
natural entertainer. Whether at a retirement dinner or sittin around the kitchen table, Monty always kept his audience interested in the subject
and laughin at his comical delivery that always
tied everything together.

Monty retired on December 18, 1993,
and passed away on July 14, 2015. Monty and
Melissa were together for 24 years. Monty has
two sons, Mark and Mike Majesky, as well as
two stepsons, Matthew and Michael English.

Monty, you were one of a kind and a
character that probably wont ever be seen
again on the LAFD. You made a positive impact on everyone that knew you and you left
behind many friends and admirers that will
never forget you.

COWBOY HUMOR

A man was stopped by
the police around 2 a.m. The
officer asked him where he
was goin at that time of the
mornin.
The man replied, Im on
my way to a lecture about alcohol abuse and
the effects it has on the human body, as well as
the dangers of smokin and stayin out late.
The officer then asked, Really? Whos
givin a lecture at this time of the mornin?
The man replied, That would be my wife.
AC
KEEP SMILIN!
choppedup@att.net

October 2015 27

ore than 200 Fire Hogs, family, and

friends showed up on June 13, 2015,
to honor our Fallen Heroes - what
a successful event this was! Successful in the
grandest terms of giving back to our Widows &
Orphans and making sure they are not forgotten, showing pride in the community, and most
importantly the comradery we share within the
Fire Hogs and fire service.

Dan Curry sang the National Anthem
acapella as a true professional. Chaplain
Danny Leon led us in prayers and blessings
for the ride. Jack Wise introduced those in attendance who lost beloved members: Sylvia
McKnight (Matt McKnight) along with his
brother Mitch and their children, Laurie Harris (Brett Harris) Lee, Cheryl Lee (Brian Lee)
and their children, and Valerie Lawrence (John
Lawrence). He gave a brief history of the 10

28 October 2015

Bells and then introduced the Mc Knight family who were escorted up to the podium by the
Color Guard and collectively rang the 10 Bells
honoring those lost. Randy Keyes finished the
opening ceremony with his bagpiping skills
leaving nary a dry eye among all these harden
bikers. Dignitaries who spoke included Fire
Chief and Fire Hog prospect Ralph Terrazas,
who mentioned that his efforts to gain full patch
status may rest on certain transfers, and Councilmember Mitch Englander who presented the
Fire Hogs with a Council Resolution! Representing CD 4 our very own retired firefighter
Issac Burke also had some great support.

Now usually after the speeches the dignitaries drive off into the sunset and thats it.
But this year Councilmember Englander and
Fire Chief/prospect Terrazas joined the ride
upfront with the board members. During these
ceremonies the Fire Hogs M/C presented to the
Historical Society (Jim Finn) a $500 donation
to carry on their good work.

The weather was a little cooler then past
rides but that didnt deter the 150 motorcycles
from enjoying the ceremony at the Fire Museum and the escorted ride along Sunset and
PCH, through the Canyons of Malibu, along
Mulholland and into the Sagebrush Cantina for
the taco bar, libations, and dancing to the heart
thumping music of Engineer Jimmy Comos
band Full House.

With countless raffle items and three
live auction items there were very few that
walked away without something. I always enjoy the live auction the best as the Van Blarcom
brothers try to out bid each other. The competition for these items was intense - my daughter
even got involved bidding for the Fire Axe!

Gary Stamison was the lead force in
motivating fellow Fire Hogs to collect sponsorships for our Memorial Ride and was the creator of the Member Challenge, a contest that
recognized those members that brought in the
highest sponsorship. Stami won that challenge

many years in a row and as a tribute to him,

after his untimely passing, the Member Challenge was renamed to the Stami Challenge
in his honor. We are still collecting the receipts
but the past few years winners, Kurt Williamson and Bob Sturgeon, faced their biggest challenge to date.

Between the auctions and raffles the
dance floor was packed with dancers showing
their best moves while the Full House band
kept everyone on their feet with their Rock and
Roll sets. There is just nothing that can compare to the Sagebrush Cantina on a summer
afternoon and this day proved no exception,
drawing many of their patrons into our event.

After our Main Event at the Cantina
ended, many of us took the festivities back to
the Anza Hotel. After that it was back to the
Sagebrush where their house band was in full
swing. I understand a few of the night owls
closed the Cantina in true Fire Hog fashion!

Thanks to the major sponsors of the
Fallen Heroes Memorial Ride including:
Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys, CoreLogic, Jason Knight and Fire Axe Inc., Sagebrush Cantina, Los Angeles Firemens Relief
Association, Sam Brown, Lagunitas Brewing,
California Causuality, Fire Fighters First Credit
Union, Tour Paks and One Capital Management.

I also wanted to acknowledge those
that worked the months leading up to this
event for their dedication and countless hours
of hard work without which we would be lost:
Val Lawrence and her group of volunteers, Ted
Kalnas and Vedamay, Taylor and Debbie Gaskin, Raul and Terry Miranda, Kurt Williamson,
Bob Surgeon, Tuzz Daddy, Scott Gill, Jay and
Cheryl Freeman, and especially Wendy for putting up with me dealing with this ride almost
daily for the last six months without one complaint. Also Jim Finn and his staff of the LAFD
Historical Society who once again opened up
their doors at the museum for us to put on this

event, bagpiper John Keyes, singer extraordinaire Dan Curry, Chaplin Danny Leon, Shanon
Saffo and his Honor Guard, and Fire Station 27
with their cadets.

We couldnt have documented this entire event without the help of the shutterbugs
Terry Miranda and Adam Van Gerpen who not
only spent all day taking pictures while the rest
of us tore it up, they also created photo albums
of the days events for all to see. Go to www.
firehogs.org to check out the pics.

There are many more that helped and
assisted in other ways that deserve our gratitude as well. It is also important to mention
a few that were absent from this years ride.
Founding member and MC John OConnor
and Michelle were MARRIED in Ireland during this weekend! But did ya have to take the
whole board with ya? Also Fire Hog Angel
Meza and his lovely bride Juliana were married
this weekend. Congratulations to both couples!

Most importantly thanks to the widows
and family members of those lost that showed
up to our event, many of which stayed to enjoy the festivities. We hope that our tribute was
just. After all it is to their honor we ride this
day!
Additionally, a heartfelt thanks to the LACoFD
chapter of the Fire Hogs who really stepped
up in supporting this ride in numbers and assistance. Also a shout out to the Wind and Fire
M/C, Smoke Eaters M/C, Gunfighters M/C,

and Iron Brotherhood M/C for once again supporting our rides!

For those that didnt make it, it was
YOUR LOSS . . .

Our next event is the Hogs Breath BBQ
and Biker games on October 10, 2015.

Members wishing more information on
becoming a Fire Hog and information on upcoming events go to our website at www.FireHogs.org. Follow us on Facebook @ L.A.F.D.
Fire Hogs, M/C.

October 2015 29

COMMERCIAL STRUCTURE FIRE

Watts

Photos by David Blaire

On August 17, 2015, companies found

heavy smoke showing from a one story
tire shop at 135 East Manchester Ave.

30 October 2015

Capt. John Pa

xtons last sh
ift

and last fire

October 2015 31

COMMERCIAL STRUCTURE FIRE

Pacoima

Photos by Juan Guerra and Greg Doyle

32 October 2015

A rooftop blaze erupted during some roof work at 13730 Van

Nuys Blvd. on August 30, 2015. It took 81 firefighters 20 minutes
to extinguish the flames. The fire was contained to the roof and
facade above the business and no injuries were reported.

October 2015 33

Guillermo Aguirre to Engineer, FS 91

Robert Armitage to Captain, FS 41

Kevin Boothe to Engineer, FS 93

Matthew Bortel to Engineer, FS 13

Eric Galler to Engineer, FS 12

Cesar Garcia to Captain, FS 59

Brandon Nunez to Engineer, FS 11

Andrew Schmad to Engineer, FS 20

Edward Tumbleson to Captain, FS 93
34 October 2015

Jeremie Bellendir to Engineer, FS 6

Nishan Arzouman to Engineer, FS 11

Alex Escorcia to Captain, FS 52

Sidney Chambers to Captain, FS 91

Richard Martinez to Engineer, FS 6

Matthew Hennessy to Engineer, FS 4

Clifford Smith to Captain, FS 59

Jason Shickle to Engineer, FS 11

October 2015 35

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October 2015 37

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*Plan coverage as of 7-1-15; all benefits subject to change.

38 October 2015

PROCRASTINATION defined by Webster

as: to put off doing (something) until later;
delay

I think in some way we all have our
own definition of procrastination and our own
way of working around it. I personally fall into
that category - for example I have put off writing this article for a while now.

We all procrastinate or put off something. We put off going to the doctor, dentist,
losing weight, exercising, making a will or living trust. You get the idea; I could go on and
on. I think its one of those traits we all have in
some capacity but hate to admit.

Another thing we all have in common is
putting off or building a relationship with God.

What /why is it that we procrastinate in making

a commitment or spend time with God?

What led me to write this article was
that I have recently been approached by a number of people, firefighters included. Many question their faith in regards to their relationship
with God and that of their children.

As firefighters we live by faith and put
our faith on the line everyday, especially every
time you are called on an incident, on and off
duty. We put our faith and trust in our fellow
firefighters, our experience, and in our equipment. We train hard physically, mentally and
academically; we prepare ourselves to the best
of our ability for anything unforeseen. We depend on each and every one of them and pray

that when the going gets

tough we will overcome
and be successful at the
end.

But when it
comes to our faith in God
we are not always as prepared, trustful or solid in
our beliefs. We are not
always ready to accept the
challenges God may call
us on. Augustine a fourth
century writer said that,
Faith is to believe what
you do not yet see, the
reward is to see what you
believe.

We all have
faith, some not as much as
another, but it only takes
the faith of a mustard seed
to move mountains (Matt.
17:20). We all have the innate desire to love and to
be loved, because God is
love. Peter reminds us that
although you have not seen him you love him;
you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious
joy, as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

The gift and beauty of it all is that God
is patient and kind. And like the prodigal son,
God will meet you where you are, when youre
ready and receive you with open arms and prepare a feast for you like you never had before.
Peace,
Jess Pasos
LAFD Chaplain

October 2015 39

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40 October 2015

m I telling you something that you

dont know? Whether you are a young
firefighter just starting your career or
a well-seasoned veteran winding down, youve
probably been told numerous times that you are
at risk for a variety of cancers due to carcinogenic exposure during your career. When you
start the job, you learn of the hazardous materials and substances you may come into contact
with and you are told to document and journalize those exposures.

As science and medicine have progressed through the years, your department is
taking greater precaution to limit those exposures. Most departments like LA City have installed vent systems to take the diesel exhaust
out of the station rather than allow it to accumulate in your work and living space. While
these systems are helpful, they do not eliminate
all exposure.

There have been many studies performed over the years attempting to establish
a link between certain exposures and various
cancers. The studies have demonstrated that
firefighters are at a greater risk for developing
certain cancers. Now, a new study published in
April 2015 in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine goes ever further and confirms
that all male firefighters, including Caucasian,
Black and Hispanic, are at the same high risk
of developing certain cancers including nonHodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, testicular cancer, bladder cancer, melanoma, and prostate
cancer.

The study recognized that firefighters
are often exposed to known carcinogens in
their work. While the use of a self-contained
breathing apparatus can eliminate or decrease
respiratory exposure to toxic particles during
firefighting, SCBAs are not always worn, especially during overhaul. And even when they
are worn, firefighters can absorb combustion
products through the unprotected skin on their
neck.

Several combustion products are classified by the International Agency For Research
on Cancer (IARC) as carcinogenic to humans,
and firefighters come into contact with these
products on a daily basis. The most common
is diesel exhaust and the particulates it produces. Other products include benzene, form-

aldehyde, and by products of newer building

materials such as laminated veneer lumber and
assorted plastics.

So now you have a reputable journal
telling you what you probably already knew . .
. you are at a greater risk than the normal working person in contracting some form of cancer.
What happens if you do contract cancer? What
if the cancer occurs after you have retired or
left the job? Can you pursue a claim through
workers compensation and if so, how long do
you have to do it?

Most of you know that the legislature
has recognized for years that your job is dangerous. As such, they have passed legislation
over the years that make certain injuries presumed industrial, one of which is cancer. Does
that mean if you contract cancer it is automatically accepted as a work related injury? Not
quite, and many employers still fight cancer
claims despite the cancer presumption.

In order to receive workers compensation benefits which include IOD pay, medical
treatment and permanent disability, you must
prove your injury arises out of and occurs during the course and scope of your employment.
A legal presumption makes that proof easier
for you. If you establish the criteria for a presumption, it shifts the burden of proof to the
employer to prove your condition is not job
related. That is a very difficult burden to overcome.

To trigger the cancer presumption, you
must establish the following: 1) you are or
were a firefighter, 2) you have cancer with the
primary site of the cancer being identified, 3)
you were exposed to a known carcinogen as defined by the IARC, and 4) the cancer developed
or manifested itself during the time you were
employed as a firefighter or within a certain
period of time from your last work as a firefighter. The presumption is extended from your
last day of work for a period of three months
for each year of service. In other words, if you
worked 20 years, then the presumption would
extend 60 months or five years from the last
day of work. Thus, if your cancer developed or
manifested itself within five years from the last
day of work, the presumption would apply. The
maximum extension of the cancer presumption
is 120 months (10 years) from the last day of

work, but that would require you had worked

40 years as a firefighter.

The presumption is not a statute of limitations. The presumption is a legal concept that
affects the burden of proof. Because cancers
often dont show up (manifest) or develop for
years after exposures, the legislature saw fit to
extend that presumption past your last day of
work thereby making it easier for you to prove
it is job related. The presumption has nothing
to do with the statute of limitations, which is
the time limit within which you must file your
claim.

The statute of limitations in a workers compensation matter is complex and beyond the subject of this article. Once you have
knowledge that your cancer may be job related,
you must act quickly and contact an attorney
who specializes in this area.

I have seen many cases where the firefighter files a timely claim for cancer (within
one year from the date of knowledge) yet the
cancer presumption may not apply because the
cancer developed or manifested itself well after
the extension applies. That does not mean all is
lost. It simply means the presumption affection
the burden of proof doesnt apply and it will
be more difficult to connect the cancer with
the job. However, studies like the one just published will have that much more importance in
those types of cases.

Dealing with cancer is a horrible burden on the firefighter and his/her family. Trying
to deal with workers compensation on your
own at the same time is equally burdensome.
Dont listen to someone who tells you the City
will pick it up as it is automatic. Dont listen
to someone who tells you that you have plenty
of time to file your claim or that you dont even
have a valid claim. Speak with someone who
is knowledgeable in this area. If you have an
injured shoulder that may require surgery, you
dont go to your family doctor. You go to an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in shoulders.
The same holds true when you are given the
news . . . you have cancer. Talk with an experienced attorney who can advise you if and when
you should pursue workers compensation. You
have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

In the meantime, be healthy and safe.

October 2015 41

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42 October 2015

2015 FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR

On December 2, 2015, the Los Angeles City Firefighters Association will vote on this years 2015 Firefighter of the Year.
This honor of distinction and recognition is given to a member of any rank, who, not by any single act, has distinguished him/
herself as one of outstanding character, dedication, and loyalty to the Department, the Fire Service, and to the citizens of the
community.
To be eligible for consideration, nominees must have been an active LAFD member for at least one day during the
nominating year, and a member of the California State Firefighters Association/Los Angeles City Firefighters Association.

Candidates will be judged on an overall career and life that exemplifies the best qualities of those who are honored to be part
of the fire service.

If you know of such a person, and would like to nominate him/her for this prestigious award, submit your application NO
LATER than November 30, 2015, to any one of the nominating committee members listed below. The nomination must include
the nominees name, rank, assignment and a statement of why the member should receive the award. Photos and other documentation may also be submitted.

Please attend the Los Angeles City Firefighters Association meeting on December 2, 2015 at 0830 Hours, Fire Station
59 Training classroom, 11505 Olympic Blvd. and present your nomination IN PERSON. All Los Angeles City Firefighters
Association members are welcome, and encouraged to attend the meeting and presentations, and to show support for the
individuals being nominated.

Presentations may be subject to time limits depending on the number of nominations received in order to provide fairness
to all nominees. These time limits will be announced prior to the start of the December 2, 2015 membership meeting and will be
strictly enforced. The nominee cannot be present during the meeting.

The election will be held in closed executive session following the nominations, and only members of the Los Angeles City
Firefighters Association Board will vote.

REMINDER, APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 30, 2015.

Following personal notification of the winner by the Vice President, public announcement will be made by Department teletype.

2014 FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR NOMINATING COMMITTEE

James S. Dolan, (562) 400-1298

Robert Cordobes, (310) 977-5041

Adam VanGerpen, (818) 486-9939

October 2015 43

44 October 2015

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October 2015 45

Send your letters & comments to the editor at: editor@lafra.org

Dear LAFRA,

I just wanted to take a moment
to thank you for selecting me as a 2015
scholarship recipient. It means the world
to me that LAFRA is willing to invest in
my future in such a generous manner. This
scholarship has truly given me a foundation for a successful future.

Thank you so much and I wish you
all the best.
Sincerely,
Emily Vidovich
San Pedro, CA

Talk about leading by example. Because the RA was parked next to the Truck,
I would see Monty checking out his inventory in the morning while I checked out
the RA. I would greet him with a Good
Morning Monty and he would reply with
a Good Morning Puke followed by his
wry smile.

Even though he and his crew
would take the pot shots at the Rescue,
when the bell rang and Truck 33 was
called out to assist with a physical rescue,
it was a thing of beauty. Watching Monty
use the Jaws of Life to extricate a patient
from a mangled vehicle was something
to behold. Eventually I got in the right
line and returned to 33s but Monty had
already moved on to the Heavy U. From
time to time I would run into Monty in the
field and he did not pass on the chance to
call me Puke followed by the same wry
smile he had back at 33s. I would not have
it any other way.

Everyone remembers their first day
on the job and everyone that knew Monty
remembers him. I will cherish those memories because the both included him. Rest
in Peace Monty. You are one of a kind.
Mike Neu

Emily with Trustee Rick Godinez

Hi Dave,
Dear LAFRA,

Monty {Majesky] was appropriately enough the first A/O I ever met on the
job. Having just completed puke school
as he so eloquently put it, I was assigned
to FS 33-A in May of 1980. After the customary ribbing regarding getting in the
wrong line at City Hall and the blood
and gut jokes, Monty got serious, took me
aside and told me there are a few things
you must know: Know your job, know
your equipment and know your first-in.
46 October 2015

I truly appreciate your willingness
to highlight our book (Light a Fire Under Your Business featured in July 2015
Retired Guys). Marko did a great job although he wrote a bit of fiction about me.
But it was a thing to read.

You have done a great job with the
Grapevine congrats!
Thank you,
Tom Pandola
Lake Tahoe, NV

Dear LAFRA:

I had the privilege to work with
Rick Price for almost 25 years in Arson.
Truly an exceptional individual. Great
investigator, terrific sense of humor and
always dependable. We worked many fire
scenes and his firefighting/investigative
knowledge was invaluable. Rick told you
what he was thinking and was not one to
hold back. Greatly appreciated. Rick will
be added to an esteemed list of Arson
Brothers that have gone on ahead. He is
loved, he will NOT be forgotten. I know
you are resting in peace, My Friend.
Bill Cass
LA Firemens Relief Assn,

On behalf of our family, may I express our gratitude to the kind staff at the
LAFRA during this difficult time. Our father (James Simos) was proud to be a firefighter for over 40 years and we are very
proud of his service as well.
Heidi Loper
Dear Mr. Kuljis,

I wish to thank you so very much
for the heartfelt letter and flag display
presented after the passing of my uncle
Frank Bud Gritt. After I last spoke with
you about three years ago, Bud started to
become very forgetful to the point that he
ultimately had to be placed into memory
care. He spent about 1 years in a wonderful and very caring facility in Anaheim.
I had him on hospice for about six days
before he passed.
He always spoke very highly of his job
with LAFD and cherished the fact that his
beloved dog Panda was able to work
with him.
Sincerely,
Hansel Ashby
Boise, ID

Dear Juan and Andy,

Please accept this donation to the
Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemens
Fund in memory of Wendy Cummings.
As one of her instructors at D.T. 89, I met
Wendy her first day on the job. It was obvious to all three of the captains (DeFeo,
Coville and I) early on that she was going
to be an exemplary employee and a tremendous asset to the Department.

Throughout her career she never
proved us wrong. She was an outstanding paramedic who worked in some of the
busiest assignments the City had to offer.
Wherever she was assigned the people she
worked with sang her praises. On retiring
from the LAFD she pursued several of her
other interests, most revolving around her
love of sailing and the ocean. She was a
true renaissance woman who did more in
her tragically shortened life time than most
of us only dream of. She will be missed by
many, but know that she is sailing peacefully amidst the clouds in heaven.

Create a Legacy

Roger and Glenda Gillis

To the Firemens Relief Association

This is just a token of my appreciation for all you have done for me in this
saddest of all times for me and my family.
You helped to eliminate a lot of the stress
I would have otherwise endured. My husband and I are blessed to belong to such a
wonderful group. Thank you again for all
your help.
Sincerely,
Theresa Berenger & family
Dear Andy,

The Eternal Flame Society is a special group of firefighters, family, friends and
supporters who have included a gift to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemens
Fund in their Estate Plans.
Theyre visionary and uncommonly dedicated. Their kindness has helped our
firefighter families overcome unexpected challenges for more than a century.
We invite you to join these dedicated individuals helping to secure the future of
your firefighter family. With your help, the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemens
Funds second century will be as extraordinary as its first.
Planned gift arrangements include:
Bequest through a will
Gift through a living trust or other non-charitable trust
Gift of life insurance, real estate or other assets
Beneficiary designation in retirement plans

We wanted to take a minute and let
you know how grateful we are for all of
your help. Wendys memorial was so special in no small part due to your efforts and
generosity.
Thank you very much.
Andrew and Mary Foster
Laguna Beach, CA

For information call

Marlene Casillas, Relief Association Development & Marketing Director, at

(323) 259-5217 or email me at MCasillas@LAFRA.org

October 2015 47

48 October 2015

MEMBERS
Thomas C. Smith, Fireman.
Appointed June 16, 1953.
Retired on a service pension June 1, 1978 from OCD.
Passed away August 19, 2015.
David E. Bourdon, Captain.
Appointed January 28, 1957.
Retired on a service pension February 4, 1981 from FS 66.
Passed away August 23, 2015.
Houston B. Brown Jr., Fireman.
Appointed October 21, 1946.
Retired on a disability pension April 1, 1976 from FS 104.
Passed away August 27, 2015.
Ricardo D. Price, Firefighter III.
Appointed November 4, 1973.
Retired on a service pension July 13, 2007 from Arson Section.
Passed away August 27, 2015.
Robert K. Tinder, Fireman.
Appointed March 16, 1948.
Retired on a service pension March 1, 1971 from FS 105-A.
Passed away August 29, 2015.
William C. Wakeland, Fire Inspector II.
Appointed June 10, 1961.
Retired on a service pension July 8, 1984 from Fire Prevention/Legal.
Passed away September 9, 2015.

FAMILY

Irene McLeod, spouse of Laverne M. McLeod, passed away August 11, 2015.
Elinor W. Brown, spouse of Francis M. Brown, passed away August 14, 2015.
Nora C. Prange, surviving spouse of Ernest A. Prange, passed away August 15, 2015.
Anne R. Pearcy, surviving spouse of Raymond L. Pearcy, passed away August 23, 2015.
Laurel S. Arrigoni, spouse of Clinton G. Arrigoni, passed away August 23, 2015.
Jane M. Domeier, surviving spouse of Edwin L. Dormeier, passed away August 25, 2015.
Beverly A. Gunther, surviving spouse of Francis Gunther, passed away August 28, 2015.
Carlee Kirkman, surviving spouse of Otis F. Kirkman, passed away September 4, 2015.

October 2015 49

Donations to Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemens Fund

August 2015

BRIAN T. WILLIAMS from the

Class of 14-02

DONALD WATANABE in honor of

Craig Fujimotos Retirement

THE KELLYS in memory of

Jim Simos

JOHN SCHAFER in memory of

Mark Villasenor

PATRICIA MURDY in memory of

Marjorie Muro

MARY ANN KING in memory of

Jim Simos

JAMES R. GOLDWORTHY

CHARLES OSBORNE in memory of

Elaine G. Osborne

RONALD LEYDECKER in memory of

Monte Majesky

JOYCE PELTO in memory of

Jim Simos

DENNIS LOPER in memory of

James Simos

NANCY EMMERSON in memory of

James Simos

BERL D. DAHLSTROM in memory of

Steven Robinson

MEGHAN LOPER in memory of

James Simos

BETSY PETERSEN in memory of

Marjories Muro

JAMES E. GILLUM from the

Simi Valley Breakfast Club

THEODORE MACHADO in honor of

James Simos

WILLIAM A. FINN in memory of

Monty Majesky

DONALD L. CATE in memory of my wife

Lois Cate

MICHELLE MELENDEZ

MARGARET ROBINSON in memory of

Steven Robinson

CHARLOTTE V. BARR in memory of

Marjorie Muro

BARBARA MARSDEN in honor of

Steven Robinson

LORENE HOLDSWORTH in memory of

Jack A. Bennett, Asst. Chief

ANNE & THOMAS V. MATHEUS in

memory of
Thomas M. Matheus and Lars Nelson

ROBERT R. KNIPSCHEER in memory of

Jack Bennett

CALIFORNIA BEER & BEVERAGE

DISTRIBUTORS in memory of
James Simos

JOHN VERDONE in memory of our

beloved grandson Primo John Verdone
JOHN W. POTTER in memory of
Farold Westwood
HELEN L. SCHULZ
FIRE STATION NO. 82 in recognition of
firefighters working the brush fires & the
firefighters bearing the workload at home
JACK & BARBARA CHELL in memory of
Margie Muro
DRILL TOWER GRADUATING
CLASS DONATION
JANET L. METTNER in memory of
James Simos

50 October 2015

JUDITH ROGERS in memory of

Steven L. Robinson
LORI SAMOLIS to thank you for the all
your services in Los Angeles
CHARLES & VICTORIA SHEEHAN in
memory of Randy Goldencrown, Sr.

GREG PORTER DONATION

LINDA SIMOS in memory of

Jim Simos

NANCY ALTOBELLO in memory of

James Simos

JOSEPH ST. GEORGES in memory of

Steven Robinson

GARY BOWIE in honor of

Monty Majesky

RHONDA STEVENSON in memory of

James Simos

YOLANDA CONKLIN in memory of

Mark Villasenor

MARCIA WALKER in memory of

James Simos

DUANE DAUNER in memory of

Jim Simos

NANCY WALKER in memory of

James Simos

CHRISTINE HAWKES in memory of

Ricardo Price

JOHN WARLIKOWSKI in memory of

Jim Simos

DENISE HELD in memory of

Monty Majesky

ALAN ZAREMBERG in memory of

James Simos

by Mike Mastro, President/CEO

Firefighters First Credit Union

ts amazing how another year has gone by

so quickly. The holidays are just around the
corner and soon well be sharing the season
with family and friends. As we approach our
80th Anniversary on November 16, Id like for
this months article to acknowledge you, our
Fire Family and to acknowledge our L.A. City
Firefighters who founded our Credit Union,
then reached out to share this Credit Union
with their fellow firefighters.

Some of you may remember our office above Fire Station 28s, in downtown Los
Angeles. From there, it was where the Credit
Union began operating from a cigar box literally. A fireman would put some of his hardearned paycheck into the box and another
fireman would borrow the money all on a
handshake.

While regulation and technology has
changed a few things on how we do business
today, some things wont change.

We believe we have the best members
any financial institution can ask for. We have
a tight-knit fire family atmosphere due to the
fire culture. A firefighter is a firefighter no matter where they live. We are proud to serve you,
our loyal firefighters and your families. We are
committed to our core traditions, values, and
mission to be the trusted provider of premier
financial services to our Fire Family.
As a young fireman at E-28, we helped in cleaning the Credit Union offices on the top floor. I
remember Thelma so well. What a dedicated
employee she was a lovely lady. The Credit
Union has continued to grow and improve each
year due to the dedicated, professional, and
outstanding employees.
Robert B., Member since 1955

CELEBRATING 80 YEARS
Our Credit Union has been the best ever! Your
support and excellent service has made our life
very pleasant. My sons also belong to the Credit Union. Thanks again for the membership!
Timothy W., Member since 1971
It was a neat thing to go to the second floor to
talk to Thelma. She would greet you and ask
about the kids. She knew them by name!
David H., Member since 1951
The Credit Union is superb! They are so
tuned in to good customer care, I would not
think of banking anywhere else. They truly are
Fire Department family.
Ken K., Member since 1977
I just wanted to compliment you and all your
employees for the services that you supply. I
have always had great service from people
going all the way back to Thelma at old 28s.
She was like my guardian mother.
William W., Member since 1963

Founded for firefighters by firefighters,
the Credit Union continues to grow in a competitive financial industry. Its governed and
overseen by a Board of Directors that are firefighters, and the values of trust, integrity, and
doing the right thing are embedded into the operations of this organization. Our Board of Directors, management team, and employees are
all accessible to you and we will always do our
best to treat each of you as a valued member of
our Fire Family.

Founded through a cigar box with an
initial $800 to a billion dollar organization
today, I thank you for your continued membership, ownership, and commitment to your
Credit Union.
The more business we do together
as a Fire Family,
the greater the financial reward will be
for all members!
Have a safe month!

Mike Mastro
P.S. Follow the Credit Union on facebook for
a schedule of our 80th Anniversary events,
special giveaways, and more.
Important Notice: Members wishing to run for
the 2016 Board of Directors or Supervisory
Committee should contact us by 11/1/15 at
(800) 231-1626, ext-2234. The Annual Meeting will be held on 2/25/16.
Material provided is for your information and convenience only.

October 2015 51

Submitted by Frank Borden Director of Operations, LAFDHS

LAFD History - OUT OF THE PAST- JUST A WAGON

By Mort Schuman, Box 15 Club of L.A.
[The late Mort Schuman was an LAFD electrician at the Shops and an apparatus expert.
Mort was responsible for saving many of our
historic vehicles from salvage.]

You and I know that mechanical things
are just a bunch of parts designed and put together by man to function and fulfill a necessary
need. A machine has no feelings, it cannot think
or make judgments on its own. When one of its
parts breaks or wears out it just stops. Thats it,
it cannot fix itself. Man must do the fixing or
design a better model. This is normal, rational
thinking, and the way it should be. What if mechanical things had feelings and other human
traits? I know this is Twilight Zone thinking,
BUT WHAT IF??

My name is . . . well I really dont have
a name, just a fire department shop number
(#43). Everyone called me the wagon, nothing
more.

I was manufactured in 1899 by the Fire
Extinguisher Company of Chicago. Then I was
shipped to Los Angeles via the Union Pacific
and Southern Pacific Railroads. I arrived dirty
and grimy from the long trip, but happy that it
was over. I was unloaded off the flat car and delivered to the corporation yards behind old Fire
Station 1, at Pasadena Ave. and Hayes Street.
Hayes Street later changed to Ave. 19. The corporation yards were later changed and today
are known as Supply & Maintenance Division.

After a thorough washing and inspection by the equipment officer I was accepted,
much to my delight, eager and ready to serve
the LAFD.

I was loaded with 1000 of 2 1/2 hose,
250 of chemical hose, one 3 gal. chemical extinguisher, two ladders, my 60 gal. soda-acid
chemical tank filled and a box full of wrenches
and other firefighting equipment. Next came
the two beautiful Morgans who were hitched
up and I was off to my first assignment. No fanfare, no parade, just a wagon going to work.
The steam pumpers were a different story. The
steamers when delivered were given names of
famous and important city people, parades and
festivities held with the mayor and city council

52 October 2015

leading the parade. We wagons were envious.

Well, a wagon is just a wagon.

As I proudly served the department I
watched as the city grew and prospered. The 10
stations that we had at the turn of the century
had doubled by the end of 1905.

I spent my active days as the wagon of
a two piece engine company, always admiring
the beautiful and stately steam pumper that I
ran with. Those were the Good Old Days.
But like always those good old days were numbered. A strange new contraption was about to
enter our lives.

At first we ignored the strange looking
contraptions that chugged and snorted past our
station with nothing pulling it - a strange sight
indeed.

Rumors through the station were that
some of the Eastern fire departments were replacing the horse with gasoline motors. Chief
Archie Eley was ordered to take a trip back East
to evaluate the horseless fire engine. Although
we had just acquired a 1908 50 horse power
tourist with the annexation of Hollywood, the
City Council deemed the trip necessary.

As time passed I continued my job with
no complaints. The horses did their job, always
ready. The more fires we went to the more I

noticed those strange horseless contraptions

pulling our steamers and even saw one pumping water without a smoke stack or fire under
it (1912 Seagrave Gorham). The horse enthusiasts of the department were not happy with the
changing times. Neither was I.

In June of 1921, I was hitched up and
quietly left 17s, my faithful crew sadly watching as I was slowly pulled onto Seventh St. returning to S&M wondering what was going to
happen to me. Was I going to be sent to City
Salvage and maybe sold to an old junk dealer,
or maybe just cut up and used for fire wood? I
secretly hoped that with some luck, like some
of my contemporaries my wheels and undercarriage would be removed and the rest of
my carriage mounted on the chassis of a new
Moreland, Gramm or Seagrave. The LAFDs
official name for the converted apparatus was
reconverted combination chemical and hose
wagon on chassis. Some of us old wagons
would proudly serve again.

Time passed slowly and I was completely ignored. Covered with dirt and grime,
my once beautiful finish is tarnishing from the
sun and weather. My future looks grim and
my spirits are extremely low. Some weeks before a stately steam pumper was parked next

The chemical hose wagon (on the left) and steamer out in front of Old Fire
Station 9. You can see the glistening chemical tank and hose reel. Circa 1900

it the old Chemical Hose Wagon was now in

storage in one of the back sheds at Mountain
Patrol 1 and Fire Station 108. Coincidentally,
it was also where Robey was assigned. Robey
was not pleased with the deteriorating condition of the old wagon and consulted with then
LAFD historian Captain Bob Foster to start a
restoration project. With permission granted,
work was started and continued till Robey was
transferred to Fire Station 90. Mountain Patrol
closed and Engine 108s was moved to Coldwater Signal office. This move occurred in
1977.

The wagon joined Robey at 90s where
the restoration continued till nothing
The Amoskeag Kurtz Steamer referred to in the story and now else could be accomplished at the station. Space being a premium at 90s,
after 128 years it is on display in our Hollywood Museum.
due to sharing the area with the crash
and helicopter companies, the old wagto me awaiting an uncertain future. This was on needed a new home. Fire Station 82 was sethe LAFDs first major purchase after the de- lected as the new home for the wagon because
partment became fully paid in 1886. The 1887 of the available space in their garage.
Amoskeag J. Kuhrts #3 was to be my compan-
With the LAFD Centennial year fast
ion for many years to come.
approaching, and the restoration of the horse

A visit to S&M by Chief Engineer drawn steam pumper J. Kuhrts #3 right on
Ralph J. Scott was to be the turning point in schedule, it was decided to finish Engineer
our existence. After a thorough inspection by Ron Robey and Capt. Bob Fosters restorathe Chief, the steamer and I were transported to tion of Shop #43, our 1899 Fire Extinguisher
Fire Station 21 and parked in the storage shed Chemical Hose Wagon. A plan for continued
behind the station. Although all the fire depart- restoration was laid out by Steamer Restoration
ment horses were gone, we were placed on re- Chairman Captain Bob DeFeo who presented it
serve status in order to keep City Salvage from for approval through channels. Permission was
claiming us. We are still shown on the LAFD soon granted, and with the 100% cooperation
apparatus roster as of this date.
of the shops, another stall would be available

During the ensuing years I was periodi- for the wagon. Since the wagon was in storage
cally taken out of storage, washed and served at Fire Station 82, Captain Greg Carle of 82s
in parades and movies. In one early M.G.M. volunteered to have himself and the station
cowboy movie I played the part of a runaway personnel do as much as possible additional
wagon in a wagon train scene. The studio car- restoration right in the station Thanks to Capt.
penter removed all of my hose bed floor boards Carle and crew many valuable shop hours were
and built a special platform allowing the stunt saved.
man to lay flat and steer me with hidden cables.
When 82s finished with their part of
This set-up could not be seen by the camera. It the restoration, the tractor company transported
was feared that I might fall apart in these high the wagon to the shops. Capt. Carle and crew
speed downhill runs. I completed the scenes came in on some of their days off and continwith little damage and was soon back in stor- ued to work on the project. The steamer resage at 21s.
toration crew, when stopped for lack of parts

I made my first and last television debut would then work on the wagon.
late in 1956 when KABC Channel 7 borrowed
A special thanks to FF Dale Thurow
me for a T.V. special. A very proud day for me who provided invaluable assistance and was inindeed. When horses were available I would strumental in locating and procuring the horses
participate in Fire Service Day celebrations, that pulled our steam pumper at our Centennial
sometimes carrying the famous Fire House Muster.
Five, plus two. Those were the fun days.

Many many thanks to Louie Carle,

My parade days came to an end in 1965 Captain Greg Carles dad, for providing the
when our 1931 Seagrave Chemical Hose Wag- beautiful horses who pulled our Chemical
on, Shop #1058, was converted to our present Hose Wagon in our Centennial Muster parade.
LAFD official band wagon. Again I wondered A very successful event to say the least. Now
what was to become of me and I remembered a our wagon is not just a wagon.
wagon is just a wagon. For the next 12 years I
patiently waited for someone to rediscover me. Authors Added Note:
Now enter Engineer Ron Robey and Captain
Engine Company 17 was fully motorBob Foster and a new story begins.
ized in June of 1921. Shop# 43, our 1899 horse

One of Robeys many interests was his- drawn fire extinguisher combination Chemitorical fire apparatus, and as luck would have cal Hose Wagon was replaced by Shop# 129,

a 1921 Seagrave combination Chemical Hose

Wagon. Shop# 11, an 1899 horse drawn LaFrance, 700 G.P.M. steam pumper was replaced
by Shop# 11, a 1921 Seagrave 1,000 gal. pump.

Restoration projects require the cooperation of many dedicated and talented people.
They continually give of their time with no financial gains as their goal. The satisfaction of
knowing that they have contributed to the preservation of our history for us and future generations to enjoy, are reward enough. To these
people I offer my profuse gratitude.
[This article appeared in the January, 1990 issue of The Firemens Grapevine.]
[Note: The 1887 Amoskeag J. Kuhrts #3 Mort
wrote about is on display in our Hollywood
Museum]
LAFD Historical Society
Apparatus Restorations


Members of the LAFDHS have been
very busy the last several months restoring
equipment and apparatus. Let me repeat the
quote from Mort Schuman here: Restoration projects require the cooperation of many
dedicated and talented people. To these people I
offer my profuse gratitude.

This is so true of our volunteers and
professional restorers who we have hired to
do some really great things such as the Seagrave Anderson City Service truck now in our
museum. The next major project is the
complete restoration of our 1937 American
LaFrance engine. It was old Engine 68 when
the LAFD received it. This was one of four
enclosed cab rigs the FD purchased (all nicknamed Lulubelle) and the first of just a few
in 1937 and 1938. These were the very first enclosed cab rigs on the department which makes
old Engine 68 unique. Fortunately we had a
black and white photo of it to go from. This
project involves Left Field television production company for the History Channel, Bodie
Strouds body shop (Bodie is the son of LAFD
Engineer David Stroud), the LAFD shops and
the Historical Society. More on this project
later.

The LaFrance project is enormous, but
we have many other small restoration projects
going on at all times thanks to some dedicated
volunteers who like to do the work like Tim
McHenry, Mark Howell, Don Cate and Dan
Mattera.

A friend of Mark Howell came for
a visit from New Zealand to see Mark. Erik
Wright is a master mechanic and restores
tractors at home. Mark asked him to take a look
at our 1923 Stutz Chemical Hose Wagon (Old
Engine 49) to see if he could get it started. This
is not one of your common everyday engines.
He made some adjustments on the carburetor
and adjusted the cam and crankshaft timing and

October 2015 53

got the rig stated and running. We thank Erik

for his expertise in helping us from across the
sea.

I am putting together a story of the
LAFD 50 foot Bangor ladder hopefully for the
November issue. There are three of our Bangor
ladders being restored now so I will have the
full story including a few on when they were
used at fires and in training. If you attended the
graduation of LAFD Recruit Class 14-2 at Drill
Tower 40 in August you would have seen the
three beautiful ladders.

Annual LAFD Memorial Ceremony

October is a very big and important
month for the Historical Society, the LAFD
members active and retired, their families and
friends and all those who appreciate, remember
and pay tribute to our Fallen Firefighters. Our
Memorial is the Departments first Memorial
to its Fallen Firefighters in its 128-year history.
The LAFD Annual Memorial Ceremony to its
Fallen Firefighters will take place on Saturday,

The Ralph J. Scott Fireboat will be 90

years Old This Year PARTY!

A photo of LAFD Engine 68 when it was first received.

This is the photo we started with in the restoration.
A picture from last years LAFD Memorial ceremony at the LAFD Fallen Firefighters Memorial.

The Lulubelle in the backyard of the museum.

Here is the rig stripped of paint driven (yes, driven)

out to the street to be hauled to the body shop. It has
a V12 overhead cam engine.

October 10th this year. It will be a day for all

those in attendance to remember those members of our department who gave their life in
the service to the people of Los Angeles. There
are 264 names of those who made the ultimate
sacrifice engraved into the granite wall on the
monument with more of our deceased members
to be added. We will be there for their families
and friends in comfort and support because our
members are part of one big extended family
there to help each other when the time arises.

Time to celebrate the 90th birthday of
Old Fireboat No. 2, the Ralph J. Scott. The
boat was built in San Pedro in 1925, launched
on October 29th and served the Port of LA continuously for 77 years. A record that will be
hard to beat by any future fireboat or apparatus. One of the reasons it is a National Historic
Landmark.

The party will be on Saturday, October
17th from 10 am to 3 pm in the big white tent
on the way to the Battleship Iowa in San Pedro.
All are invited to celebrate and learn about the
boat and the restoration project we are involved
in. You will also meet some LAFD members
who have worked on the boat during the last
several years and our volunteers who work on
the restoration. There will be a cake and refreshments and a few things for sale.

Erik Wright from New Zealand stands proudly

next to our 1923 Stutz that he worked on and got
running again.

Calendar for October 2015

Visitors to the Boat birthday party

will get a tour and see what the
volunteers have accomplished in
the restoration of the boat.

Fireboat No. 2 ready to launch

on October 20, 1925 at L.A.
Shipbuilding in San Pedro. The
boat now sits about a mile from
where it was built 90 years ago.

* Fridays from 0800 to 1200 are work days on the Ralph J. Scott Fireboat
54 October 2015

LOS ANGELES FIREMENS RELIEF ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

August 5, 2015
CALL TO ORDER
President Juan Albarran called the meeting of the
Board of Trustees of the Los Angeles Firemens
Relief Association to order at 10:46 a.m.
ROLL CALL
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Juan Albarran, President
Robert Steinbacher, Vice President
Andrew Kuljis, Secretary
Trustee Joe Vigil
Trustee Rick Godinez
Trustee Mark Akahoshi
Trustee Chris Stine
Trustee Chris Hart
Trustee David Peters
Trustee Jeff Cawdrey
Trustee Doak Smith
Trustee David Ortiz
Trustee Steve Ruda
Trustee Frank Aguirre
Trustee Francisco Hernandez
Trustee Steven Domanski
Todd Layfer - Executive Director
Liberty Unciano Controller/Treasurer
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Trustee James Coburn (Excused)
Trustee Tyler Tomich (Excused)
Trustee Steve Berkery (Excused)
Trustee Craig White (Excused)
Trustee Gene Bednarchik (Excused)
Trustee Barry Hedberg Pension (Excused)
Trustee Tim Larson Pension (Excused)
Trustee David Lowe Pension (Excused)
GUESTS:
Bob Olsen, L.A. Retired Fire & Police
Dennis Mendenhall, Retired
Dave Wagner, Grapevine Editor
Jim Dolan, Asst. Secretary

INVOCATION & Flag Salute
Rick Godinez led the invocation. Frank Hernandez
led the flag salute.
RATIFICATION OF MINUTES
Juan Albarran entertained a motion to ratify and
dispense with the reading of the minutes of the
Board of Trustees meeting held July 1, 2015. David
Peters so moved. Tim Larson seconded. There was
no further discussion or objections.
Motion carried to ratify and dispense with the
reading of the minutes and Board actions of the
Board of Trustees held July 1, 2015.
PRESIDENT REPORT
1) Juan Albarran presented Bob Dillon with a
plaque for his 25 years of service to LAFRA.

2) Juan Albarran asked the Board to consider

who they will choose to be honored at this years
LAFRA Open House.
3) Juan Albarran informed the Board that we
are currently in discussions with the Pension
Department regarding dependent spouses of
members and their enrollment in Medicare.
4) Juan Albarran provided an update to the 7470
building and indicated that they are currently
placing rubber matting in the workout room. He
indicated that they will be placing a large T.V. in
the multi-purpose room for training purposes. He
also mentioned that they are currently working on
the A/C unit for Todd Layfers office.
5) Juan Albarran entertained nominations for
next years LAFRA president and vice president
positions. David Peters nominated Bob Steinbacher
for president and Jeff Cawdrey for vice president.
There were no objections to the nominations.
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
Garth Flint presented the 2nd Quarter investment
performance for the LAFRA portfolio and
reviewed the market performance. Michael
DiRocco reviewed the alternative investments and
mentioned that Southwest Value Partners and RCP
have recently called capital. He indicated that the
PIMCO Bravo fund has performed well along with
Southwest Value Partners.
Todd Layfer recently attended the Yale University
Investment Institute and provided a synopsis to the
Board.
He addressed LAFRAs Asset Allocation Policy
and provided data from a study conducted by
CommonFund that shows how LAFRA invests
as compared to other non-profit organizations of a
similar size. LAFRA invests a smaller percentage
in the area of Alternatives as compared to other
Non-Profits. Todd mentioned that the trend is
an increase use of Alternative Investments such
as Hedge Funds and Private Equity to help with
downside protection of investments.
Todd also presented information on Actively
Managed Funds versus Index Funds and how
each performs under different market conditions
along with performance on large and small cap
companies.
Lastly, Todd provided one year performance
information on the ten sectors of the S&P 500.
VICE PRESIDENT REPORT
1) Bob Steinbacher referred to the Annual IFEBP
Conference in Hawaii and indicated that he will
notify those Trustees attending by email so that
they may make travel arrangements.

2) Bob Steinbacher informed that Rick Godinez,

Frank Aguirre and Joseph Vigil will be attending
the IAFF Colorado Springs Memorial. He asked
if anyone would be interested in attending the
Sacramento Memorial on October 17th.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS REPORT
1) Todd Layfer reported to date, we have $84,625
in sponsorship for the Golf Tournament.
2) Todd Layfer referred to Hope for Firefighters and
indicated that after gathering all of the expenses,
we have netted a total of $109K.
3) Todd Layfer informed the Board of a request for
information from the City Controllers Office. He
indicated that they are looking at cost and benefits
of all the medical plans City wide. He stated that
the City is performing a benchmark study across
all City agencies.
4) Todd Layfer referred to the Employer Mandate
and Healthcare Reform and indicated that the City
is required to provide social security numbers for
employee dependents. He stated that LAFRA will
make three attempts to gather these social security
numbers and provide to the City so they can file
their reports with the IRS. He stated that we will
be sending letters to members who are missing the
data needed and will also send this request through
the medical open enrollment materials.
5) Todd Layfer referred to the Town Hall Initiatives
discussed at a previous Board meeting and
indicated that they have come up with an action list.
He mentioned one item discussed was the $1,200
Estate Plan benefit that is now implemented. He
stated that they will also begin placing newly
promoted member photos in the Grapevine
magazine. He indicated that they are working on a
Trustee roster to be distributed to all Fire Stations
that will contain a photo with current assignment
and contact information for each Trustee.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
Jeff Cawdrey presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to
pay the usual and customary bills in the amount
of $1,198,775.66. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to pay the usual and customary
bills in the amount of $1,198,775.66.
The committee recommends and I so move to
approve up to $3,500 to purchase challenge coins
for the Hook & Ladder Enduro. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve up to $3,500 to
purchase challenge coins for the Hook & Ladder
Enduro.

October 2015 55

The committee recommends and I so move to

approve up to $5K to purchase tables and chairs for
the multi-purpose room. There was no discussion
or objections.

There was no discussion or objections.

Motion carried to approve up to $5K to purchase

tables and chairs for the multi-purpose room.

to bill Medicare for those members on Medicare.

He stated that this is costing LAFRA an average of
$125K per year, not being able to recoup through
Medicare. He stated that the Medical Committee
has decided to utilize Anthem Blue Cross network
of DME providers. There was no discussion or
objections.

The committee recommends and I so move to

approve purchasing a foursome of golf and tee
sign for $720 for the Craig Alder Charity Golf
Tournament. There was no discussion or objections.

Motion carried to terminate DME contract with

P.S. Medical, modify DME benefit in the LAFRA
Policy and communicate these changes to the
membership.

The committee recommends and I so move to

advance funds for both active and retired members.
There was no discussion or objections.

Motion carried to purchase a foursome of golf

and tee sign for $720 for the Craig Alder Charity
Golf Tournament.

David Peters informed the Board that the Express

Scripts contract has been signed and the benefit
agreement is now in place. He indicated that this
agreement also provides a marketing allowance to
produce communications to our members.

The committee recommends and I so move

to approve up to $500 for the Drill Tower 40
Graduation Ceremony. There was no discussion or
objections.

Motion carried to approve the financial assistance

applications for surviving spouses, active and
retired members.
ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT

Motion carried to advance funds for both active

and retired members.
NEW BUSINESS

Doak Smith presented the following motion.

Doak Smith informed that the Relief Committee met

with the Fire Family Foundation Executive team
and discussed fundraising and to get an improved
understanding of how Widows & Orphans and Fire
Family Foundation help members.

The committee recommends and I so move to pay:

SETTING OF DATES

Motion carried to approve up to $350 for the

promotion ceremony at FHMTC.

The Sick & Injury benefits in the amount of

$30,883.61
The Estate Planning benefit in the amount of
$8,484,
The Life & Accident Death Benefits in the amount
of $36,000
The Relief Death Benefits in the amount of $90,000

MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT

There was no discussion or objections.

David Peters presented the following motion.

Motion carried to pay the above Relief benefits.

1) Over-the-Line Tournament September 8th

2) Colorado Springs Fallen Firefighter Memorial
September 19th
3) LAFD Invitational Golf Tournament
September 21st
4) LAFD Fallen Firefighter Memorial (FS 27)
October 10th
5) Sacramento Memorial October 17th
6) IFEBP Annual Conference (Hawaii)
November 8th 11th

The committee recommends and I so move to

accept the applications to the Medical Plan. There
was no discussion and no objections.

Doak Smith read the names of members who

recently passed and asked for a moment of silence
from the Board.

Motion carried to accept all applications to the

Medical Plan.

MEMORIALS
Edward H. Phelps
Richard L. Empie
John P. Balich
William D. Smith
Peter P. Pleick
Jack C. Bennett
William R. Cooper
Harry B. Schuck
Kevin M. Poore
George Durate

Motion carried to approve up to $500 for the Drill

Tower 40 Graduation Ceremony.
The committee recommends and I so move to
approve up to $350 for the promotion ceremony at
Frank Hotchkins Memorial Training Center. There
was no discussion or objections.

The committee recommends and I so move to

adjust the EGWP group compound prescription
allowance to align with the active commercial
insurance members. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to adjust the EGWP group
compound prescription allowance to align with
the active commercial insurance members.
The committee recommends and I so move to
adjust our prescription out of pocket maximums
to comply with the maximums allowed under the
Affordable Care Act. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to adjust our prescription out of
pocket maximums to comply with the maximums
allowed under the Affordable Care Act.
The committee recommends and I so move to
terminate our DME contract with P.S. Medical, and
modify our DME benefit in the LAFRA Policy and
communicate these changes to the membership.
He informed the Board that P.S. Medical is unable

56 October 2015

RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT

Wendy A. Cummings
John S. Halloway
John J. Mitchell
Williard G. Merritt
Edward T. Fox
Richard L. Bowman
Gary D. Sheppard
Francis A. Gritt
Robert L. Notley
Ralph C. Linsey

ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
Doak Smith presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to
accept the donations in the amount of $4,422.48 to
the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemens Fund.
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to accept the donations in the
amount of $4,422.48 to the Widows, Orphans &
Disabled Firemens Fund.
The committee recommends and I so move to
approve the financial assistance applications for
surviving spouses, active and retired members.

RETIREMENT DINNERS

1) Robert Martinez Wednesday, August 12th
A Shift @ Fire Station 88
2) Sheldon G. McKowan Monday, August 17th
A Shift @ The Odyssey Restaurant
3) Mark Kleckner Wednesday, August 19th
A Shift @ Disabled American Veterans #73
4) James Coburn Monday, August 31st
B Shift @ Fire Station 3
5) Gary Malais Wednesday, September 2nd
B Shift @ Frank Hotchkins Memorial
Training Center
6) Benjamin Kuzichev Tuesday, September 8th
A Shift @ Knollwood Country Club
7) Paul Gamez Saturday, October 3rd
A Shift @ Fire Station 84
8) Dale Robinson Thursday, October 8th
B Shift @ Odyssey Restaurant
9) DLisa Davies Saturday, November 14th
C Shift @ Friendly Hills Country Club
ADJOURNMENT
Juan Albarran entertained a motion to adjourn.
Steve Domanski so moved. David Peters seconded.
There was no discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to adjourn. The Board of Trustees
meeting adjourned at 1:24 p.m.

Juan Albarran, President

CLASSIFIEDS
For advertising information, please contact:
Eric Santiago - (323) 259-5231 - eric@lafra.org
Dave Wagner - editor@lafra.org

MERCHANDISE
FOR SALE
YOUR STATION IS GOOD TO
GO. IS YOUR HOME? We provide
storable food, complete preparedness kits, medical supplies and
more. Lowest prices around, free
shipping plus enter coupon code
firefamily for additional savings
for fire fighters. 1-877-976-3919
EHPsurvival.com

SERVICES
ALTERNATIVE & TRADITIONAL
Termite & Pest Control - ECOLA
Ecological Solutions. Smart
choices, simple solutions. Problem
solved. Call for FREE termite
estimate or pest quotes over the
phone - escrow and inspections
excluded. Fireman wife Sue Fries Termite Lady. (818) 652-7171.
termitelady@ecolatermite.com
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.
COMPLETE DRYWALL SERVICE. New construction and
remodel. Acoustic ceiling removal.
Spray texture and hand textures.
Greg Avery (805) 320-8311 or
Mark Avery (805) 551-6041.
COUNSELING SERVICES.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr.
Susan Purrington specializes in
anxiety, depression, relational difficulties, eating disorders, spiritual
or personal growth, marital conflict, family of origin issues. Find a
supportive and confidential place
for healing and growth. Located in
Old Towne Orange. Questions or
consultation: (949)648-7875
susanpurrington@gmail.com
COUNSELING KIDS & FAMILIES. Separation, divorce, kids
behavior problems (anger, acting

out behavior, defiance, attention

difficulties, hyperactivity, school issues, family adjustment), blended
families, parenting, support, family
issues, licensed marriage & family
therapist. Nancy Goodwin with
private office in Temecula. Confidential, 20 years experience, wife
of retired LAFD. (951) 231-1600.
www.goodwinfamilycounseling.
com
CRAIG SANFORD HEATING &
AIR - Free estimates, residential, commercial. Great rates for
LAFD and LAPD. Toll free (877)
891-1414, (661) 298-3070, FAX
(661) 298-3069. State License No.
527114
FEELING PRESSURE FROM
YOUR SPOUSE and co-workers
and cant find a way out? Has
God left stranded? Dont turn to
Twinkies! Call clinical psychologist:
Dr. Lindsay Deibler (714) 7495215 for adult psychotherapy and
learning disability assessments.
Specialties: Relationship difficulties, work stress, spiritual issues
and eating concerns. Olde Town
Orange.
www.drlindsaydeibler.com
FIRE FAMILY ESTATE SALES
Call us when a loved one passes,
moves to a nursing facility or
downsizes. Our professional staff
can handle every aspect of estate
liquidation. We have worked with
many fire families and are here to
help. Rebecca Martin, LAFD wife
(818) 216-3637 www.firefamilyestatesales.com
FIREMAN DESIGN LANDSCAPE
INC. A complete landscape service A-Z. Sod irrigation / stamped
concrete / driveways / patio cover
/ low voltage lighting / artificial
turf / rockscapes / walls. FREE
landscape design. Free estimates.
Serving all Southern CA. Eric
Mendoza 96-B (760) 221-1912.
Call or text. CA Lic # 807078.
Bonded & insured
www.firemanlandscape.com

FIREMAN WHOLESALE NURSERY & ROCK YARD. All your

landscape materials @ wholesale
prices. Trees / plants / decorative
rock / boulders / firewood / sod /
artificial turf. Delivery available.
Located in Victorville CA. (760)
243-9500
www.firemanwholesalenursery.
com Your 1 stop shop!
HIRE A VETERAN. Owner operated. Reasonable rates. Dump truck,
Bob Cat, Back hoe for landscape
renewal, Grading demo & more.
Larry D. Brown (818) 489-5126
PISTOLS, RIFLES & SHOTGUNS
DEALER - Firearm background
checks, FFL transfers, handgun
safety certificate, consignment
sales, gun registration and personal transfers. Personal firearms
instructor and gunsmithing. All
handguns and long guns must be
listed on the California DOJ for
sale roster. Call Bill Evans - 112-C
LAFD (714) 330-9825 email:
firehousegunz@gmail.com
REC COVERS DIRECT - Specializing in RV, boat & golf cart covers!
We have quality and durable
covers to meet all your needs. We
offer discounts to all active and
retired firefighters, law enforcement, and military. Email: info@
reccoversdirect.com or call (949)
429-3029 for your discount code at
checkout. Visit our website:
RECCOVERSDIRECT.COM
LAFD retired - Les Hunt
TAX ALERT FOR FIREFIGHTERS. Dont lose thousands of
dollars during your professional
career to taxes! Let HEWITT
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tax return. We specialize in tax
preparation and financial planning
for firefighters. We offer a FREE
REVIEW of your last three years
of tax returns. Call us today at
(800) 573-4829 or visit us at
www.hewittfinancial.com
WAYNE PRESS CHIROPRACTIC. Work, Auto, DMV, Wellness.
Preferred provider for most PPO,
HMO, MPN, Union, Auto accident
and Workers Compensation
Plans. (818) 527-7246.
DrWaynePress.com
WINDOWS & PATIO DOORS
- vinyl replacement windows &
Patio doors. I also carry aluminum,
wood and entry door systems.
Rick Brandelli, Capt. LACoFD, FS
8-C (800) 667-6676.
www.GeeWindows.com

VACATION
RENTALS
BIG BEAR CABIN - All season,
restful views from decks. Two
story, sleeps 6, half mile to lake,
two plus miles to slopes. Fireplace/Wood, cable TV/DVD/VCR.
Full kitchen, completely furnished
except linens. Pets ok. $100/$110
(two day minimum). $550/$650
a week, Beep or Donna Schaffer
1+(760) 723-1475.
www.schaffercabin.com
BIG BEAR CABIN. 2 bedroom,
2 bath, 2 story. Sleeps 6-8. About
6 miles from ski slopes & lake.
Fireplace/wood, cable, full kitchen
- furnished. $100 per night M - Th.
$110 per night F-Sun. Weekly
available. Sheri (909) 851-1094 or
(760) 948-2844.
BIG BEAR LAKES FINESTDeluxe lakeside townhouse, 2
bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 cable TVs,
HBO, DVD, WiFi, 2 wood burning
fireplaces, laundry room, tennis
court, indoor pool, sauna, spa,
boat dock. Fully equipped, including all linens. Sleeps 6. 310-5418311 or nmbigbear@gmail.com
BIG BEAR CABIN - Sugarloaf Cozy upgraded 2 bedroom cabin.
Sleeps 8. Fireplace, deck, Wifi internet and cable TV. On a large
lot with sled hill. Fully furnished
except linens. $125 Winter $100
summer. Details and availability,
Call/text Jessica (949) 874-5294
sugarloafcabin@cox.net
sugarloafcabin.com
CATALINA BEACH
COTTAGE - 3 bedrooms, 1
bath, one block to beach, view,
fully equipped housekeeping unit.
Marci (818) 347-6783 or Clarence
(310) 510-2721.
CATALINA CONDO - HAMILTON
COVE. Ocean front, 1 bed, 1 1/2
bath, sleeps 4. Steps to beach,
pool, gym, putting course, tennis
and more. Newly refurbished,
fully equipped. Includes golf cart,
WiFi. Contact Bart @ (310) 5100190. Hamiltoncove.com. Ask
for LAFD 8-89 discount. Owner
active LAFD.
DESERT CONDOS, RANCHO MIRAGE (near Palm Springs). 2 bed,
2 bath. Fully furnished condo, TV,
internet, pools and spas. Gated
community from $115/night. 3
bed from $125/night. No smoking.
Barbara (626) 798-2484.

October 2015 57

JUNE LAKE CABIN - 2BR/2BA

cabin with Carson Peak view.
Close to fishing & skiing. Furnished, wood deck, equipped
kitchen, wood burning stove, tree
swing, cable /DVD/phone. Garage/
ample parking. $95/night plus
cleaning fee. Email for pictures.
Jeff Easton 93-A (805) 217-5602.
junebound@gmail.com
LAKE ARROWHEAD BLUE JAY
CABIN. Charming 2-story with
creek, large deck, two baths,
complete kitchen, TV/VCR/DVD,
fireplace, washer & dryer. Walk to
Blue Jay Village. Sleeps 8. $90/
night. NO PETS! Bruce or Sue
Froude, (805) 498-8542.
LAKE HAVASU LANDING-Waterfront, steps to the water. Boat
mooring out front, off-road desert
behind house. 3 bed/3 bath, fully
furnished w/linens. Direct TV/DVR,
BBQ, Casino, Grocery/Meat Market, Launch Ramp, Marina with
Boat House, Gated Community.
No pets/smoking. $350 Dan Cook
310 418 1577.
LAKE HAVASU BEAUTY FOR
RENT - 3 bdrm, 2 bath, 1600 sq.ft.
Fully furnished with all amenities- Laundry & BBQ. 13,000 sq.ft.
lot. 3 car boat-deep garage. 3
miles from launch ramp. Close to
downtown shops & restaurants.
View of the lake. Quiet street in
good neighborhood. No pets. No
smoking. Snowbird rates. Call
Mike (661) 510-6246
LAKE NACIMIENTO. Oak Shores
gated community. 3 bedroom, 2
1/2 bath, large loft. 3minute drive
to main marina in Oak Shores.
Large flat driveway. Fully equipped
kitchen, BBQ, washer/dryer, TV/
DVD. No cable. No pets/smoking.
$185/night. 3 night minimum. Call
Ben (805) 444-2264.
MAMMOTH - 1 bedroom Summit condo, sleeps 6. Convenient
underground garage parking.
Jacuzzis, gym (pool/tennis in
summertime), shuttle right outside!
Across from Eagle Lodge, Winter
$110 per night, Summer $80 per
night plus $65 cleaning fee and
13% tax. All linens included. Drew
or Nancy Oliphant (661) 513-2000
or mammoth241@aol.com
MAMMOTH CONDO. 1 Bed/ 1.25
Bath sierra manors condo. In town,
on shuttle route. Sleeps 4 easily.
Pets OK. Fully furnished with new
furniture/HDTV/WIFI Woodburning
fireplace. Hot Tub, sauna, W/D in

58 October 2015

complex. Reduced rates for FFs

starting @100/nt
oldtownmammothcondo.ownernetworks.com
mammothmtncondo@yahoo.
com
Ryan (310) 717 8483 for more
info/ rates
MAMMOTH CONDO. 2 bedroom,
2 bath, sleeps 6. Near Canyon
Lodge. Newly remodeled recreation room with pool and spa.
Laundy facilities, condo has been
beautifully remodeled. Photos
available on website. Winter $300 per night, Summer - $150
per night. $150 cleaning fee. Call
for holiday terms and pricing.
Joseph Angiuli (626) 497-5083.
www.discoveryfour.com
MAMMOTH CONDO - CHAMONIX. 2 bedroom & large loft, 3 full
baths, sleeps 8. 5 minute walk to
Canyon Lodge. Fully furnished,
TVs, VCR/DVD, pool, spa, rec
room, sauna, linens included. Winter $175 weekdays, $195-weekends/holidays; summer $125, plus
cleaning. No smoking; no pets.
Craig Yoder (909) 948-3659.
MAMMOTH CONDO - 2 bdrm, 2
bath, 2 TVs, phone, garage, pool,
jacuzzi, fully furnished - exept
linens. Near shuttle/chair 15.
Winter $125/night. Weekends and
Holidays $110 midweek. Summer
$95/night. $495/week. No smoking. No pets. Jim Johnson (818)
992-7564, FS 80C.
MAMMOTH CONDO NEXT TO
THE GONDOLA VILLAGE Fully
furnished, three bedroom, two
bath with towels and linens, newly
remodeled kitchen, internet and
cable TV, pool and Jacuzzi. Walk
to the gondola, shops, restaurants
and ski in on the new comeback
trail. Parking at the front door.
Winter: $250/night. Summer $150/
night. Holidays $300/night. Cleaning is included. Call Mike Whitehouse, Retired, 805-987-6122,
email: btkwhitey@yahoo.com
or Bruce Galien, Retired, 661-6457448, email: luvbaja2@aol.com
MAMMOTH CONDO Cozy 2
bedrooms, 2 bath. Fully furnished,
WIFI, 3 TVs, pool, spa, walk
to shuttle, Old Mammoth area.
Winter $115, Summer $90, plus
cleaning fee $139 and 14% city
tax. Includes linens. No pets, no
smoking. Call (310) 540-4648.
MAMMOTH CONDO AT MAMMOTH ESTATES, 4BR/3BA,

sleeps 10, fully furnished, 2

TVs, DVDs, WiFi, towels/linens,
fireplace. Full kitchen. Walk to
Gondola Village and shuttle. Complex has pool, spa, sauna, laundry.
Winter $335/night, Summer $215/
night, plus cleaning. Includes city
bed tax. No pets, no smoking.
Dory Jones (310) 918-0631 or
Kelly Corcoran (310) 619-5355
MAMMOTH CONDO rental. Large
2bed/2bath winterset condo. Fully
furnished, across from Vons, on
shuttle route, easily sleeps 8. Hot
tub, heated pool, sauna, full size
in unit W/D HDTV/WiFi throughout, woodburning fireplace, pets
OK FIREFIGHTER DISCOUNTS,
rates from $150/night
facebook.com/mammothmtncondo@yahoo.com
Ryan @ (310) 717-8483
MAMMOTH CONDO - Sierra
Manors Sleeps 7. 3 bedroom 2 1/2
bath. Fully furnished except linens.
2 TVs/VCR/DVD, stereo/CD.
Dishwasher, microwave, sauna,
jacuzzi, pool. No smoking/No
Pets. Shuttle at door. Winter $155/
night, Summer $100/night, Plus
$80 cleaning fee and City Bed
Tax. Brian & Karen Salvage LAFD
Retired (805) 499-7752.
MAMMOTH LAKES - One
bedroom, extremely charming
wildflower condo. Full amenities,
close to shuttle. Antiques, art,
satellite TV, fireplace. Sleeps 4.
Winter $110, Summer $85 plus
cleaning fees. Call Bill Clark (818)
371-6722
Email: shakesong@aol.com
MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET:
Studio/loft, 2 bath, king bed,
sleeps 4. Full kitchen, TV, VCR,
DVD. Garage parking. Walk to
Canyon Lodge. Ski back trail. 2
night minimum. Winter $100/nite,
$125 Fri, Sat & Holidays. Summer
$60/nite. Plus $120 cleaning &
linens. Jeff & Lisa Moir (661) 2545788.
MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET:
Walk to Canyon Lodge. Studio loft
sleeps 4. Queen beds, full kitchen,
2 baths, garage parking, TV, VCR,
DVD. Winter Sun-Thurs $100.nite;
Fri & Sat $115/nite plus cleaning
fee $100. Non smoking complex.
Joel Parker, LAFD retired.
email: cat25sailor@juno.com or
(213) 399-6534.
MAMMOTH CONDO- SEASONS
FOUR RESORT. Charming and
cozy furnished 1 Bedroom sleeps

5. Updated unit with amenities

including wifi, sauna, jacuzzi,
phone, rec room, 2 flat screens ,
DVD players. W/D on site. Shuttle
stop. Walking distance to village.
$120/night + $80 Cleaning fee
Bobby@310-350-5552.
MAUI BEACH FRONT CONDO
ON NAPILI BAY - 50 from water.
Studios and 1 bedroom. Luxury
furnishings + full kitchen. All the
amenities! Mauis best snorkeling/beach. All island activities &
Kapalua within 4 minutes. 5-day
minimum, from $150 per night
(regularly $310/night). Call Sherrie
or Bill for info/reservations (805)
530-0007 or email: pmimaui@aol.
com or visit:
www.napilibaymaui.com
MAUI CONDO 1 AND 2 BEDROOMS. Centrally located on
beautiful Maalaea Bay. Excellent
swimming and snorkeling; white
sandy beach. Minutes from golf,
tennis, fishing, shopping, airport
and resort areas. Marsha Smith or
Jeanne McJannet. Toll free (800)
367-6084. www.maalaeabay.com
MAUIS MOST BEAUTIFUL
BEACH - Napili Bay. Beautiful furnished condo that sleeps 4. Lanai/
balcony, full kitchen, king bed, flat
screen TVs/DVD, ACs free WiFi
(internet), complimentary maid service, complimentary coffee every
morning and breakfast on Fridays.
Special firefighters discount - Best
value in West Maui! Nice pool &
BBQ area - Close to beach! (800)
336-2185 www.napilivillage.com
Don Sprenger - retired LAFD (949)
929-0989
MONTANA ROCKY MT. FRONT
GETAWAY - 80 miles south of
Glacier Natl Park, in the foothills
of the Rockies, mountain and
canyon views. 1,000s of miles of
trailheads, fishing, etc. 2 bedroom,
1.5 bath, dining, living, kitchen
& washer/dryer. SatTV, wireless
internet. $125.00 night + cleaning.
Call Dan (805) 279-8143 or www.
VRBO.com (#494959)
PALM DESERT-3 bed/2bath,
one level. New re-model, fully
furnished w/linens. Cable TV/
DVR, Private Patio, BBQ, Laundry,
Garage, Gated Community, two
(Pools, Jacuzzis, Tennis Courts).
Near College of the Desert. $175
Dan Cook 310 418 1577.
SEE NEW ORLEANS MARDI
GRAS. Beautiful 2 BD - 2BA with a
sauna. Hillcrest Villas. Next to golf

course in Adita Springs, LA. Only

$450/week. Feb 13th thru Feb
20th. (562) 799-1134
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE. Romantic
Chalet Family getaway. 3 bed/2
bath plus loft. Sleeps 810. Cable
TV, washer/dryer, microwave,
woodburning stove. 7 minutes to
casinos and Heavenly. Located in
Tahoe Paradise. $105 per night
plus cleaning. Call Shawn or Rose

Agnew at (661) 250-9907 OR

(661) 476-6288.

VACATION
VEHICLES
MOTOR HOMES FOR RENT:
Several 2006 Class A 32 Foot
Motor Homes, with Double Slide
Outs, Fully Loaded, Free Housekeeping Kit, Camping Kit, Discount

Prices Starting at $150.00 to

$180.00 per night. Serving family
& friends of LAPD , LASD, IPD,
OXPD, OX Fire, LA CO., LA City,
Ski Clubs ask for our 25% off
weekly rental rates. Visit us at
www.so-calrv.com or call 661714-7689 or 661-297-2398. ALSO
AVAILABLE BIG BEAR CABINS,
3 bedroom 2 bath with pool tables
& spas. PLEASE CALL FOR
MORE DETAILS.

EVENTS
BREAST CANCER FUNDRAISER - 5TH ANNUAL HAIR
CUT-A-THON. Sunday October
25, 2015. 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM.
Imagine Hair Salon located at
543 Country Club Drive #E, Simi
Valley. For more info: www.imaginehairsalon.net/charity/event or
call (805) 582-9700. 100% of the
proceeds will be donated to the
American Cancer Society.

For advertising information, please contact:

Eric Santiago - (323) 259-5231
or email: eric@lafra.org
or visit our website at www.lafra.org/advertising

Deal direct with authorized Factory Dealers

Offering members of the Los Angeles Fire Department
Courteous, Ethical, and Special Consideration in the purchase of your new car.

GALPIN FORD

#1 Volume Ford Dealer in the world for 20

consecutive years!

Lincoln / Mercury / Honda / Mazda /

Volvo / Ford / Jaguar / Lotus / Aston
Martin / Spyker / Galpin Auto Sports
For special pricing contact
Terry MillerFleet Sales & Leasing
15505 Roscoe Blvd
North Hills CA 91343
818-797-3800 l www.galpin.com
1.800.GO.GALPIN

HAMER TOYOTA, INC.

Camry / Celica / Corolla / Tundra
Tacoma / Sienna / Supra / Solara
11041 Sepulveda Blvd
Mission Hills CA
Ask for Steve DensonFleet Mgr
steve@hamertoyota.com
818-365-9621
Specializing in hassle-free car buying

HONDA OF HOLLYWOOD
Honda - Sales and Leasing
Large Selection of Used Vehicles
6511 Santa Monica Blvd
Hollywood CA
Ask for Dave Erickson
323-466-3251 l Fax: 323-462-0187
DaveE@hondaofhollywood.com

October 2015 59

January 26, 1947

Captain L. L. Riggs, Engineer H. L Turner, R. E. Brown, R. V. Strom

Circa 1959

September 27, 1942

Captain A. B. Watson,Engineer A. E. Utecht, D. M. Hayden

Captain Les Herrell, Fireman Corbin MacNeil,

Fireman Tom Zumwalt, Fireman Okie Bordner,
Fireman Armand Lucky Longo, Fireman Jim Mills

Fire Station 79 - 18030 South Vermont Avenue - 1942 to Present

60 October 2015

KEVIN D. WRIGHT
Senior Vice President
Financial Advisor
Morgan Stanley
CA Insurance License #0E11022

SUPPORTER / SPONSOR
LAFD Invitational
Historic Society Member
Lane Kemper Team Sponsor
LAFD Golf Club
PALS -LAPD

THANK YOU!

All Members and Family of the LAFD

Active/Retired call for a oneonone
investment review and consultation

818.713.4788

Kevin.D.Wright@MorganStanley.com

Retirement Planning
Insurance/Long Term Care
Income Planning
Estate Planning Strategies
SPECIAL NOTE:
Last 2 years in DROP
Complimentary Review of Your Deferred Comp Assets
MORGAN STANLEY
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in
conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates.
Morgan Stanley and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice.
Individuals should seek advice based on their particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.
(C) 2015 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

CRC 1240988 7/15

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October 2015 61

Los Angeles Firemens Relief Association

7470 N Figueroa Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90041-1725

80
YEARS

Celebrating 80 Years
of Serving Our
Loyal Members

Great Rates on todays

Deposits become Great Rates
on tomorrows Loans!
Bank with the Credit Union that exclusively serves firefighters
Earn More with Us
High-Yield Money Market accounts keep your money liquid
Share Certificates (CDs) pay higher rates for set terms
Earn even more when you factor in our Extraordinary Dividend Bonus* payout each year

Call, visit a branch or go online today!

(800) 231-1626 www.firefightersfirstcu.org
Los Angeles Loma Linda Pleasanton Sacramento Thousand Oaks
Coming Soon to Bakersfield and Orange Count y!

Funds on deposit are insured up to $500,000 per

account. This institution is not federally insured, and
if the institution fails, the Federal Government does
not guarantee that depositors will get back their money. Accounts
with this institution are not insured by any state government.

* An Extraordinary Dividend Bonus may be declared at the discretion of the Firefighters First Board
of Directors at year-end.