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Saturday, October 24, 2020 | California City

s
g Come join the Fire Department family for a weekend of fun and camaraderie.
et
1 The "Hook and Ladder Enduro" is a fun
family event held near California City.
This event will be on a marked course approximately
25 miles long. It will be a “blind bogey” type of
event - each class will have an unknown time to try to
match. The closest to the “blind bogey” time will
win. Trophies for 1st through 3rd place in each class.

- It is open to all ages and experience levels. - No previous experience necessary.

- Open to any type of off-road vehicle / motorcycle. - Trophies, Prizes and Finisher Pins.

CONTACTS:
Bruce Galien – LAFD Retired – (661) 645-7448 [email protected]
Craig White – Fire Comms – (661) 305-3102 [email protected]

FACEBOOK/Hook and Ladder Enduro

 On the cover: Structure fire at 6100 Hazelhurst Pl. Photo | Mike Meadows

Photo Inset: LAFD & LA County Fire working together on Little Tujunga Cyn Rd. Photo | Rick McClure

2 • October 2020
 VOL. XCVII OCTOBER 2020 NO. 2

• FEATURES •
In Memoriam
Farewell to FF/PM Jose Perez • ..................................................06

Medal of Merit
Pilot Joel Smith & Dave Nordquist • ............................................ 08

Photographer in Focus
David Blaire • ................................................................................ 11

Generations
LAFD Family • ............................................................................... 13

• CONTENTS •
President’s Message • ............................................................................5
Battalion News • ....................................................................................15
LAFRA Trustee Elections • .....................................................................36
Memorials • ...........................................................................................38
Heat Stroke
Cool it Off! • ....................................................................................39
LAFD EMS History
2000 to 2006 • .................................................................................40
Avoiding Social Manipulation
Phishing Trip • ...................................................................................42
Retired Guys
VonDutch • .........................................................................................43
Retirement Dinners • ……………………………………………………….44
Mirror/Mirror
Test Your Skills • ...........................................................................45
The Station Fridge • ...............................................................................46
The Coasters—Carwash • ....................................................................47
LAFRA Mail • ..........................................................................................50
LAFD History
Preserving History • ..........................................................................52
Minutes of the Board of Trustees • .....................................................55
Classifieds • ...........................................................................................58
Tailboard
Fire Station 90 • .................................................................................61

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

COPYRIGHT © 2020
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association.
No material may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

October 2020 • 3
 FIREMEN’S GRAPEVINE
owned and published by the
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
7470 N Figueroa Street, Los angeles CA 90041

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

PSO’s
Nicholas Prange, Margaret Stewart, Brian Humphrey

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

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

LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 • October 2020
F
or those of you looking to join the Relief Association PPO you should reach out to [email protected] and they can as-
Medical Plan, the month of October is your opportunity. Dur- sist you with voting as your notice may have been lost in the mail.
ing this Open Enrollment period, the PPO plan is the best
available option for active and retired members of the LAFD that FLU SHOT TIME
allows you to utilize the Anthem network of providers. The effective
date for you and your beneficiaries will be January 1, 2021. If you As flu season approaches, it’s time to consider getting a flu
have any questions, or want to know more about the LAFRA Medi- shot. Flu vaccines can be obtained at your provider’s office, most
cal Plan, contact our Members Services representatives at 323-259- large retail pharmacy chains (including CVS, Walgreens, Wal-Mart,
5223 or [email protected]. Costco, etc.), as well as many retail groceries stores (Ralphs, Vons,
Elections for LAFRA Trustees will be held this month run- Safeway, etc.). The LAFRA PPO Medical Plan will cover flu vac-
ning from October 23, 2020 through November 23, 2020. There are cines for PPO Members and their covered dependents, with no
six active positions and one pension position up for election, which copays, deductibles, or co-insurance fees when administered at an
represents one-third of the Board of Trustees. If you have interest in in-network doctor’s office. Chargers over UCR (usual, customary,
running, please fill out the form on page 37 of this edition or print out and reasonable) from an out-of-network provider are the member’s
the electronic form received in your email, and turn it in by October responsibility. The PPO Medical Plan will reimburse 100% of UCR
15, 2020 at the close of business. (usual, customary, and reasonable), per flu vaccine, for you and each
of your covered dependents, if your vaccination is administered
2020 LAFRA ELECTION: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW outside of a physician’s office visit. Medicare Part B covers one flu
shot per flu season. If you have Medicare Part B and get your flu
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The Board of Trustees has shot from a Medicare provider, you typically pay no co-insurance or
changed the voting process this year as we are moving to an elec- deductible. If you have questions, please contact HealthComp, our
tronic format. We have hired the company “Election Buddy” to help Third-Party Administrator, at 866-995-2372.
you through the new process. We hope that this will streamline and
provide increased voter participation. Additionally, this online elec- LAFD GOLF
tion process will save valuable Relief funds and provide you with an
easy and convenient election. This year’s ballot will NOT include Unfortunately, the Annual LAFD Golf Invitational did not
any By Law amendments as our scheduled annual review was can- take place this year. We are still moving forward with the Online
celled due to the pandemic. Golf Auction as we have received very generous prize donations
from our sponsors. The Salute to Firefighters Online Auction opens
When to Vote: October 13th, this exclusive auction is a great opportunity to snag
some fabulous vacation packages, airline tickets, electronics, kids’
Voting will open October 23, 2020 at 9 A.M. PST, and will merchandise, sports equipment, one-of-a-kind firefighter collect-
run through November 23, 2020, 10 A.M. PST. On October 23, 2020, ibles, and so much more! Even though the tournament was canceled,
you will be receiving an email and/or a text message to vote. you may still support our cause by signing up as a sponsor. If you
The email to vote will come from [email protected]. are able to donate or purchase these items, your generosity will be
com. Adding this email to your address book prior to voting could greatly appreciated, and all proceeds benefit the Widows, Orphans &
keep the email from ending up in your spam folder. Disabled Firefighters Fund.
The text message to vote will provide a link and come from After six months of navigating our way through this pandem-
either 1-877-225-8712 or 1-877-225-8482. ic, I hope this message finds you well and spending valuable time
You will have the option to vote via the email link or a cell with your loved ones!
phone message link if LAFRA has this information for you. You will
NOT be able to vote twice. Be safe out there!
150 250 350
Online vs. Paper

You will receive a paper ballot if LAFRA does not have an

email address or cell phone number on file for you. This paper ballot
will be sent out on October 27, 2020 and provide you with informa- Jeff J. Cawdrey
tion to vote online; or, you can fill out the paper ballot and return it 323.259.5202
by mail. If you do not receive this paper ballot by November 6, 2020, [email protected]

October 2020 • 5
 My Friend Jose,

If I could describe Jose M Perez selflessness also extended to his coworkers, countless times offering his
in one word, it would be Altruis- help for moving days, personnel projects, and sometimes even financial
tic. The dictionary defines altru- help for those in need. His favorite saying being, “I got you Buddy,”
istic as, “Unselfishly concerned made sense in the way he was always willing to help and asked nothing
for or devoted to the welfare of in return. His generosity continued when he was off duty as well.
others.” Jose exemplified this On a trip to Mexico with friends, he began buying clothes and
definition in both his personal shoes for children selling gum on the streets. He was undeterred when
and professional life. Born in his friend began joking that if he helped them all, they would never
South LA on December 9, 1975 make it back to Los Angeles. Jose simply stated, “One kid at a time,
as one of ten children, he realized buddy.” Having worked alongside Jose for the majority of his career, I
early on in life that true happi- saw that the one thing he cared about above all else was his family. Sur-
ness was found in helping others. vived by his wife, Heidi, and three young children, he would always go
As a child, he would accompany over the top to show them how much he cared, renting costumes to wear
his mother, picking up cans, and then donate the proceeds to families as his young son’s favorite superheroes, hiring speed and conditioning
less fortunate. As a teenager in high school, he would search out the coaches to fuel his older son’s football aspirations, and it is rumored he
“outcasts” to make sure they were included. He joined the LAFD in once dressed as a princess for his young daughters’ birthday. Looking
December of 2003 and served for over 16 years. His assignments in- to spend time with his family while at work, he would organize “family
cluded Fire Stations 39, 52, 65, 21, and almost 14 years spent at Fire days” at the fire station with no expense sparred. The days often includ-
Station 33. During his time on the job he was always going above and ed inflatable jump houses, cotton candy machines, taco carts, and the
beyond in both the station and out on calls. Jose would routinely head occasional mariachi band. With stories of selflessness, hard work, and
up station projects, including restoring salvaged apparatus to be donated devotion so common, Jose set the standard in service to others. A stan-
to the Dominican Republic and Mexico with no accolades ever needed. dard worth striving for. Jose Perez was an outstanding Son, Husband,
His patient care was second to none, proven by the fact that on multiple Father, Uncle, Paramedic, Firefighter, Coworker, and Friend. He will be
occasions, former patients and their families would stop by the station sorely missed by his family and all who had the privilege of knowing
to say thank you. One year, Jose even invited a former patient that had him.
fallen on hard times to come by the fire station for a holiday meal. His -Beau Porter

6 • October 2020
October 2020 • 7
 O
N NOVEMBER 9, 2018, Pilots Dave Nordquist and Joel Smith were operating Helicop-
ter Fire 4, flying water dropping missions near the border of Los Angeles and Ventura
County. It was the second day of the Woolsey Fire, which was raging out of control, burn-
ing thousands of acres and hundreds of homes despite all efforts of ground and air resources from
multiple fire agencies.
After completing what should have been their final water drop before refueling, Nor-
dquist and Smith received the radio call for an urgent rescue. Civilians were trapped in the Santa
Monica Mountains at Castro Peak, and flames were rapidly approaching their location. Extreme
fire activity prevented ground resources from accessing the area and air extraction remained the
only option for rescue. Typically, rescues involve additional crew members beyond just two pilots,
plus additional rescue equipment. Nordquist and Smith contemplated returning to the heli-spot
to retrieve a hoist and other equipment, but time was of the essence. Fire 4 was the only nearby
aircraft capable of accommodating the evacuees. The two pilots knew that if they did not respond
immediately, the chances of another crew extracting the civilians were slim.

8 • October 2020
 Nordquist and Smith arrived quickly on scene and surveyed a spot to land. Their ideal
landing area was obstructed by vehicles and construction equipment. High winds made maneu-
vering near the repeater antennas dangerous. Nordquist pulled Fire 4 back out while Smith iden-
tified another safe landing area. Smith located a nearby dirt patch on the ridgeline. Terrain and
wind conditions made it impossible for Fire 4 to fully set down. As Nordquist made his descent,
he kept the aircraft at pitch, barley resting the wheels on the ground. Low on fuel and facing ex-
treme heat and wind conditions, Nordquist held Fire 4 in position while Smith exited to find the
stranded civilians. Smith made his way to the top of the peak and encountered the first civilian – a
woman and her dog. She stated that there were two others and another large dog trailing close
behind. Smith located the remaining evacuees and ushered them to the helicopter as fire rapidly
consumed the hillside. Fire 4 flew the three civilian and two canine evacuees to a heli-spot and
turned them over to ground crews for further evaluation. Norquist and Smith then refueled and
resumed their firefighting water drops. For their quick thinking and rescuing of the three civilians
and their dogs, the two LAFD pilots were awarded Medal of Merits. Congratulations to you both
and Godspeed.

October 2020 • 9
 PPO Medical Plan
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OPEN ENROLLMENT
OCTOBER 1-31, 2020
The Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association works hard for our Members to offer a comprehensive
medical plan that is affordable. The plan is designed by firefighters for firefighters and their families
and has the largest enrollment of the firefighter plans.

We encourage you to review your medical benefit options to determine which plan is best for you
and your family.

- Coverage available nationwide through our extensive

PPO network. You can use any Service Provider you choose.
- Preventive care is covered at 100%
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Any member who wishes to join the plan or add new dependents should contact Member Services at:
10 • October 2020 [email protected] OR (323) 259-5200 EXT. 222 or 223.
 s

nsive
milies
What is your favorite Fire Photo you’ve taken?
I have two. March 11, 1990, The Cafeteria Fire on North Vine
Street—27’s first in. An angle shot showing mostly Batt. 5 apparatus
in front of the fire building. The second was on March 6, 1993—89’s
first in. An attic fire going through the roof on an SFD that silhou-

r you etted 89’s TFC and his rookie against the flames.

How did you get into

Photography?
After shooting videos
of numerous LAFD events and
retirement dinners around 1988,
I was asked to do 35mm still
photos of future events. The rest
is history.

What camera model do you shoot with?

Currently I am using a Nikon D 810 36mp digital camera with a 24mm - 120mm
Nikkor lens. I also use an 80mm - 200mm Nikkor lens on this camera, which I originally
bought for special projects on my new Nikon F4 film camera in 1990. My original 35mm
film camera is a Nikon 8008 from 1988. My video cameras are Panasonic S VHS and
Sony Hi 8.

Number of years as a Any words of wisdom to pass on to someone

Photographer? wanting to shoot emergency incidents them-
Professionally since Au- selves?
gust 1986, while working the 1986 Yes, park your vehicle, legally, away from the incident to
LAFD Centennial Muster. In the allow emergency vehicles access to the incident unimpeded. Stay
midst of all the activities, I found behind fire lines unless you have proper credentials authorizing you

  time to use my new VHS camcorder

to record events that started the
access to cross them. Be very courteous to all Fire and Police Per-
sonnel and follow their directions. Do not equip your vehicle with
: next 100 years of LAFD history. emergency lights to get to the scene quicker. This is Illegal.

October 2020 • 11
Paid Advertisement

Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association Medical Plan may cover this examination.
12 • October 2020 Contact your plan provider to verify.
T
he Los Angeles Fire Department is built on tradition. It’s ingrained in us
from the very beginning of our career. For some members, it has been im-
printed since birth. Generations of firefighters have worn the badge proudly.
We here at the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association strongly support the tradi-
tion of family and the fire service. For this reason, we are asking those members,
active and retired, to send us your pictures of yourself and of those family members
who honorably serve with you or before you. We ask for a group shot if possible, but
we can also make do with individual pictures as well. Please include: names, ranks,
and dates of service if possible, and we will see what we can come up with. Pictures
and information MUST be received no later than December 1, 2020 to be included in
the projected January release. No exceptions! Help keep the tradition of family alive
by sharing your LAFD family history for all to enjoy.

October 2020 • 13
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Our representation continues and have successfully obtained tried over 5000 claims for
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14 • October 2020
 Greetings from the Sinners and Saints of Battalion 2. And, away
we go. Let’s start off this month on a very positive note, again. Keep
in mind, these monthly articles are from photos and information this
author observes and from what I get via email, Facebook, Instagram,
news wire, grapevine, hearing things on weekend drills, etc. In this past
month, we have bid farewell to a couple of pillars in Battalion 2. First,
Captain Fiori over at 47’s left us last month. What a guy. He moved his
locker closer to the back door for a quick getaway and was sucessful.
I spoke with a couple fellas over there and no one, I mean no one, saw
him leave. Then, on the other side of Debs Park, the guys at 55’s made
a bon voyage breakfast for Captain Scott Parker, but not before Captain
Parker made a going away feast for his last supper at 55’s. As you might
be able to see by the picture sent to me, there was no let down as to the
expense and amount of flame that was used to make that final culinary
delight, and it should be noted that I was told that the cover over the BBQ
has a new sunroof in it. So, the Drone Operator, or as we lovingly know
Congratulations go out to proud parents, Daniel (3C) and Amye him as ‘surf and turf,’ is officially off the hook. And speaking of these
Goen on their new daughter, Olivia Hope Goen. Born July 6, 2020 @ two newly retired members that are launching into their new frontiers,
3:08. She weighed 7lbs, 2 oz and was 20.5” in length. we need to take a second to thank them both for the work they put into
their stations that they were assigned to. I know when I work at 55’s,
I can see the TV screen a lot better sitting in the top row in the Bob
Marlow Recreational Room than I would in many of the other “rooms”

Glad to see tradition is not dead—

Cream compliments of E-203.

October 2020 • 15
 
 
   

   
  …

 




  
  
  
16 • October 2020
 across the City! And this morning, right before we went to press, I was
sent a group photo of the members of Battalion 2 that attended the an-
nual Brush Fire Training! I went on the first day, and we got out of there
quick as the sun was nearly melting us all up in Elysian Park. But a heart
filled thanks to the members of Fire Stations 16, 44, 47, Crew 3, and the
Rangers from Griffith Park that put on a nice drill where we didn’t hear
a lot of Hee Haws going on! Oh, and by the way, the helicopter pilot
on day 2 I heard was none other than a graduate from Fire Station 12,
Joel Smith. Local guy does good! And speaking of 12’s …..again. Our
Credit Union moved into their new, old, but new again building, and was
in need of a halyard to be restrung. Truck 12 to the rescue. Thanks guys,
you are always there for the Community and Department! I know I said
I had a couple of days coming up at 50’s. That is not entirely true. I keep
getting detailed to Battalion 1, but the short time I do spend there I am
truly inspired by watching Rob Keay diligently at work, keeping up with
his Target Solutions. And if you believe that, does anyone want to buy
a bridge? I need to pick up a day or two at 42’s, but it’s impossible with
Big Papa and Captain Ortiz there soaking it all in. Good for them! As
we approach brush season, (I know it’s already here) stay safe. And in
the stations, be safe, wear your masks, and wash your hands, do not take
any chances. That’s all I have this month, so send your comments and
rumors to [email protected]. Take care of each other, and lets
safely get through this summer in one piece.

-Captain Jeffrey T. Spaulding



October 2020 • 17
Paid Advertisement:

18 • October 2020
 A Firefighter stands his ground in Boyle Heights. Photo | Rick McClure

Members from Station 80 stand by after a FedEx plane

makes an emergency landing. Photo | FF Eric Johnson

y Jackson
Photo | Kor

Batt 4 says farewell to Battalion Chief Jesse Cisneros.

Photo | Kory Jackson

October 2020 • 19
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20 • October 2020
Park Rangers and LAFD working a 1.5 acre fire near
Dodger Stadium. Photo | James Hedlund-Kaiser

TF 85 handles an auto fire. Photo | Justin Johnson

October 2020 • 21
FLU SEASON IS IN FULL SWING!
As flu season approaches, it’s time to consider getting a flu shot. It’s never fun to be sick, but the flu is more serious than the
common cold. Protect yourself and your loved ones from serious health risks with a yearly flu shot.
WHERE CAN I GET A FLU VACCINE?
Flu vaccines can be obtained at your provider’s office, most large retail pharmacy chains, (CVS, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Costco, etc.) as
well as many retail grocery stores (Ralphs, Vons, Safeway, etc.).
HOW MUCH WILL THE RELIEF’S PPO MEDICAL PLAN REIMBURSE?
The LAFRA PPO Medical Plan will cover flu vaccines for PPO members and their covered dependents, with no copays, deductibles, or
co-insurance fees when administered at an in-network doctor’s office. Charges over UCR (usual, customary and reasonable) from an
out-of-network provider are the member’s responsibility.

The PPO Medical Plan will reimburse 100% of UCR (usual, customary and reasonable), per flu vaccine, for you and each of your
covered dependents, if your vaccination is administered outside of a physician’s office visit.
HOW DO I GET REIMBURSED IF I PAY FOR MY FLU SHOT?
Reimbursement is easy! Claim forms are available online at firemensrelief.org/all-forms. Simply complete the claim form and
send the form, along with your receipt(s), to HealthComp via:

FAX MAIL EMAIL

(559) 499-2464 P.O. Box 45018 [email protected]
Fresno, CA 93718-5018

WHAT IF I AM RETIRED AND COVERED BY MEDICARE PART B?

Medicare Part B covers one flu shot per flu season. If you have Medicare Part B and get your flu shot from a Medicare provider, you
typically pay no coinsurance or deductible.
WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?
If you have questions, please contact HealthComp, our Third Party Administrator, at 866-995-2372.
22 • October 2020
 USAR Task Force 85 conducting a high point training exercise
in the harbor area. Photo | Compliments of Station 85 85 performing a rescue in a palm tree. Photo | Captain James

In the early 19th century, insurance companies that wrote fire insurance policies for large urban cities often were the major sponsors of fire companies.
.) as

s, or
m an

nd

ou

Head-on collision sent three to the hospital in critical condition. Photo | Mike Meadows

October 2020 • 23
Paid Advertisements:

An act of Congress to organize a paid Washington D.C. Fire Department was approved in 1864 and implemented on July 1, 1884.

24 • October 2020
LAFD Fire Captain silhouetted by a vegetation fire
in the Sepulveda basin. Photo | Rick McClure

94 firefighters extinguished the fire in 38 minutes

in the Pico-Union District. Photo | Rick McClure

October 2020 • 25
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26 • October 2020
Battalion 11 Companies performing extensive overhaul at
an early morning structure fire. Photo | Danial O Connor FF’s battle a SF in 13’s first in. Photo | Kyle Rausch

High fire risk led the District of Columbia finally took a rudimentary preventive action in 1803 when the City Council
made it obligatory for householders to provide themselves leather buckets to be used exclusively in case of fire.

Firefighting is dirty business. Fire 4 finishes up a water drop in La Tuna

Photo | Mike Meadows Cyn in 77’s first-in. Photo | Rick McClure

October 2020 • 27
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28 • October 2020
 A one-acre brush fire near Foothill Bl and Osborne
St in Lakeview Terrace. Photo | Mike Meadows

LF 75 and Engine 7 responded to a Dodge Sportsman mo- Station 75 and 87 responded to a fire at a recy-
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E-75 does a birthday drive by. Photo submitted by Valerie Lawrence.

October 2020 • 29
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30 • October 2020
 TF 21 gives a final salute to our fallen
brother, Jose Perez. Photo | Task Force 21

A firefighter from 66’s handles a smoky Capt Lindsay talking things over with Engineer Moon on
auto-fire. Photo | Justin Johnson scene of a pallet yard fire. Photo | James Hedlund-Kaiser

LAFD resources responded to a 2-vehicle collision at Whit-

sett Ave x Victor Blvd with 6 patients. Photo | Rick McClure

October 2020 • 31
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32 • October 2020
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A Sunday morning structure in an automotive

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Truck 96 on scene of a structure fire at Lassen 96’s handles an auto-fire.

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October 2020 • 33
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34 • October 2020
 Firefighters overhaul a fire at a grow operation 61’s crew cuts the door on a solo van at the
in the Valley. Photo Jacob Salzman 5 and 170 Freeway. Photo | Chris Eckenrode

Fire 3 crew looks on while Air Ops makes a water drop

at the Topanga Fire. Photo |James Hedlund Kaiser

October 2020 • 35
 2020 Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association Election:

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

WHEN TO VOTE:
Voting will open October 23rd, 2020 at 9 AM PT, and will run through November 23rd, 2020 10 AM PT . On October 23rd,
2020 you will be receiving an email and/or a text message to vote.
• The email to vote will come from [email protected]. Adding this email to your address book prior to
voting could keep the email from ending up in your spam folder.
• The text message to vote will provide a link and come from either 1-877-225-8712 or 1-877-225-8482.
• You will have the option to vote via the email link or text message link if LAFRA has this information for you. You will NOT be
able to vote twice.

TROUBLESHOOTING:
If you are running into issues while voting online please email [email protected] for assistance. For example, if you do not
receive a notice to vote by October 24th, 2020 and LAFRA has an email address or cell phone for you on file. Or, if you are hitting an
error page, you should reach out to this email address.

ONLINE VS. PAPER

You will receive a paper ballot if LAFRA does not have an email address or cell number for you. This paper ballot will be sent out on
October 27th 2020 and provide you with information to vote online; or, you can fill out the paper ballot and return it. If you do not
receive this paper ballot by November 6th, 2020 you should reach out to [email protected] and they can assist you with
voting as your notice may have been lost in the mail.

CONFIRMATION THAT WE RECEIVED YOUR VOTE:

If LAFRA has an email address on file for you, an email notice confirming that your ballot has been received will be sent to you.

HOW-TO-VOTE ONLINE:
• When you receive your email notice/text message/paper ballot there will be a ballot link included. Selecting this ballot link or
typing it out will take you to your ballot in a web browser.
• Following the link will bring you to the ballot which will contain the voting instructions
and the ballot information. You will then cast your vote on the ballot, following the
instructions.
• After you have selected your choices, you will then be asked to verify your vote
by selecting the “Verify your selection” button.
• Once you have verified your vote, you will be asked to submit the ballot by selecting
the “Submit ballot” button.
• After the ballot is submitted you will be directed to a confirmation page which will give
you a unique verification code. If LAFRA has an email address for you, this will also be sent
36 to you via your
• October 2020ballot receipt email.
W

E
lection time again is bearing down upon us. Elections of the Association’s Bylaws and their responsibilities to the
are a very important aspect for the life and health of members of the Association. The Association is governed
your Relief Association. It is now time to nominate and its business conducted by the Board of Trustees. Dis-
, members of the Association for the offices of the Group 3 semination of information relative to the Association and to
Trustee positions. its membership is conducted primarily by the Trustees. Con-
versely, opinions, requests and suggestions are channeled
As stated in the Bylaws, Chapter I, Section 7136, “The Trust- to the Board through the Trustees. A close liaison with the
ees shall attend all meetings of the Board, unless excused, membership is paramount to the performance of a Trustee’s
visit the sick and injured members in their respective dis- duties.
tricts, report upon all matters coming within their scope of
assignments and responsibilities, and perform such other du- Nominations are open during the month of September and
ties as may be assigned to them by the Board.” will close at the end of the business day on October 15, 2020.

The Trustees are the elected representatives of the member- Please Mail, Fax, or Email a letter in the following format
ot
ship of the Association, who are responsible to their constit- with a recent picture of yourself and a short statement/bio by
n
uency and to the Association as a whole. A conscientious close of business on October 15, 2020.
effort must be made by each Trustee to be knowledgeable

n
t I, _______________________________________, do hereby submit my name as a

candidate for the position of Group 3 Trustee on the Board of Trustees of the Los

Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association. This letter is valid only for the General election

of 2020.

or

Mail or FAX to:

Joe Vigil, Trustee

Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
7470 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90041
Fax: (323) 259-5290, Email: [email protected]

The Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association is an organization that is run by Firefighters for the benefit of Firefighters. All that is required is the desire
to give our members the best benefits possible. You will be asked to attend up to three meetings per month and assist the membership. You will receive ten
dollars for each meeting you attend and you will also be reimbursed for your mileage. In addition, you will receive the satisfaction of serving and solving
problems for your fellow Firefighters.

October 2020 • 37
 MEMBERS
David W. Sloan, Assistant Chief.
Appointed February 20, 1960.
Retired on a service pension May 7, 1989 from Division 1-B.
Passed away August 15, 2020.

Fred G. Haarman, Engineer.

Appointed April 20, 1963.
Retired on a service pension September 1, 2002 from FS 49.
Passed away August 22, 2020.

Harold B. Hogan, Fire Inspector.

Appointed January 29, 1959.
Retired on a service pension February 10, 1991 from FPB Harbor Industrial.
Passed away September 1, 2020.

William Alvarez, Firefighter III.

Appointed December 19, 1955.
Retired on a disability pension July 16, 2000 from FS 112-B.
Passed away September 12, 2020.

Melvin K. Marion, Captain.

Appointed July 2, 1956.
Retired on a disability pension July 18, 1974 from FS 102.
Passed away September 13, 2020.

FAMILY
Gwen L. Boulter, surviving spouse of Bruce C. Boulter, passed away August 12, 2020.
Patricia R. Lord Malais, spouse of Gerry R. Malais, passed away August 20, 2020.
Jo-Ann Thompson, spouse of Delbert C. Thompson, passed away September 6, 2020.
Sharon E. Garst, spouse of Frank R. Garst, passed away September 9, 2020.

38 • October 2020
T
he season of Fall is upon us. Normally Firefighters with a high BMI, high blood pres- enough. One way to know if you are hydrated
one would think cooler weather, blustery sure, thyroid disease, or diabetes are certainly is by monitoring your urine output. It should
winds, and falling leaves. However, this at higher risk, all members are suspectable to be clear, with slight to no color and frequent.
is California and with its arid climate comes the the conditions. The more risk factors one has, Blood in the urine is a danger sign of organ
potential of severe fire conditions, high tem- the less exertion and less heat it takes to de- failure and must be addressed immediately.
peratures and humidity levels, and the increase velop too. The last line of defense is each other. Captains
risk of falling prey to one of two heat related A hot day doesn’t guarantee you’ll suf- should be monitoring their crew continuously,
illnesses: heat exhaustion and heat stroke! No fer from a heat-related illness, but the closer keeping a close watch out for any of the above
one is more susceptible to these conditions than the outside temperatures gets to your body’s conditions. Rotating personnel must be accom-
firefighters. Working outside while in turnouts own temperature, the higher the risk becomes. plish too so as to not overwhelm any one mem-
in extreme heat and other weather conditions So, how can we prevent these dangerous condi- ber or crew.
increases the chance of overheating. tions from developing in the first place? One Heat related illnesses are a serious
To begin with, we must first understand way is to start living a healthier lifestyle. By threat to the health of our firefighters. The
the difference between the two conditions. keeping your BMI within proper ranges, we good news is that these conditions are eas-
Heat Exhaustion is a condition caused by be- not only reduce our chances of overheating, ily prevented if recognized and treated early.
ing exposed to elevated temperatures for an but we also stay off the chances of developing Knowing the warning signs and practicing
extended period of time. This state is wors- the other physical ailments that can exacerbate common sense is the key to prevention. If you
ened while dehydrated and has symptoms like heat related illnesses. Another way to help come across another member exhibiting any
nausea, headache, vomiting, dizziness, muscle prevent overheating is by wearing the proper of these signs and symptoms, have them stop
cramps, paleness, weakness, fainting, fatigue, clothing while engaged in physical activities. whatever activity they’re doing, and assist them
and excessive sweating. The skin is moist and In recent years, the Department has done a in cooling off. Sit them in the shade, in front of
cool. If heat exhaustion is not treated, it can great job in recognizing that the uniforms and a fan, or even spray them with a hose line. The
manifest into the next condition—Heat stroke. protective equipment we don plays a major role key is cooling them down as rapidly as pos-
Heat stroke develops when the cool- in our protection and performance on the fire sible. Stay hydrated and stay safe.
ing mechanism of the body is overwhelmed, ground. In-turn, they
causing unusually high body temperature that have issued lighter but
includes physical and neurological symptoms. still effective PPE’s,
Compared to heat exhaustion, heat stroke is a especially in the area
real medical emergency that may be fatal if not of brush firefighting.
attended to or treated. Signs and symptoms of Hydration
this condition are high body temperatures, the plays a major role in
inability to sweat, accompanied by flushed, dry our body’s ability to
skin, fast or rapid heart rate, difficulty breath- maintain a healthy
DON’T WEAR
THICK CLOTHES
ing, confusion or the inability to concentrate, body temperature.
anxiety or agitation, or even seizures. If left un- Drinking enough flu-
treated, this condition can rapidly develop into ids must begin early
unconsciousness or worse—death. in the day though. On
Physical conditioning of our members a hot day, the recom-
also plays a huge factor in whether or not a mended eight cups a
person will suffer from a heat-related illness. water a day may not be

October 2020 • 39
 The EMS Plan was endorsed and ap-
proved by the Mayor in January 2001. The
EMS Plan included hiring and training 500
new paramedics over the next five years and
increased EMS field supervision, resource de-
ployment plans and workload relief plans.
During the first year of the EMS Plan
(2001/2002), these resource improvements
were implemented:

• Upgraded 3 BLS fire companies into para-

medic assessment fire companies
• Upgraded 5 BLS ambulances into paramedic
ambulances
• Added 6 new paramedic ambulances
• Added 9 new BLS ambulances
• Added 6 new EMS District Captain offices
• Hired 145 new paramedics
• Hired 4 nurse educators to instruct paramed-
ic continuing education
• Revised EMS dispatch protocols
• Trained LAFD uniformed dispatchers to the
National Academy EMD standards

By the end of the first year, the to-
tal number of ambulances increased from 83
to 98, the number of paramedic ambulances
increased from 56 to 67, the total number of
paramedic units increased from 84 to 98,
and the number of EMS Captains on-duty in-
creased from 6 to 12.
Paramedic response times decreased
from an average of 7.2 minutes to 6.9 min-
utes Citywide. The number of paramedic
ambulances exceeding the workload limit was
dramatically reduced from 22 to just 3. The
number of fire stations where the firefighter-
paramedics could rotate between the para-
EMS CRISIS IN LOS ANGELES LAFD EMS RESOURCE DEPLOYMENT medic ambulance and the fire company was
PLAN increased from 4 to 8. The total number of
In September 2000, local newspaper EMS incidents for the year increased 5% from
headlines were declaring a paramedic staffing In January 2001, faced with mount- 261,619 in 2000/2001 to 274,341 in 2001/2002.
crisis in the City of Los Angeles. The LAFD ing EMS problems, Fire Chief William R. During the second year of the EMS
had over 100 paramedic vacancies for its 447 Bamattre introduced a five-year Emergency Plan (2002/2003), these resource improve-
paramedic positions on fire engines and ambu- Medical Services Resource Deployment Plan ments were implemented:
lances. Firefighter-Paramedics were working (EMS Plan). The EMS Plan addressed the Fire
excessive and forced overtime to maintain the Chief’s goals of increasing paramedic cover- • Upgraded 11 BLS fire companies into para-
constant staffing of the resources. Paramedic age, improving overall EMS service delivery, medic assessment fire companies
response times in over a dozen neighborhoods and providing a better working environment • Upgraded 1 BLS ambulance into a paramedic
averaged nearly ten minutes. The workload through reducing workload. ambulance
of over one-third of the rescue ambulances, The EMS Plan would manage the sig- • Added 4 new paramedic ambulances
including 22 paramedic ambulances, exceed- nificant number of new paramedics, deploy- • Added 13 new BLS ambulances
ed the Department’s recommended work- ment of additional EMS resources, and expan- • Added 4 new EMS District Captain offices
load guidelines of 350 responses per month. sion of EMS field supervision. The five-year • Hired and/or trained 140 new firefighter-
Firefighter-Paramedics were decertifying and Plan would increase the number of paramedics paramedics
requesting to get off the busy paramedic am- and resources to meet the following objectives:
bulances and back onto fire companies. By the end of the second year, the to-
The Board of Fire Commissioners con- • Paramedic resource at every fire station tal number of ambulances increased from 98
ducted four public meetings to study the para- • Ambulance at every fire station to 115, the number of paramedic ambulances
medic staffing problems. City officials, Fire • EMS Captains in every Battalion increased from 67 to 72, the total number of
Department management, union leaders, fire- • Additional paramedic ambulances to provide paramedic units increased from 98 to 114,
fighter-paramedics, and members of the medi- workload relief for busy units and the number of EMS Captains on-duty in-
cal community participated at the meetings • Additional paramedic assessment engines for creased from 12 to 16.
and offered solutions. Within four months, the paramedic personnel rotation Paramedic response times decreased
Fire Department had a plan. from an average of 6.9 minutes to 6.8 minutes
40 • October 2020
Citywide. The number of fire stations where As of July 11, 2004, the total number third year, just the upgrading of several BLS
the firefighter-paramedics could rotate be- of ambulances remains at 115, the number of resources to paramedic status. The fourth year
tween the paramedic ambulance and the fire paramedic ambulances increased from 75 to cost $5.5 million. The fifth year cost $9.4 mil-
company was increased from 8 to 15. The to- 79, the total number of paramedic units in- lion.
tal number of EMS incidents increased by 2% creased from 120 to 124, and the number of
from 274,341 to 280,395. EMS Captains on-duty remained at 16. FIRST EMS PLAN SUMMARY
In April 2003, the Department success- Paramedic response times decreased
fully achieved one of the EMS Plan’s objec- from an average of 6.6 minutes to 6.3 minutes Fire Chief William R. Bamattre, and
tives by deploying at least one paramedic re- Citywide this year. The number of fire stations the men and women of the LAFD, were pleased
source in every fire station district in the City. where the firefighter-paramedics could rotate with the results of the EMS Plan. Paramedic
In June 2003, the Department achieved between the paramedic ambulance and the fire personnel shortages became a thing of the past,
another objective by deploying EMS Captains company was increased from 26 to 29. The paramedic attrition was reduced from 15% to
in every one of the 16 geographic Battalions, number of EMS incidents decreased by 1.6% 10% annually, paramedic response times were
thereby improving EMS supervision, training this year to 285,012. reduced in nearly every neighborhood of the
and management of field personnel. The EMS On May 3, 2005, the Department was City, the number of citizen complaints was
Captains were assigned to the platoon-duty successful in achieving another objective, the reduced, the number of patient lawsuits was
Battalion Commanders in their respective Bat- deployment of an ambulance in every fire sta- virtually eliminated, the revenue from ambu-
talions. tion district. lance transports increased to over $50 million
In January 2003, the administrative During the fifth year of the EMS Plan annually, and the number of firefighters volun-
EMS Division was staffed with Assistant Chief (2005/2006), these resource improvements teering to attend paramedic school continued
Gary Seidel, Battalion Chief Daniel McCarthy were implemented: to grow. The people who live, work and play in
and Captain-Paramedic William Wells the City of Los Angeles were benefiting from
(still detailed to the Planning Section). • Upgraded 9 BLS ambulances into paramedic the successful implementation of the LAFD
In April 2003, a new Captain II-Para- ambulances five-year EMS Plan.
medic position was staffed in the Planning • Upgraded 1 BLS Fireboat into a Paramedic In September 2006, Assistant Chief
Section (Captain II-Paramedic William Wells). Assessment Fireboat Michael Fulmis replaced Chief West as the As-
In July 2003, the administrative EMS Division • Converted 17 Variable-Staffed BLS ambu- sistant Bureau Commander of the Emergency
was staffed with Assistant Chief Seidel, Battal- lances from 12-hours to 24-hours a day Services Bureau. The EMS Division had be-
ion Chief McCarthy and Captain-Paramedics • Hired and/or trained 101 new firefighter- come the EMS Section with Battalion Chief
Richard McClure and Marc Segal. paramedics Daniel McCarthy as the Commander.
During the third year of the EMS Plan The next LAFD EMS History article
(2003/2004), these resource improvements As of June 25, 2006, the total number will cover the second EMS Plan and the years
were implemented: of ambulances remained at 128, the number from 2006 to 2009.
of paramedic ambulances increased from 79
• Upgraded 3 BLS fire companies into para- to 88, the total number of paramedic units in-
medic assessment fire companies creased from 124 to 134, and the number of
• Upgraded 3 BLS ambulances into paramedic EMS Captains on-duty remained at 16.
ambulances Paramedic response times increased
• Hired and/or trained 49 new firefighter-para- from an average of 6.3 minutes to 6.5 minutes
medics Citywide this year. The number of fire stations
where the firefighter-paramedics could rotate
As of January 11, 2004, the total num- between the paramedic ambulance and the fire
ber of ambulances remained at 115, the num- company was increased from 29 to 39. The
ber of paramedic ambulances increased from number of EMS incidents increased by 1.7%
72 to 75, the total number of paramedic units this year to 289,851.
increased from 114 to 120, and the number of Budgetary approval from the City
EMS Captains on-duty remained at 16. Council and the Mayor was required for each
Paramedic response times decreased year of the five-year EMS Plan. Fire Chief Wil-
from an average of 6.8 minutes to 6.6 minutes liam R. Bamattre initiated a labor-management About the author:
Citywide this year. The number of fire stations executive committee to prioritize, market, and William Wells was a member of the Los
where the firefighter-paramedics could rotate ultimately gain approval of each year’s bud- Angeles City Fire Department for over 36 years. He
between the paramedic ambulance and the fire get request. The labor-management executive started as an Ambulance Driver with the Depart-
company was increased from 15 to 26. The committee consisted of members of the Fire ment at the age of 18. He graduated from Los Ange-
number of EMS incidents increased by 3.3% Commission, Fire Department management, les County Paramedic Training Institute at Harbor/
this year to 289,756. the firefighters’ union (United Firefighters of UCLA in April of 1975. While assigned to Rescue
During the fourth year of the EMS Plan Los Angeles City Local 112), and the fire chief 27 in Hollywood, he married his partner, the first
female paramedic on the Department. He and Car-
(2004/2005), these resource improvements officers’ association (Los Angeles City Chief
lesta have been married for over 40 years. William
were implemented: Officers Association). was a Paramedic Captain working in the Bureau of
The Department was successful in ob- Emergency Medical Services, the Quality Improve-
• Upgraded 4 BLS ambulances into paramedic taining funding for each of the five years of ment Section, and the Planning Section. He retired
ambulances the EMS Plan. The first year implementation in 2009 as a Captain II-Paramedic. He was the
• Added 13 new Variable-Staffed BLS ambu- of the EMS Plan had an annual cost of $13.8 President of United Paramedics of Los Angeles in
lances for 12 hrs each day million. The second year implementation cost the early 1980’s, and an Instructor of the Paramedic
• Hired and/or trained 43 new firefighter-para- $17.6 million. The third year cost $0.4 mil- Training Institute’s Paramedic Preceptor Course for
medics lion. No new ambulances were approved in the 25 years.

October 2020 • 41
S
ince the early days of the Internet, it has provided multiple ways guess your security questions (again, based on your private information
for people to communicate with one another. It began with e-mails, that they have gathered about you on your online profiles as well as some
then instant messages, then social media, then video chats, which internet browsing on you and your family). After succeeding, and they
led to phone video chats. As the internet has evolved, it has also become have gained access to your account, they may order a new sim card for a
the central place to do just about everything, including retail shopping different phone and continue the scam on other levels.
and ordering food delivered right to your door. The internet connects you Cell phones are a popular target for online hackers. It gives them
to new people, digital assets, information, and so much more, which is a better means of deceiving other sources, like financial providers and
why the internet today has become the most popular target for hackers even friends and family, into thinking it’s you. Online hackers use social
and scammers to run their cons. manipulation because they know that humans are emotional creatures.
Hacking today goes far beyond the typical brute force password There is no software patch that can stop people from feeling frustrated
guessing and standard types of viruses, like key loggers or worms. or sympathetic to another person. Luckily though, you can follow some
These means of gathering information are hardly needed now in the age simple ways to protect yourself from these types of scams.
of social media, where people all over the world freely post personal
information to personal blogs, and social media sites, like Facebook, PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM SOCIAL ENGINEERING
Instagram, LinkedIn, and loads of other social platforms.
Today, there is a plethora of information already available to on- You should ensure that all of the devices you connect your so-
line scammers who can get it with a simple friend request or by follow- cial media accounts with are running a good anti-virus program. Also,
ing you online. This voluntarily offered user information can be used in limit the amount of information you share online – your followers and
various methods of hacking and is what we refer to as ‘social manipula- friends really don’t need to know that you are currently at the gym at this
tion’. time every day or that you are visiting family in Chattanooga, Tennessee
from this date to that date for your brother’s wedding.
HOW DOES SOCIAL MANIPULATION WORK Many online platforms have a way to help secure your social me-
dia accounts. Facebook allows you to control what information people
Social manipulation doesn’t require expensive computer equip- can see based on if they are friends or family, for instance. You can also
ment, hacking tools, or sometimes, even a computer at all. All that’s always choose to not accept incoming friend requests, allowing you to
needed is the right information, a persuasive story, and a naïve victim. better control who can be friends with you online. Always create strong,
It has become a favorite amongst online scammers today. unique passwords and use a password manager, like RoboForm or Last-
It’s easy enough for a scammer to follow your online social pro- Pass, to manage your passwords for you securely.
files, like Twitter, or Instagram. If your account is public, then they just Protecting your social media accounts is a good step, but it’s also
hit the follow button and watch what you are posting online. They can important to lock down your mobile devices as well. Avoid answering
also create fake profiles for Facebook and social media platforms that do random text messages that include links in them. Most cell providers
require you to accept them as a friend. They may be that “long lost high also allow you to set up a PIN number or passphrase that must be used
school friend” looking to reconnect, or a friend of a friend. Once they in order to make changes to your data or phone plan.
are friends with you online, they can scrape personal information you Avoiding social engineering scams in the workplace is just as
have on there, like e-mail addresses, phone numbers, pictures, and other important as in your daily personal life as well. Utilizing a managed IT
information they could use. services provider can help make the difference when it comes to moni-
After gathering enough data, the scammer moves on to using the toring and securing your business’s computers and IT. Always report
information to manipulate people who may be your cell provider, your any security incidences you come across and have a policy in place for
bank, or credit card holder. A scammer may figure out from online post- data loss or possible phishing scams for you and your employees. Use
ings who your phone provider is based on your posted tweets. Once they common sense and stay alert for potential scams.
do, they can contact whoever it is, claim to be you, and state that you By following these practices, you can stay one step ahead of
have forgotten your account password. In order to verify your identity, hackers and online scammers by protecting your information. If you
they can then provide the representative with the information they may want to learn more about how you can stay safe online, subscribe to our
have gathered from those social media sites and other online sources to newsletter.

42 • October 2020
 tually, everything on the engine that could be
chromed was. They even had the shops tempo-
rarily replace all of the new wheels and tires
with used equipment so they could take the
original wheels to be chromed.
Rumor has it that’s when the chrome
shop owner mentioned that he had a connec-
tion to VonDutch. This beautiful piece of ma-
chinery needed a finishing touch, and pinstrip-
ing was exactly what was needed. Mike and
Charlie decided to go for it. VonDutch showed

M
up and studied the engine for a few minutes
ost of you weren’t around in the story was that you contacted him about strip- before he accepted the job.
late 1950’s and early 1960’s, but for ing something and he might come and look at As with so many well-planned things,
those of you who were, and were it...or maybe not. If he took the job you didn’t this one started to go off the rails before it
into hot rodding, the name VonDutch has a spe- tell him what you wanted done. He would paint even got started. FS72 was Battalion 17 Head-
cial meaning for you. whatever design he thought of at the time. quarters. As the final arrangements were be-
VonDutch was a very independent man Beside pinstriping, he was a gunsmith, knife ing made, which was the amount of beer they
who did things his way, and he was very suc- maker, and a machinist among his other tal- would have to provide, BC John Adams came
cessful at his chosen profession: pinstriping ents. He was also known for his Flying Eyeball over to see what was going on. The guys pan-
cars, motorcycles, boats, and just about any- design. icked because of the beer and they managed
thing else that was put in front of him. Pin- Here is a quote from an internet article, to hustle Chief Adams away. His aide, who at
striping was a type of artwork that was rou- about the Flying Eyeball, written by a longtime the time was Paul Blum, got the Chief and told
tinely done on cars until about 1938 when GM friend of VonDutch, Bob Burns. him they needed to make a mail run for the
stopped doing it. “No discussion of VonDutch would be Battalion and off they went. Crisis averted.
Today, his name is attached to a line complete without touching on the subject of his VonDutch eventually went to work,
of clothing, which, except for the Von Dutch famous Flying Eyeball logo. What’s the story and when he was done, it was reminiscent of
logo, has no relation to the man. His daugh- behind it? a fire engine from the 1920’s-1930’s. The strip-
ters agreed to allow the logo to be used by the According to VonDutch, the flying ing was exquisite. VonDutch was said to have
clothing industry. eyeball originated with the Macedonian and remarked that the reason he took the job was
VonDutch was born Kenny Howard in Egyptian cultures about 5000 years ago. It was because he had never striped a fire engine be-
1929. He picked up the art of pinstriping at a a symbol meaning ‘the eye in the sky knows fore.
very young age while learning sign painting at all and sees all,’ or something like that. Dutch He signed and dated all of his work. If
his father’s shop. got a hold of this symbol and modified it into you look carefully at the photo of the running
In the 1950’s, hot rods and custom paint the flyin’ eyeball we know today. He always light, his signature can be seen under the light.
jobs arrived in Southern California. Candy believed in reincarnation, and the eyeball, This signature authenticated his works.
Apple Red was one of the favorite colors of somehow, was tied to that. There have been VonDutch died in 1992 from an un-
hot rodders. VonDutch joined the ranks of ex- numerous ‘incarnations’ of this design over the known cause.
ceptionally talented car builders and painters years, but VonDutch’s design still remains an One other contemporary of VonDutch
like George Barris, Tony Nancy, Dean Jeffries, icon of the ‘50s and ‘60s street rod crowd. Now was Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, so named because
Big Daddy Roth, and Clem Tebow. They, along ya know!” he was 6’4”. He was also a pinstriper, painter,
with many other hot rodders, put Southern VonDutch was a very independent and an artist. He is the originator of a cartoon
California firmly in the center of the Califor- man. You supplied him with alcohol and left character known as Rat Fink. This logo has
nia car culture. him alone to do his magic. He didn’t need or been put on cars, motorcycles, t-shirt, comic
Dean Jeffries had his shop next door to want any input from you. When he was done, books, and more.
FS 76. For many years, one of his creations was the end result was, in the vernacular of the Big Daddy died in 2001 from a heart
parked on Cahuenga Blvd. 15950‘s-1960’s, “bitchin”. Everything was per- attack. Due to the internet, these men, their
George Barris was in North Hollywood fect. All free hand. lives, and their works can still be seen and ap-
on Riverside Drive. He was the creator of the In 1984, FS72 received a brand-new preciated.
Batmobile and the Munster’s car. Seagrave engine. This engine was pristine. The big question is what happened to
Tony Nancy was an upholsterer in Two of the engineers, Charlie Claire E72? As with so many other historical artifacts
Sherman Oaks on Woodman Ave. and Mike Sauber, decided that a little more it has disappeared without a trace
VonDutch, however, was anywhere chrome would look good, so they began tak-
there was something to be striped. He wasn’t ing everything apart, one piece at a time, and Art Sorrentino
someone who was tied down to an office. The took the parts to a local chrome shop. Even- [email protected]

October 2020 • 43
 JESSE CISNEROS, Battalion Chief, 4-C

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2020

The Oaks Club at Valencia

26550 Heritage View Lane, Valencia CA
oaksclubvalencia.com

Social Hour: 6:00 PM Dinner: 7:00 PM

Menu: South of the Border Buffet

$50 pp includes dinner, tax & tip

Contact: Randy Kemp - (213) 485-6238.

[email protected]

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44 • October 2020
October 2020 • 45
46 • October 2020
I
used to enjoy washin’ my car, but now it’s just easier let him haggle with the Fire Department over their failure
takin’ it to the car wash and watchin’ someone else do to properly train me about this electrical stuff. I think some
it. I’m not sure if this is a sign of bein’ lazy, cheap, or $$$ might make me feel better.
mature. So, the other day I’m cruisin’ down the freeway and
Funny, I don’t mind havin’ my car washed but I refuse looked over at the car in the next lane.
to call an electrician. The other day my wife told me the It was a guy by himself in a convertible, doin’ about
garbage disposal and light over her sink didn’t work. The 70 mph, with a “better be safe than sorry” anti-corona virus
electrical outlet next to the sink also had no power. It’s one mask coverin’ his face.
of them ground fault indicator outlets, so I naturally tried Personally, I thought the guy was nuts, but I hate
to reset the GFI, but the reset button didn’t work. So, off I jumpin’ to conclusions. So, when I got home I flipped
went down to my favorite hardware store and bought a new through my California DMV handbook to see what our
one. state said about this add-on drivin’ accessory. Bingo, there
After successfully installin’ it without lightin’ my- it was in BOLD type. “Anyone drivin’ a convertible auto-
self up, I boastfully reminded my wife what a smart guy mobile while traversin’ along any public road or highway
she married. To verify how smart I was, my wife plugged must maintain an average speed of 90 mph to avoid havin’ to
in her favorite can opener but immediately gave me that wear a mask.” There you go, now you won’t
“didn’t work look.” She then asked if I had checked the cir- miss that question on your next drivin’ test!
cuit breaker. Circuit breaker? “Yea,” she said, “when the
ground fault outlet malfunctioned it obviously caused the AC
circuit breaker to trip.” KEEP SMILIN’!
Luckily, I still have Perry Mason’s phone number. I’ll [email protected]

An act of Congress to organize a paid Washington D.C. Fire Department was approved in 1864 and implemented on July 1, 1884.

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October 2020 • 47
48 • October 2020
October 2020 • 49
 in South Los Angeles at Fire Station 57, then
in the early 90’s transferred to Fire Station 24
in Sunland, California until his retirement. In
his heart, James was truly and undeniably, first
and foremost, a family man. He always called
his wife “Lovie,” his daughter “Sis”, his son
“Toulouse,” and his grand daughters and great
granddaughters “Darlin’.” James never said no
to his children no matter what they needed. He
was warm hearted, generous, and never said an
unkind word about anyone. James was truly the
best friend one could ever hope to have. Jim
will be greatly missed by all that knew and
loved him. Never
forgotten, and for-
ever remembered
as truly one of the
greats. On Me-
morial Day 2020,
when the day was
IN MEMORY OF MICHAEL W. HENRY— and Charlie Mackie were good friends working done and evening
ENGINEER on opposite shifts always fun watching them at fell, his tasks com-
relief. Jim had a lot of time on the job lived in plete, Jim went
Great memories of Mike in the early Visalia if I recall and working at that time on home.
80’s at Fire Station 64 and of his late great Wa- one of the busiest triples in the City. That was
ter Buddy, Harry “Balls” Correll. What a great dedication R.I.P Jim. Greg Maza
team. Mike was known for his work ethic, me-
chanical knowledge, driving skills and corny Robert Rosario
jokes. I fondly remember getting that first run IN MEMORY OF RICHARD L. MENDEN-
of the morning and heading down 108th with HALL—INSPECTOR I
Captain John White, drinking a cup of coffee, IN MEMORY OF WILFRED W. BISSON—
saying he had no fear of spilling a drop because ASSISTANT CHIEF I worked with Dick way back in the
of Mike’s smooth driving and shifting. Fun days of San Fernando Fire; I left before the
times and a great training ground for a young Chief Bisson was a radio pioneer for transition and continued my fire service career
firefighter. Thank you, Mike the LAFD. He initiated the LAFD Auxiliary with the State of California. Sorry to hear of his
(Ham Radio) Communications Service which passing,
Tom Ottman is more than 200 volunteers strong today and
recognized by the State of California. About RIP
1995 he initiated our mutual aid radio interop- Dave Ebert
IN MEMORY OF MICHAEL W. HENRY— erability project with dual-band radios in AC
ENGINEER and BC command vehicles for state-wide and
local fire interoperability. That program led to IN MEMORY OF FERDINAND
I was sorry to learn of your passing. the LAPD Astro project with police radios with TICHENOR—FIREMAN
You were the A/O when I got transferred to mutual aid capability in all apparatus. He led
F.S.94 in the late 1970’s. You taught me a lot many other technology projects and was recog- Never knew or met you, but way to go!
about truck company operations and tillering. nized several years ago with the Metro Fire Ra- 46 years on pension.
You were always positive and big help to any- dio Tower in Downtown Los Angeles named in Rip brother.
one who wanted to learn. RIP my friend. his honor. RIP Chief. You fought a good fight, Ben Kuzichev
and you will be missed by many. KDG872
Duane Warth
Kevin Nida IN MEMORY OF RICHARD L. MENDEN-
HALL—INSPECTOR I
IN MEMORY OF WILFRED W. BISSON—
ASSISTANT CHIEF IN MEMORY OF JAMES MAZA— Richard was always a kind and gentle
CAPTAIN I soul. It was a pleasure to work with him for a
Chief Bisson was a standout member of short time.
the LAFD. He was a great leader and excellent Capt. James Lewis Maza passed away
team member. He would light up a room. He on Memorial Day, in the year 2020, at age 86. John Hicks
was the best. James was born on December 20, 1933 at Co-
My thoughts and prayers are with Mar- chise County Hospital in Douglas, Arizona to
cie and family. loving parent Lewis Marion Maza and Mable IN MEMORY OF WILFRED W. BISSON—
Esther Hughes-Maza. In 1952, James began ASSISTANT CHIEF
Donald O. Manning what would become a lifetime of service when
he entered the United States Navy, serving Chief Bisson was a man of many tal-
aboard the U.S. Nova Scotia out of San Diego, ents, both professional and personal. He was a
IN MEMORY OF JIM L. MAZA— California, receiving an Honorable Discharge consummate expert in the field of communica-
CAPTAIN I in 1958. Later the same year, James joined the tions and dispatch and shared these gifts freely
Los Angeles City Fire Department. In 1978 he with Department members and members of the
Jim Maza was the Captain on the A shift was promoted to the rank of Captain until his community.
at old 57s he was true gentleman always a smile retirement in 2004. For most of his 46-year Moreover, he was very well respected
on his face and a pleasure to work with. Jim career in the Fire Department, James served and liked by members of his command for his

50 • October 2020
warm and friendly manner. Although he held
the rank of Assistant Chief, he never allowed
this fact to lessen his close interpersonal rela-
tions with his staff and always sought the role
of mentor and and colleague.
Rest well my Chief. We will share that
bowl of “chodah” at Moody’s Diner in Waldo-
boro, Maine.

Allen Norman

IN MEMORY OF JAMES F. PERSON—

BATTALION CHIEF

Chief, 4 days short of 40 years deserves

a shout out. Battalion 10 was my first assign-
ment as a new BC in October of 2011. With
the exception of the rigs, I’m guessing things
didn’t look much different when you retired in
1980. Congratulations sir on a phenomenal re-
tirement, and I’m sure an even better career.

RIP.
Jeff Elder
FiremensRelief.org
at your fingertips
IN MEMORY OF RICHARD L. MENDEN-
HALL—INSPECTOR I

Like Dave Ebert, Dick and I go back to

our days on the San Fernando Fire Dept. He
could be serious at times but those times were
few. He enjoyed a good gag (often at his ex-
pense) and then laugh until tears came in his
Find Relief PPO Medical Plan details
eyes. He was a very friendly person, liked and
enjoyed people. I’m saddened to learn of his Access Relief member benefits and services
passing.

Bill Binder View the Firemen’s Grapevine Magazine

Check out upcoming events
IN MEMORY OF ROBERT L. WIN-
KLER—ENGINEER

Bob Winkler was a close friend. We

first met working with a great crew at 100’s,
which included Tom Thumb, Don Ott, Bill Di-
erch, and Eugene Monte Verde. Bob became
my dredging partner and we had many great
trips up to the gold country. After retiring from
the fire department in 1982, he actually ended
up in the same area that he had visited so many
times before. Junction City, along the trinity
River, became his new home base. He became
active with the Junction City Volunteer Fire
Department and was their chief for many years.
He was also very active with the Gold Museum
in Weaverville and actually helped build the
Gold Stamp Mill which he operated on special
holidays! Bob was a very active member for
the Public Utility Commission in Weaverville.
He will truly be missed by many people.
I will leave you with this. God saw you
were getting tired and the cure was not to be,
so he put his arms around you and whispered
come to me. With tearful eyes we watched you,
and saw you pass away, although we loved you
dearly, we could not make you stay.

Darrell DeMontes

October 2020 • 51
 Submitted by Frank Borden • Director of Operations, LAFDHS

LAFD HISTORY – Los Angeles City Fireboat 2 “The Ralph J.

Scott” – The Preservation and Restoration Project
Frank’s note: The LAFD Historical “Ralph J. Scott” fireboat for placement in its 7. The Ralph J. Scott and crew served with
Society took on a major project agreeing to own museum building in San Pedro. A small honor, courage and distinction for over seven
restore Old Fireboat 2 some 18 years ago. Re- group of volunteers have been steadily work- decades.
tired Fireboat Pilot Bill Dahlquist has been a ing on the boat for several years with minimal
key figure in the project with his knowledge of funding and volunteer support. We have had a Fireboat 2 celebrated its 50th anniver-
the boat and desire to preserve it. He has been fund raising campaign going on since the boat sary in 1975 and in 1976, the boat was named
involved in every phase of the project even get- came out of the water in 2004. The estimated a Los Angeles City Historic-Cultural Monu-
ting it approved as a National Historic Land- cost to rehabilitate the boat professionally by a ment. In 1989 the U.S. National Park Service
mark. We would not be where we are today boat yard was $500, 000. We have about 40% designated the “Ralph J. Scott” a National His-
without Bill’s leadership and perseverance. of that in the boat fund now and a long way to toric Landmark because it possesses national
go. We have saved thousands of dollars using significance in commemorating the history of
volunteer workers who have worked well over the United States of America. The Boat is listed
20,000 hours on the project. At $25 per hour on the National Register of Historic Places Ref.
that is a savings of $500,000 in labor costs. No. 89001430.
The preservation project is a partner- The LAFD Historical Society is re-
ship with the LAFD as the owner of the boat, ferred to as Stewards of the “Scott” by the Na-
the Historical Society as the preservationists tional Park Service Maritime Heritage Program
and the Port of Los Angeles that will hopefully with regard to its National Historic Landmark
provide a multi-million dollar museum struc- Status. The Preservation Project for the Scott
ture for the boat sometime in the future. requires the finest engineering, craftsmanship
Why is LAFD Fireboat 2 – The Ralph J. and over-site to be successful. Amazingly this
Scott - Important? has been done by the LAFDHS restoration vol-
unteers. Our restoration volunteers are working
Retired LAFD Fireboat Pilot Bill Dahlquist under the guidelines of the U.S. National Park
at the helm of the “Scott” on its last trip to Service.
Larsen’s Boatyard after retirement. In June 2002, the Los Angeles Fire
Department (LAFD) formed an advisory com-
The great old boat will be 95 years old mittee which included Los Angeles Harbor
October 20th leaving a legacy hard to match Department (LAHD) (Port of LA) and the Los
anywhere. Built in San Pedro, served in San Angeles Fire Department Historical Society
Pedro for 78 years and still in San Pedro. (LAFDHS), and began consultation with a
Fireboat 2 at the boathouse on Termi-
variety of community groups and government
nal Island at Berth 227 circa 1980’s.
Preserving Old LAFD Fireboat #2 – The agencies including the National Park Service
“Ralph J. Scott” and the California State Historic Preserva-
1. The Ralph J. Scott is the longest serving tion Office, concerning the fate of the fireboat
The LAFD Historical Society has taken on
piece of Los Angeles Fire Department appara- Ralph J. Scott, a National Historic Landmark,
some major projects with a minimal amount of
tus at 78 years. on her pending retirement from active duty. To
funding and volunteers and has still made great
2. The Ralph J. Scott is a classic example of support the work of the committee the LAHD
accomplishments in keeping with our mission
generation riveted wrought steel hull fireboats commissioned two studies, one to evaluate the
to preserve educate and memorialize. Operat-
3. The Ralph J. Scott has an outstanding re- condition of the vessel (Vessel Inspecting Re-
ing two museums, collecting and displaying
cord of emergency and non-emergency service port: MV Ralph J. Scott Los Angeles Fire Boat
hundreds of items and many fire apparatus and
to the Port of Los Angeles. No. 2 (Retired) by Robert Allan LTD. Naval
of course completing our LAFD Fallen Fire-
4. The Ralph J. Scott is recognized as a Los Architects, 2003) and the second to develop a
fighter Memorial at a cost of $2.5 million has
Angeles Cultural Heritage Monument. plan for its the historic preservation (Final His-
not been easy. This has been done through a
5. The Ralph J. Scott is recognized by the toric Preservation Plan for the Fireboat Ralph J.
can do attitude, perseverance, a vision for what
U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Ser- Scott, 2006).
can be done and the know how to do it. A past
vice National Maritime Initiative as a National The consensus of the committee and
tradition on the LAFD.
Historic Landmark. the greater community was that the Ralph J.
Our Society has taken on another even
6. The Ralph J. Scott is listed on the Na- Scott should be preserved, and its NHL status
bigger project to preserve and prepare the
tional register of Historic Places.
52 • October 2020
should be maintained. To that end the LAFD, protective structure in which it will permanent-
LAHD, and LAFDHS embarked on a plan, to ly reside.
rehabilitate and preserve the Ralph J. Scott as Rehabilitation will focus on address-
a museum vessel and public education display, ing the deterioration of the vessel’s fabric by
near Fire Station 112, as part of the multimil- removing paint and corrosion down to bare
lion dollar redevelopment of the San Pedro wa- metal and applying new protective covering
terfront in the Port of Los Angeles. to the vessel, removing residual oils from the
The Ralph J. Scott Historic Preserva- machinery and equipment, cleaning and per-
tion Plan provides an overall preservation forming repairs to the vessel to return her to the
framework as well as specific recommenda- appearance in her final years of operation. Old Fireboat 2 being lifted out of the water in
tions. The preservation plan includes: Long-term preservation will be 2004 to be moved to its current location. An emo-
• Historic context achieved by placement of the vessel on a spe- tional day for all.
• Stabilization plan cially engineered and constructed foundation
• Documentation plan providing support along the length of her keel
• Preservation approach to prevent over stressing and damage to the
• Interpretive plan vessel and enclosing the vessel in an purpose
• Work plan built climate controlled building for her display
and protection from the elements.
The LAFD had agreed to allow the Once placed within the building and
Scott’s incorporation into the redevelopment a controlled environmental, maintenance needs
project designed to connect the community of the Scott will be vastly reduced and supplied
to the waterfront, enhance community- and by staff and volunteers from the LAFDHS,
visitor-serving commercial opportunities and many of which are retired Scott crew members.
thereby revitalize the waterfront. The redevel- The LAFDHS will also provide, in conjunc-
opment project passed environmental review tion with the LAHD and LAFD, an educational The Boat is now in a tent at Berth 87 adjacent to
and construction of project elements began. program using the fireboat with static and in- the Battleship Iowa. We anticipate being in this lo-
The LAHD (Port of LA) planned to provide teractive displays within the building space, cation for the next few years as we plan to make it
the land and construct a two-storied protective to present the story of the Scott and the men into a museum in 2021.
structure (building) which would complement who manned her, firefighting in the Port of Los
and support the historic context of the fireboat, Angeles and history of the Port itself. In ad- set aside for the restoration to begin the transi-
protect its historic materials, and not detract dition, the building would have a transparent tion to a museum.
nor compete with the Scott while providing wall facing a plaza to be construction as part of This project has been a “Labor of
the public the opportunity to view the vessel. the waterfront redevelopment project. With the Love” by those of us involved in the project.
A conceptual plan for the building was devel- building closed, the fireboat will still be visible This boat is one of the very best examples of
oped and the final design was completed. The during the day and when illuminated at night. LAFD history, a National Historic Landmark
LAFDHS would undertake the rehabilitation of This plan was cancelled by the Port in 2015 due and must be preserved and displayed for gen-
the Scott before her placement into her perma- to the new plan to fund and construct the new erations to come.
nent home. Key personnel in this effort will Ports O’ Call (San Pedro Market Place) and We have a Facebook page to check at:
include William Dahlquist, retired LAFD with other major projects. Preserve Fireboat 2 “The Ralph J. Scott”-
over 20-years as fireboat pilot and crew mem- The boat today and for the last 17 years We also gladly accept donates to pre-
ber in charge of restoration for the Scott and has been on the dock at Berth 87. Since 2013 serve the boat at any amount. We do have spe-
Retired Assistant Fire Chief Frank Borden Di- the Port of LA provided a canopy for the boat cial gifts for donation starting at $100 and up.
rector of Operations for LAFDHS. Work will that has helped protect it from the marine en- Frank’s note: Retired Fireman Gordon Briggs
be carried out by LAFDHS volunteers and by vironment thereby preserving our restoration has been a volunteer on the fireboat and the
contractors as needed. work. We are planning to complete most of the Harbor Museum for many years now. One of
There are two facets of the project, first preservation work by the end of 2020 and to the most difficult jobs on the boat restoration
the rehabilitation of the vessel in preparation begin preparing the boat for display in 2021. was to rehab the tower. Several of our vol-
for its new role as a museum vessel and public Our last big job is to paint the 100 foot hull. unteers worked on the project for nearly two
education tool and secondly construction of the We hope that we can upgrade the tent years. Mark Howell designed scaffolding that
into a museum and some- we could raise and lower to work on every
day in the future move the boat piece of metal. Gordy and retired Apparatus
into a permanent structure Operator Glenn Wilkinson somehow volun-
a s originally planned. The teered to remove all the paint and rust and
LAFDHS has applied for a paint the tower. They were known as the “rat-
grant from the Port of LA tler brothers”. This is Gordy’s fun story of the
for funds to help us create a project.
museum environment in the
current location in the tent. THE DREADED TOWER
The grant was not approved Based on a true story by Gordy Briggs
for 2020/2021 so we will apply (LAFD Ret.)
again for 2021. We will also
ap - ply for a large grant for a In 1925 one of the world’s most inno-
The original museum building planned to be built by the Port museum building as origi- vative fireboats was launched and dedicated in
of LA adjacent to Fire Station 112. Project cancelled in 2015. nally planned for the boat. the Los Angeles Harbor. At that time, true en-
We will use our LAFDHS funds gineering and imagination brought forth a new
October 2020 • 53
revelation in harbor firefighting and protection. construction, a myriad of tools were on hand ing, both Gordy and Glenn climbed to the top
With a battery of water nozzles, fire pumps and to maintain working order over the years with platform and began an ambitious two-year
firefighting personnel, this craft served the har- brawn and brain. Giant grinders, hammers, journey of rattling, rustproofing, prime coat-
bor waterfront for years to come. wrenches, slotted screwdrivers and many other ing and final gloss coating. The tower was not
For 78 years the Ralph J. Scott served large man-size devices added to the everyday friendly to finger jamming, knuckle busting,
the citizens of Los Angeles in a firefighting maintenance routine. head bumping or various types of non-threat-
capacity and water displays for people to see One particularly odd tool was the air- ening bodily harms that usually occur with an
what a 100-foot fireboat can perform. During driven pneumatic needle scaler commonly undertaking if this magnitude.
its tenure, the boat never went out of service called a “Rattler” which was used to remove The tower was finally completed and
even when the three gasoline drive engines old paint and rust from the ever-ending chore now stands in its majestic glory as a focal point
were replaced with more efficient diesel en- of iron and steel maintenance. The rattler was for visitors to enjoy for years to come. God
gines, one at a time in the 1970’s. probably the most intrusive noise maker in the bless “The Dreaded Tower”!
In the late 1990’s, a marine survey was hands of the user which required using ear
conducted, the aging Scott was deemed to be and nose protection from airborne residue of FIREBOAT 2 MODEL DONATION
non-seaworthy and finally taken out of service old rust and paint. The rest of the boat crew
in 2003. Prior to the decommissioning, the fire cringed when operation of the rattler went on Last year a model builder, Larry Bow-
department purchased a new fireboat replace- what seemed forever until just a little removal ers and son of an LAFD Fireman who worked
ment, the 105-foot Warner Lawrence. was engaged. on Old Boat2 during the war years in the
The Scott was taken out of the water The title of this article, “The Dreaded 1940’s came to the LAFDHS with an offer
and placed on land to be restored to museum Tower” depicts the true-life story of how the to build a WWII vintage model of the boat.
condition and is currently resting in a very tall imposing structure was rattled with love Larry wanted to make the model in memory
large vinyl structure for protection against the and devotion for two years. of his father. Larry brought photos of some of
ever-present marine atmosphere. A contingent As with most all volunteer workers on a large his model work and they were very impres-
of dedicated volunteers have been working undertaking, there is always time for a coffee sive so we were excited about the project. We
feverously for many years to bring the Scott break during the morning with a voluminous provided Larry with as much documentation
looking as it did when it served during its hey- amount of gabbing and informational chatter that we had on the boat at that time and Larry
day. along with occasional “why don’t you” sugges- returned home in Nebraska to start work. We
To be concise, this craft was con- tions. were able to provide more photos and answers
structed with steel plates and iron cross beams The tower is in reference to the impos- to his questions through emails. He wanted the
held together with hot rivets. With this type of ing 30-foot-high iron structure that supports model to be exactly right.
a large water spewing nozzle assembly. The He was able to recreate the boat and
tower is constructed of steel strapping in a all its equipment including using various items
crisscross pattern which culminates to the top- and tools and a 3 D printer for items like the
most deck for manipulating the nozzle in any engines and pumps. Remember that today we
direction. Looking up from the deck, the tower do not have any retired members available to
has an imposing and uninviting aura which us who worked on the boat at that time for their
secretly states, “Good luck when rattling my information. We are thankful for the informa-
cross-beams”. tion provided by retired Fireboat Pilots Frank
This is where the “why don’t you” Baker and Bill Dahlquist and retired Captain
Our Fireboat volunteers lowering the scaffolding comes in. Some of the volunteers are a little Tom Moran for their input.
to start work on the next section of the tower. more adept at working in more terrifying and After more than 900 hundred hours
unfavorable situations than others. At this Larry finished the model and it was featured
point someone blurts out a suggestion to rattle on a PBS program in Nebraska. It has also
the entire tower from the very top tip to the been on display. We had planned a media event
very bottom of the deck. Just about all eyes for Larry to donate the model to our Historical
focused on two of the most prolific operators Society in August of this year but because of
of the pneumatic rattlers, namely Gordy and the virus we postponed it. We are still planning
Glenn. These two laborers glared at the others a media event later, but Larry wants to bring
and both remarked “are you nuts?” The oth- the boat out sometime in September 2020 for
ers didn’t even budge when coffee was unin- now so it will be safe. We will gladly accept it
Glenn Wilkinson using the rattler to remove tentionally coughed up upon hearing any kind at that time and plan for a big event later. This
all paint and rust from the tower. This was of ridiculous suggestion of rattling the dreaded model is museum quality and unique. The de-
done for every piece of metal in the tower. tower. tail is awesome. There will never be another
After some musing, Gordy and Glenn one like it and will be part of our museum dis-
committed themselves to attacking the tower play for all to see and appreciate.
with dedication and gusto and not whining
about the laborious and unfavorable challenge. WWII Model of Fireboat 2 made by Larry Bowers
With the assistance of Mark Howell and Tom to be donated to the LAFDHS. It is 48 inches long
Moran, a special scaffolding was erected near Notice the engine room cutaway.
the top of the tower to aid in the uncomfortable
positions when rattling. After all, the in-house
scaffolding saved the treasury beau-coups dol-
Gordy Briggs Doing some paint- lars instead of hiring out a scaffolding com-
ing at the bottom of the tower. pany.
On a given beautiful San Pedro morn-
54 • October 2020
 LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
August 5, 2020

CALL TO ORDER objections. VICE PRESIDENT REPORT

President Jeff Cawdrey called the Meeting Motion carried to ratify the July 8, 2020 Chris Stine indicated that he is waiting to
of the Board of Trustees of the Los Board Meeting Minutes. hear from the Annual IFEBP Conference
Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association to determine if the conference will be
to order at 10:07 a.m. (Today’s meeting PRESIDENT’S REPORT canceled. He recommended not booking
conducted via conference call due to flights for the conference.
National Emergency of Coronavirus) 1) Jeff Cawdrey provided a Pension
meeting update and indicated that there EXECUTIVE SESSION
ROLL CALL was a vote held for the new President and
Vice President for the Pension Board. The Board entered into Executive Session
MEMBERS PRESENT: He indicated that the Pension Board is at 10:24 a.m.
Jeff Cawdrey, President requesting additional information about The Board adjourned from Executive
Chris Stine, Vice President retirees in the non-Medicare bucket. Session at 11:02 a.m.
Trustee Steve Berkery
Trustee Chris Bustamante 2) Jeff Cawdrey indicated that it was INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
Trustee J.D. Fox that time of year for President and Vice REPORT
Trustee Jeff Halloran President nominations for 2021.
Trustee Gene Bednarchik Garth Flint of Beacon Pointe Advisors
Trustee Joe Vigil Juan Albarran nominated Jeff Cawdrey provided the Q2 investment performance
Trustee John Jacobsen for President for 2021. Steve Berkery for LAFRA.
Trustee Rick Godinez nominated Chris Stine for Vice President
Trustee Jim Duffy 2021. John Jacobsen provided the following
Trustee Craig White motion.
Trustee Frank Aguirre There were no objections to those
Trustee Mike Sailhamer nominations therefore, they will be voted The committee recommends and I so
Trustee Gayle Sonoda on at the September Board meeting. move to liquidate our investment in IVA
Trustee Tyler Tomich as per Beacon Pointe’s recommendation.
Trustee Steve Tufts – Pension 3) Jeff Cawdrey informed that the Group 3 There was no discussion or objections.
Trustee Tim Larson – Pension Trustees will be up for this year’s election
Trustee Juan Albarran - Pension in October. Group 3 Trustees include; John Motion carried to liquidate our
Todd Layfer - Executive Director Jacobsen, Tim Freeman, Steve Berkery, investment in IVA as per Beacon Pointe’s
Liberty Unciano – Controller/Treasurer Kenny Breskin, J.D. Fox, Jim Duffy and recommendation.
Pension Trustee Tim Larson.
MEMBERS ABSENT: EXECUTIVE SESSION
Trustee Kenneth Breskin 4) Jeff Cawdrey informed the Board that the
Trustee Danny Wu Colorado Springs Firefighter Memorials, The Board entered back into Executive
Trustee Tim Freeman IAFF and the LAFD Memorials have Session at 11:43a.m.
Trustee Henry Gasbarri been canceled. He indicated that all the The Board adjourned from Executive
families will be invited back the following Session at 12:00p.m.
INVOCATION & Flag Salute year to honor their loved one being placed
on the wall in 2020. Member updates and member
Rick Godinez led the invocation. Tim reinstatement were discussed during
Larson led the flag salute. 5) Jeff Cawdrey informed that he has been Executive Session. Action were taken.
approached by the Color Guard if LAFRA
RATIFICATION OF MINUTES had its own flag. He asked the Board how EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR REPORT
they felt about creating a LAFRA Flag.
Jeff Cawdrey entertained a motion to ratify The consensus of the Board was to create 1) Todd Layfer referred to the remote
the July 8, 2020 Board Meeting Minutes. a flag for LAFRA. working protocol and indicated that the
Tim Larson moved. Rick Godinez staff continues to work from home and
seconded. There was no discussion or indicated that he and Jeff Cawdrey have
October 2020 • 55
decided to extend it until September 21st. or objections. the amount of $36,815.39 to the Widows,
Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund.
2) Todd Layfer referred to the Sexual Motion carried to approve the Medical
Harassment Prevention and HIPAA Plan bills totaling $2,649,898.36. The committee recommends and I so
Employee training scheduled for August move to approve the financial assistance
and September. He also mentioned that RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT applications for surviving spouses, active
Ana and Maria have been receiving and retired members. There was no
training with Medicare and how to better Mike Sailhamer presented the following discussion or objections.
help members with questions. motion.
Motion carried to approve the financial
3) Todd Layfer referred to this year’s The committee recommends and I so assistance applications for surviving
election and indicated that we are looking move to pay: spouses, active and retired members.
to have an online election. He indicated
that they have a company called Election The Sick & Injury benefits in the amount GRAPEVINE/WEB REPORT
Buddy that will provide a demonstration of $30,886.13
for the Election Committee on August The Estate Planning benefit in the amount Danny Wu reported that the Grapevine
13th. of $7,200 has a full list of advertising clients and
The Life & Accident Death Benefits in the indicated that we are still trying to get
4) Todd Layfer referred to the RFP for amount of $24,000 stories from members of the department.
the Pharmacy Benefit Manager interviews The Relief Death Benefits in the amount
and indicated that they are scheduled for of $50,000 MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT
August 17th and 18th. REPORT
There was no discussion or objections.
ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE Rick Godinez reported that Marketing
REPORT Motion carried to pay the above Relief was able to raise close to $80K for the
benefits. golf tournament even though it has been
Tyler Tomich presented the following canceled. He indicated that they are
motions. Mike Sailhamer read the names of working on thank you letters and the
members who recently passed and asked online auction. He reported that they were
The committee recommends and I so for a moment of silence from the Board. able to raise $20K from the L.A. Marathon
move to pay the usual and customary bills and 5K Run.
in the amount of $1,380,409.83. There MEMORIALS
was no discussion or objections. Charles F. Molloy OLD BUSINESS
Richard L. Carr
Motion carried to pay the usual and Robert L. Winkler 1) Steve Berkery referred to the LAFRA
customary bills in the amount of James W. Bird Flag Box vendor search and indicated that
$1,380,409.83. James R. Sorey we received two quotes.
Michael T. Hilliger
The committee recommends and I so move Kenneth H. Bennett RETIREMENT DINNERS
to approve the work party reimbursement Lawrence J. McPolin
request of $569.93 for Victor Aguirre. Ralph L. Brownell Sr. 1) Jesse Cisneros – October 9th C
There was no discussion or objections. Donald R. Spreeman @ The Oaks Club Valencia (Godinez)

Motion carried to approve the work ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE ADJOURNMENT

party reimbursement request of $569.93
for Victor Aguirre. Mike Sailhamer presented the following Jeff Cawdrey entertained a motion to
motions. adjourn. Tim Larson so moved. Juan
MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT Albarran seconded. There was no
The committee recommends and I so move discussion and no objections.
Tyler Tomich presented the following to accept the donations in the amount of
motion. $36,815.39 to the Widows, Orphans & Motion carried to adjourn. The Board
Disabled Firefighter’s Fund. There was no of Trustees meeting adjourned at 12:28
The committee recommends and I so move discussion or objections. p.m.
to approve the medical plan bills totaling
$2,649,898.36. There was no discussion Motion carried to accept the donations in Jeff Cawdrey, President
56 • October 2020
 Donations to Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund

FIRE STATION #1 in honor of COWSIE R. MALVA for JAVIER MARTINEZ in memory of

Fire Station #9 Jose Perez’s Family Jose Perez

ANONYMOUS in memory of CARL A BUTLER in memory of CHRISTIE MOCHINAGA in tribute to

Russ Weck Sam Serra Jose Perez

DANIEL LEON in loving memory JACK A. BAHAM JR. for the THOMAS PANDOLA in memory of
of Mike Hilliger, friend and LAFD Yearbook Jim Bird
fellow chaplain
RUTH FRY in memory of George Fry, DARYL PREMMER
PARATUS INSURANCE retired LA Times photographer
SERVICE LLC JUDY RAE PULS in honor of
GABE H. KAPRELIAN in memory of Dean Gardner
ALLEN R. WALOCH Mike Hilliger
MARY RAFNER in memory of
JAMES R. WILSON in memory of BNY MELLON CORPORATION Jim Bird
James F. Person COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
ARTHUR SKUBIK in memory of
NETWORK FOR GOOD GARY T. SHELFORD from the Maureen Meadows
Simi Breakfast Klatch
JEAN A. WINKLER in memory of SCOTT ST. DENIS in memory of
Robert L. Winkler PLEDGELING FOUNDATION Don Welcker

HARRY M. MORCK in memory MARCY BISSON in memory of JUSTIN TURNER in honor of

of James R. Sorey, Russell Weck Jr., Bill Bisson Jose Perez
Ronald V. Durham, Frank L.
Disparte, Marsha Tanner, & Martha MICHAEL BLOTTIN DAVID VEGA in memory of Jose Perez
F. Dickens
DAVID COHEN in memory of DENISE MYRIE
ROBERT J. GOODMAN Jose Perez
CATHARINE PRIMOSCH in memory
THE BLACKBAUD GIVING FUND JEFFREY CRANE in memory of of Jose Perez
Michael Hilliger
QRLA, INC. DIANE REARDANZ in memory of
JAMES CZUBEK in memory of Jim Bird
CAROLYN R. CLINITE in memory of Jose Perez
Gary Clinite IRWIN ROSENBERG in memory of
CRAIG EVANS in memory of Jose Perez
CHRISTINE M. BRUMBAUGH in James Bird
memory of Mike Brumbaugh ARTIN SIMONIAN in memory of
DANIEL FOOTE in memory of Jose Perez
DENNIS L. COVILLE in memory of Jose Perez
Mike Hilliger & Russ Weck LORI SOUTHERLAND in memory of
JOHN GENES in honor of God Abba Michael Hilliger
JOHN W. MITTENDORF in memory
of Michael Hilliger DANIEL GUTIERREZ in memory of MATTHEW WESTFALL
Jose Perez
DANIEL J. KEMP in memory of HIROYUKI TAGA in memory of
Dave Sloan AUDRIANNA HART in memory of Kathy Onishi, spouse of retired
Jim Bird engineer Terrance Onishi
ROBERT D. SCHULZ in memory of
Russ Weck, Jr. UNITED WAY, INC. KEN KRUPNIK proceeds from
song sales of “Paramedic Rescue 101”
FIRE STATION #70 from the KRIS LARSON in memory of & “Full Speed 911”
Fire Extinguisher Fund Jose Perez

October 2020 • 57
 CLASSIFIEDS
GRAND CANYON/ WIL- 217-5602.
LIAMS, ARIZONA. 4 bed, [email protected]
3 bath Historic Home one
block from Route 66. WALK LAKE HAVASU LANDING
to everything! 8 person MAX. RESORT. 3 bedroom, 2 bath,
For advertising information, please contact: No special events. Gorgeous waterfront house, boat, moor-
Eric Santiago - (323) 259-5231 - [email protected] house. Unique property. ing out front, fully furnished,
www.HistoricYellowHouse. laundry, gas BBQ, launch
com ramp, gated community, gro-
SERVICES Member of Pro Photographers Listed on National Register of cery store, hardware store. No
of Calif.Aerial photo and video Historic Places Grand Canyon pets, no smoking. Email Kathy
BUSY BEAVER TREE AND also available. FAA certified. Railway, Bearizona, Elephant at [email protected] or call
LANDSCAPE. Tree trimming SouthbayExposure.com  Rocks Golf Course. Call (760) 858-4470
and removal, stumpgrinding, (800) 448-0788 Kerry-Lynn Moede (602) 818-
and firewood sales. Mixed Tony Senior LAFD retired 6559 [email protected] LAKE HAVASU AMAZING
firewood, eucalyptus and oak. LAKEVIEW POOL HOME.
Delivery available or pick up. VACATION GUEST CABIN IN 1800 sq.ft. built 2018, 3 bed, 2
Licensed and insured. Dwayne RENTALS CHATSWORTH. Behind bath, sleeps 8. (King, Queen,
Kastor, FS 63-B - (818) 535- closed gate. 1 bedroom, 1-1/2 Full 2xTwin). Fully furnished w/
6368. AWESOME BIG BEAR- 50 baths, full living room and linens, WiFi, cable TV, laundry,
yards from Snow Summitt kitchen plus fireplace. Pet ok. large kitchen, BBQ, 2 car
CRAIG SANFORD HEAT- chair lifts: 3 bdrm, 2 bath. 4 One person only. $1500 per garage, inside boat storage.
ING & AIR - Free estimates, cable TVs, WiFi, BBQ, Fire- month, includes utilities. 3 miles from launch ramp. No
residential, commercial. Great place, washer/dryer. Includes (818)590-4479. pets / no smoking. Call Karen
rates for LAFD and LAPD. linens, sleeps 8. Winter: 2 nite (661) 965-0542.
Toll free (877) 891-1414, min. $250/weekends; $200/ HAVASU/BOATERS.
(661) 298-3070, FAX (661) Mon-Thurs. plus $75 cleaning 3bdrm(2king,1full) 2bath, turn- LAKE HAVASU BEAUTY
298-3069. State License No. fee. Contact Ron (626) 833- key, w/d, WiFi, Dish, gas bbq, FOR RENT - 3 bdrm, 2 bath,
527114 3437 or email: espinoza.ron@ 1/2 mile to Windsor launch, 1600 sq.ft. Fully furnished
gmail.com covered gated boat parking, with all amenities- Laundry &
FIRE FAMILY ESTATE 3 nites $450, $100 for each BBQ. 13,000 sq.ft. lot. 3 car
SALES – Call us when a loved BIG BEAR - Beautiful decked additional nite- cleaning in- boat-deep garage. 3 miles
one passes, moves to a nurs- 2 story cabin. 2 bedroom, 1 cluded, pics available. Email: from launch ramp. Close to
ing facility or downsizes. Our bath. Sleeps six. Pets OK. [email protected] downtown shops & restau-
professional staff can handle Near lake, slopes, shopping. (626) 665-9890 rants. View of the lake. Quiet
every aspect of estate liquida- Fireplace/wood, cable/WiFi. street in good neighborhood.
tion. We have worked with Fully furnished except linens. INDIANAPOLIS INDIANA No pets. No smoking. Snow-
many fire families and are here Winter $120/$700. Summer HOME. Across the street from bird rates. Call Mike (661)
to help. Rebecca Martin, (818) $110/$600. 2 night minimum. Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 510-6246
216-3637 Call Donna/Beep (760)723- 3Bed/2Bath in town of Speed-
www.firefamilyestatesales. 1475. way. Walk or bike to Main St. LAKE HAVASU LANDING.
com www.schaffercabin.com Short drive, 7 miles, to Lucas TH1-29, Waterfront, 3 BD 3
Oil Stadium,Downtown Indy, BA, Furnished, Direct-TV,
REBEKAH KEARNS PHO- GORGEOUS WATERFRONT Riverfront, Museums, Etc. DVD, WiFi, BBQ, Moor-
TOGRAPHY. Family + Event RIVERHOUSE on the lagoon Available most dates except ing, Casino, Market, Launch
Photography. rebekahkearns of the Colorado River for rent. May 20 to 27. Call Tina or Ramp, Marina, Off Road
photography.com Family home-5 bedrooms, Craig at 805/377-0686 or Trails, Gated, No Smoking/
rebekah@rebekahkearns large bonus room for kids, 4 805/377-3640 Pets, $275 Weekday, $795
photography.com 1/2 baths . Sleeps 15. Fully Weekend Fr-Sat, $1895 Week
insta@rkearnsphoto loaded with top of the line JUNE LAKE CABIN - 7 Days, Maid $100, Resort
LAFD Family appliances. Private launch 2BR/2BA cabin with Carson TOT fee 25% of total bill, bring
ramp. No pets. No smoking. Peak view. Close to fishing & pillows and sheets, (310) 418-
SOUTHBAY EXPOSURE No large parties or events. skiing. Furnished, wood deck, 1577, [email protected]
PHOTOGRAPHY Contact: Gigi (714)454-0922 equipped kitchen, wood burn-
Professional photography (Spouse-LAFD) for special ing stove, tree swing, cable / LARGE LAKE HAVASU
services for all wedding, fam- firefighter family rates and for DVD/phone. Garage/ample HOME FOR RENT – 5
ily, student, lifestyle, sports or snowbirds Check out details: parking. $100/night plus clean- bedroom, 3 bath, 2900 sqft
events. Serving Southern https://airbnb.com/h/theriv- ing fee. Email for pictures. Jeff home with amenities & pool
Calif and destinations beyond. erhousevacationhome Easton LAFD retired (805) that easily sleeps 14+ people.

58 • October 2020
Centrally located, 1 mile from towels/linens, fireplace. Full MAMMOTH SEASONS 4 (310) 418-1577, dagger-
the lake, close to downtown kitchen. Walk to Gondola CONDO. Cozy 1 bedroom [email protected]
shops and restaurants. Check Village and shuttle. Complex condo with full-size pullout
out home at has pool, spa, sauna, laundry. couch and bonus room with SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
https://www.vrbo. Winter $355/night, Summer twin size bunkbed that com- Romantic Chalet Family
com/4648549ha $240/night, plus cleaning. fortably sleeps 4 adults and 2 getaway. 3 bed/2 bath plus
Call Julie 818-268-7906 for Includes city bed tax. No pets, children. Conveniently located loft. Sleeps 8–10. Cable TV,
special firefighter family rates. no smoking. Dory Jones (310) 15 min walk between the Vil- washer/dryer, microwave,
918-0631 or Kelly Corcoran lage and Canyon Lodge at 244 woodburning stove. 7 minutes
LAKE HAVASU LANDING (310) 619-5355 Lakeview Blvd. Visit https:// to casinos and Heavenly.
RESORT BEACHFRONT www.seasons4.com/94269/ Located in Tahoe Paradise.
HOME with boat mooring. MAMMOTH CONDO. Two for pics, amenities, and $115 per night plus cleaning.
Swim, ski or fish from front bedrooms, Large loft. Three reviews. $125/night; off-peak Call Shawn or Rose Agnew
yard. 4 bed/2 bath, fully fur- full bathrooms. Sleeps 8. Walk (May, June, Oct, Nov): $100/ at (661) 250-9907 or (661)
nished. DirectTV/DVD/WiFi, to Canyon Lodge. DVD, Cable, night; cleaning: $100. Bobby 476-6288.
pool table, laundry, BBQ. Wifi, Pool, Spa, Rec. Room, (310) 350-5552.
Gated community with casino, BBQ. Winter $175 Sun - Thurs WATERFRONT RIVER-
groceries, marina, launch ramp $195 Fri /Sat Holiday Periods. MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET: HOUSE ON THE LAGOON
and off-road trails. No pets, no Summer $150 Plus Clean- Studio/loft, 2 bath, king bed, OF THE COLORADO RIVER
smoking. $350 Bowen/Garner ing. No Smoking or Pets. Call sleeps 4. Full kitchen, TV, for rent. Beautiful family home-
email: Craig Yoder (909) 948-3659. VCR, DVD. Garage parking. 5 bedrooms, large bonus room
[email protected] Walk to Canyon Lodge. Ski for kids, 4 1/2 baths,Sleeps
MAMMOTH CONDO. Up- back trail. 2 night minimum. 15. Fully loaded with top of the
LOG CABIN NEAR JACK- dated 2 bedroom 1 bath old Winter $100/nite, $125 Fri, Sat line appliances. Private launch
SON HOLE WY: Close to mammoth/ eagle lodge area. & Holidays. Summer $60/nite. ramp. No pets. No smoking.
Snake River, Grand Tetons, Sleeps 6. Fully equipped Plus $120 cleaning & linens. Contact: Gigi (714)454-0922
Yellowstone, World Class Ski- kitchen, wifi, pool, spa, laun- Jeff & Lisa Moir (661) 254- (Spouse-LAFD) for special fire-
ing. Call (818) 207-0811 LAFD dry. Walk to restaurants, bars, 5788. fighter family rates. Check out
Retired. Visit: www.aspenhill stores, park and trolly. Winter details: https://airbnb.com/h/
cabin.com for all information. $150 summer $130 plus clean- MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET: theriverhousevacationhome
ing fee, holiday rates vary, Walk to Canyon Lodge. Studio
MAMMOTH - 1 bedroom Sum- multiple night discounts. No loft sleeps 4. Queen beds, full
mit condo, sleeps 6. Conve- pets.Contact Will Nevins 26”B” kitchen, 2 baths, garage park-
nient underground garage (714) 697-2587 ing, TV, VCR, DVD. Winter
parking. Jacuzzis, gym (pool/ Sun-Thurs $100.nite; Fri & Sat For
tennis in summertime), shuttle MAMMOTH CONDO AT THE $115/nite plus cleaning fee
right outside! Across from
Eagle Lodge, Winter $110 per
WOODLANDS - Spacious
& sunny. 2 bedroom, loft, &
$100. Non smoking complex.
Joel Parker, LAFD retired. advertising
night, Summer $80 per night 2 baths. Sleeps 8. Cable email: cat25sailor@gmail.
plus $65 cleaning fee and HDTV, DVD, & Wi-Fi. Pool, com or (213) 399-6534. info,
13% tax. All linens included. Jacuzzi, & sauna in complex.
Drew or Nancy Oliphant (661)
513-2000 or mammoth241@
On shuttle route. No smoking
& no pets. $145/night winter,
NASHVILLE CONDO. Two
bedroom condo, sleeps 6, in please
aol.com $110/night summer. Plus Downtown Nashville. Walk-
cleaning and bed tax. Call ing distance to Broadway St, contact:
MAMMOTH CONDO, La Terry Imlay (949)322-3473 or hockey and NFL stadium.
Vista Blanc, Cozy 2 BD 2 (949)458-0768 Contact Wayne, LAFD @
BA, Furnished, WiFi, Cable, (805) 796-7863 for availability
Pool, Spa, BBQ, Sleeps 4, MAMMOTH LAKES - One and price.
Winter $120, Summer $90,
Maid $175, 14% TOT(6092),
bedroom, extremely charming
wildflower condo. Full ameni- PALM DESERT CONDO.
Eric Santiago
No Smoking, (310) 540-4648,
[email protected], (310) 418-
ties, close to shuttle. Antiques,
art, satellite TV, fireplace.
Montery Sands, 3 BD 2 BA,
Furnished, WiFi, Cable, Pool, (323) 259-5231
1577, [email protected] Sleeps 4. Winter $110, Sum- Jacuzzi, Tennia, Sleeps 6 max,
mer $85 plus cleaning fees. $150 Night, $800 Week, $2950 or email:
MAMMOTH CONDO AT Call Bill Clark (818) 371-6722 Month, Maid $150, 11%
MAMMOTH ESTATES. Email: [email protected] TOT(STR2019-0002), Up [email protected]
4BR/3BA, sleeps 10, fully Charge for Concerts, No
furnished, 2 TVs, DVDs, WiFi, Smoking/Pets,

October 2020 • 59
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60 • October 2020
 Fire Station 90

Circa 1980. Back Row L to R: Deron Jones, Al Abarca, Glen Prine, Dale Gant.
Front Row: Bruce Froude. Photo | Boris Yaro
October 2020 • 61
 Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
7470 N Figueroa Street
Los Angeles CA 90041-1725

AUTO & TRUCK LOANS RV LOANS

AS LOW AS
1.85% APR1 for up to AS LOW AS

60 months 4.85% APR3

for 120 months
OR AS LOW AS
for motor homes,
2.85% APR2 for up to 72 travel trailers, and boats
months

Exclusively for Our Members!

Launching MoneyGuidePro®, a complimentary financial planning tool through CFS* for your
Journey Towards Retirement. Call 800-231-1626 ext. 2372 to get started today.

Celebrate 85 Years with Us!

85 Years Strong; 85 Years with a Singular Mission: To improve the
financial lives of Firefighters and their families. To thank you for your
membership, we have the perfect Auto and RV Loans to take you
through the last days of summer and every season that follows.
Los Angeles • Bakersfield • Loma Linda • Orange County • Pleasanton
We could not have achieved 85 years without you. Sacramento • Santa Clarita • Thousand Oaks • Tempe, AZ

*Investments available through CUSO Financial Services, LP (“CFS”), not NCUA insured, not guarantees of the credit union, and may lose value.
1APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Rate includes promotional rate and direct deposit discount. To qualify for the (0.50%) direct deposit discount, funds must be deposited into
your Firefighters First checking account. Can be combined with other discounts. Rate discount applies to loans up to a term of 60 months. All other terms remain at the
current market rate. Some restrictions apply. Representative Example: A $25,000 auto loan financed at 1.85% APR for 60 months would result in 60 payments of $436.89.
Loan rates are based on term and applicant credit history. All loans are subject to credit approval and are subject to Credit Union policies and procedures. Rates are subject
to change without prior notice. For current rate information, please call 800-231-1626. The Credit Union does not lend in a Non Titling State on collateral loans in which a
state does not issue or guarantee a title. Please contact us for out of state purchase requests as some restrictions apply.
2APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Rate includes promotional rate and direct deposit discount. To qualify for the (0.50%) direct deposit discount, funds must be deposited
into your Firefighters First checking account. Can be combined with other discounts. Rate discount applies to loans up to a term of 72 months. All other terms remain at the
current market rate. Some restrictions apply. Representative Example: A $25,000 auto loan financed at 2.85% APR for 72 months would result in 72 payments of $378.61.
Loan rates are based on term and applicant credit history. All loans are subject to credit approval and are subject to Credit Union policies and procedures. Rates are
subject to change without prior notice. For current rate information, please call 800-231-1626. The Credit Union does not lend in a Non Titling State on collateral loans in
which a state does not issue or guarantee a title. Please contact us for out of state purchase requests as some restrictions apply.
3APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Rate includes promotional rate and direct deposit discount. To qualify for the (0.50%) direct deposit discount, funds must be deposited into
your Firefighters First checking account. Can be combined with other discounts. Rate discount applies to loans with a term of 120 months. All other terms remain at the
current market rate. Representative Example: A $25,000 RV loan financed at 4.85% APR for 120 months would result in 120 payments of $263.87. Some restrictions apply.
Loan rates are based on term and applicant credit history. All loans are subject to credit approval and are subject to Credit Union policies and procedures. Rates are subject
to change without prior notice. For current rate information, please call 800-231-1626. The Credit Union does not lend in a Non Titling State on collateral loans in which a
state does not issue or guarantee a title. Please contact us for out of state purchase requests as some restrictions apply.