September 28, 2005
Old Fire Station 36
Fire Station 36 was opened on September 29, 1928 and cost the city $65,000. It was part of a larger structure that was one of the most expensive built to that date with a total cost exceeding $600,000. It served the San Pedro area of Los Angeles until July 1, 1972, when it was closed as part of cost-cutting measures.
Today, Old Fire Station 36 is the "south bay" museum location for the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society. It is located in a vibrant and interesting part of Los Angeles. Fire Station 112 is across the street, along with Fire Boat 2. The old fireboat - the Ralph J. Scott, sits in dry dock behind the station.
This section of the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society Website will focus on firefighting in the harbor area, the history of specific apparatus, and shipboard firefighting techniques. If you get a chance, please come down and visit the museum. It is open every weekend except Christmas and New Year's Day.
Posted by dbarrett at 06:37 PM | Comments ( 1 )
September 20, 2005
William Rolland Firefighter Educational Institute
Fire safety is a critical component for any household, anywhere in the world. In a large, multi-dimensional environment like Los Angeles, understanding how fire works, how to safely evacuate from a home, school or other structure in the event of fire, is even more important.
The William Rolland Firefighter Educational Institute was founded with the intention of creating a strong, focused series of programs aimed and preventing the loss of property and life associated with fire. William Rolland, a retired Los Angeles City fireman, is a medal of valor winner and successful building industry entrepreneur. His desire is that children in Los Angeles and other areas be given the best possible chance to understand how to save their own life - and the lives of their friends and family in the event of fire or other dangerous circumstances.
You may visit this section of the website to learn about new programs, opportunities, and events related to fire safety.
Posted by dbarrett at 05:32 PM | Comments ( 0 )
September 19, 2005
Firefighter Blog
The Firefighter Blog will serve as a story-telling center for retired and active Los Angeles City Firefighters. Their stories, often told in their own words, will take you inside the department, into the action, and give you a personal account of what it's like to fight fire and save lives in one of the largest cities in the world.
The history of firefighting in Los Angeles is rich with personal and second-hand accounts. The individuals who put their lives on the line often kept notes, journals, or shared their experiences with others. Visit this section and enjoy the often remarkable, sometimes funny, and on occasion frightening experiences of Los Angeles Firefighters.
Posted by dbarrett at 04:54 PM | Comments ( 4 )
September 18, 2005
The Ralph J. Scott - Boat 2
When the Los Angeles Fire Department launched Fire Boat Number 2, it was considered to be a completely state-of-the-art firefighting boat. To its credit, its history proved that to be correct and it served the harbor and citizens of Los Angeles longer than any other piece of fire department apparatus.
Built at a cost of $214,000 in the Todd Shipyard (formerly Los Angeles Shipbuilding and Drydock Corporation) and launched in 1925, Los Angeles City No. 2 was originally gasoline powered and included a number of innovations for its time. It was part of a $400,000 bond measure, approved by the voters, for a new fireboat and a station to house it. When launched, it was christened by Mrs. Ralph J. Scott, using a bottle of fire-extinguishing foamite instead of champagne. Later in life, Boat 2 was renamed the Ralph J. Scott, in honor of one of the most influential and innovative Chief Engineers the city has had.
When in service, the Ralph J. Scott carried breathing apparatus, forcible entry tools, heavy stream appliances, a bank of eighteen 50 lb. CO-2 cylinders, flood light, smoke ejector equipment, syphon ejectors, drag and grappling hooks, two 3 1/2" Mystery nozzles, and tips up to 6" for the largest deck turret. Four reels carried 4000 feet of various sizes of hose. The boat was equipped with 12 starboard and 12 port hose outlets and five large deck guns. The upper gun mounted on the wheelhouse, dubbed Big Bertha, could deliver more than 10,000 gallons-per minute. The tower turret, believed to be the first, or at least one of the first, fireboat towers in the nation, raised to a height of 42' above the water.
The Ralph J. Scott was involved in a number of significant incidents during her time in service. She saved countless lives, and served until April, 2003, when she was replaced with a new fireboat, also dubbed Boat 2.
Today, the Ralph J. Scott is safe and out of the water, stored behind fire station 112 in San Pedro. The Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society is working with volunteers, the city, and others to create a permanent display in the harbor, so residents and visitors alike can learn about and enjoy the history of this remarkable firefighting boat.
This section will include stories of her history, the fight to get her out of the water safely, and the quest for a permanent home. It will be updated on a continual basis, so please stop back and visit from time to time.
For information on becoming a volunteer, donor, or supporter, please contact Frank W. Borden, Dir of Operations, LAFD A.C. DIV 1 RET, LAFD HS at (323) 464-2727.
Posted by dbarrett at 04:42 PM | Comments ( 1 )
September 15, 2005
Fire Station 27
Every fire station has a unique history, some more interesting than others. Fire Station 27, located in the heart of Hollywood and the city of Los Angeles, is now known as one of the most remarkable and storied stations in fire department history, anywhere.
In 1927, Chief Engineer Ralph J. Scott suggested a new station on property recently acquired by the department. The local community was initially against the concept of a new station and fought the city, even using legal resources. Eventually, an agreement to situate a new station on the corner of Wilcox and DeLongpre was reached.
Los Angeles City Architect P. K. Schabarum, uncle to Los Angeles County Supervisor Pete Schabarum, developed a design for a two-story, beige brick building, with stained wood trim, tile roof, and unique masonry details. With more than 18,227 square feet, it was the largest station west of the Mississippi River. The cost to the city was approximately $187,000.
On Tuesday, July 1, 1930, Engine Co. No. 27, Hose Co. No. 2, Truck Co. No. 9, Rescue Co. No. 2, and Salvage Co. No. 4 moved into the nearly completed building. The first emergency run for 27s occurred within hours of the companies taking up quarters. A small fire in an apartment building was doused with water. The official dedicated took place on Monday, March 16, 1931.
During its history, the crews of 27s responded to riots, studio fires, brush fires, and emergencies of every imaginable type. One of the first rescue ambulances used by the city was stationed there, as were other specialized units, including but not limited to salvage, utility and rescue.
As a tribute to this beautiful structure, which has seen some of Hollywood's best and most challenging days, on October 20, 1976, the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Board declared, by Ordinance No. 121,971 Fire Station 27 to be Historical-Cultural Monument No. 165.
The station was damaged by earthquakes on several occasions and was nearly torn down. However, thanks to some dedicated efforts by local citizens and firefighters, station 27 is the home of the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society.
This section of the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society will document the history of the station, its use as a museum today, exhibits and other special events.
Posted by dbarrett at 06:14 PM | Comments ( 4 )
September 01, 2005
September Losses
On September 27, 1980, after waiting more than 90 minutes, a guard at the Naval and Marine Reserve Center near Dodger Stadium determined that smoke coming from vents in the building must be fire, not generators being tested, as he initially assumed. As first-in firefighters arrived, nobody told them the building had been burning for more than an hour and a half.
Truck companies, including Truck 1 laddered the roof and began to cut holes to vent the fire. Firefighter Frank Hotchkin, a member of the department for three years, went to get a pike pole - and wasn't seen again. It was determined that the weakened roof collapsed under him and he fell into the fire and was killed. Today, the Naval and Marine Reserve Center is an LAFD Training Facility - and it is named after the firefighter who gave his life doing what he was trained to do; to protect the citizens of Los Angeles and their property. You can read more about Frank in the Historical Society website.
The following represents firefighters who lost their lives during the month of September:
Captain Elwood H. Henry
Engine Company 10
Died September 14, 1930
Captain Lawrence W. Krumsiek
Engine Company 2
Died September 8, 1935
Firefighter George A. Damrom
Truck Company 2
Died September 12, 1935
Firefighter Benjamin O. "Tex" Gause
Aide to Battalion 10
Died September 9, 1940
Firefighter Donald J. Romps
Truck Company 30
Died September 11, 1970
Firefighter Frank Hotchkin
Truck Company 1
Died September 27, 1980
In addition to these brave individuals, a number of firefighters died in September months past due to non-incident related causes and we remember them here: Clifford T. Atkins, Toney Arguello, Newton H. Scarbrough, Carl F. Toneck, George W. Brown, Robert J. Rainey, Eddie B. Eade, Richard J. Philips, William L. Wiesinger, Robert K. Lovell, Clark L. Hodgson, Purdie R. Kenyon, Jess Amato, Robert Amato, Walter K. Hoffman, Peter J. McHugh, Kelly R. Hoss, Robert E. Aker.
Several Los Angeles firefighters also lost their lives while on Military Leave during the month of September. These include: Fred C. Hawtrey (WW I) and Ronald R. King(Viet Nam).
Remember to attend the first annual Firefighter Festival in Hollywood on October 1st, 2005 at old Fire Station 27, beginning at 10AM. A parade, food, music and other entertainment will help the community celebrate the spirit of the department that protects you on a daily basis.
To learn more about these individuals, their lives and the last alarm they responded to, you may purchase a copy of The Los Angeles Fire Department Memorial Book. It is available at the bookstore at the museum and a portion of the proceeds will be used to complete construction of the LAFD Memorial.
Posted by dbarrett at 12:02 AM | Comments ( 0 )