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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 September 19, 2005 04:54 PM
Comments
I recently was told a story that until the 1960's firefighters used to drink beer when fighting fires! Is this true?
Posted by: Lenny Andersen at May 7, 2006 03:28 PM
Hey, Lenny -
Good question. In major cities, consumption of any substance that can limit your abilities or reaction times is strictly prohibited. And, while there are "old stories" about firefighters drinking, playing checkers, etc., either before, during, or after fires - most are elaborations on the truth.
There are some interesting stories regarding firefighters and beer drinking - but the LAFD has never tolerated such activity. It may be true that such an activity did take place at some point in history in some department. However, if so, it would have likely been an individual acting on his or her own accord, not following policy. Even volunteer departments are very strict when it comes to these types of regulations.
If you're interested in learning more, you can check out:
http://www.dcist.com/archives/2006/04/28/fighting_fires.php
http://www.mindfully.org/Health/2004/NYC-Firefighters-Drugs20mar04.htm
Posted by: David Barrett at May 7, 2006 08:10 PM
Hey, Lenny -
Good question. In major cities, consumption of any substance that can limit your abilities or reaction times is strictly prohibited. And, while there are "old stories" about firefighters drinking, playing checkers, etc., either before, during, or after fires - most are elaborations on the truth.
There are some interesting stories regarding firefighters and beer drinking - but the LAFD has never tolerated such activity. It may be true that such an activity did take place at some point in history in some department. However, if so, it would have likely been an individual acting on his or her own accord, not following policy. Even volunteer departments are very strict when it comes to these types of regulations.
If you're interested in learning more, you can check out:
http://www.dcist.com/archives/2006/04/28/fighting_fires.php
http://www.mindfully.org/Health/2004/NYC-Firefighters-Drugs20mar04.htm
Posted by: David Barrett at May 7, 2006 08:11 PM
This is cool! Very good idea.
Posted by: lisa at November 5, 2006 09:55 PM