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October 21, 2006
Harbor Disaster Remembered
The history of firefighting in the Los Angeles Harbor is often overlooked, as high-rise, brush, and celebrity fires battle for the local media spotlight. Yet, thanks to Los Angeles firefighters in the harbor area, our community has been spared from serious incidents, with only a few exceptions. Even when potentially major events began to unfold, LA Firefighters, Fire Boats, and accompanying land companies worked collaboratively to reduce the danger and save lives.
On October 21, 1944, World War II was still raging on multiple fronts. Major battles in the Pacific and in Europe held the attention of the public. Our ports, major aveneus for resupply for troops overseas, were also seen as targets for opportunistic spies or enemy infiltrators.
Yet, it was the ordinary activities that resulted in the most significant events. On that fateful October day, an oil tanker, doing what all oil tankers do in port, suddenly sent shockwaves throughout the San Pedro community. Noted retired LAFD Chief Bill Goss tells the story of Berth 233 and the tanker S.S. Fredicksburg.
CLICK HERE to read the story (Thanks to LAFD FF/spokesperson Brian Humphrey for posting this story).
Posted by dbarrett at 02:30 AM | Comments ( 0 )
October 09, 2006
Festival Weekend a Hollywood Hit
Despite the perfect storm for sports this past weekend (Dodgers, USC and UCLA Football), not to mention two downtown Los Angeles music festivals, the Firefighter Festival in Hollywood was a big hit with local residents and businesses. The Sunday event attracted people from not only Hollywood, but the farthest reaches of LA, as some people traveled from the Harbor in the south and the west valley in the north to enjoy the festivities.
The events of the past week actually began with the Fallen Firefighter Memorial service on Thursday. Then, this past Friday evening, the Greater Alarm Gala, an exclusive dinner and auction was held. The evening was hosted by Thad Hunter Smith and Brian Sayers and included honors for some of Los Angeles' most involved individuals and wonderful music. The auction and proceeds from all weekend events are designed to assist in the completion of the Fallen Firefighter Memorial. The gala was the second annual event, and an enthusiastic crowd enjoyed some fantastic food - all prepared by Los Angeles firefighters.
The Saturday festival was also a food fest, with various fire stations (and Chief Officers) competing for awards in both taste and presentation. Presentations by councilperson Tom LaBonge, Fire Chief William Bamattre, and others were well received, while musical presentations by Catch 22, The MoxieBlues Band, and the Calvillio Sisters really got the crowd going. The Calvillo sisters, nieces to LAFD Captain Carlos Calvillo (who plays in the MoxieBlues Band) performed a cappella, and these girls have a tremendous future, should they decide to pursue it.
Both the Friday night and Saturday events included a private auction - items ranging from fire helmets signed by celebrities to vacations, cruises, musical instruments, and a three-litre bottle of wine from Napa Valley. The final tally is not yet in, but the initial reaction is that this year's event was a financial success, an important component for the museum and the memorial.
Special thanks go out to all of the individuals, firefighters, LAFD officers, LAPD, Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society members and staff, not to mention key sponsors Jostens, KABC 7 Television, The Home Depot, Harley Davidson, Conseco, and Inifinity Radio.
Posted by dbarrett at 03:26 AM | Comments ( 3 )
October 06, 2006
We will never forget...
As family members and friends looked on, Los Angeles Fire Captain James Finn began reading. His words were clear - pointed - emotional. People bowed their heads. Others watched the Captain at the podium; behind him five bronze statues shining brightly under a magnificent blue sky.
"Sam Haskins, " Finn read aloud. "Clinton Johnson. Charles Fuselehr. Adolph Hermanson." Finn was reading aloud the names of Los Angeles firefighters who lost their lives while serving the city and its citizens. For ten minutes, with a bagpipe playing in the background, Finn reminded the audience of the sacrifice made by firefighters - and the risk every firefighter takes, regardless of city, state or country - every time they pull on their turnouts and climb aboard a rig for an emergency response.
The memorial event also included a presentation by Los Angeles Fire Chief William Bamattre, who noted the dedication that went into the creation of the memorial and the museum that sits beside the memorial plaza. Retired Assistant Chief Frank Borden also spoke of the new memorial, the plaza, and the effort put into the city's first dedicated site for remembering its fallen members. Councilman Tom LaBonge and others, both from the community and the department shared their thoughts, emotions, and perspectives under the glare of a bright Hollywood sun.
In the audience, the wives, brothers, sisters, parents and children of fallen Los Angeles firefighters sat and shared in the experience. The tears were, for the most part, long gone. But the memories remain and for these special people, the opportunity to share not only in the memory of their fallen family member, but in the memories of those around them, made the event one of celebration, rather than sadness. "We want to celebrate the lives of all firefighters," retired Chief Borden commented. "But these fallen members of our department are special and now, we have a place for them to be. It's a home of sorts, for them and for the community."
The memorial plaza is nearing formal completion and will be open during daylight hours to anyone interested in viewing the memorial wall, or sitting under the shady tree in the memorial plaza. For Los Angeles residents who have yet to see the memorial, Saturday October 7th will see the Firefighter Festival of Hollywood take place, just outside the memorial plaza. So, bring your family and visit this special place. The festival will be open from 10AM through 8PM. Admission is Free.
Posted by dbarrett at 12:57 AM | Comments ( 1 )
October 04, 2006
Memorial Service Thursday...
On Thursday, October 5th, the Los Angeles Fire Department will gather to remember those firefighters who lost their lives protecting the citizens of Los Angeles. The event takes place at 10:00AM, just outside the LAFD Museum & Memorial in Hollywood.
"These events are moving and uplifting, both," said LAFD Museum supporter David Barrett. "While any memorial service is a somber activity, this is really a bit different. This is a remembrance and celebration of those firefighters who gave their lives so that others might live." Presentations by Fire Chief William Bamattre, local council persons, directors of UFLAC, and the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society are a tradition. Each year, family members of fallen firefighters journey to Hollywood for the occasion and are joined by a wide range of active duty LAFD members.
The public may attend and there is ample parking across the street from the memorial plaza. For additional information, you may contact the museum at (323) 464 - 2727.
Posted by dbarrett at 09:24 PM | Comments ( 0 )
October 01, 2006
Firefighter Gala Dinner This Week!
On Friday, October 6, 2006, the 2nd annual LAFD Memorial Gala will take place on the memorial plaza in Hollywood, California. The public is invited to this remarkable and exclusive event.
For those of you who have not been to the museum, the memorial plaza, or an LAFD event, please consider this as a unique and fun way to support your community and your own family! This is not just another dinner - consider some of the following:
- Silent Auction: This is your chance to get some really cool stuff not found anywhere else.
- Awesome Food: Most of it prepared by active LAFD firefighters. If you like good cooking, it doesn't get any better than this.
- Great Entertainment: Every year, there are wonderful performers, laughter, and music. It's an evening you'll long remember.
- Very Reasonable Cost: This year, $75.00 per person is a very reasonable fee for a terrific evening and a worthy cause.
For additional information, contact the Community Liason Office of the LAFD: (213) 978-3711
Please join us for an evening to remember...
Posted by dbarrett at 03:00 PM | Comments ( 1 )