LAFD Museum & Memorial http://blog.lafdhs.com/ The Los Angeles Fire Department Museum and Memorial is the country's leading fire service preservation, education, and memorial organization. Managed by the LAFD Historical Society, a 501c3 non-profit organization. en Copyright 2008 Sat, 15 Sep 2007 18:54:11 -0800 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=3.2 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 2007 Gala Well Received by the Community People from all over Los Angeles joined together this past Friday to celebrate the ongoing development of the Los Angeles Fire Department Fallen Firefighter Memorial. The Greater Alarm Gala was hosted by the Los Angeles Fire Department, the LAFD Historical Society, and a select committee of LAFD supporters.

The evening began with a silent auction display, including signed firefighter helmets, firefighting memorabilia, art, music, travel certificates and much more. Several items were of specific interest, including a firefighting helmet signed by astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who attended the event and posed for photos. Aldrin, who along with Neil Armstrong made history by being the first two humans to walk on the moon on July 20, 1969, was just the first surprise for an event-filled evening.

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]]> http://blog.lafdhs.com/2007/09/2007_gala_well_received_by_the.html http://blog.lafdhs.com/2007/09/2007_gala_well_received_by_the.html Fallen Firefighter Memorial Sat, 15 Sep 2007 18:54:11 -0800 Save The Date - 2007 Greater Alarm Gala Friday, September 14, 2007. Write it down. Add it to your PDA, personal computer, or that napkin you use to track important events. The LAFD Museum will host its annual Greater Alarm Gala in front of the Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Hollywood and you're invited.
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The rich history of the Los Angeles Fire Department is a source of pride and accomplishment for its members and for the community it has served for more than one hundred and twenty years. The annual Greater Alarm Gala is a rare opportunity to mix with some of Los Angeles' VIPs, city luminaries, actors, and of course, LA firefighters.

It's a memorable evening under the stars and you'll never forget it.

First of all, let's talk food. Firefighters are known for their cooking skills and the LAFD has its share of five-star chefs. The Gala will feature some of the best prepared food to be found anywhere in the city. Ask anyone who attended the sold-out 2006 event and they'll tell you - the food is reason enough for a return visit.

In addition to culinary delights, the 2007 event will feature:

- Live and silent auctions (holidays, musical instruments, artifacts, and much more)
- A tribute to local community leaders
- Great entertainment

The entire event will benefit the Fallen Firefighters Memorial at Historic Fire Station 27, the home of the LAFD Museum. For information on sponsorship, tables, tickets, tribute journal advertising and auction opportunities, please telephone: 818-994-4661

]]> http://blog.lafdhs.com/2007/06/save_the_date_2007_greater_ala.html http://blog.lafdhs.com/2007/06/save_the_date_2007_greater_ala.html Events Thu, 14 Jun 2007 05:44:31 -0800 Los Angeles Retired Firefighter Luncheon You're invited to come and spend an afternoon with some of the LAFD's most enduring members. On June 14, the LAFD Museum will host its annual retired firefighter luncheon. This is your chance to mix it up with LAFD firefighters who protected the city for much of the 20th century.
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The museum's own Bob Lee will run the kitchen. LAFD Historical Society President Greg Gibson will offer some words of wisdom and councilperson Tom LaBonge will stop by to offer up some of his memorable public speaking.

Beyond the expected activities, the luncheon is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the department's past via the memories and experiences of real firefighters. Many of these retired members were there during the most serious incidents faced by the city in the 20th century. Learn about the Bel Air fire, the Watts riots, the DC-10 crash at LAX, explosions in the LA Harbor, and many other emergency responses.

So, leave work for a few hours and join us for lunch. The fun begins at 11AM. A food donation of $10.00 will keep the cook happy. See you there!

]]> http://blog.lafdhs.com/2007/06/los_angeles_retired_firefighte.html http://blog.lafdhs.com/2007/06/los_angeles_retired_firefighte.html Events Tue, 05 Jun 2007 05:36:13 -0800 Hollywood Invited to Meet LA Firefighters This Saturday, May 12, 2007, from 10AM until 4PM, the LAFD is conducting its annual Fire Service Recognition Day. The LAFD Museum & Memorial, locating in the heart of Hollywood, invites all LA residents - and particularly those in the Hollywood areas, to join the LAFD Historical Society for a special pancake breakfast at Old Fire Station 27. The pancake breakfast begins at 8:30AM and runs until 1PM!

This is your chance to visit the new memorial, to show your appreciation for the firefighters who battled this week's Griffith Park brush fire, and to see firefighters performing exciting drills. Don't miss this opportunity to see your Los Angeles Fire Department in action - and to enjoy it with some delicious pancakes, too!

]]> http://blog.lafdhs.com/2007/05/hollywood_invited_to_meet_la_f.html http://blog.lafdhs.com/2007/05/hollywood_invited_to_meet_la_f.html Events Thu, 10 May 2007 16:00:42 -0800 Museum at Old 36s Profiled This week, the online publication ThatsCrispy is featuring Old Museum 36 in San Pedro. This is the second of two museums managed by the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society.

Although the video feature was produced when Old 36s opened several years ago, it is still fun to see and provides some insight into the wealth of history that exists in the harbor area. There is also a tremendous amount of LAFD history in the San Pedro area. Check out the story.

]]> http://blog.lafdhs.com/2007/05/museum_at_old_36s_profiled.html http://blog.lafdhs.com/2007/05/museum_at_old_36s_profiled.html Old Station 36 Thu, 10 May 2007 15:31:42 -0800 Pancakes and Fire Engines! Invitation to the public: Start your Saturday with a plate full of delicious home-cooked pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, and all-natural orange juice! Yes, it's true - this Saturday only, the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society invites you to join us for our annual Firefighter Pancake Breakfast at Old Fire Station 27 in Hollywood. The event begins at 8:30AM and runs until 1PM.

And, there's more. The Los Angeles Fire Department is holding its annual Fire Service Recognition Day on Saturday. So, come to the Old Fire Station 27 museum, have some pancakes, and enjoy some terrific demonstrations by the firefighters at New Fire Station 27. It's a morning the entire family can enjoy.

For information on Old Fire Station 27 and directions to the pancake breakfast, please click here.

For information on other places to see LAFD demonstrations, please visit the LAFD News Blog.

fire-pancake.jpg ]]> http://blog.lafdhs.com/2007/05/pancakes_and_fire_engines.html http://blog.lafdhs.com/2007/05/pancakes_and_fire_engines.html Events Wed, 09 May 2007 15:45:17 -0800 William Rolland Continues to Serve and Contribute Do you know what to do if your home catches fire? More importantly, do you know what to do if you catch fire? It could happen! We all have stoves, ovens, and drive in cars and trucks filled with gasoline. Fire safety is an important topic for every family.

The William Rolland Firefighters Educational Institute is a growing component within the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society’s mission. The institute, founded in 1988, is dedicated to providing fire safety education for both the public and active firefighters and fire service agencies.

rolland_logo_web.jpg]]> http://blog.lafdhs.com/2007/05/william_rolland_continues_to_s.html http://blog.lafdhs.com/2007/05/william_rolland_continues_to_s.html William Rolland Firefighter Educational Institute Mon, 07 May 2007 16:12:57 -0800 We Welcome Metro Chiefs to the LAFD Museum On Saturday, May 5th, the LAFD Museum will play host to the 2007 Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Conference. As part of the one-week program, fire chiefs from around the world will stop by the museum, tour, and meet with LAFD Historical Society members. The Metro Chiefs reception will commence at approximately 4:30PM.

The week long event includes updates on the US Fire Administration, Intelligence related to terrorism preparedness, firefighter cancer support, GIS technology, the "everyone goes home program" (who visited the LAFD Museum on 9 April), new trends in fire service deployment, a firefighter "near miss" reporting system and much more.

And there is entertainment as well, with tours of not only the LAFD museum, but Paramount Studios, the Getty, the Queen Mary, Universal, the Griffith Observatory, the Farmers Market, the Trump National Golf Course and the Magic Castle.

The Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Section was organized in 1965. Fire Chiefs from large cities gather to share information and experiences. They also discuss issues that may be of value to a wide variety of departments. The Metropolitan Section is organized as a section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and as a section of the National Fire Protection Association pursuant to and subject to the requirements and provisions of both organizations. The Metro Chiefs Section is limited to the chief of the department who is a member of both the IAFC and the NFPA and who is the fire chiefs of cities or jurisdictions having a minimum staffed strength of 400 fully paid career fire fighters.

]]> http://blog.lafdhs.com/2007/05/we_welcome_metro_chiefs_to_the.html http://blog.lafdhs.com/2007/05/we_welcome_metro_chiefs_to_the.html Events Sat, 05 May 2007 17:42:37 -0800 Everyone Goes Home (alive) here on April 9 It is acknowledged that firefighting is a dangerous business. Every year, firefighters die protecting the lives and property of the citizens in their communities. And while safety and training reduce the frequency of fatalities and injuries, any loss is felt throughout the community.

The Los Angeles Fire Department Museum and Memorial would like to acknowledge an important program entitled "Everyone Goes Home" - a series of firefighter safety initiatives. A series of training seminars is touring the country and arrives in Los Angeles on Monday, April 9. The program, to be hosted at the LAFD Museum and Memorial, is an important program for anyone on the job and those who share an interest in the fire service.

The program, which focuses on 16 key initiatives, is designed to great greater awareness of the dangers of fighting fire, and the steps that can be taken to minimize the risks associated with the job. It is also designed to empower every sworn member of any department to become an agent of change. Traditionally, active duty members would follow tradition and not "rock the boat" related to issues that might enhance safety or change existing department values. This program is designed to promote safety to the extent that should changes be required within any department, firefighters will have the courage and a mandate to speak up and to effect such changes. The program hopes to reduce fatalities by 50% within the coming five years.

We are honored that Helen Reiner Worthen, the mother of Eric Reiner, a Los Angeles Fire Department Firefighter/Paramedic who died in the line of duty in March 1998, will join the program and offer some words to those assembled. The loss of firefighter Reiner, Michael D. McComb and Michael A. Butler, in addition to an 11-year old patient is still fresh in the minds of all LA Firefighters and Chief Officers. As such, Mrs. Worthen's visit is both welcomed and appreciated.

All members of the public are welcome to join us:

Monday, April 9, 2007
10:00 AM to Noon
Los Angeles Fire Department Museum
1355 North Cahuenga Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028

]]> http://blog.lafdhs.com/2007/04/everyone_goes_home_alive_here.html http://blog.lafdhs.com/2007/04/everyone_goes_home_alive_here.html Events Sun, 01 Apr 2007 05:13:18 -0800 A Tour of Los Angeles Fire Stations Do you remember the first fire station that you visited? Do you remember how old you were?

Each fire station in the city carries a remarkable history, and some of the buildings that housed our firefighters have a second life, such as Old Fire Station 28 in downtown Los Angeles. Built at a cost of $60,000, It opened in 1913 and and served the downtown area until 1969. The building was at risk for more than a decade. In 1983, a five-year program to restore the building began, and today, it houses a very hip restaurant - if you're ever in downtown Los Angeles and you get hungry, you've got to check out Engine Company 28.

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Fire Station 28 during restoration

The history of fire stations in Los Angeles is interesting not only for anyone interested in the LAFD, but in architecture, local neighborhoods, and general L.A. history. Fire stations were originally filled with apparatus and horses, and as mechanized engines came online, the style of construction changed. It also changed with the times and there are some remarkable buildings in L.A. that were once fire stations. For that matter, there are a few that still are.

Today, the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society operates two museums, both old fire stations. Old Station 27, in Hollywood, is one of the most widely recognized fire stations in the country and has been used in numerous films, television series, and training programs. Old Station 36 in San Pedro is in a historic building near the waterfront. Next to Old 27s, a new active Fire Station 27 responds to more than a dozen calls a day. In the Harbor area, a brand new Fire Station 36 is due to open in the very near future.

Larry Schnieder, a Captain at Fire Station 50, has assembled a remarkable listing of nearly all L.A. city fire stations. It's a tour worth taking and you can do so by clicking here!

]]> http://blog.lafdhs.com/2007/03/a_tour_of_los_angeles_fire_sta_1.html http://blog.lafdhs.com/2007/03/a_tour_of_los_angeles_fire_sta_1.html Incidents & History Thu, 01 Mar 2007 02:39:01 -0800 A Bit of Video History The Los Angeles Fire Department has a photo/video unit and in days past, had a "film unit" to record major incidents, press events, and training for department use. On occasion, either working internally or with outside production companies, promotional or documentary videos would be produced.

In the time period of the late 1940s through the late 1950s, a documentary film, titled, Your Fire Department, was produced. There is little available information on this film, but it is a wonderful overview of the LAFD during this time period. The Historical Society is doing some research regarding this film - and welcomes any input or commentary about it.

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This film in interesting for a number of reasons, including the use of color in an era when black and white was most commonly used. Fire Station 27 (now the home of the LAFD museum in Hollywood), is featured in multiple places and apparatus no longer housed there are shown (utility company, salvage company, etc.). The Gorter Water Tower, now on display in the Hollywood museum is shown in action, as are a variety of interesting apparatus that if found today, would be extremely valuable. LAFD Fire Boats are painted in wartime gull-gray, another interesting hint regarding the time of production. Active Firefighters will get a kick out of the techniques used "back in the day" and it's clear that times have changed!

Watch YOUR FIRE DEPARTMENT now. (google video)

There have been many films highlighting the LAFD during its history. Terry Sanders produced "The Story of a Fireman" in 1962 and today, a new documentary on the history of the department is in production, with the support of the Historical Society.

The video posted on Google appears to have been uploaded from Europe, and attempts to contact the publisher have not been met with a response. If you have information regarding Your Fire Department, we'd love to hear from you.

Special thanks to Staff Assistant Tim Werle for discovering this video.

]]> http://blog.lafdhs.com/2007/01/a_bit_of_video_history.html http://blog.lafdhs.com/2007/01/a_bit_of_video_history.html Incidents & History Mon, 29 Jan 2007 16:29:20 -0800 Sansinena Goes Down in History It was about 7:30 in the evening on December 17th, 1970 and everyone at the Los Angeles Fireman's Relief Christmas party was having a great time. The party was being held on board the Princess Louise and it was a typical December evening in Los Angeles, clear and not too cold. There was dancing and laughter and the ship was alive with the celebrations of the season.
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Suddenly, the Princess Louise shuddered and windows throughout the ship literally exploded, showering party-goers with fragments of glass. The music stopped and everyone looked about, startled and anxious.

Simultaneously, firefighters on board Wagon 48 were nearing their quarters following a run when they felt the concussion and witnessed a rapidly expanding orange flash and billowing mushroom cloud. Acting Fire Captain James Frances picked up the telephone handset and called OCD, saying, "We've had a helluva explosion in the harbor!" Several blocks away, Firestation 48's upstairs windows blew out and Acting Battalion 6 Chief Leo Christensen ran outside with other firefighters to see what had happened. Seeing the growing column of smoke, the entire task force responded without waiting for an alarm. It appeared something terrible had happened in the harbor.

]]> http://blog.lafdhs.com/2006/12/post.html http://blog.lafdhs.com/2006/12/post.html Incidents & History Sun, 17 Dec 2006 00:46:34 -0800 Remembering the Chief “He was the best Chief in the department’s history,” an L.A. Firefighter said, shaking his head as he stared into his cup of coffee. I was sitting in the office at an L.A. fire station and we were talking about the importance of learning from the past - about applying things we’ve learned to new situations and how often people fail in that regard. “The L.A. Times said he (the Chief) was an innovator one week, then talked about all of the problems when he resigned,” another firefighter said.
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A Difficult City to Protect
The City of Los Angeles is one of the most difficult environments to protect from a fire and emergency services point of view. The combination of a huge harbor, airport, high rise buildings, brush, traffic, and congested living areas, not to mention the overall sprawl of the place are unique. The L.A. Fire Department has always had to deal with rapid growth, and being the chief of the department is not a job most people would aspire to. “It’s not a job for anyone who doesn’t have thick skin,” my firefighter friend at the table said.

]]> http://blog.lafdhs.com/2006/12/remembering_the_chief.html http://blog.lafdhs.com/2006/12/remembering_the_chief.html Incidents & History Sat, 09 Dec 2006 10:50:35 -0800 December Valor Every morning, at approximately 5AM, the smell of coffee starts to fill the apparatus floors and kitchens in 103 fire stations across Los Angeles and in the basement of City Hall East (OCD - fire dispatch and Public Service). The quiet voices of firefighters and sounds of doors closing, showers, and other morning activity can be heard.

Unlike any other profession, these are the sounds of the daily shift changes at the Los Angeles Fire Department. Every morning, one of three platoons of firefighters arrive at work, to relieve those who have been on duty for the previous 24 hours. It is a routine that does not change, no matter the day, the time of year, or the weather.

Firefighters, unlike nearly any other profession, live together 24 hours at a time. It is an aspect of the job that makes it unique and unless you’ve spent a few shifts working and living with firefighters, it’s not easy to understand the bond and trust that exists between these individuals.

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Firefighters must trust each other in life threatening situations

]]> http://blog.lafdhs.com/2006/12/december_valor.html http://blog.lafdhs.com/2006/12/december_valor.html Incidents & History Sat, 02 Dec 2006 01:55:12 -0800 LA Times Tells Kids about "FIRE!" For the past few days, the Los Angeles Times has been running a wonderful story on the history of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Written by Nancy Smiler Levinson, the multi-part story covers the early days, horse-drawn apparatus, and the conversion to motorized equipment.
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It is a fun, engaging story and we highly recommend this to all families and kids, no matter where you live. Of course, we're excited to see a story on the LAFD featured, so thanks, Nancy! Note that additional episodes will be published in the Kids section of the Times website. To visit the story, you can go to latimes/features/kids to see more. And don't forget that Kids Love Fire Engines, the exciting DVD on LAFD Fire Apparatus is now available online and in the museum store. It's the perfect gift for a birthday or the holidays. Net profits go to the LAFD Museum and Fallen Firefighter memorial.

]]> http://blog.lafdhs.com/2006/11/la_times_tells_kids_about_fire.html http://blog.lafdhs.com/2006/11/la_times_tells_kids_about_fire.html Incidents & History Wed, 01 Nov 2006 01:38:39 -0800