About William Rolland

Preserving History, Educating, & Memorializing Fallen Firefighters

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.

Founder William Rolland was a firefighter for the city of Los Angeles for 17 years. During January 1969, the city faced one of the worst rain and flood emergencies in its history. On the 25th of the month, Rolland was with an LAFD crew that responded to a physical rescue assignment in the canyons of West Los Angeles. While working to free a trapped resident, another surge of mud flowed onto the structure, burying both the victim and the rescuer. Other firefighters worked to reach them, now beneath more than three feet of mud. As Rolland lost consciousness, he maintained his grip on the victim. Other firefighters managed to get an air hose into Rolland’s mouth and he began to breath again. Both individuals were eventually pulled from the mud and debris and rushed to the hospital, although the resident did not survive. Rolland did, but his injuries ended his career as a firefighter. For his efforts to rescue the resident, the Los Angeles Fire Department awarded William Rolland the Medal of Valor.

Upon his retirement, Rolland turned his attention to real estate. As with his firefighting endeavors, Bill was focused and determined to be successful. His construction business expanded and he began to realize some excellent success. Yet, his commitment to community also continued. As his business flourished, he began to develop a series of philanthropic activities, leading up to the creation of his firefighter foundation and its non-profit educational subsidiary.

With accolades from the Los Angeles Fire Department, the White House, The United States Senate, The State of California and most recently, the County of Ventura, Rolland continues to dedicate himself to a wide range of programs, including his commitment to the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society, its museums, and the fallen firefighter memorial in Hollywood.