http://www.lafdmuseum.org/index/siteblog-app www.lafdmuseum.org Blog RSS Feed en 2012-02-04T02:53:46 hourly 1 1970-01-01T00:00+00:00 http://www.lafdmuseum.org/index/siteblog-post-action/id.22/title.50-years-later-we-remember-the-bel-air-disaster On November 6th, 1961, the City of Los Angeles experienced the worst fire in the history of the city - to that point in time. The Bel Air Fire destroyed nearly 500 homes, and it was a miracle that nobody died as a result of the wind-driven flames. As the November winds begin to pick up this week, we encourage you to check out this important reminder of how quickly a wildfire can destroy a neighborhood, even in today's modern world. Read our story: Remembering the Bel Air Fire of 1961 History October 29th, 2011 http://www.lafdmuseum.org/index/siteblog-post-action/id.39/title.visit-our-store There's only one place in Los Angeles to purchase all of those great LAFD memorabilia: The LAFD Museum! That's right - only at our gift shop will you find authentic LAFD work tee shirts, jackets, and other clothing. In addition, the gift shop has a wide variety of books, videos, models, stickers, and other items directly related to firefighting in Los Angeles. So, next Saturday, cram the family into your SUV or Mini Cooper (just sayin' large or small!) and head over to the Hollywood Museum. The gift shop is open from 10AM until 4PM, and the friendly staff is ready to share the latest arrivals with you. Apparatus June 16th, 2011 http://www.lafdmuseum.org/index/siteblog-post-action/id.38/title.125-year-book-has-arrived Not since the 100 year anniversary has a book about the history of the LAFD been published. Now, in collaboration with Faircourt Media Group, a new 125 year softcover book at the LAFD is finally available. The book provides an interesting look at the history of the Department, as well as a historian perspective on the LAFD today. The LAFD is unique in that it operates on Land, Sea and in the Air, and this book takes a close look at the historic operations of the Department, including major incidents. This book was a labor of love and those who contributed have a long history with the Department. The LAFD Historical Society's Ted Aquaro, Frank Borden, and Donald Dodd were editorial contributors, and Director of Operations Frank Borden compiled the materials. Additional support from the LAFD and the Los Angeles Fireman's Relief Association was provided by Brian Humphrey (PSO, B-Platoon), and Eric H. Seeger. A number of individuals contributed photographs and illustrations. To learn more about this new publication, please visit either museum facility. Apparatus June 8th, 2011 http://www.lafdmuseum.org/index/siteblog-post-action/id.37/title.calling-all-volunteers Have you ever wanted to work in a fire station? Well, now is your chance. Old Fire Station 27 is as close to a real fire station as it gets - because for more than half a century, it was a real fire station! Situated in the heart of Hollywood, the now retired station is home to the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society. And, as with any fire station, there is a lot to do... Every week, our team is busy polishing apparatus, authentic brass fire poles, and visiting with people of all ages from all around the world who come to admire and learn about the history of firefighting in Los Angeles. If you'd like to be part of our volunteer team, we'd love to have you! [ click here to learn more about volunteering ] Museum News March 15th, 2011 http://www.lafdmuseum.org/index/siteblog-post-action/id.36/title.we-mourn-the-loss-of-firefighter-glenn-l-allen Glenn L. Allen, a firefighter with the City of Los Angeles, died today following injuries sustained while fighting a structure fire in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday, February 16, 2011. Firefighter Allen had 36 years of service with the department, the last 17 at Fire Station 97. Firefighter Allen was involved in interior fire attack with several other companies when the ceiling of the structure collapsed under the weight of a broken fire sprinkler line (tentative assessment) that filled the attic area with water. Fellow firefighters used circular saws and other tools to effect an extrication of FF Allen, who was non responsive and in full cardiac arrest when removed from the occupancy. LAFD Paramedics were successful in restoring vitals and rushed the gravely injured firefighter to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. After a two-day battle, firefighter Allen died with his family at his bedside. At a news conference conduced this afternoon at Fire Station 3, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa expressed the sadness felt across the city. "Today, I join all Angelenos in mourning the loss of firefighter Glenn Allen, a fearlessly committed firefighter who dedicated ... years of his life to protecting the people of Los Angeles," he said. "Glenn was a valiant hero whose selfless sacrifice will forever be honored. This tragedy serves as a somber, yet powerful reminder that the brave men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department put their lives on the line each and every day to keep us safe from harm. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of firefighter Allen and his extended family of firefighters at LAFD." Fire Chief Millage Peaks, who spent considerable time at the hospital and with Allen's family, was visibly moved, saying, "his daughter was at his side when he died. She is expecting her first child in just a few days." In addition to the Fire Chief's message, the LAFD expressed gratitude at the support received from the public, saying, "The Allen Family and the Los Angeles Fire Department has received a tremendous outpouring of support during this difficult time. Your Firefighters wish to thank you and express our deepest appreciation for all the kind words and gestures that have been provided." The last LAFD firefighter to be killed in the line of duty was 35-year-old Brent Lovrien, a 10-year department veteran, in March 2008. A funeral is tentatively scheduled for Friday, February 25th. For additional details, please visit the LAFD website at: www.lafd.org Memorial February 18th, 2011 http://www.lafdmuseum.org/index/siteblog-post-action/id.35/title.lafd-celebrates-125-years-of-official-service The Los Angeles Fire Department began formal operations on February 1, 1886. Since then, the LAFD has been a beacon for new strategies, tactics, and training. During the coming year, the LAFD Historical Society will celebrate this important milestone in the department's history with a variety of events. Get involved. Visit one of our two remarkable museums and share in the history with our docents and volunteers. Our museums house literally thousands of artifacts, and our staff delights in sharing stories, history, and education with everyone, young and not so young, too. To learn more about the history of the LAFD, we invite you to visit one of these links: LAFD Historical Society "125 Year History" [ read article ] Los Angeles Fire Department website [ visit website ] Smoke Eaters documentary film (in production) [ visit website ] African American Firefighter Museum [ visit website ] Apparatus January 29th, 2011 http://www.lafdmuseum.org/index/siteblog-post-action/id.34/title.2010-fallen-firefighter-s-memorial-event Every year, the LAFD Historical Society celebrates the lives and contributions of those firefighters who gave their lives while in service to the city. The 2010 event took place on a picture perfect day in Hollywood, attended by a faithful audience of firefighters, family members of those who died in the line of duty, and civic leaders. Firefighters from all over the city attended, and the street outside the memorial plaza was filled with fire apparatus. After a solemn presentation by the LAFD Honor Guard, event presenter Captain I Steven Owens (76-C) introduced a series of speakers, including Council Member Tom LaBonge, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Fire Commissioner Jill Furillo, Fire Chief Millage Peaks, and the children of Fire Captain Joseph Dupee, who was killed while fighting a structure fire (March 8, 1998). Both boys made short, personal, and heartfelt presentations. Mayor Villaraigosa spoke from the heart and engaged the audience, acknowledging the families, the sacrifice, and the dangers that exist in the firefighting service generally, and in Los Angeles specifically. Chief Peaks echoed the Mayor, adding that the current economic situation has created even more demands on firefighters, and that only their training had prevented disaster. Chief Peaks spoke dearly about his firefighters and was supportive to the families in attendance. With beautiful music, singing, and a flyover by the LAFD Air Ops Section, not to mention the ever moving bagpipes of retired Paramedic John Keyes, the 90 minute event brings honor to every LA firefighter. The LAFD Historical Society will work to ensure that not one name is forgotten. Retired Fire Captain and LAFDHS President Jim Finn read the names of every firefighter who served the city and died during their service while on duty. It is a moving experience to hear each name read, the only other sounds being the flutter of the flag suspended between two raised aerial ladders and the soulful bagpipes of John Keyes. Following the memorial event, the museum was open for tours, and refreshments were provided to all in attendance. Our 2011 event will take place in October of next year. We invite you and your family to attend. The LAFD Historical Society Museum and Memorial is open every Saturday from 10AM thru 4PM. All are welcome and currently, there is no admission charge. Come learn about the history of firefighting in Los Angeles. For information, please feel free to contact the museum at 323-464-2727. Apparatus October 9th, 2010 http://www.lafdmuseum.org/index/siteblog-post-action/id.33/title.the-lafd-historical-society-celebrates-10-4-day Every year, Hollywood celebrates 10-4 Day. It's a police code for "message received." For the past several years, the celebration has included a parade that has started in front of the LAFD museum and hheaded to thte Hollywood Walk of Fame. "2150 Bye" - that was the famous line delivered by actor Broderick Crawford, who played CHP Chief Dan Mathews on the television show "Highway Patrol" (1955-1959). But the show's real history was set in stone by its narrator, Art Gilmore. This year, the parade is more than just a celebration of the protection provided by the CHP. Art Gilmore passed away in September and for many participants, the parade is a tribute to him and his remarkable voice. In 2009, when Art attended his last 10-4 event, he was still vibrant and funny. He told the assembled crowd that when he was doing the show, he was stopped for speeding. He told the officer that, "I'm the guy who does the Highway Patrol narration." The CHP officer demanded that he prove it with a demo. Art launched into his prologue for the show and was interrupted as the CHP officer exclaimed, "you don't sound anything like him. If you don't be quiet, I'll arrest you!" The photo to the right was taken by MySafe:LA founder David Barrett during the 2009 event. Check out this gallery on laist: 10-4 Parade. History October 4th, 2010 http://www.lafdmuseum.org/index/siteblog-post-action/id.32/title.summer-is-a-great-time-to-visit-the-museum What a terrific summer it has been! Nice weather, no earthquakes in LA, and no better place to spend a Saturday than the LAFD Historical Society's museum in Hollywood. The museum is open every Saturday from 10AM until 4PM. It's the ideal place for kids of all ages! The LAFD Historical Society is host to the museum. Every Saturday, a number of retired firemen will be on hand to take visitors on tours of the once fully operational fire station in the middle of Hollywood. Built in 1929 and opened in 1930, it was the largest fire station west of the Mississippi. Today, it is home to a remarkable collection of fire apparatus, as well as videos, presentations, and thousands of artifacts that represent firefighting in general, and the LAFD specifically. So, make it a date! Come and see us tomorrow, or next Saturday. But come soon! We'll be nice that let you and your family visit for FREE! Warning: Visiting the LAFD Museum can be habit forming! See you soon! Museum News August 6th, 2010 http://www.lafdmuseum.org/index/siteblog-post-action/id.31/title.boat-2-pre-rehabilitation-work-continues Getting Old Fire Boat #2, the Ralph J. Scott ready for her new home will be a huge task. The Port of Los Angeles is set to begin building a new permanent museum-style home for the Scott in 2012. The new building, mainly steel and glass, will be adjacent to Fire Station 112 and across the street from the LAFD Historical Society's Harbor Museum. To prepare the longest serving piece of fire apparatus in the history of Los Angeles (1925 - 2003), a dedicated group of volunteers gather each Friday morning to work on the boat. At the moment, they are dismantling loose bits and pieces, cataloging everything as they go. Bill Dahlquist, who was the pilot for the Scott for many years, is the defacto project lead. He, along with a group of five to seven others have been busy with the boat for more than four months. Dahlquist estimates it will take several more months to get the Scott ready for her primary rehabilitation. If you'd like to help the museum rehabilitate the Ralph J. Scott, please contact Frank Borden at the museum. He can be reached at 323-464-2727. Apparatus June 25th, 2010