http://www.lafdmuseum.org/index/siteblog-app www.lafdmuseum.org Blog RSS Feed en 2009-07-03T16:03:01 hourly 1 1970-01-01T00:00+00:00 http://www.lafdmuseum.org/index/siteblog-post-action/id.17/title.fire-service-day-at-museum-27 As is the tradition of the Los Angeles Fire Department, May is the time when the department opens the doors to all of their fire stations to welcome the public. This year, May 9 was the day - and The LAFD Museum & Memorial was open as well. The LAFD Historical Society combines Fire Service Day with the department's annual Open House event. And this year's event was a blast. See the Flickr Gallery from 27s and 99s. Thanks to some generous sponsors, all of the cooking materials were donated, and as a result, the event generated good revenue to support the museum and maintenance of the memorial. For those who spent some time with the organization on Saturday, there was a wealth of things to enjoy, including the presentation of the LAFD Division 1 Honorary Fire Chief - this year to Valorie Keagan, a dedicated community activist and volunteer who has tirelessly worked to improve public safety within her Hollywood West community group and within the Hollywood area overall. The presentation was made by Battalion Commander John Drake (B5-A), and Valorie was presented with her white chief's helmet by Fire Chief Douglas Barry and City of Los Angeles councilmember Tom LaBonge. Other notable VIPs included City of Los Angeles councilmember Wendy Gruel, Fire Commissioner Casimiro Tolentino, Deputy Chief Mario Rueda, as well as other senior commanders and fire officials. The food was, as usual terrific and was prepared, also as usual, by retired firefighters. Hundreds of people passed through the iron fence into the fallen firefighter memorial grounds and listened to speeches, watched Firefighter Ryan Penrod (29-B) and Wilshire the Fire Dog, plus a rescue drill by the members of 27-A. Watching firefighters tear a car apart using the Jaws of Life and other resuce tools is something to be seen. The museum store did a brisk business (thank you!) and the new education program (MySafe:LA) was on hand with evacuation kits, merchandise, and information about the fire and life safety program being introduced to Los Angeles area schools. It goes without saying that no event can be successful without a team effort. And, the volunteers at the LAFD Museum outdid themselves this year in nearly every respect. When you next come to visit the museum, please make certain to say hello to the volunteers you meet. They donate their time and do so because of their love for the fire service and the importance of maintaining the memorial. If you haven't been to one of our pancake breakfast events, please make a note that next year, you must plan on attending. May is the month. Specific details will be published in the website in March of 2010. Events May 17th, 2009 http://www.lafdmuseum.org/index/siteblog-post-action/id.16/title.remembering-firefighter-brian-e-phillips This coming April 25, the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society will host a memorial service to honor the 30th anniversary of the death of City of Los Angeles Firefighter Brian E. Phillips. Firefighter Phillips, a department member for nearly six years, was killed when he was thrown from an aerial ladder during ladder pipe operations while on scene at an arson structure fire. Firefighter Phillips was assigned to Task Force 102 in the San Fernando Valley. At about 7:30PM on the 25th of April 1979, the long ring sent firefighters to their apparatus for a reported structure fire at Mullin Lumber Company on Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood. Arriving firefighters discovered a working fire and began deployment of resources to engage in suppression activities. It was during the firefight that Phillips was thrown to the street when the ladder pipe assembly came loose on truck 102. Brian's father, Terry Phillips, served the City of Los Angeles for 26 years and retired as a captain in 1967. When he died, Firefighter Phillips was survived by his wife, Brenda, and a stepdaughter, Michelle Lee Cupp. The LAFD Historical Society honors all fallen firefighters and the public is welcome to visit the memorial plaza. There, etched on the memorial wall, you can view Brian Phillips name, as well as the 254+ other LA City Firefighters who died while protecting the citizens of the city of Angels. Please honor Brian by attending a special 30th anniversary memorial service. It will be held on the 25th of April, 2009 at the Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Hollywood. Please refer to the website calendar for specifics on the event. Memorial March 27th, 2009 http://www.lafdmuseum.org/index/siteblog-post-action/id.15/title.remembering-firefighter-brent-lovrien On March 26, 2008, while on-scene at an incident in the Westchester area, City of Los Angeles firefighter Brent Lovrien was killed when an explosion rocked an electrical room. Lovrien, assigned to Task Force 95, was doing his job - protecting lives and property, when he made the ultimate sacrifice. A year has passed, but the loss of firefighter Lovrien remains in our hearts and minds. For those firefighters who are on duty today, their thoughts are with Brent's family, friends, and loved ones. Every firefighter in Los Angeles trains as if their lives depend on it - because they do. Even though the city experiences far fewer structure fires and other fire-related incidents, each emergency call could signal the last response for any firefighter responding. The Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society would like to invite you to visit our memorial plaza, where you may see firefighter Lovrien's name on our memorial wall, can experience our lovely plaza - and can reflect on the history of this fine department and those who served for the past 124 years. An updated report on the loss of firefighter Lovrien can be read here. Apparatus March 26th, 2009 http://www.lafdmuseum.org/index/siteblog-post-action/id.14/title.remembering-lapd-deputy-chief-kenneth-garner The Los Angeles Police Department and indeed the City of Los Angeles is mourning the loss of Deputy Chief Kenneth Garner, who died suddenly this weekend. Chief Garner was known as a decisive, direct individual who spent every day of his career concerned for the citizens who live and work in the city of Angels. Chief Garner attended several of our events and we join in offering our condolences to the department and his family. Los Angeles Times Journalist Sandy Banks has written a moving tribute to Chief Garner. You may read it by clicking here. For additional information, please visit the LAPD website. Memorial March 2nd, 2009 http://www.lafdmuseum.org/index/siteblog-post-action/id.13/title.2009-and-the-lafd-museum-memorial The volunteers and supporters of the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society wish everyone a healthy and happy New Year. The organization is very enthused about the coming year and we hope that you and your friends, family members, and co-workers find the opportunity to visit one of our museums. As everyone knows, the current ecomony is a issue that affects everyone. As a museum, the importance of ongoing support from the public is critical to the organization's survival. We are actively working on a number of initiatives, and your support is important to our success. The Fallen Firefighter Memorial While primary construction of the memorial has been completed, there remain outstanding expenses that must be retired. In addition, the plaza requires ongoing maintenance and support. When you purchase a memorial paver, you're supporting the memorial and the plaza. Please help us keep the memory of every fallen LAFD firefighter alive. We were saddened to add names to the wall this year, but also feel pride that there is a place for people to visit and reflect, so that every name has meaning for every citizen of Los Angeles and our many visitors from outside the city. Old Fireboat #2, the Ralph J. Scott This is the oldest serving piece of apparatus in the history of the city, and perhaps the country. Fireboat #2 served Los Angeles in the Port of L.A. for 77 years. It is now on land, stationed behind FS112 and the current Boat 2 berth in San Pedro (across from the Harbor LAFD HS Museum). The "Scott" as she is affectionately called, is due to be housed in a fantastic structure being built and paid for by the Port of Los Angeles. The fireboat itself requires rehabilitation that volunteers cannot accomplish on their own. As much as we love the boat, our efforts will merely slow the progress of decay and the effects of time. Therefore, we continue to seek support for the boat, so that we may have professional experts work with us to prepare the boat for her final assignment. Restoration of Old Fire Station 27 The Hollywood museum is in need of maintenance and rennovation as well. Any old building requires love and attention, so that it remains a viable structure. We have managed to make certain that the museum is taken care of, but there are impending projects that require substantial investment to complete, including upgrading the electrical, plumbing, and security of the building. When you become a member of the LAFD Historical Society, you are assisting us in our mission to preserve the history of the department, in part via the Hollywood museum - Old Fire Station 27. Please consider becoming a member if you are not - and if you are, please consider volunteering or otherwise finding a way to support our efforts. Volunteers We are always seeking new volunteers. This year, more than ever, we are eager to bring in new people, who have a love of the fire service and/or history in general. There are many interesting tasks for our volunteers, ranging from apparatus restoration to conducting tours or working in our gift shop. Regardless of the support provided, we greatly appreciate every bit of assistance that is provided to our organization. We exist because of the support you provide. As we head into 2009, we would like to remind you that we have some of the most interesting artifacts to be found anywhere in the United States. We have knowledgeable retired firefighters who can share the history of the department with you. And we have one of the most remarkable memorials to be found anywhere - dedicated to those firefighters who gave their lives in service to the city. Please make the LAFD Historical Society part of your 2009 vacation, tour, or support plans. This website provides information on membership, pavers, volunteering, and other opportunities. We look forward to seeing you soon. Museum News January 4th, 2009 http://www.lafdmuseum.org/index/siteblog-post-action/id.12/title.2008-fallen-firefighter-memorial-service The annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial Service was conducted on October 11, 2008 in front of Historic Fire Station 27 in Hollywood. This marked the first-even memorial service in the completed Fallen Firefighter Memorial Plaza and it was a beautiful, well-attended event. Under a remarkable clear sky, with a breeze and the feeling of fall in the air, LA Firefighters, fallen firefighter family members, city leaders and the community came together to remember our fallen heroes. The LAFD Honor Guard opened the event with a moving entry into the Memorial Plaza. Captain Steven Owens (76-C), acted as Master of Ceremonies and welcomed speeches by Councilmember Dennis Zine, Councilmember Janice Hahn, Fire Commissioner Genethia Hudley-Hayes, Fire Chief Douglas Barry, and others. Singer Tim Davis delivered a memorable musical performance. The highlight of the day was shared by the daughter of a fallen member of the Department. Jessica Reiner, whose father (Eric Reiner 81-B) was killed in the crash of Fire 3 ten years ago, read a letter she wrote to her father. Her rich voice, clear message and endearing words to a missing dad will be remembered by anyone in attendance for a long time. The Reiner family can be proud of Eric's memory, and the LAFD is proud of the commitment to excellent every member of the family demonstrates at each public event in which they participate. Other family members, some who have not previously seen the Memorial Plaza were in attendance. Many went up to touch the Wall of Honor that lists the names of all 254 fallen members of the department (as of August 1, 2008). Of special note was the presence of the two new "Hollywood Stars" in front of the middle apparatus bay door of Historic Fire Station 27. Initially authorized by the late Johnny Grant, these stars memorialize the two firemen assigned to Station 27: Captain Michael Carter and Fireman James Hassan. Fireman Hassan's daughter was present at Saturday's event. And, although not noted in the official program, LAFD Historic Society board member Ted Aquaro is to be commended for his continual support of all fallen firefighter's families. They all look to him as their stanchion of support and link between their loved ones and the Los Angeles Fire Department. Battalion Chief Dan McCarty played "taps" and all 255 names (one not yet added to the wall) of those who lost their lives while on-the-job were read aloud. Retired Assistant Chief Frank W. Borden spoke and as a fitting conclusion to the event, the LAFD Air Ops Division sent three helicopters (two Bell 412 models and a Bell 206) to fly over the gathering. And while the event was moving, it was important to see the community and the fire department come together as they did. The celebration of these fallen firefighters lives was the cornerstone of the comments made by every speaker. Their stories and their commitment to the City of Los Angeles can now be memorialized forever - and we invite you to visit our Memorial Plaza at any time. Apparatus October 12th, 2008 http://www.lafdmuseum.org/index/siteblog-post-action/id.11/title.living-history-at-the-lafd-museum Part of the thrill of visiting Historic Fire Station 27 in Hollywood is the opportunity to interact with some pretty amazing people. While many museums have docents, not many can visit with you and explain things as if they were there - because they were! Can you imagine touring through a museum and hearing what the dinosaurs were really like? Or what it was like to fight in the Revolutionary War? While we can't boast those credentials, we can offer up something pretty close: Most of our docents were on-the-job LA Firefighters and they are here to tell the tale. The photo to the right highlights four of our longest-serving volunteers and docents. From the left, Captain Jim Finn (ret) served the LAFD for more than 40 years, retiring just this past month. Benny Holder, also a former Captain, has a wealth of knowledge about the history of the department, even from its earliest years. Bill Dahlquist, our former curator, was a Boat Pilot in the L.A. Harbor, and was lucky enough to serve on the longest-ever in-service piece of firefighting apparatus, Old Fireboat No. 2, the Ralph J. Scott. And finally, Don Dodd, a fireman his entire adult life, comes from a storied family. His great grandfather, Samuel Dodd, was one of the earliest heros of the LAFD, creating the LAFD Firefighting College, perhaps the first truly organized fire preventation, tactics and strategy education center in the country. Together, these four individuals served the LAFD for more years than it has been in existence. And, there are other former firefighters with stories to tell. Retired Assistant Chief Frank W. Borden fought the Bel Air fire, was involved in a series of major incidents during the course of his career, and was the co-Founder of the Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) program. Today, there are literally thousands of CERT teams around the United States. So, if you're interested in the history of fire in Los Angeles, there's no better place to come and learn than Historic Fire Station 27 in Hollywood or Old Fire Station 36 in the Harbor. We have guys who can tell you how dramatic the Sansinena fire and explosion was, how hot and smoky the L.A. Library fire was, what it was like to serve with Chief Don Anthony, in the Harbor, the Valley, Hollywood, or Skid Row. We have history on nearly any topic you can think of. We even have some horses for you to admire. Living History at the LAFD Historical Society. We've got lots of it. Apparatus October 10th, 2008 http://www.lafdmuseum.org/index/siteblog-post-action/id.10/title.greater-alarm-gala-draws-near The 4th Annual Greater Alarm Gala is less than a month away, and already, the anticipation is building. This year, there are so many things for us to consider when opening the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Plaza for this prestigious event. The LAFD lost a gallant firefighter, Brent Lovrien this year. Several other firefighters passed away, due to on-the-job-related illnesses. And, the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Plaza was completed this past August. This year also marks some important changes. The event has grown up a bit, and we're eager to make certain everyone has the best time possible while in our company. We've added fun things to do - get your photo taken while sliding the fire pole in the station, or get photographed and have your image matted onto a fire engine. If you enjoy cigars, we'll have a talented cigar-roller there to work his magic - just for you. As with years past, we're offering up a tremendous menu, all prepared by LA City Firefighters. And, we've added food service lines to provide faster service. Coffee and deserts are being brought to the table, and we'll keep you entertained with a variety of aerialists, fire dancers, videos, and much more. So, please join us for a worthwhile cause and a fun evening. Forget the daily drama of life in Los Angeles and escape to Historic Fire Station 27 in Hollywood. You'll be glad you did. Additional information is available at: www.greateralarmgala.org Events October 2nd, 2008 http://www.lafdmuseum.org/index/siteblog-post-action/id.9/title.tilson-task-forces-trauma-we-remember-watts Forty years ago, the Watts community of Los Angeles erupted in violence and flames. It proved to be a dramatic and difficult assignment for the Los Angeles Fire Department, and before the city quieted down, a Los Angeles Firefighter was dead and a new system for fighting fires had been implemented - a system still in use today. The violence was triggered by a simple and fairly common incident, the arrest of a local black citizen by California Highway Patrol officers. CHP officer Lee Minikus arrested 20-year old Marquette Fry for DUI on August 11, 1965. As the arrest was in progress, Fry's mother, coming from their home a few blocks away, began to verbally challenge the arrest. By the time Fry was booked, hundreds of angry Watts residents were in full riot mode, and the city's history was changed forever. Watts Community Activist Tommy Jacuette expressed the mood in Watts in August of 1965, saying, "I knew the frustration, the hostility, and I knew the attitude of the police - and it was payback time, for the most part." As with most violent incidents, those not directly involved become the biggest victims. When the riots began, Interim Chief Don Hibbard was vacationing. Deputy Chief Raymond M. Hill was acting Chief Engineer. It should be noted that the violence escalated over several days - and it was on August 13 that things got completely out of control. By 10PM on the 13th, dozens of fires were burning in LA. As firefighters worked to bring the flames under control, they came under fire themselves. Pump 65 came under gunfire while extinguishing an automobile fire. An Engine 65 firefighter was injured and the rig severely damaged by rocks, asphalt bits, and thrown crowbars and other hard objects. Police attempted to protect firefighters, but they were often pulled in too many directions. Chief Hill set up a command post at Fire Station 64, which was close to the fires and in an area where multiple LAFD companies could be staged for proper assignment to the quickly spreading series of fires. Hill formed these companies into "task forces" - each task force made up of a truck company and a minimum of two engine companies, all under the direction of a Battalion Chief. Used for certain brush fires and in European firefighting, the task force concept was unusual in US Firefighting. Chief Hill felt the task force would offer firefighters greater projection and would aid in assigning a strong strike force to fires where you could, as Hill said, "move in fast, knock the fire down in a hurry, pick up your lines and make yourself available to another fire." There were more fires than the city had ever seen at one time before. Assignments were made in the field and companies moved from fire to fire, without returning to staging areas or quarters. So many buildings on 103rd Street were aflame that a local newscaster dubbed it, "charcoal alley." Late into the evening of August 14, the city was slowing beginning to calm down, as more than 13,000 armed National Guard troops were arriving, but the worst was yet to come... A fire at the huge Shop-Rite Market brought a number of companies - and upon arrival the initial sizeup included three buildings fully involved. Police were needed elsewhere and firefighters dodged bricks and rocks as they worked to bring the fire under control. As the fire companies began to pick up their lines and prepare to move on to the next assignment, the concrete wall and marquee of the Shop-Right Market collapsed, trapping firefighters Warren E. Tilson and Robert Laxogue. In the midst of a riot, without police protection, and in the dead of night, a rapid rescue began - but was further complicated due to the nature of the material - concrete. Fearing further damage to the trapped firefighters if jackhammers were used, firefighters Malen W. Jacobs of Truck 28 and Frank J. Harrison of Truck 3 edged their way under the concrete and moved, an inch at a time, towards their comrades. Laxogue was rescued, suffering from broken ribs. Tilson was dead, killed by the collapsing wall. Jacobs and Harrison were awarded medals of Bravery. The National Guard, operating under orders of "shoot to kill," quelled the nightmare. Today, the concept initiated in the riots by Chief Hill lives on. The task force concept has proven highly effective and has evolved, with both heavy task forces and light forces (a truck and a single engine under command of a task force commander) are used throughout the city, with great effect. Firefighter Tilson's name will be added to the new Fallen Firefighter Memorial when it is introduced later in 2005. For Watts, the results are more mixed. Forty years later, many area residents still remember those hot August nights. One resident, Alice Harris, known to her friends as "sweet Alice" says not much has changed. "Everybody is tense - no jobs, zero tolerance in the housing projects and people are scared of the police," she says. For the LAFD, an ongoing commitment to Watts continues, with constant rescue ambulance support, new fire stations, and a dedication to the community, regardless of time, day, or temperature. History August 11th, 2008 http://www.lafdmuseum.org/index/siteblog-post-action/id.8/title.opening-of-fs-43 If you haven't been to the grand opening of a new fire station, it's a terrific way to start the day. On August 16, 2008, the Los Angeles Fire Department will celebrate the opening of its latest construction project: The New Fire Station 43. Here's the scoop: Saturday, August 16, 2008 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Fire Station 43 3690 Motor Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90034 West Los Angeles is an active part of the Southern California Landscape and this Fire Station will be busy as well. With a combination of homes, apartments, and commercial businesses, the mix of emergency runs will keep these firefighters on the go. The LAFD Historical Society will be a part of the festivities - we'll be bringing our mobile gift shop to the event. If you're interested in some authentic LAFD wearables, hats, shirts, and patches... or, if you're ready to teach your kids about fire safety, we've got books and DVDs you'll enjoy. Best of all, we've got models of helicopters, fire engines, and much more. So, don't miss out on the fun. Join us and have some fun, eat some cake, and pick up a model fire engine for the kids. See you there! Events August 7th, 2008