Topic: Education

Everyone knows Pau Gasol of the Lakers! But, did you know he was the official spokesperson for our education partner, MySafe:LA? Today, Pau and MySafe:LA visited a local school in the east side of Los Angeles. The topic: Fire and Life Safety.

More than 200 children (and some parents and teachers, too) welcomed Pau with cheers and lots of excitement. Pau was a terrific speaker. He discussed home safety and reminded the kids to go home and check thei smoke alarms with their parents. He also advised everyone to create a family escape plan. What Pau did that really made everyone smile, however, was to deliver these key messages in both English and Spanish. The event was noted by the media, and Fire Chief Millage Peaks stopped by to say hello to the kids as well. All in all, everyone was eager to hear what Pau had to say!

After the presentation, Pau, MySafe:LA presenters, and LA City Firefighters conducted a series of drills for the kids to watch. Pau also watched as a Paramedic explained what is carried on an LAFD Advanced Life Support Ambulance.

All in all, it was a terrific day. The school got some educational videos and DVDs, including brochures for the LAFD Museum and Memorial!

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 it out.

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 new Fire Station 36 opened recently and serves the San Pedro area.