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2 • January 2014

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January 2014 • 3

Relief AssociAtion opens its DooRsIt was a packed house for the annual LAFRA Open House Party as hundreds of active and retired members and their families shared some pre-holiday time together while honoring Lee Kebler for a lifetime of service to the fire service • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08

2nD AnnuAl sAlsA competition Teams from fire houses all over the city met at the El Coyote Mexi-can Café once again to battle for the hottest of the hot trophy. The tacos and chips, margaritas and beer, salsa and more salsa were all a perfect match to help raise funds for the WODFF • . . . . . . . . 12

Above AnD beyonDThe second installment of stories of LAFD members who rose to the challenge when faced with exceptional danger. This month we re-count the actions of Firefighters Jesse Franco and Kendal Koneval at the Chatsworth Metrolink train derailment • . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

President’s Message • ................................................................................05

Battalion News • ..........................................................................................14

Retired Guys

REMEMBERING CAPTAIN JACK SPEROW • .........................................................29

Department in Action • ................................................................................30

Station Fridge • ...........................................................................................35

Retirement Dinner Announcement • ............................................................36

Hogs Breath BBQ

FIRE HOGS PICNIC AND FUNDRAISER • ............................................................37

LAFD Merit Scholar Awards • ......................................................................38

LAFD Handball

2013 TURKEY BURNER TOURNAMENT AND FUNDRAISER • ...................................41

Affordable Care Act

It’s Impact on the LaFRa medIcaL pLan • ...................................................42

Mailbox • .....................................................................................................44

Memorials • .................................................................................................47

Chaplain’s Corner

LIbeRatIng Law • ........................................................................................49

Dollars & Sense

INTEREST REFUND AND EXTRAORDINARY DIVIDEND BONUS • ...............................51

LAFD History

THE S.S. MARKAY FIRE • .............................................................................52

Minutes of the Board of Trustees • ..............................................................55

Classifieds • ................................................................................................58

Tailboard • ...................................................................................................61

• FEATURES •

• CONTENTS •

COPYRIGHT © 2014Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association.

No material may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

Notice: Production of The Firemen’s Grapevine magazine is very expensive, and while your dues serve to underwrite a portion of the magazine’s costs, the bulk of funding comes from advertisers. Many businesses advertise in the Grapevine. This does not mean that LAFRA endorses these advertisers. Use of a Grapevine advertiser is at the risk of the member. If you are interested in any of the advertisements, we urge you to use any and all means at your disposal to investigate them.

30On the cover:

Structure Fire - EncinoPhoto by:

Steve Gentry

VOL. XC JANUARY 2014 NO. 06

4 • January 2014

FIREMEN’S GRAPEVINEowned and published by the

Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association815 COLORADO BLVD, 4TH FLOOR, LOS ANGELES CA 90041

EDITORIAL STAFFDave Wagner • Editor..........................................................editor@lafra.orgJuan-Carlos Sánchez • Project [email protected] Santiago • Creative Editor.....................................esantiago@lafra.orgDavid Vienna • Web/Social Media [email protected] Display Advertising....................................(323) 259-5200 ext. 231, 232, 260

PSO’sKATHERINE MAIN, BRIAN HUMPHREY, ERIK SCOTT

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS MIKE MASTRO, FRANK BORDEN, DAVID VIENNA,

JODY HOUSER, MICHAEL STEFANO, MONTE EGHERMAN, STEVE RUDA

PHOTOGRAPHERS Ryan BaBRoff, DaviD BlaiRe, Doc DeMulle’, GReG Doyle, HaRRy GaRvin,

STEVE GENTRY, JUAN GUERRA, BRIAN HAIMER, GAVIN KAUFMAN, RYAN LING, RICK MCCLURE,MIKE MEADOWS, LLOYD PAYNE, JEFF ZIMMERMAN, YVONNE GRIFFIN, LAURA LICHTER.

LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATIONJUAN ALBARRAN........................................................PRESIDENTROBERT STEINBACHER .......................................VICE-PRESIDENTANDREW KULJIS ........................................................SECRETARY

BOARD OF TRUSTEESBARRY HEDBERGCHRIS HARTCHRIS STINECRAIG WHITEDAVID LOWEDAVID ORTIZ

DAVID PETERSDOAK SMITHFRANK HERNANDEZGENE BEDNARCHIKJAMES E. COBURNJEFF CAWDREYMARK AKAHOSHI

RICK GODINEZSTEVE BERKERYSTEVE RUDASTEVE TUFTSSTEVEN DOMANSKITIM LARSON

CHAPLAINSGREG W. GIBSON...............SR. CHAPLAINDANNY LEON...........................CHAPLAINGEORGE A. NEGRETE...............CHAPLAINAQUIL F. BASHEER...................CHAPLAINTIM WERLE.............................CHAPLAINROGER FOWBLE......................CHAPLAIN

HERSHY Z. TEN........................CHAPLAINRICK A. GODINEZ.....................CHAPLAINMARK R. WOOLF......................CHAPLAINJESUS PASOS..........................CHAPLAINCRAIG POULSON......................CHAPLAIN

TELEPHONESFIRE-RELIEF ................................................................(323) 259-5200RELIEF ASSOCIATION TOLL FREE NUMBER ...........................(800) 244-3439 RELIEF MEDICAL PLAN ..........................(866) 99LAFRA - (866) 995-2372 FAX NUMBER ................................................................(323) 259-5290

TODD LAYFER • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR...............................(323) 259-5243MARLENE CASILLAS • DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING DIRECTOR(323) 259-5217BECKY VALVERDE • HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATOR.......(323) 259-5247TODD LAYFER • CONTROLLER/TREASURER.........................(323) 259-5243BOB DILLON • OPERATIONS MANAGER................................(323) 259-5233ANA SALAZAR • MEMBER SERVICES COORDINATOR...............(323) 259-5223

LAFRA MANAGEMENT

HealthSCOPE BenefitsWAYNE SHERMAN • MEDICAL CLAIMS MANAGER...................(323) 259-5211

THE FIREMEN’S GRAPEVINE (USPS 191-060) is published monthly by the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association, 815 Colorado Blvd. 4th Floor, Los Angeles, Cal i for nia 90041. Annual $24 Subscription included with Association mem ber ship; Non-members: $36. Single issues $3 postpaid. Back issues $6 postpaid. Pe ri od i cals post age paid at Los Angeles, CA and at additional mailing office. POST MAS TER: Send ad dress changes to: THE FIREMEN’S GRAPE VINE Magazine, P.O. BOX 41903, Los An ge les, CA 90041.

Printed by Collective Color, Los Angeles CA. For Clas si fied and Display Ad ver tis ing rates please call (323) 259-5200, ext. 231, 232 or 260. All editorial matter must be received by the Editor eight weeks prior to the month of pub li ca tion. The opin ions ex pressed here in are those of the writ ers and do not nec es sar i ly reflect the official views of the Los An ge les City Fire De part ment or the Los An ge les Firemen’s Relief Association.

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January 2014 • 5

Hello everybody-First and foremost, I would like to thank the board for their

support and vote of confidence in the election of Robert Steinbacher and myself to our current positions. I would also like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of John Jacobsen to this organization. His quiet leadership has been steadfast and assisted this organization to meet the ever changing demands.

By way of introduction, I am a member of the (in)famous class of ’80, February 1980 to be exact. I was last assigned at FS 26 on the “C” platoon. I will miss the great team we had there but I look forward to my new assignment here at LAFRA, helping members on a day-to-day basis. My wife Penni and I have three grown children and one grandson, who all are aware of the commitment required of the LAFRA president and give me their full support – at least for now! My family has a total of five members that belong to the LAFD and the LAFRA.

The Association is facing some dynamic changes that include a future move of the LAFRA offices to a new location at 7470 North Figueroa Ave, not far from where we are today. We are preparing floor layouts of the building we purchased to best serve our membership. The building has approximately 10, 000 square feet more than our current location. We are working with a design firm to maximize space and effi-ciency. The building consists of three floors: Two of the floors are above grade, one is below grade.

Through the month of November LAFRA conducted a search and interviewed candidates for our Executive Director’s position. On December 4, 2013, the Board of Trustees approved the recommendation of the selection committee and chose Todd Layfer as our new Executive Director. Congratulations to Todd, who has been the LAFRA Controller/Treasurer for the past six years. The Board is looking forward to working with Todd in his new capacity. The Affordable Care Act continues to be a challenge. We are trying to stay ahead of changes and minimize the impact on our medi-cal plan. In this issue we have included a brief summary regarding the A.C.A. and its impact on our LAFRA Medical Plan. Stay tuned for fur-ther updates in our Grapevine or on the LAFRA website. If you require more detailed information refer to the Department of Labor (www.dol.gov) or www.healthcare.gov websites. If all else fails, you can call John Jacobsen on his personal cell phone during business hours at F.S. 15 on the “A” platoon.

Thanks for your support.

Juan Albarran(323) [email protected]

January 2014 • 5

Secretary Andy Kuljis, retiring Exec. Director Dave Smith, former President John Jacobsen, Exec. Director Todd Layfer, Vice President Bob Steinbacher and President Juan Albarran

Trustees Rick Godinez, Doak Smith, Dave Peters and Craig White after being sworn in for a new term by Secretary Andy Kuljis (not shown: Dave Lowe and Mark Akahoshi)

6 • January 2014

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Dear Members,

I am writing to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association. I am not new to the job of understanding the needs of firefighters and their families and the important role of the Re-lief Association. For the past six years, I have served as the Con-

troller/Treasurer of the Relief Association, working with our Trustees to maintain our organization’s strong financial stand-ing. In that role, I have had the privilege of working with and getting to know many of you. I received my degree in accounting from Northern Il-linois University and have a certificate in Non-Profit Manage-ment from Duke University. I have served as a board member for the City of Burbank’s Parks and Recreation Department and also for Ohio State University. From an early age I had an interest in fire service. As a child growing up in Chicago, I lived close to a fire station and would frequently drop by and chat with the firemen at Engine Company 71. Sometimes they would even let me join them on a ride- along! When I moved to California and purchased my home in Burbank, as luck would have it, my neighbor was a member of the LAFD, Gene Gallagher, who would share stories about the department. After hearing all these great tales, I was enthusiastic when I first heard about the opening at the Relief Association for Controller. The work we do at the Relief Association is important and my goal is to continue our 100-plus year tradition of pro-viding excellent service to our dedicated firefighters and their families. You and your fellow firefighters are there when called upon by the citizens of Los Angeles and, simply stated, my team and I are here to serve you and your families when you need us. I look forward to working with the new president, Juan Albarran, and the Board of Trustees in continuing to make the Relief Association even stronger in the future.

Respectfully,Todd LayferExecutive [email protected]

According to a variety of sources, the top New Year’s resolu-tions include:

• Losing weight • Getting more exercise • Saving more money • Spending more time with family • Learning or trying something new

While just 45% of Americans tend to make resolu-tions each year, only 8% are successful in achieving their objectives. The good news is that people who actually make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don’t make resolutions at all.^ Another popular, unselfish resolution people often make is to help others. Firefighters have no problem consis-tently achieving this goal many times over on a daily basis. It doesn’t matter how many non-emergency transports it takes to equal one heroic save at a structure fire – a virtuous act only requires that we do the right thing willingly, that we act in character, and that we do the act for its own sake.* A virtue is a habit - but not one that is mechanical or automatic; rather, it is voluntary and purposeful. Many of your fellow LAFD members have made a habit of volunteering to serve your needs in an assortment of ways. Your LAFRA Board of Trustees are all volunteers that strive to help fire families in need. Your UFLAC stewards volunteer to ensure that your working conditions are safe and fair. Other volunteers work with organizations like your Historical Society and Retired Fire & Police Association. Contributing by payroll deduction to the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund is another way of being habitually virtuous. Have you made a virtuous habit of dropping your loose change into the WODFF extinguisher at the firehouse? Registering your Ralph’s Club Card (see page 46 of this issue) is an easy way to instantly achieve your resolution of helping others. But why not take the next step and become a volun-teer yourself? Some virtually painless virtuous deeds would be to organize or join a firehouse team at Hope For Firefighters, Lane Kemper Softball or the El Coyote Salsa competition. The guys at Toy Central are always in need of extra hands – why not bring the family down for a day of collecting or sorting toys next season? The photos in your Grapevine magazine are the result of the virtuous photographers who take to the streets knowing their only reward will be to capture the heroic actions of our members. Without their work the magazine wouldn’t be much to look at. You too can help to improve the quality of the Grape-vine – we need new Battalion News writers from every battal-ion except 13. Send me an e-mail for details and we’ll get you started on achieving the first of your New Year’s resolutions right away.

Have a virtuous 2014!

[email protected]

^ www.statisticbrain.com*Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle

[email protected]

8 • January 2014

On December 7th, the doors of the Los Angeles Firemen’s

Relief Association offices were thrown open in order to host the annual Open House event. The beautiful holiday decorations added to the fes-tive atmosphere as Relief members and their families gathered to enjoy food and fun. One of the most cheerful areas was registration, where conversation and laughter rang out as old friends were reunit-ed before they even signed in and got their nametag.

This year’s Open House honored Lee Kebler, a retired LAFD Captain and director of the Los Angeles Retired Fire and Police Association. Kebler was clearly moved when presented with his plaque, calling LAFRA “a first-class organiza-tion that’s helped thousands and thousands of people.” There was a second presentation later in the day as the LAFD Fire Hogs arrived with a $5000 donation for the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund.

The food is always a big hit at Open House, and this year’s spread was no excep-tion. With items including New York strip

steak, gourmet mac & cheese, and crab cakes (just to name a few), executive chef Jason Sperber made sure there was something for every-one. The displays of delectable des-serts were enough to make everyone find a little more room for a strudel,

January 2014 • 9

tiramisu and a tart or three.

LAFRA events coordinator Juliet Brandolino was excited to add some new elements to this year’s Open House. “This was a year of firsts. We had a photo booth owned and operated by firefight-er Jerrod Webster and his wife Robin, a new strolling magician, the “Kid Zone” movie the-ater and the largest number of cadet volunteers ever.”

The magician, two-time Magic Castle award winner Joe Skilton, was quite popular with attendees, and delighted and mys-tified small groups with pencils through bills, moving coins and card tricks. The Kid Zone entertained children and adults alike with holi-day fare such as Elf and Rise of the Guardians. The photo booth in the lobby was a bit hit, as friends gathered fun props and took photos to-gether to commemorate the day.

This year’s Open House was truly a success. LAFRA president John Jacobsen stated “We are thankful that so many of our members were able to join us for some ca-maraderie and holiday spirit.” The attendees seemed to agree. As volunteer and widow Val-erie Lawrence stated, “Like always, it’s a class act. Warm and friendly. It’s just good to see old friends.”

10 • January 2014

Lee served in the Coast Guard during World War II – from 1942 until 1945. He trained as a flight engineer and flew pa-

trols along the Pacific coast. He came on the job on March 18, 1947. He was a rookie on Truck 29, served four years in the Mountain Patrol, was an Auto Fireman at 2’s, a Captain at 33’s and 26’s, and as one of the first-ever Captain II’s was assigned to 94’s. Throughout his career he devoted himself to projects that were important to both fire and police personnel. He served as a delegate to the Fire and Police Protective League and as a director of the Los Angeles Firefighters Association (CSFA). Lee retired as a Captain II from Fire Boat 2 in 1978, with 31 years of service. Since 1998, Lee has served as a director of the LA Retired Fire and Police Association. He served as their president in 2002-2003. He is well versed on pension issues, having attended most every pension commission meeting for the past 15 years. Lee was instrumental in restoring pensions for widows married prior to 1997, advocated for retired members’ representation on the board

under the new City Charter, and initiated and lobbied heavily for a ballot initiative for the Survivor Benefit Purchase Program. For his years of dedication, the Los Angeles Fire and Police Pension department awarded Lee with their Distinguished Service Medal. Lee is also active with the LAFD Historical Society. He helped to build the Fallen Firefighters Memorial, helped to initiate the Memorial Paver Program and works to restore his old apparatus – Fireboat 2, the Ralph J. Scott. With his wife, Mary, they work in the museum gift shop, cook for the volunteers and provide docent tours. Mary and Lee were recently honored as the Historical Society’s “Vol-unteers of the Year.”

January 2014 • 11

Firefighters Jesse Franco and Kendal Koneval were working at Fire Station 87 on September 12, 2008, when a freight

train crashed head-on with a Metrolink train, causing derailment, fire, deaths and injuries. When Task Force 87 arrived at the accident site, there were more than 1,000 gal-lons of fuel and oil on the ground and burning. While others handled extrication of passengers, Firefighters Koneval and Franco were assigned to fire attack. Firefighters Koneval and Franco advanced a hose line to the freight locomo-tive which was engulfed in fire. While fighting the fire, they heard pounding from inside the locomotive. Firefighter Koneval saw that there were people in the locomotive and attempted to remove them. He used his axe, attempting to remove the windshield from the overturned locomotive. He was able to open a softball-sized hole in the windshield. This hole showed acrid pressurized smoke. Firefighter Koneval obtained a rotary saw to cut away further at the windshield. Firefighter Franco stepped in to continue the work of removing the windshield. Both firefighters opened the window and

told the train engineer to “kick like your life depends on it.” With this effort, the engineer was able to kick open the window and get out. He reported that his associate was still in the locomotive and needed to be rescued. Without hesitation, Firefighters Koneval and Franco entered the locomotive through the hole they had just cut. It was too small to get through with breathing bottles on, so they both removed the protection of their air bottles, and entered the burning locomotive. The smoke was acrid and banked down inside the train. They traveled fifteen feet in search of the other engineer, found him, and pulled him to safety. If not for the actions of these firefighters, the engineers sure-ly would have perished. Firefighter Jesse Franco and Fire-fighter Kendal Koneval, for their actions on the MetroLink Train Derailment Incident, were each awarded the Medal of Valor. The Medal of Valor is awarded to a sworn member of the Department who has demonstrated bravery at great personal risk to his or her own life, beyond a doubt and clearly above the call of duty, whether on or off duty.

Firefighter Jesse Franco

Firefighter Kendal Koneval

12 • January 2014

Teams from fire houses all over the city met at the El Coyote Mexican Café once again to battle for the hottest of the hot

trophy. The El Coyote chefs grilled the carne asada and chicken, while the firefighters pre-pared their spicy masterpieces. Event guests tasted and scrutinized the different salsas and then used their favorites to top their chips and tacos. There was also plenty of margaritas and beer to help wash it all down. The variety of ingredients used in the salsas was overwhelming. Besides the usual chipotles, jalapenos and serranos, some of the stations got very creative by adding fixings like shrimp and pineapple. The crew from Fire Station 17 warned guests to make their booth the last tasting stop because their salsa was criminally insane. “17’s salsa was so spicy that I couldn’t taste anything else for an hour,” agreed one guest. While each guest had their favorite, the panel of judges was supposed to have the last word on deciding which salsa was best. Event judges Wendy Burch and Chris Schauble from the KTLA news and Adriana Davalos, Miss Los Angeles Latina 2013, gave it their best shot but the competition still ended up in a tie between FS 87 and FS 21. El Coyote’s grand lady Marjorie Cristoffersen was called in to break the tie and after sampling both recipes, awarded the 1st place trophy to 87’s. The winners from 87’s were nonchalant about their victory. “We don’t need strategy,” said Kenny Breskin. “We just bring it,” finished Jeff Harvey. While not a prize winner, Martin Gutier-rez from the FPB still enjoyed the event. “It’s a good competition,” he said, “but it all depends on the judge’s preferences. Our recipe is some-thing that I picked up in my mom’s kitchen.” The many event sponsors made sure there was enough food, drink and salsa for everyone, and in the end, ensured that the Widows, Or-phans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund was amply endowed. Our thanks to Wells Fargo, Derek Vehling, Collective Color, Heipler & Heipler, Tom LaBonge, Mitchell Englander, Zev Yaro-slavsky, Wells Capital Mangement, New York Life Insurance and Pacific Development Solu-tions Group.

January 2014 • 13

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14 • January 2014

Engine 9 works an auto fire on Olympic Blvd in the garment district on 11/3/13.

Photo by Rick McClure, EPN

Hundreds of public safety responders participated in crisis simulation training in a 41 story office building in the Financial District on November 9-10, 2013. The training simulated a fire and active shooting scenario. LAFD photos by Erik Scott

January 2014 • 15

Companies handled a small fire in a commercial building on Hill Street in Chinatown.Photos by Adam VanGerpen, The Los Angeles Firefighter

Fire Station 27 apparatus, members and their families all participated in this year’s Hollywood Christmas Parade.

Photos by Laura Lichter, preciouspixphoto.com

16 • January 2014

LF 35 and Engine 6 pumped out a sub-terrarium garage under an apartment building on Vermont Ave near Melrose.

Photo Jeff Zimmerman, EPN

A fire fueled by an acetylene tank beneath the control cabin of a dockside crane required companies to re-spond by ground and sea on November 9, 2013.

LAFD Photo by David Ortiz

January 2014 • 17

Engine 99 checks out a cement truck that rolled over on Benedict Canyon Road.

Photo by Mike Meadows

The driver of an SUV was injured after he was ejected from the vehicle near 6025 Sepulveda Bl. on 11/24/13.

Photo by Rick McClure

Task Force and Rescue 90 handled a rollover on November 27, 2013 in the 9300 blk of Woodley Ave.

Photo by Greg Doyle

18 • January 2014

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Companies battled a structure fire in Sunland on November 3, 2013.

Photos by Doc DeMulle’,

The Foothills Paper

Task Force 75 rescued two from the Pacoima Wash on October 25, 2013.

Photos by Doc DeMulle’,

The Foothills Paper

20 • January 2014

On 10/25/13, companies worked a fire in one room of a single family in the 8700 block of Cantaloupe Ave. A dog was carried out and revived by firefighters.

Photos by Mike Meadows

Light Force 75 working a very tall row of Italian Cypress trees at 10455 Danube Ave. in Granada Hills on 11/14/13.

Photo by Greg Doyle

January 2014 • 21

Greetings from the Battalion that never sleeps!

Wow! I can’t believe that we’re already into 2014. Where does the time go?!? In a few short weeks, and for the 1st time in about five years, we will have a drill tower with actual boots . . . err . . . rookies . . . errr . . . “Probationary Members.” Hopefully they know that they’re in for a bit of a bumpy ride, but once they get there, it’s the best job in the whole world!!

Also, I’d like to congratulate all of the newest recipients of the “Medal of Valor” and “Medal of Merit.” Among those honored were two of our own from the Battalion, FF Dave Mack and FF Casey Glynn - both from 66’s. Theirs is a great story and if you didn’t get a chance to read it, check it out in last month’s issue. Nice work gents, and way to put it on the line for our citizens!

Moving on to our first story - Over at 64’s, one of the captains has concerned himself with every shift’s SK, FI, VC and TS. Having previously been an SA . . . errr EIT, Captain Hill remembers how it was to try and fill the empty spots, back when a few pages of teletype vacancies would print up every morn-ing. Being new to the position and the Bat-talion, he makes sure that every “i is dotted” and “t is crossed” - a real enforcer. In fact, he kept a guy on the phone who had a guaran-tor and wanted to TS until he actually ran the hire and it was complete. I’m sure that was a great conversation . . . “dead air . . . dead air . . . man this computer is slow . . . dead air . .

. ok you’re off, have a good night.” He’s been heard around the station badmouthing guys who call in SK at 9:00 pm or 6:30 am. I understand that you want as much time as pos-sible to fill a vacancy but as everyone knows, sometimes things come up. Anyway, turns out that after they weren’t able to hire a Captain II for the PM on Thanksgiving, Captain Hill decided that he would further his cause and “bang in” sick for the day after. Like I said, I know sometimes things happen, but when you’ve been heard around the station saying that you might not be at work on the day after Thanksgiving, hmmmm, you might want to hold yourself a bit more accountable and think about the example you are setting. Believe me, guys notice, especially the ones you’ve been heard badmouthing. Just the story I got . . . Our next story is out of 66’s. Since the last set of captain’s interviews is over, future officers can be seen all over the place. Almost every shift I see a new face under an orange helmet that was previously seen wearing a yellow helmet. Engine 66 was recently dispatched to an “Engine” call and when they arrived on-scene, the family was complaining about light-headedness and headaches. Common flu right? After asking a few more questions and getting sets of vitals, they realized that this was textbook carbon monoxide poisoning. Finally a chance to use it . . . yes, it was time to deploy the “5 gas meter!” Power turned on – check . . . two minute warm-up time and self calibration – check . . . someone who knows

how to use it - check? . . . just kidding, we’re all experts on it right?!? Moving on . . . im-mediately the meter picked up an outrageous CO reading, but only in certain parts of the house. The FF’s were starting to feel some of the same symptoms as the residents and they quickly donned appropriate PPE’s to investi-gate further. As they were suiting up, Captain McIndoe asked for The Denizens of Danger, The Unequaled of the Unknown, The Heroes of Haz-Mat, The Only Rig That Turns a Wheel In The Station Besides The Rescue For An Oc-casional Rescue Run . . . THE SQUAD (add triumphant horns!!!) to be added. Squad 21 ar-rived and without haste broke out their version of the “5 Gas Meter,” the “347 gas meter.” Upon entering the structure the meter went absolutely off the charts. They searched and searched and finally located a leak in the attic. Fortunately through their diligence, they were most likely able to save the lives of this family who probably would’ve perished during their sleep from the CO. To add insult to injury, the family had actually taken the battery out of the CO detector in the house because it was activating and making too much noise. Nice work both Engine 66 and Squad 21! Unfortunately usually after the heroic story comes . . . well, the not so heroic one. At a recent structure fire dispatch in 33’s first-in, Task Force 21 was making their way across the district, when TF 33 gave a size-up of a one story commercial with heavy smoke showing. Now prior to the size-up, TF 21 had spotted the loom-up and it was “on!” Racing to the scene, and not quite sure how far away the next hydrant was, they came across a “close” hydrant and decided to do a modified two-piece lay. In this lay that they quickly

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Financial Repression could not be more relevant when discussing the Fed’s policies of quantitative easing (QE) which is intended to arti�cially reduce long-term interest rates. From the Fed’s website, “reducing the supply of longer-term Treasury securi-ties…should put downward pressure on longer-term interest rates which will contribute to a broad easing in �nancial market conditions” (go to this link for more information: http://www.federalreserve.gov/faqs/money_15070.htm). �e Fed’s intention to bring down borrowing costs has clearly been successful. But, the reduction in interest rates has implications across the entire yield curve and multiple asset classes. Everything from bank saving deposits virtually at zero and long dated CD’s at a paltry 1%-2% (you have to lock up your money for many years to earn this rate) means savers are being punished or “repressed” by arti�cially low interest rates. To brie�y summarize, currently borrowers are rewarded with arti�cially low rates, (home mortgage rates are still extremely low) while savers are socked with investment returns from banks, credit unions and government bonds that are below in�ation rates.

Another large factor in the �nancial repression debate is government’s perceived desire to pay a lower inter-est rate on its debt than in�ation. �is will allow the

government to “monetize” the mountain of debt that has been accumulated post-�nancial crisis. �is be-comes quite complicated, but research in the area of macro prudential policies (“�e Liquidation of Gov-ernment Debt” by Rienhart & Sbrancia, March 2011) indicates that the high level of US Government debt can only be paid down through two likely scenarios. �e likely and most palatable method is in�ate your way out of it, meaning create in�ation through loose monetary policy where the borrowed dollars become less valuable over time. Or the second atom bomb option is default (hopefully a very unlikely tool) and this would cause a sharp contraction in GDP. �e �rst and likely scenario that will play out involves a higher but manageable rate of in�ation with a small growth component thrown in if all works out well. Now, no Treasury or Fed o�cial in their right mind would explicitly admit to a policy of “in�ating away” government debt but this is likely the only viable solution as tax increases and/or a massive growth surge are very unlikely to happen in the coming years.

So, what is the most likely outcome? �ere is currently no clear consensus among economists and other experts. But, interest rates will likely be suppressed for many years to keep government debt levels manageable, as this is one of a very few viable options to help address years of pro�igate de�cit spending.

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January 2014 • 23

crafted in their minds, the pump would lay from a hydrant, and if they needed to lay further, the engine would continue the lay until they arrived at the fire; whence the pump would back-track to the hydrant and four-way and perform the duties of the pump. So as they came across a hydrant in the vicinity of the loom-up, both Engine 21 and Engine 221 started painting their masterpiece. Engine 221 stopped at the hydrant and brilliantly laid the first strokes across the canvas until he ran out of “paint.” Then Engine 21 jumped right in and gracefully continued laying their paint down until he also ran out . . . uh oh . . . unfortunately they were a bit short of their objective and had “brushed” past three closer hydrants on the way to their objective. For-tunately for them Engine 14 was able to lend them 150’ of extra “paint” so they could help out and be effective “artists” at this fire. Too bad we don’t have any maps that tell us where a hydrant is located in relation to an address? That’s actually a whole other story. Just what I heard. (For those of you who might’ve been confused: “Paint”=hose, “Artists”=firefighters, graceful and brilliant= not so much . . . any other questions, call FS21)

Along with the addition of the two new Rescues (at 46’s and 66’s) comes an influx of some new faces to the Battalion. Some came with an eager attitude to learn their job and serve the citizens of Los Angeles, and some came because they were sent here. Either way, make sure to introduce yourselves.

With that, Jonathan Valenzuela now at FS 66 and assigned to RA 266 added a new addition to the family. Jonathan Jr. weighed in at 6 lbs 13 oz and has two older sisters to show him the ropes! Good luck with the sleep and dare I say that Sr. might get more rest at the station than at home?!? Also con-grats to Garrett (and Jackie) Steffen over at 64’s on the arrival of son Logan Garrett born on October 3, 2013. Finally, I’d like to congratulate all the participants in the recent captain’s process. I know it’s been a long bunch of months, but when that day comes that you receive your bugles and a new command, remember what you went through to get there and it will make it all worthwhile. You really have an opportu-nity to make a difference, so do it! Remember all the things that you said you would do in your interview and do them! And most importantly, remember to Serve with Courage, INTEGRITY, and Pride! Hope you had a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Please be safe, both on

and off duty, and PLEASE make good deci-sions!! There are plenty of options, use one! OK, that’s all I’ve got! Keep taking care of one another. Stay safe and remember that 2+2 makes sense, play nice, know your audience, get a cool nickname, figure out which formula to use before the media gets a hold of it, “you get out what you put in”, FI-1, read the label, if you’re tired sleep in, when in need of a driver call an already overworked 800 to do your job, watch out for irony, don’t fumble Tradition, take 1st relief so you can go back to sleep, and never “Stand By!” Keep sending your stories and pho-tos to [email protected]

Engine 89 handles an auto fire on November 22, 2013.

Photo by Ryan Ling

24 • January 2014

Cheerleaders ride atop T-89’s aerial at the Grant High School Homecoming.

Photo by Jeffrey Geller

Engine 86 extinguished this auto into the sound wall on the 101 Fwy at Tujunga on 11/24/13.


January 2014 • 25

E103 and RA73 handled a T/A late in the morning on Thanksgiving Day at Lindley and Roscoe.

Photo by Greg Doyle

Four people were injured in a head-on collision on the Tampa Ave. off-ramp to the 118 Fwy on 10/27/13.


26 • January 2014

Battalion 17 companies handled a MCI with seven victims at the intersection of Topanga Cyn and Clarendon St on 11/22/13.

Photos by Steve Gentry

Companies quickly knocked down a fire in a restaurant on Ventura Bl on 11/5/13.

Photo by Juan Guerra, juanguerra.smugmug.com

January 2014 • 27


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Members of the community members joined firefighters in a family themed event on November 16, 2013 for the public dedication of LAFD Station 94.

Photos by Yvonne Griffin

28 • January 2014

January 2014 • 29

CAPTAIN JACK SPEROWThis November 12th marked the

first anniversary of the passing of Captain Jack Sperow. He died at the age of 94 after a very busy life. For thirty years Jack was both a Captain on the Los Angeles Fire Department as well as Group Commander in the Active Air Force Reserve Unit at March Air Force Base in Riverside. The U.S. Air Force even made a film about him which was entitled “Two Hats.”

Jack served in three wars. In 1945, his B-29 unit was waiting to be deployed to the South Pacific Theater when the war with Japan ended. In 1950, his B-26 reserve unit was the first to be recalled for the Korean Conflict. In the late 1960’s, during the Vietnam War, he again resumed his active military career as a C-124 Globe Master of Military Air Lift Trans-port. His duty required transporting oversized equipment and bringing troops back to the U.S. Jack eventually retired from the military with the rank of full colonel.

Upon his retirement from both of his careers in Southern California, Jack accepted the position of Senior Captain and Training Of-ficer of the newly formed, professional Aptos Fire Department. He and his family relocated to Aptos in 1972.

Jack loved his time at the Aptos Fire Department with Chief Chinn (also LAFD re-tired) and the “Red Hots.” He enjoyed living in the beauty of the Central Coast. Jack played handball for fifty years before and after his re-tirement, playing in tournaments throughout the United States. He participated in the Boy Scout program with his sons. Camping in the High Sierras with his family was a real favorite with Jack.

Jack’s life was well lived and will not be forgotten by the people who knew him, the men that worked alongside him or the family that loved him. He and his wife Genova “Ge-nie” had a love affair that lasted over 70 years. Jack and Genie had five children, and their family continues to grow with grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and now, four great-great-great grandchildren.

Retired LAFD members residing in Kern County (L to R) Bob Klopfenstein, Jim Walters, Pat Engel, Roger Fiala, Dan Arnett and Jerry Horwedel at their monthly breakfast meeting. Call Kolp for info – (661) 204-1374

Genie and Captain Jack Sperow

30 • January 2014

STRUCTURE FIREENCINOPhotos by Mike Meadows

January 2014 • 31

More than 100 firefighters battled a huge blaze rag-ing at an Encino home that injured four members on October 30, 2013. Companies arrived to find a large three-story above ground Tudor style home at the end of a long steep private driveway with heavy fire on the third story. Some firefighters had to hike equipment a 1/4 mile uphill to the structure. It took two hours and 20 minutes to fully extinguish the flames. The cause of the afternoon blaze is under ac-tive investigation and the estimated dollar loss is still being tabulated.

32 • January 2014

HAZ MATSAN FERNANDOPhotos by Doc DeMulle’, The Foothills Paper and Adam VanGerpen, The Los Angeles Firefighter

Fire companies and a Haz-Mat team handled an incident on October 30, 2013 in a one-story commercial building in the City of San Fernando. Employees at Envision Life CALIFA accidentally spilled a 55-gallon drum of 50% percent hydrogen peroxide solution, a strong oxidizer (a 3% solution is common for medical use). It slowly began reacting with the petroleum products in the carpet and approximately one hour into the incident it spontaneously combusted. A total of three city blocks were evacuated as a precaution.

January 2014 • 33

34 • January 2014

One person was killed and six others injured when a vehicle stopped in the HOV lane of the 170 Fwy was struck, causing a chain re-action in which five other vehicles collided on November 15, 2013. Two of the patients had to be extricated from one vehicle. Three were transported to area hospitals.

PHYSICAL RESCUENORTH HOLLYWOODPhotos by Rick McClure – EPN, and Mike Meadows

January 2014 • 35

36 • January 2014


JOE FOLEY, Battalion Chief, Batt. 17-C

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

Marriott Warner Center21850 Oxnard Street, Woodland Hills CA

Social Hour: 6:00 PM Dinner: 7:00 PM

Menu: Chicken or Tri-Tip - $55 includes dinner and gift

Call FS 84 - (818) 756-8684 or Chung Ho - (805) 907-9262 PLEASE NOTE: This is the rescheduled date.

JOHN DURSO, Captain II, FS 61-B

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 2014

Odyssey Restaurant15600 Odyssey Drive, Granada Hills CA


Menu: Buffet Style Dinner - $50 includes tax, tip & gift

Call FS 61 - (213) 485-6261

JOHN HOLTBY, Captain, FS 93-B

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 05, 2014

Braemar Country Club4001 Reseda Blvd, Tarzana CA


Menu: Chicken or Pot Roast - $55 includes tax, tip & gift

Call FS 93 - (818) 756-8693 RSVP by February 24, 2014

GREG GIBSON, Battalion Chief, Batt. 17-C

TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2014

Odyssey Restaurant15600 Odyssey Drive, Granada Hills CA


Menu: Buffet Style Dinner - $60 includes tax, tip & gift

Call FS 4 - (213) 485-6204 or Battalion 1 Office - (213) 485-6271 RSVP by March 4, 2014

January 2014 • 37

The LAFD Fire Hogs held their annual Hogs Breath BBQ on Saturday, Octo-

ber 5, 2013. Despite the extreme weather and a recall of several members, the event was well at-tended by 75 Fire Hogs members, friends and family. A special thanks goes out to Fire Hogs South End Vice President Taylor Gas-kins for organizing the entire BBQ event. Tay-lor was able to acquire the Long Beach Police Officer Association Park in Long Beach. The parked proved to be an ideal location for the Hogs Breath BBQ. The park had a kitchen to prepare the food, plenty of picnic benches and tables, a stage for the band and ample room on a grass yard for the Biker Games. The BBQ was prepared by a long-time friend/supporter of the Fire Hogs, Darrell Smith. Darrell started cooking the meat at 5:30 in the morning and the BBQ feast consisted of beef brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken, sausage, beans and coleslaw. The food was AWESOME. The beer was donated by Fireman’s Brew and Nin Kasi Brewery of Eugene, Or-egon. Fire Hogs Prospect Don Jesolva recommended the band, Roadwork, who has played at Cook’s Corner as well as numerous other venues in Orange County. Roadwork rocked the afternoon away and even provided some commentary during the games. What would a biker BBQ be without Biker Games? Thanks to FIREHOGS Sergeant-at-Arms Pete Goff and his crew for setting up the always popular and hilarious Biker Games. Congratulations to the following people for their wins: Fire Hogs Prospect Angel Meza for the Slow Drag Race, Fire Hogs President Jack Wise for the Keg Push, Jack Wise and Wen-dy for the Potato Harvest, and Founding Fire Hogs member John O’Connor and girlfriend Michelle for the Weenie Bite. The 2013 FIREHOGS Hogs Breath BBQ was certainly an entertaining event. The warm weather, the fabulous park and a lot of camaraderie made for a great day. All proceeds from the BBQ were donated to the Los Ange-les Firemen’s Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund. We look forward to seeing you all in 2014.

38 • January 2014

This year the Los An-geles Fire Depart-ment Scholarship

Fund awarded four $5000 scholarship grants. The Merit Scholar Awards are

cash grants, made pos-sible through the Jean Per-kins Foundation, of up to $20,000 ($5,000 per year while the student continues to be enrolled and making

normal progress toward a col-lege degree). To be eligible, a

student must be the child or step-child of an active or fallen LAFD sworn employee. The eligible student must be a high school senior or college freshman, who will be enrolled in the fall as a full-time student in an accredited college or university. The schol-arships are awarded on the basis of merit. The single most impor-tant factor is academic achieve-ment, but the all-civilian Selec-tion Committee considered other

relevant criteria, including personal character and extracurricular accomplishments. This year’s awardees were students who demonstrated excellence in academic studies, good character, high moral standards, leadership, distinction in extra-curricular activ-ities, personal accomplishments and a potential for future success. The selection committee reviewed each application which consisted of; two essays, their school transcripts and two let-ters of recommendation. Of the 57 eligible applicants, 10 fi-nalists were selected to interview and continue the process. The combination of excellent ap-plicants and a determined board, resulted in the selection of four 2012 Merit Scholar winners. A ceremony to recognize this year’s winners was conducted by B/C Armando Hogan at FHMTC on June 11, 2013. This year’s six Runner-Up Award winners are to be congratulated for their out-standing merits. Each received a one time grant of $2,500. They are Michael Amano, Andrew Apodaca, Ryan Flynn, Katherine Martinez, and Max Shapiro. This year’s “Best Essay” award of $2,500 was generously sponsored by the LAFD Foundation. Randy Hess of the LAFDF,

presented the award to this year’s winner, Ciera Chang. The four 2013 award recipients and their bios are as follows:

Kenna Arana is a graduating senior from St. Lucy’s Priory High School and the daughter of fallen Fire Captain Robert Arana. Kenna will be attending Columbia University. Kenna has studied classical piano and received a Level 10 Certificate of Merit. Kenna com-petes in varsity cross country and is the recipi-ent of the Sierra League “All League Academic Athlete Award” in 2012, for outstanding ath-letic and academic performance. In addition, Kenna has received the “Christian Service Award” for outstanding participation in service activities. As the Regent Ambassador for St. Lucy’s Jackie Bristow Memorial Foundation, she was student liaison, responsible for recruit-ing registrants and volunteers. She also served as the Executive Board President of St. Lucy’s Chapter of the National Honors Society. Kenna also received the National Merit Commended Student Award and National Hispanic Recogni-tion Program Scholars Honors, graduating with a 4.1 GPA

THE 2013 WINNERS: Elizabeth Togneri, Fire Chief Brian Cummings, Emily Mayeda, John Anglin, Kaycee Ching, Robert Nicholas, Kenna Arana,

Dick Barrett

January 2014 • 39

Kaycee Ching is a graduating senior from Mira Costa High School, and the daugh-ter of Fire Inspector Specialist Lloyd Fukuda, Legal Liaison Unit (38 years LAFD). She will be attending UC Berkeley majoring in Psychol-ogy. Kaycee is a flutist’ receiving “Superior Ratings” in 2011 and 2012. She has received the highest rating possible from the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Associa-tion. Kaycee is a Mira Costa Scholar Athlete award winner in basketball. She is proficient in Japanese, receiving Proficiency Certifica-tion in 2011 from the Japan Foundation and Japan Education Exchanges and Services. She is a volunteer for the Red Cross and the Santa Monica Free Methodist Church. She also coaches youth summer basketball league. Kaycee is a Japanese Traditional Dancer and has performed at the Nisei Week Parade and Monterey Cherry Blossom Festival. She has earned the Silver Award with the Girl Scouts of America. Kaycee is a National Honors Society Member, National Latin Exam Silver Medal Winner “Maxima Cum Laude” and a National Merit Commended Scholar and graduates with a 4.0 GPA.

Emily Mayeda is a graduating senior at El Segundo High School and the daughter of Engineer Theodore H. Mayeda, assigned to F.S. 80 (24 years LAFD). Emily will be attend-ing UCLA and majoring in Physiological Sci-ence. She is a member of the El Segundo High School Chorale. Last year the ELHSC partici-pated in London during the Olympic Games. She earned her Black Belt in Shotakan Karate, in 2009. She is also involved in YMCA’s Youth and Government, LAX Food Pantry, and has

been a volunteer for the Loyola Marymount University Special Games. Since 2009, Em-ily has devoted over 250 hrs. helping with the childcare, feeding, safety of a child with Opitz G Syndrome a genetic disorder that affects bodily structure and intellectual disability. Em-ily is a Link Crew Leader providing academic advice to ELHS freshmen. Emily has received awards for Principal’s Honor Roll, Certificate of Merit, has been a California Scholarship Federal Member and District 53 Hero Award recipient from California Legislature Assem-bly. Emily graduates with a 4.5 GPA.

Elizabeth Togneri is a graduating senior from Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy and is the daughter of Engineer Timothy Tog-neri, F.S. 60 (27 years LAFD). Elizabeth will be attending UCLA and majoring in Pre-Med. Elizabeth has been a Principal Harpist at Sa-cred Heart since 2009. Her recent achievement is reaching Grade 7 of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. Elizabeth served as a Campus Minister from 2010 - 2013. She has volunteered as an instructor to kindergarten students, decorated floats for the Tournament of Roses Parade, and packed Blue Star Care Packages for military personnel. As a member of the Pasadena Independent Schools Founda-tion, she reviews applications from charities requesting scholarship donations. Elizabeth’s academic achievements include AP Scholar with Honor Award, National Honor Society Member, California Scholarship Federation, First Honors Award, and the 2013 Academic Decathlon: Gold Medal in Art, Bronze Medal in Speech. Elizabeth graduates with a 4.3 GPA.

Chief Cummings paid a special trib-ute to Ron Fujikawa, April 6-1948 – October 12, 2012, a member of the LAFD Scholar fund’s board. Ron was an invaluable friend and colleague. His fellow colleagues on the board, as well as everyone at the LAFD who came to know him, admired his spirit, energy and ever-present good humor. He will be sorely missed, but he will forever be a reminder to us of the joy to be found in meeting and selecting these accomplished Merit Scholars. We would like to thank Mr. James Carroll III and Mr. Joe Connolly, Executive Board Members of the Jean Perkins Founda-tion and, the LAFD Merit Scholarship Fund’s Board of Directors, John Anglin, Dick Barrett, Barbara Bagley, G. Louis Graziadio III, Tom Mizo and Robert Nicholas for their dedication and support of our members and their children. We are also grateful to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation for their sponsorship of the “Best Essay” award and to the LAFD Sertoma Club, the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, LAFD Historical Society and the Los Angeles Firefighter’s Association, Los An-geles Firemen’s Credit Union, who sponsored the awards reception. The announcement for the 2014 com-petition should be posted early January 2014, at www.lafd.org/scholarship. Thank you again, and we look forward to the eighth LAFD Merit Scholarship competition.

“BEST ESSAY” WINNER: Fire Chief Brian Cummings, John Anglin,

Ciera Chang, Robert Nicholas, Dick Barrett

40 • January 2014


LIVING TRUSTS

January 2014 • 41

On Saturday, November 30, 2013, LAFD Handball and the USHA combined to host the annual Turkey Burner doubles

handball tournament and fundraiser at Los Caballeros, in Fountain Valley. Owen Gloves sponsored gloves for the champions and final-ists in each of the four divisions. All players were provided dri-fit shirts, and winners re-ceived a hoodie with the tournament logo. 32 teams participated in the tourna-ment, which was divided into four divisions: Caliente, Hot, Warm and Mild. Top Southern California talent par-ticipated, including seven professional hand-ball players. Each division featured a round robin format, with the top two teams in each division playing in a one game final. The “hot division” final featured an all Fire Station 92 line-up and settled an in-house rivalry. Ryan Carlos and Joe Steiner are the current LAFD “A” doubles champions, and Chris Yokoyama and Roy Harvey are the current Simple Green U.S. Open “A” doubles champions. There has been a continuing ar-gument regarding which team is better when

playing for a title. The Turkey Burner was des-ignated as the venue for the showdown, “one game for bragging rights and the title.” Steiner and Carlos jumped out to an early lead of 9-1 then 12-2, before Yokoyama and Harvey ran off 12 points in a row to take a 14-12 lead. After a couple of side outs, Yo-koyama and Harvey won the match 21-12. Chad Rolish, also from Fire Station 92, partnered with Tracy Davis from Tucson, Arizona, the top ranked U.S. female profes-sional player, in the “Warm Division.” They went through their round robin undefeated, and were expecting a win in the final vs. Salvador Castillon from Fire Station 26 and 15 year old Brandon Ramirez. This was a great match and an opportunity to see the future of handball. Brandon soon took control of the game with power serves and kill shots from the most un-usual angles. The 4-Wall Junior National Handball Tournament is being held at Los Caballeros in December, and the funds raised in the Turkey Burner are designated to pay entry fees for lo-cal youths who need financial assistance.

Roy Harvey and Chris Yokoyama defeated Ryan Carlos and Joe Steiner in the “Hot Division

Branden Ramirez and Salvador Castillon defeated Tracy Davis and Chad Rolish in the “Warm Division”

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42 • January 2014

LAFRA will continue to see an impact to the health coverage we offer our members, as a result of the upcoming changes under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Recognizing that there is much information (and confusion!) surrounding ACA, we want to provide you with a brief summary that covers several of the important provisions and health plan changes.

Overview of Fees The ACA contains a number of fees and taxes that will affect the cost of health care during the next several years. The two fees that may impact the cost of our

plans in the near future are the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute Fee and the Transitional Reinsurance Fee. Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Fee (PCORI) - Beginning with plan years that ended after Sept. 30, 2012, the ACA imposed a new fee of $1 per member for the first year, $2 per member for the second year and indexed to medical inflation thereafter. This federally-mandated fee will be used to establish an independent non-profit corporation dedicated to studying patient outcomes. The purported rationale is that with better data outcomes, doctors, patients, purchasers and policymakers can make evidence-based decisions about the best ways to diagnose, prevent and treat health conditions. The PCORI fee began in October 2012 and ends in 2019. Transitional Reinsurance Fee – For years 2014 to 2016, the LAFRA plans will be required to pay the Transitional Reinsurance Fee. The stated purpose of this program is to stabilize individual-market premiums by supporting payments to individual-market issuers that cover high-cost individuals. The fee for 2014 is $63.00 per covered individual per year. Both the PCORI and TRP fees will impact the cost of our Plan in 2014 and, consequently, Member premiums. There is some discussion that self-funded plans may be exempt from the TRP fee in 2015 and 2016 but, this has not been confirmed to date.

Individual Mandate One of the most significant changes ACA enacts is the requirement that all individuals must have health insurance or pay an annual penalty (the

“individual mandate”). As of now, the individual mandate will apply in 2014. Health Insurance Exchanges - The Health Insurance Exchanges are mandated to take effect in 2014, with Enrollment beginning in October 2013. The Exchanges will create an online marketplace through which individuals and small businesses can purchase coverage. Each State can decide whether to implement its own exchange, run an exchange in partnership with the federal government, or use a federally sponsored exchange. Three types of assistance are available to help certain lower-income individuals:

1. Medicaid expansion – states may choose to

expand Medicaid to people with incomes of up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Some states are choosing to forgo this federal funding.

2. Tax credits (“Premium Subsidies”) – People with

incomes between 100% and 400% of the FPL (approximately $94,200 for a family of four) may be eligible for tax credits to help pay insurance premiums for coverage purchased through an Exchange.

3. Reduced cost sharing – people with incomes up

to 250% of the FPL will have access to coverage with lower deductibles and co-payments.

Written Notice of Exchanges – The City of Los Angeles provided written notice to current active employees by Oct. 1, 2013 to inform them of their coverage options available through the new Exchanges (also called Health Insurance Marketplaces). Please refer to the Written Notice of Exchange, provided by the City of Los Angeles.

Understanding How HealthCare Reform

Impacts You

January 2014 • 43

If you elect into the Exchange, the City is not required to provide you with a contribution toward the cost of coverage you obtain through the Exchange.

Employer Mandate (“Pay or Play”) for Active Employees – Beginning in 2015, the City could be subject to a penalty if it does not offer medical coverage to full-time employees (working 30 or more hours per week) that is affordable and meets “minimum value requirements”, as defined in the ACA. If the City offered health plans do not meet these requirements, full-time employees may obtain health insurance through an Exchange and depending upon income level, possibly qualify for a premium credit or subsidy. To satisfy the Mandate requirements, an employer-sponsored health plan must: • Be affordable to the employee, whose premium should not exceed 9.5% of household income. The household income qualification is met if the employee’s contribution for individual coverage does not exceed 9.5% of the employee’s W-2 wages.

• Provide minimum value, which means the plan must cover at least 60%, on average across the plan, of an employee’s health care costs in a given year. For example, if an employee incurs $1,000 in health care expenses, the plan must cover at least $600, with the employee responsible for the balance through a combination of deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance. LAFRA’s benefit plans meet the mandate requirements of minimum essential coverage, affordability and minimum value. Therefore, individuals eligible for the LAFRA benefits plans will not be eligible for premium subsidies through the Exchanges.

Other ACA Changes W-2 Reporting – ACA requires that the total premium of group health coverage appear on your W-2 form, providing you with information on the cost of your

health benefit plans. The requirement is informational only and coverage is not subject to income tax. The City will continue to report the total value on employee W-2s.

Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) – On or after Sept. 23, 2012, group health plans offering health insurance coverage were required to use standards in compiling and providing a Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) that accurately describes the benefits and coverage under our plan. SBCs for group health plans, beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2014, will include a statement on whether the plan meets minimum essential coverage and minimum value. A Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC), including the 2014 requirements, is available on the LAFRA website (www.LAFRA.org). Out-of-Pocket Maximum Changes – Starting with the Plan Year beginning in 2014, all cost sharing, including flat-dollar copayments, toward services that are defined as Essential Health Benefits must accumulate to a plan’s out-of-pocket maximum ($6,350 self-only/$12,700 family). LAFRA’s current Out-of-Pocket maximums meet the federal required guidelines. Prohibition of Pre-existing Condition Exclusions - Beginning in July of 2014, pre-existing condition exclusions must be removed for all members, not just those under age 19. LAFRA’s plans do not contain pre-existing conditions exclusions. This is a summary of the regulations under ACA. Please refer to the Department of Labor (www.dol.gov) or www.healthcare.gov for more detailed information.

44 • January 2014

I remember in the “olden days’ a chaplain’s column was in every month of the Grapevine. Today there are 11 chaplains, so each one would have to write an article only once a year and Fowble (since he did such a great job in this month’s – October – Grapevine . . . and he is the most recently appointed chaplain) could write two articles a year!! Is it a deal?

Please accept this gift to the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund to honor our chaplains, and my husband Gene Fairrington (LAFD 1959 -89).

Sincerely,

Ruth FairringtonLos Angeles, CA

Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association

We would like to thank all of you at the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association for the memorial flag and beautiful flower arrangement. Michael had a wonderful career with the Los Angeles City Fire Department and had an enduring affection for his Fire Department family.

The Ambarian FamilyOjai, CA

Dear Mr. Jacobsen,

We wanted to let you know how appreciative we are in regards to the efforts of Andy Kuljis in honoring the life of Joseph O. Michell.

Andy was amazing from the moment Patrick, Joe’s oldest son, called him on the day of Joe’s passing. He was so helpful and supportive, especially in securing Boat 2 for Joe’s final voyage and our goodbyes. This meant so much to Marie, Joe’s wife, as well as his children and grandchildren. Andy is a true “Keeper of the Flame” for LA’s firefighters and their families.

Sincerely,

The Michell Family – Marie, Patrick, Monica, Dean, Tim and spouses and grandchildrenLos Angeles, CA

LA Firemen’s Relief Assn,

We wish to extend our sincerest gratitude for all the help you have given to our family during

Dear Editor:

In going through my October Auto Club magazine I came across a photo (“A Big Bang” – the 1947 explosion at the O’Connor Electro-Plating Co. plant on Pico Blvd) that was so special to me. My husband went on the fire dept in June of 1947. They hired a lot of men after the war. When I met him in 1950 he was working at Station 15 on Bunker Hill, which is long gone of course. They had a lot of fires because the houses were ancient. They still had the old fire trucks, even the brackets that held the horse’s reins were still up there. They did not build cars during WWII or fire trucks either I guess. They did have a nice handball court though, and they were in great shape. Don’t know how many guys left would remember that explosion, but I wanted to send the picture because it brought back interesting memories.

Sincerely,

Clarice Tuck, widow of Capt Joseph TuckVista, CA

Dear Editor:

About a year ago, at the LAFRA Open House, I spoke with John Jacobsen. I told him how happy I was to read the Chaplain’s Column in the recent Grapevine.

Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund,

Please accept my donation in honor of my dad who passed away on March 31, 2012. I wanted to say “Thank You” to the LAFD for all the help you have given us since Dad died. You have been there for us so many times this past year and a half. You were at Dad’s funeral to give us a flag; and I’ll never forget the bagpipe solo at his graveside service. In no time at all you sent us new insurance cards, which proved to be a God-send. When I was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in January 2013, you were there for us again. Because of your medical insurance I feel I got the best cancer treatment and care. After chemotherapy and radiation treatments, I was declared cancer free this past July. I recently volunteered to work at a blood drive to raise money for cancer patients who don’t have enough to afford good cancer care. It made me realize what a wonderful gift you gave me with your insurance. And in June 2013 I turned 18 years old. Once again you were there for me. I received a pension check for my dad’s service time. Mom and I immediately put the entire amount in a CD at your credit union to help pay my college expenses. This is a special “Thank You” for all that you have done for us this past year and a half. You are our heroes.

Sincerely,

Kalyn D. BoukatherIrvine, CA

Kalyn and Philip Boukather

Kalyn (left) withmom and sister

January 2014 • 45January 2014 • 45

If I handwrite a will,isn’t that good enough?

Learn about creating an estate plan that protects you and your family.Ask for a “Getting Started Kit” and information about free estate planning seminars,

email [email protected] or call (323) 259-5217Marlene Casillas, Relief Association Development & Marketing Director

Anyone can write out a will, but…

· it will still go through probate, usually a lengthy process

· it may be contested, anyone can put in a suit against it

· if assets are more than $100,000 your benefactors face

greater �nancial fees and penalties

· it does not include your medical directive or your

�nancial directive

Send your letters& comments

to the editor at:[email protected]

this very difficult time losing my husband, Hans R. Wolf. The Relief Assn was so kind and helpful whenever our family called. They sent us all the medical equipment we needed within a days notice.

Andy Kuljis, a big thank you for all your help – attending the memorial service and presenting the beautiful floral bouquet. Also for the nice speech when presenting the flag case containing the flag which had been flown over his old fire station 45’s. It will be displayed with honor in our home. We have always been so proud being part of the Los Angeles fire family. Please accept this donation to the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund in the memory of Captain Hans R. Wolf.

Anne Wolf and the Wolf familyCanyon Country, CA

WODFF,

Please accept this donation in honor and memory of the wonderful lady that shared 70 of her 90 years with me – Carol (Christmas baby 1922) Van Valkenburg – Van Eaton. Thank you for your help during her down time.

Sincerely,

Jack Van Eaton, LAFD retired (in 1975)Bothell, WA

LA Firemen’s Relief Assn,

Thank you so much for the flag you sent me in honor of my husband Gerald Lehmann’s memory. I will always treasure it. He was such a great guy and I miss him so much.

Grethe LehmannLas Vegas, NV

46 • January 2014

1. Register online at www.ralphs.com. (A) Sign in or follow the steps to create for a free account (You’ll need a Ralphs Rewards card — if you don’t have one, you can also register for a card once logged in)

2. Click “My Account”

3. Click “Edit Community Contribution Program Information” (B)

4. In the “Find Your Organization” �eld, enter 84853 and select “Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund” from the list (C)

5. Click “Save”

6. Buy groceries and use your Ralphs Rewards card at checkout

7. Ralphs Donates

8. We Thank You!

Important Information About Your Sign-Ups!!If you have trouble signing up, you can either download a form or call Angelica Patino at (323) 259-5235 for a copy of the form

that you can take to the store.

Remember to re-registerevery September.

January 2014 • 47

MEMBERSWAYNE E. SANQUIST, ENGINEER. APPOINTED JULY 02, 1951. RETIRED ON A SERVICE PENSION MAY 17, 1982 FROM FS 24.

PASSED AWAY OCTOBER 28, 2013.

IVAR L. MIHLD, FIREMAN. APPOINTED APRIL 17, 1938. RETIRED ON A SERVICE PENSION JULY 01, 1968 FROM FS 1.

PASSED AWAY OCTOBER 13, 2013.

FRANK H. NICKEL, CAPTAIN II. APPOINTED JULY 03, 1951. RETIRED ON A SERVICE PENSION MARCH 01, 1973 FROM FS 42-B.

PASSED AWAY NOVEMBER 07, 2013.

JOHN S. KOUYOUMJIAN, FIREMAN. APPOINTED JULY 03, 1951. RETIRED ON A SERVICE PENSION JULY 27, 1971 FROM FS 24.


JAMES E. ANDERSON, ENGINEER. APPOINTED APRIL 17, 1971. RETIRED ON A SERVICE PENSION JULY 02, 2001 FROM FS 12.


FAMILY PEGGY JOHNSTON, SPOUSE OF ALTON W. JOHNSTON, PASSED AWAY OCTOBER 24, 2013.

ARDATH L. GARST, JR., SURVIVING SPOUSE OF FRANK GARST JR., PASSED AWAY NOVEMBER 06, 2013.

ANNE V. BULLARD, SPOUSE OF ROBERT C. BULLARD, PASSED AWAY NOVEMBER 09, 2013.

DOTTY J. GIORDANO, SPOUSE OF ANTHONY E. GIORDANO, PASSED AWAY NOVEMBER 22, 2013.

A portion of fire-related jewelry profits donated to the Widows, Or phans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund.

Paid Advertisement:

48 • January 2014

January 2014 • 49

I thought I’d like to begin by telling you about a very strict monastery and a new recruit, Brother Alpheus. When Brother

Alpheus joined the monastery he was told that the monastery was so strict that the monks were only allowed to say two words every five years. They were to spend their five years consider-ing what they would say. Well, after five years in the monastery, the Reverend Abbot called Brother Alpheus in and asked him what his two words were. Brother Alpheus said, “Food Cold.” “OK,” Brother Alpheus,” the Abbot said, “You may no longer speak until five more years when you will be allowed to say your next two words.” After five years the Abbot called Brother Alpheus in and asked him what his two words were. Brother Alpheus said, “Bed, hard.” “OK, Brother Alpheus,” the Abbot said, rather dismayed, “you may say your next two words five years from now.” Five years later the Abbot called Brother Alpheus in and again told him he could now say two words. “I quit,” said Brother Alpheus. “Well, no wonder, the Abbot said, “You’ve been complaining since you got here.” Now let’s join Ezra as he reads from the Law of God. The occasion is some time after the Dedication of the rebuilt Temple, af-ter the exile. Let’s just place it about 510 BC. Ezra presents the Law of God on a major feast day, perhaps the New Year, perhaps what later generations would call Yom Kippur. One thing caught my eye in that first reading from the his-tory book, Nehemiah. Ezra continually tells the people not to be sad, but instead be full of joy. The Law of God results in joy, not sadness. In the Gospel, Jesus begins his public preaching in the equivalent of a synagogue in his own town: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. Therefore he has anointed me. He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to pro-claim liberty to captives, recovery of sight to the blind and release to prisoners. To announce a year of favor from the Lord.” These two readings assert that the Law of God, The Word of God should be received in joy not in gloom. The Law of God is seen as liberating, not something that is restrictive.

Let us be honest now. This is not how most of us view commandments, church teach-ings, etc. But if we really think about it, we can understand the joy and the freedom we have re-ceived when we have adhered to the principles of our faith life, our morality. Many people in our times have de-manded a freedom from all codes of moral conduct. How happy are these people? Can a person be a member of a family he or she loves and receive love from that family if that person flaunts the basic code for living in the family? A person cannot be happily married and at the same time unfaithful. A person cannot grow in love and be basically selfish. If a lack of rules brought happiness, than why do so many he-donists commit suicide? If a code of moral-ity is supposed to be somber and oppressive, than why are the happiest people in the world those whose lives revolve around a very strict following of the Lord? Some of the happiest

people I have ever met are the Trappist monks I made retreats with in Conyers, Georgia and in Gethsemani, Kentucky. They have to get up in the middle of the night. They have set hours for work and prayer. Their diets are restricted. They take vows of silence. Yet, they are happy. These are not people who do not know any better. They are some of the brightest people of our generation. Nor are they social misfits, people who could have no place in society. The monastery will only accept people who have been successful members of society. They are people whose lives point us to the true source of happiness. Honestly, I have never met Broth-er Alpheus in a Trappist monastery. The monks are happy. The Law of God has brought joy.

This material is used with permission of its author, Rev. Joseph A. Pellegrino, Diocese of St. Petersburg, FL

50 • January 201450 • January 2014

Deal direct with authorized Factory DealersOffering members of the Los Angeles Fire Department

Courteous, Ethical, and Special Consideration in the purchase of your new car.

GALPIN FORD“#1 Volume Ford Dealer in the world for 20 consecutive years!”Lincoln / Mercury / Honda / Mazda / Volvo / FordJaguar / Lotus / Aston Martin / Spyker / Galpin Auto SportsFor special pricing contactTerry Miller—Fleet Sales & Leasing15505 Roscoe Blvd, North Hills CA 91343818-797-3800 l www.galpin.com1.800.GO.GALPIN

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HONDA OF HOLLYWOODHonda - Sales and LeasingLarge Selection of Used Vehicles6511 Santa Monica Blvd, Hollywood CAAsk for Dave Erickson 323-466-3251 l Fax: [email protected]

MARK CHRISTOPHER AUTO CENTERChevrolet / GMC / Commercial Trucks / Cadillac / Buick #1 Chevrolet Truck Dealer “No Hassle Environment”2131 Convention Center W ay, Ontario CA 91764Christina Strangio—Fleet & Lease ManagerPlease Call for Appointment l [email protected]

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WEST COVINA TOYOTA SCION“There is simply no limits to satisfying our customers” 1800 E. Garvey Ave, West Covina, Ca 91791www.westcovinatoyota.comHuge used car selectionPlease Call Our Fleet Department for AppointmentCharlie Tuna—Fleet Director(626) 859-7400 x151 l [email protected] Winkelmann—Fleet Sales & Leasing Manager(909) 282-9566 l [email protected]

January 2014 • 51

by Mike Mastro, President/CEOLos Angeles Firemen’s Credit Union

Your Board of Directors has continued with our proud tradition of returning a portion of the Credit Union’s net in-

come to LAFCU member/owners in the form of an Interest Refund and Extraordinary Divi-dend Bonus. For accounts held at LAFCU dur-ing 2013, we are excited to have returned our largest payout in history. Member payouts on December 31, 2013, were a result of the very healthy net in-come that the Credit Union generated in 2013. The remainder of our net income was allocated to our reserves in order to continue to protect the safety and soundness of this organization. At Los Angeles Firemen’s Credit Union, we look to 2014 with a renewed com-mitment – a commitment to provide our Fire Family with a member experience second to none, as well as an intent to continue to treat our members as member/owners who share fi-nancially in the success of their Credit Union. It’s a commitment we take seriously. It’s some-thing we’re as passionate about today as we were in 1935. I invite you to visit Los Angeles Fire-men’s Credit Union. Stop in, call, or visit us online and see how we can bring you good for-tune with your finances in 2014 and beyond.

PROFESSIONAL FINANCIAL ADVICE TO HELP

YOU SET SPECIFIC, ACHIEVABLE GOALSRewarding members with a year-end

payout is only possible through strong member

participation. Managing finances at LAFCU for everyday savings and loan accounts, however, is just one component to financial stability. Set-ting specific, achievable long-term financial goals is another component. As an LAFCU member, you can get a complete picture of your finances when you meet with a Financial Advisor at FIREHOUSE Financial available through CFS*. And with the start of the New Year, it’s a good time to take stock of your finances and revisit last year’s resolutions. Do you re-member your New Year’s Resolutions from last year? Were they too ambitious? Not ambitious enough? You may even consider keeping a resolution that you didn’t follow through with. FIREHOUSE Financial can help. FIREHOUSE Financial can provide you with assistance with a no-cost, no-obliga-tion, professionally prepared financial plan, ad-vice and with organizing your investment port-folio by setting some specific achievable goals, gathering the necessary financial information, analyzing your unique situation, and recom-mending a personalized strategy. The CFS Fi-nancial Advisors at FIREHOUSE Financial are your resource to help you allocate your assets to better serve your financial and investment objectives. For personal assistance with your fi-nancial goals, I encourage you to contact a CFS Financial Advisor at (800) 231.1626 today.

I hope this article reminds you to make your finances a priority. Don’t put your finances and financial security on the back burner. Set a goal. Make a plan. And - follow through. Ensuring your financial future is the priority of YOUR Credit Union. Stop in, call, or visit us online at www.lafirecu.org. We are here to help.

The more business we do togetheras a Fire Family, the greater the financial

reward will be for all members!

Best wishes for the New Year!

Mike Mastro

*Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (CFS), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS: are not insured by American Share Insurance (ASI) or other-wise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the Credit Union, and may involve investment risk includ-ing possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. Los Angeles Firemen’s Credit Union has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit invest-ment products and services available to its members.

52 • January 2014

LAFD HISTORY - THE S.S. MARKAY FIRE

Submitted by Frank Borden • Director of Operations, LAFDHS

At 2:09 a.m., June 22, 1947, horrendous explosions unexplainably erupted from the midship butane compartments.

Great gobs of flame and ugly black smoke boiled hundreds of feet into the sky and cast a shimmering glow over the channel waters. Like hacks from a gigantic meat cleaver, the blast split the Markay down to her keel and released hundreds of thousands of gallons of petroleum products, which spread out across the slip to-ward the row of American President Lines one-store warehouses, each of them 600-feet-long and standing on a wooden wharf. The thunder-clap explosions and concussions shattered win-dows and triggered burglar alarms throughout Wilmington, San Pedro, and Terminal Island. Hot chunks of the Markay’s deckwork plopped down in the backyard of a San Pedro house. Telephone calls and box alarms were coming in faster than the San Pedro signal office could handle them. First to hit was Box 15 at Berth 90. A mile of open water separated the box from the Markay. (Box 15 was the name ad-opted by the Los Angeles area fire buffs when they organized their club.) Fireboat 2’s barn-like house and the fire station adjoining it rocked on its piling as if an earthquake had struck. The dormitory lit up with an orangish-glow. Acting Captain Jack Gordon grabbed the firephone and told the sig-nal office that Boats 2 and 3 were casting off and heading toward Mormon Island. Brainard “Choppy” Gray started Fireboat 2’s gasoline-powered engines and the crew cast off while First Mate John Planagan followed in the smaller Fireboat 3. As the firefighters left the boathouse, they saw for the first time that they were in for the fight of their careers. Except for its bow, the Markay was engulfed in clouds of flame and smoke. Turning north for the short run up the channel to the Markay, they felt the intense heat while they were still hundreds of yards distant. Blazing petroleum products from the slashed Markay spread a blanket of flames completely across the 600-foot-wide Slip No. 1. The floating sea of fire fanned out under wood pilings and warehouses. The explosions had snapped the warehouses sprinkler piping. As the fireboat firefighters plowed closer, they saw wisps of smoke turn black and they knew that at least two of the warehouses were beyond saving as was the Markay.

With the flames completely blocking the channel and the Markay blazing furiously on their starboard side and the warehouses burning on their port side, the firefighters re-alized a worse threat. The offshore breeze and tide were pushing the flames upstream toward a congested area of oil storage tank farms, warehouses, a chemical plant, an oil refinery, and the huge complex of the “20 Mule Team” United States Borax & Chemical Corporation. Beyond those industries lay tens of thousands of Wilmington homes.

The San Pedro Signal Office dis-patchers, meanwhile, sent Engines 36 and 53, Truck 48, Salvage 36, Rescue 36, and Boat Ten-der 36, a hose carrier. Acting Battalion Chief Russell Biegel quickly radioed, “Dispatch ev-ery piece of apparatus in the battalion.” Biegel also requested more companies from elsewhere in the city to the north. It was a long run for all of these companies and the small force of bat-talion 6 firefighters would have more than they could handle, even after help arrived. Alderson was notified and immediately left for Wilm-ington. Acting Division 1 Chief Floyd Adams, responding from his Fire Station 66 quarters, later recalled, “I was a good 18 miles away from the harbor. The panoramic glow of that fire reminded me of color photos I had seen of the London Blitz during World War II.”

While land companies on both sides of the channel were mounting a direct, heavy stream attack on the warehouses and pro-tecting nearby petro-leum storage tanks, Fireboat 2 was the key to stopping this fire from extending up-stream and touching off a conflagration in Wilmington. Some-how, the fireboat fire-fighters had to battle their way through that smoke shrouded sea of flame, get to the other side of it, turn the boat around and batter the fire head-on with all guns and rail-mounted nozzles

attacking the heavily-involved underwharf fire. Boat 2 churned to within 500 feet of the Markay and the warehouses. The roaring flames all but overwhelmed the deafening rumbling of the fireboat’s engines. The intensity of the heat and the likelihood of more explosions made further going an almost certain suicide run. Gray sig-naled the engine room to slow all engines. Boat 2 glided forward as firefighters opened valves which sent cooling jets of water spraying the wheelhouse. The heat nevertheless shattered three windows and the starboard lights. Gray held the wheel steady as Boat 2 edged closer. Huge heat blisters puffed up along the boat’s gray hull. Sensing the peril, Gray rang for full speed astern, while the firefighters looked for another way to plow into the fire. Alone aboard Fireboat 3, Planagan spotted four Markay crew-men dive off the stern. Throttling to full speed, Planagan swooped his launch into the inferno and pick up two of the crewmen, as heat melted the boat’s windshield. The other crewmen dis-appeared and Planagan sped to shore with the badly-burned men who would survive. Boat 2 firefighters tried another tactic to penetrate the impenetrable. Nosing in close to the burning warehouses and staying as far distant as possible from the Markay, Boat 2 opened up with all its guns. Inch-by-inch, yard-by-yard, Boat 2 slowly moved closer to the

Old Fireboat 2 had made it through the fire on the water to attack the fire on the wharf. The Markay burns in the background.

January 2014 • 53

600,000 square-foot expanse of flames burning on top of the water. Dead ahead was a 1200 foot-long patch of floating flames completely blocking the channel. Much of it was shroud-ed in thick, choking, biting, stinging smoke. With visibility nearly zero, there were other risks to consider before entering that furnace. Stray vapors from the boat’s gasoline engines could ignite and blow the boat and all aboard to bits. Gray had the added problem of avoid-ing floating debris or becoming disoriented in the smoke, smashing into the wharf itself. As all these possibilities flashed through the fire-boat firefighters’ thoughts, they knew there was no time to debate them. Fireboat 2 had to bull its way through that blazing, smoking hell, if a worse disaster and more loss of life than the crewmen of the Markay was to be averted.

The roaring flames and the churning engines made radio orders from shore all but impossible to understand. Gray turned the ra-dio to full volume and heard Alderson’s order to plow in through and make a frontal attack, which was exactly what Boat 2 firefighters were planning to do. “That order was the most difficult one I had to give in all my years as chief,” Alderson later recalled. “I knew that I could be sending those men to their deaths.”

Gray rang for propulsion and Boat 2 churned into the maelstrom. No go. Smoke swallowed the boat and swept into the wheel-house. Gray could not see the compass. He ordered all engines reversed. The first attempt had failed. Then the smoke momentarily lifted. Boat 2 firefighters seized their opportunity to attack. Gray rang for full speed ahead and the boat stabbed into that wilderness of smoke and flame.

Boat 2 firefighters – none of them wearing breathing apparatus, because they had none- took a vicious smoke and heat beating as they pointed their guns downward while sweeping aside the floating flames. They shot into the swirling smoke and fire, which closed in behind them and shrouded the boat. It seemed like an eternity as they held their breaths while gritting their way through that 1200-foot-long caldron. Boat 2 suddenly burst into clear wa-ter. The smoke and fire was behind them. Gray quickly brought the boat around. With all guns, rail nozzles and the Big Bertha pounding away, the fireboat firefighters attacked the advancing flames head-on and fought them to a standstill. The fire would extend no further. The land and water battle continued for days as the Markay and the wharves continued to smoke. Ten bod-ies were found. Two more never were. Losses came to $5,037,500. Boat 2 and 3 firefighters earned everlasting fame that night for an act of courage and firefighting unparalleled in the 100 year-history of the LAFD. But not one medal for bravery was ever awarded to any of them.

Author: A great story written by the late Paul Ditzel

Assistant Chief Douglas Cully, LAFD (ret.)WW II US Navy Submarine Service Veteran - USS Seahorse (SS-304) As you look at the curved end of the LAFD Hayward, you will see two lugs. Any rookie that’s given a proficiency drill on this tool in last 45 years will call them the “Cully Lugs.” But where did this name come from? Doug Cully is a retired LAFD A/C. In the early 70’s, Chief Cully and his aide, Dave Ford, came up with idea of putting two lugs on the curved end of the Hayward for the purpose of opening tight or frozen valves on fire protection systems. Using Ford’s mechani-cal background, they put the lugs on the Hay-ward, and it was adopted by the LAFD. What few people know is some of the fascinating life history of the one of the origi-nators of this modification. Doug Cully was born in Los Angeles and graduated from Man-ual Arts High School. At 18 he enlisted in the Navy and was sent to Coeur D’ Alene for basic training. Hard to imagine, but during the war there were several Navy boot camps around the U.S. The word floating around the camp was that those who volunteered for submarine duty would be sent to San Diego. It was thought the torpedoman’s school was there also. Being that was the school he desired and wanting to get closer to home, when the time came he volun-teered and was put on a train, which didn’t stop

until it got to Chicago, home of the Great Lakes Naval Training Center! So much for the accu-racy of the rumor mill. Eventually Cully made it to Torpedo-man’s “A” School in Norfolk, Va. and gradu-ated from US Naval Submarine School in New London, CT. From submarine school he re-ceived orders to a submarine tender and was later transferred to the USS Seahorse (SS-304), a Baloa class submarine, operating out of Bris-bane, Australia. While on board the Seahorse, Doug went on seven of the ten war patrols conducted by his boat in enemy waters. On his fifth patrol the boat was severely depth charged and was kept below the surface for a prolonged period of time. The boat sustained severe damage and despite many leaks, they were able to surface, under the cover of a rain squall and slip past the enemy. With the deck guns inoperable, a 30 degree list to port, the boat was able slowly limp back to Guam on one engine and then to Pearl Harbor for repairs. While in Pearl Harbor the submarine sailors were put up at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki, for a well deserved R & R. The crew of the Seahorse was led by Commander Slade Cutter, who would end the war as the third highest scorer on the tonnage sunk list. Besides the many successful patrols, the Seahorse picked up and captured a downed Japanese airman, who was very grateful for his

The Hayward with the “Cully” lugs.

Doug Cully’s submarine, the USS Seahorse in 1943.

The USS Seahorse crew photo. Doug Cully is sitting on the far left end of the photo third row up.

54 • January 2014

Calendar for January 2014

deliverance from Davey Jones Locker. While on the way to their tenth war patrol, Japan sur-rendered and the boat was recalled to Pearl Harbor.

Cully was discharged from the Navy as a 3rd Class Torpedoman (TM3), qualified in Submarines (SS) from the Terminal Island Dis-charge Center.

Cully joined the LAFD in August, 1946, in the second class to be hired after the end of the war. Some of the noteworthy inci-dents he experienced are as a rookie on the “Ralph J Scott” he was on the water tower on the Markay Ship fire in, a captain on duty at the Signal Office during the Bel Air Brush fire in 1962 and as an engine captain at 66’s during the 1965 Watts Riots.

Chief Cully retired from the LAFD as an Assistant Chief in 1977. He currently re-sides in Playa Del Rey.

So the next time you hear the rookie say these are the “Cully Lugs” you know how they got the name and that a member of “Amer-ica’s Greatest Generation” was instrumental in their creation. THANK YOU for your service, Chief Cully.

Submitted by Ed Banda, LAFD (captain re-tired), USS Wahoo (SS-565) 67-70

Old Fireboat 2

Work continues under the tent on the “Scott” every Friday morning. We have two new volunteers who joined the work party. Kevin Corcoran (Retired Fireboat Pilot Mike Corcoran’s son) and his friend Lea Safer are both hard workers and multi-talented and both off on Fridays. We really appreciate their help on the restoration project. We are constructing a scaffolding to work on the boat tower. Mark Howell engineered a moveable wood platform to work from so that we can remove the rust and paint the tower from top to bottom - one of our most challenging jobs on the project.

What’s New at the LAFDHS

Volunteer Tim McHenry at the Hol-lywood Museum has taken on an enormous restoration task. He has started to restore the Seagrave-Anderson City Service ladder truck that has been in the Museum since we opened. It was horse drawn in 1910 and later motorized with a Seagrave tractor with a chain drive. The

New Fireboat volunteers Kevin Corcoran and Lea Safer take a second for a break from work for a photo at the bow monitor.

The tower scaffolding under construction“. Gor-don Briggs on the top platform, Glenn Wilkinson on the tower, Kevin Corcoran on the wood plat-form, Mark Howell and Tom Moran below.

Tim McHenry at the wheel of the 1905 Gorter Water Tower.

Members of Fire Station 27-A taking the 50 foot Banger ladder off the Seagrave-Anderson.

The tow truck bringing the old truck around DeLongpre and into the mu-seum backyard. No power steering and hard rubber tires.

Just a note to add from the Marine Corps Birthday last November. It was again a great event thanks to Bill Staples and Dave Navarro. We served SOS on metal trays and of course they all needed to be washed. Deputy Chief Mark Stormes took off his uniform coat and got it the sink with help from retired Cap-tain Bill Finn and did all the dishes. Wish I had a photo of that. Thanks Mark and Bill. See you Nov. 2014.

rig was moved out of the museum and into the backyard thanks to Tim and a lot of help from the members of FS 27-A who unloaded all the ladders from the rig. First we moved the kiosk in front, then Tim got the Gorter Water Tower started and drove it out of the museum onto the Memorial Plaza. Next, a tow truck hooked up the Saegrave-Anderson with Don Dodd tiller-ing and towed it around to the backyard. Now the work begins with an unknown completion date. Updates as we go along with the project or come to the museum on Saturday and see it for yourself.

January 2014 • 55

CALL TO ORDER

President John Jacobsen called the meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association to order at 10:30 a.m.

ROLL CALL

MEMBERS PRESENT:

John Jacobsen, President Juan Albarran, Vice PresidentAndrew Kuljis, Secretary Trustee James Coburn Trustee Robert Steinbacher Trustee Doak Smith Trustee Steven Domanski Trustee Jeff Cawdrey Trustee David Ortiz Trustee David Peters Trustee Gene Bednarchik Trustee Rick Godinez Trustee Chris Stine Trustee Craig White Trustee Chris Hart Trustee Steve RudaTrustee Francisco Hernandez Trustee Mark Akahoshi Trustee Steve BerkeryTrustee Tim Larson – PensionTrustee David Lowe – Pension David Ned Smith - Executive Director Controller – Todd Layfer

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Trustee Michael Overholser (Excused)Trustee Barry Hedberg – Pension Trustee Steve Tufts (Excused)

GUESTS:

David Wagner, Grapevine EditorDennis Mendenhall, RetiredLee Kebler, L.A. Retired Fire & PoliceBob Olsen, L.A. Retired Fired & PoliceTom Stires, Retired

INVOCATION & Flag Salute

Rick Godinez led the invocation. David Lowe led the flag salute.

RATIFICATION OF MINUTES

John Jacobsen entertained a motion to ratify and dispense with the reading of the minutes of the Board of Trustees meeting held October

2, 2013. David Lowe so moved. Jeff Cawdrey seconded. There was no further discussion or objections. Motion carried to ratify and dispense with the reading of the minutes of the Board of Trustees held October 2, 2013.

INVESTMENT REPORT Mike Breller from Beacon Pointe Advisors provided the investment report for the 3rd quarter 2013. He reviewed the market returns and performance for both U.S. and International markets. He stated that the portfolio is performing very well. He referred to the portfolio allocation and indicated that in August, the Board confirmed new targets within the ranges. He stated that they have increased the total Alternatives section by 2% and decreased from International Equity. He indicated that the Titan Masters Fund will be closing to new investments because they do not want too many assets that may affect their investment strategies. He indicated with this anticipation, they suggest that LAFRA pre-fund Titan before they close with an additional $1 million.

Robert Steinbacher made the following motion.

The committee recommends and I so move to transfer an additional $1 million to the Titan Masters Fund before December 1st from the Artisan International fund. There was no discussion or objections.

Motion carried to transfer an additional $1 million from the Artisan International fund to the Titan Masters Fund.

PRESIDENT REPORT

1) Jacobsen indicated that he sent the Express Script’s formulary change to the LAFRA staff and Trustees for their review and to help them answer questions from members. He mentioned that he has received a few calls but has not seen much disruption to the membership. He also indicated that there have been issues concerning workers comp. medications and members trying to get them filled with multiple Express Script cards. The City is now providing Express Script’s card for workers comp medications which creates member confusion with our PPO Medical Plan Express Scripts card.

2) Jacobsen stated that per the By-laws, there will be a dues increase effective January 1, 2014. He stated that this increase is tied to the

wage increase that active firemen are receiving from the City. The amount includes the July 2013 one percent increase and the November one percent increase.

3) Jacobsen mentioned that the Marketing Department has produced an instructional video for flag raising ceremonies. He indicated that the video is easy to follow and stated that they have done a good job. He also mentioned that the video will be available by link on the LAFRA website and he will provide Trustees with a DVD copy.

VICE PRESIDENT REPORT

1) Juan Albarran reported on the IFEBP Conference that several Trustees attended in Las Vegas and mentioned that they spent time listening to different speakers on investment strategies and rebalancing portfolios as well as other issues related to LAFRA.

BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT

Steve Domanski reported that the Building Committee met with the architect companies selected for the interview process. He stated that they have chosen Ware Malcomb Architects for their capabilities for the building project. He indicated that the Project Manager negotiated a contract price of approximately $86K. He presented the following motion.

The committee recommends and I so move to contract with Ware Malcomb Architects as the LAFRA design firm. There was no discussion or objections.

Motion carried to contract with Ware Malcomb Architects as LAFRA’s design firm.

Jacobsen indicated that they tentatively scheduled a first phase meeting with the architects on Tuesday, November 12th to begin evaluating our needs and wants.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

1) David Smith referred to the new building operations and indicated that they have had a couple of minor issues with tenants and their leases. He indicated that they are working through them and are negotiating.

2) David Smith reported that the new LAFRA.org site should be up and running by Friday evening. He stated that all content has been migrated over to the new site.

LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEESNovember 06, 2013

56 • January 2014

ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE REPORT

Robert Steinbacher presented the following motions.

The committee recommends and I so move to pay the usual and customary bills in the amount of $1,700,357.32. There was no discussion or objections.

Motion carried to pay the usual and customary bills in the amount of $1,700,357.32.

The committee recommends and I so move to pay the professional fees in the amount of $112,795.89. There was no discussion or objections.

Motion carried to pay the professional fees in the amount of $112,795.89.

The committee recommends and I so move to enter into contract with Ware Malcomb Architects for $86K plus reimbursable expenses. There was no discussion or objections.

Motion carried to contract with Ware Malcomb Architects at $86K plus reimbursable expenses.

MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT

Jeff Cawdrey presented the following motion.

The committee recommends and I so move to accept the applications to the Medical Plan. There was no discussion and no objections.

Motion carried to accept all applications to the Medical Plan.

The committee recommends and I so move to set the federally mandated member out-of-pocket expense for medical PPO claims at $6,350 beginning January 1, 2014. There was no discussion or objections.

Motion carried to set the federally mandated member out-of-pocket expense for medical PPO claims at $6,350 beginning January 1, 2014.

RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT

James Coburn presented the following motion.

The committee recommends and I so move to pay:

The Sick & Injury benefits in the amount of $16,553.20,

The Estate Planning benefit in the amount of $6,225,The Life & Accident Death Benefits of $48,000,The Relief Death Benefits in the amount of $67,500.

There was no discussion or objections.

Motion carried to pay the above Relief benefits.

James Coburn read the names of members who recently passed and asked for a moment of silence from the Board.

MEMORIALS

Howard L. GellinckEdward L. CastleFrank R. LunnMathew G. McKnightMario MartinezRonald J. MacKinnonDavid E. HeryfordHans R. WolfRobert C. OrmanMonte M. VanceJames L. ChonerPaul A. Parish, Jr.Harry G. StantonCharles F. BreazealLaurence C. Romer

ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE

James Coburn presented the following motions.

The committee recommends and I so move to accept the donations in the amount of $4,145.15 to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund. There was no discussion or objections.

Motion carried to accept the donations in the amount of $4,293.26 to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund.

The committee recommends and I so move to approve the financial assistance applications for surviving spouses, active and retired members. There was no discussion or objections.

Motion carried to approve the financial assistance applications for surviving spouses, active and retired members.

EMERGENCY ADVANCEMENTS

James Coburn presented the following motion.

The committee recommends and I so move to approve the emergency advancement applications for active and retired members. There was no discussion or objections.

Motion carried to approve the emergency advancement applications for active and retired members.

GRAPEVINE/WEB REPORT

Chris Hart reported that the new Mac computers for the Grapevine department are up and running. He mentioned that they will sell the other old Mac computers on Craig’s List and one will be used by Jody Houser.

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Andy Kuljis reported that the elections were running on schedule and indicated that they received a few undeliverable ballots back due to address changes. He indicated that they will schedule a date for processing the ballots and asked for volunteers to help.

SETTING OF DATES

1) El Coyote Salsa event – November 19th 2) LAFRA Open House – December 7th 3) Hook & Ladder Enduro – March 22nd.

RETIREMENT DINNERS 1) Dale Farnes – November 19th Rancho Vista Golf Club2) Joe Foley – November 30th Warner Center Marriott3) John Durso – January 18th The Odyssey

EXECUTIVE SESSION

The Board entered into Executive Session at 11:55am.

The Board adjourned from Executive Session at 12:11pm.

David Lowe motioned to approve the actions discussed in Executive Session. Craig White seconded. There was no discussion or objections.

Motion carried to approve the actions discussed in Executive Session.

ADJOURNMENT

John Jacobsen entertained a motion to adjourn. Tim Larson moved. Craig White seconded. There was no discussion and no objections.

Motion carried to adjourn. The Board of Trustees meeting adjourned at 12:12 pm. John Jacobsen, President

January 2014 • 57

Donations to Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s FundNovember 2013

ALVINA C. BAKULA in memory of my husband, CAPT. EDWARD C. BAKULA

ROGER W. SCHMITZ in memory of JOHN LEWANDOWSKI

ROGER W. SCHMITZ

ROY KLINE

JOHN KURY/SHERRY ROOK in memory of RALPH C. ROOK

ANNE L. WOLF & FAMILY in memory of CAPTAIN HANS R. WOLF

CATHERINE M. DEVINE in memory of my beloved husband BILL “ANDY” DEVINE

DANIEL LEON

DANIEL LEON in memory of MARIO A. MARTINEZ, JEFFREY K. JOHNSON & MATTHEW G. MCKNIGHT

MARIE G. MICHELL in memory of my husband JOE MICHELL

JASON C. HANEY/FIRE STATION 43 in gratitude to FS 43

ANNE M. MATHEUS in memory of my husband THOMAS V. MATHEUS

MARVIN & LINDA D. EDER

VICTOR L. PATRON in gratitude to FIRE STATION 6

HELEN L. SCHULZ

SCOTT A. LENZ in memory of CHARLES BREAZEAL

JOHN J. ADAMS in memory of CHARLES BREAZEAL

RUTH E. FAIRRINGTON in memory of my husband GENE FAIRRINGTON AND OUR CHAPLAINS

JOHN & AUDREY VERDONE in memory of our beloved grandson PRIMO JOHN VERDONE

MARCIA H. BREWER in memory of CAPTAIN RUSSELL MCMENAMIN

KALYN D. BOUKATHER in honor of my father PHILIP K. BOUKATHER

MARIE G. MICHELL in memory of my husband JOE MICHELL

KENNETH L. DAMERON in memory of CHARLEY BREAZEAL

JACK F. VAN EATON in memory of my wonderful wife CAROL VAN EATON

FIRE STATION NO. 75 from the FIRE EXTINGUISHER FUND

MARILYN CULLEY & FAMILY in memory of ROBERT ORMAN

FRED E. IHDE in memory of ROBERT ORMAN

LAVERNE M. MC LEOD in memory of MILAGROS “MILA” CASPER

JULIE R. WILLIAMS in memory of LILLIAN GOODWINE

JAMES G. MILLS in memory of ED TAPERT

MARILYN OSTBY in memory of GORDON OSTBY

JOE & BOBBY HERING in memory of HANS R. WOLF

MARK E. RYAVEC in memory of JOE MICHELL

JOHN D. HOLLAND in memory of JOE MICHELL

PATRICIA DUNAVANT in memory of ROY MIHLD

ANN NIX in memory of JOE MICHELL

NANCY URUBURU in memory of JOSEPH MICHELL

ROBERTA & MOIRA FITCH in honor of our neighbor HOWARD DUNFORD’S BIRTHDAY

CAROLINE MEDAN in memory of JOSEPH O. MICHELL

BRIAN HITCHINGS / SIMI BREAKFAST CLUB from the SIMI VALLEY BREAKFAST CLUB

LAVONNE ABNEY in memory of JOE MICHELL

ANGELINA A. KIRKPATRICK in memory of JOE MICHELL

RICHARD M. LITT / CARLA J. LITT in memory of JOSEPH MICHELL

MARLENE R. OBRIETAN in memory of HANS R. WOLF

CATHY RICHARDSON

HOLLY HAMNER in memory of JOSEPH O. MICHELL JR.

NORA RAMOS in memory of WALLACE DUGAN

DON & FAMILY SMITH in memory of WALLY DUGAN

THERESA STACK in memory of WALLY DUGAN

PHYLLIS FORNERET in memory of CAPT. JEFFREY JOHNSON

JERRY M. SCHNITKER in memory of ROBERT ORMAN

DEBRA & ERIC LEWIS in memory of CHARLES BREAZEAL

EILEEN WELCH in memory of WALLY DUGAN

LARRY & FAMILY WELCH in memory of WALLY DUGAN

DIANE CHESTER in memory of EDWARD CASTLE

RONALD DUGAN in memory of UNCLE WALLY DUGAN

HEIDI MOSS in memory of FRANK ARGUELLO

ROBERT CLIFFORD in memory of DOMINGO ALBARRAN

HARRY & SUSIE MACGREGOR in memory of HANS R. WOLF

JOHN M. SCHERREI in memory of DAVID HEREFORD

BRIAN HITCHINGS

AMANDA STRICKLAND C/O CLARENCE STAPEL

TODD SANDS

SHERRIE MARTIN in honor of CAPT. FRED MARTIN - Happy birthday Dad!

DIANNE KREFT in memory of ANNE V. BULLARD

JEFFREY SILVA in memory of MICHAEL SYLVIA

JOHN BESIGNANO in memory of ANNE BULLARD

MICHAEL BESIGNANO in memory of ANNE BULLARD

CHARLES LAKIN in memory of RAY HARO

RAYMOND BESIGNANO in memory of ANNE BULLARD

RAYMOND BESIGNANO in memory of ANNE BULLARD

LON & ROSEANNE DUNN in memory of JOSEPH MICHELL

PATRICK MICHELL in memory of JOSEPH O. MICHELL

MICHELE ROMAS ABDULAZIZ

KEVIN ROSSI in memory of RICHARD ANTHNOY MUNOZ from Fire Station 87

IZUMI TANAKA in memory of JOE MICHELL

58 • January 2014

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

PROJECT CARS. 1954 Mercury. 1957 Ford. 1939 Ford 2-door sedan. 1940 fords - 2 and 4 door sedans. 1940 sedan delivery. 1961 T-Bird convertible. 1941 Railway Express van. Miscellaneous parts. Contact Jim McPherson LAFD retired. (805) 501-8102 or email [email protected]

REAL ESTATEFOR RENT

HORSE PROPERTY, LAKE VIEW TERRACE - Near FS24. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, newly remodeled kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. Formal liv-ing room, plus family room. 3 pipe corrals, arena, 2 barns, trail access. Motor home and horse trailer parking. Gardener included. Available October. $2800/month. Eng. Ames (818) 257-4549.

REAL ESTATEFOR SALE

EXCEPTIONALLY UNIQUE PROPERTY!! Two homes, one featuring 3000 sq.ft. 2 story with basement, 1 car ga-rage, 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, large living room, den, wood floors, newer carpet, all new dual pane windows and sliding doors, ceramic tile counters in kitchen. Ceramic floors, coun-ters & showers in bathrooms. Koehler tubs, sinks and toilets though out home. Two 90% efficient forced air heaters. The guest house, 1024 sq. ft., has 2 bedrooms, a loft, laundry room, dining room, living room, newer carpet, tile floors in kitchen and laundry room. Wall heater. All this and much more, must see to appreciate how well these homes and

yard have been maintained. A rare find for sure!! Gary A. Wilson, Broker/Owner/Realtor (01139925), (888) 856-0001 [email protected]

SERVICES

ALTERNATIVE & TRA-DITIONAL Termite & Pest Control - ECOLA Ecological Solutions. Smart choices, simple solutions. Problem solved. Call for FREE ter-mite estimate or pest quotes over the phone - escrow and inspections excluded. Fireman wife Sue Fries - Termite Lady. (818) 652-7171. [email protected]

COUNSELING SERVICES. Licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr. Susan Purrington special-izes in anxiety, depression, relational difficulties, eating disorders, spiritual or per-sonal growth, marital conflict, family of origin issues. Find a supportive and confidential place for healing and growth. Located in Old Towne Orange. Questions or consultation: (949)[email protected]

CRAIG SANFORD HEAT-ING & AIR - Free estimates, residential, commercial. Great rates for LAFD and LAPD. Toll free (877) 891-1414, (661) 298-3070, FAX (661) 298-3069. State License No. 527114

GARAGE DOOR INSTALLA-TION & SERVICE. Garage doors and openers. Need to replace your broken springs? or does your door need repair, even replaced? We do it all from new product to repair-ing old. Call (661) 860-4563 Grassroots Garage Doors, Inc. Lic# 950020. Son of 35 year veteran fireman.

IT’S TAX TIME AGAIN! Specializing in Firefighter and Paramedic Returns, Electronic Filing available, year round bookkeeping and accounting, business and partnership re-turns, payroll. All computerized

processing with over 30 years experience. Call early for an appointment around your schedule. Robert Sanchez LAFD-OCD retired (818) 367-7017, cell (818) 216-1040.

MARRIAGE, FAMILY, IN-DIVIDUAL COUNSELING. Licensed therapist Cathy Chambliss helps couples and individuals work through con-flicts in relationships, stress, anxiety, affairs, communica-tion issues, and divorce. All counseling is confidential. Insurance taken. Call Cathy at (310) 303-9132. Office located in Hermosa Beach. www.cathychamblissmft.com

REAL ESTATE - TEMECULA, ANZA. Looking for a home or investment property? Free personalized home search delivered to your email and updated daily...Temecula-late model affordable homes. Anza - Southern California Country Living at its best. Mike Oldar - Century 21 Award - Temecula (951) 587-1930. email: [email protected] RE# 01895536 (Father - Re-tired LAFD)

REBECCA MARTIN LAND-SCAPE. Architectural land-scape design and installation. A full service design/build land-scape firm that creates unique custom exterior environments that will increase the value of your home and bring you years of outdoor enjoyment. Rebecca Martin, LAFD wife. (818) 216-3637. Lic# 936577. [email protected]

TAX ALERT FOR FIREFIGHT-ERS. Don’t lose thousands of dollars during your profession-al career to taxes! Let HEWITT FINANCIAL GROUP prepare your tax return. We specialize in tax preparation and financial planning for firefighters. We offer a FREE REVIEW of your last three years of tax returns. Call us today at (800) 573-4829 or visit us at www.hewittfinancial.com

WINDOWS & PATIO DOORS - vinyl replacement windows & Patio doors. I also carry aluminum, wood and entry door systems. Rick Brandelli, Capt. LACoFD, FS 8-C (800)

667-6676. www.GeeWin-dows.com

VACATIONRENTALS

BIG BEAR CABIN - All sea-son, restful views from decks. Two story, sleeps 6, half mile to lake, two plus miles to slopes. Fireplace/Wood, cable TV/DVD/VCR. Full kitchen, completely furnished except linens. Pets ok. $95/$105 (two day minimum). $550/$600 a week, Beep or Donna Schaffer 1+(760) 723-1475. www.schaffercabin.com

BIG BEAR CABIN. 2 bed-room, 2 bath, 2 story. Sleeps 8. Near ski slopes & lake. Fireplace/wood, cable TV, DVD,VCR, full kitchen. Com-pletely furnished. $85/$95 per night. Minimum 2 nights. Holidays extra. Weekly avail-able. All Season. Sheri (909) 851-1094 cell or (760) 948-2844 home.

BIG BEAR CABIN IN SUG-ARLOAF - Cozy upgraded 2 bedroom cabin. Sleeps 8. Fire-place, deck, Wifi - internet and cable TV. On a large lot with sled hill. Fully furnished except linens. $125 Winter $100 sum-mer. Details and availability, call/text/email Jessica (949) 874-5294 [email protected] sugarloafcabin.com

BIG BEAR LAKE’S FINEST- Deluxe lakeside townhouse, 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 cable TVs, HBO, DVD, WiFi, 2 wood burning fireplaces, laundry room, tennis court, indoor pool, sauna, spa, boat dock. Fully equipped, including all linens. Sleeps 6. 310-541-8311 or email [email protected]

CATALINA BEACH COT-TAGE - 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, one block to beach, view, fully equipped housekeeping unit. Marci (818) 347-6783 or Clar-ence (310) 510-2721.

CLASSIFIEDS

January 2014 • 59

FABULOUS CAYUCOS BEACH CONDO. 180-degree ocean front view, 1 bedroom, 1 1/4 bath, living room, sofa bed, outdoor patio ocean front view. Morro Bay/ Hearst Castle, Central California Area. Steps to beach and fishing pier. Nearby public golf & tennis. Weekly or monthly. Contact Sondra (818) 985-9066.

JUNE LAKE CABIN - 2BR/2BA cabin with Carson Peak view. Close to fishing & skiing. Furnished, wood deck, equipped kitchen, wood burn-ing stove, tree swing, cable /DVD/phone. Garage/ample parking. $95/night plus clean-ing fee. Email for pictures. Jeff Easton 93-A (805) 217-5602. [email protected]

LAKE ARROWHEAD BLUE JAY CABIN. Charming 2-story with creek, large deck, two baths, complete kitchen, TV/VCR/DVD, fireplace, washer & dryer. Walk to Blue Jay Vil-lage. Sleeps 8. $90/night. NO PETS! Bruce or Sue Froude, (805) 498-8542.

LAKE HAVASU LANDING-Waterfront, steps to the water. Boat mooring out front, off-road desert behind house. 3 bed/3 bath, fully furnished w/linens. Direct TV/DVR, BBQ, Casino, Grocery/Meat Market, Launch Ramp, Marina with Boat House, Gated Commu-nity. No pets/smoking. $350 Dan Cook 310 418 1577.

LAKE HAVASU BEAUTY FOR RENT - 3 bdrm, 2 bath, 1600 sq.ft. Fully furnished with all amenities- Laundry & BBQ. 13,000 sq.ft. lot. 3 car boat-deep garage. 3 miles from launch ramp. Close to downtown shops & restau-rants. View of the lake. Quiet street in good neighborhood. No pets. No smoking. Snow-bird rates. Call Mike (661) 510-6246

MAMMOTH - 1 bedroom Sum-mit condo, sleeps 6. Conve-nient underground garage parking. Jacuzzis, gym (pool/tennis in summertime), shuttle

right outside! Across from Eagle Lodge, Winter $110 per night, Summer $80 per night plus $65 cleaning fee and 13% tax. All linens included. Drew or Nancy Oliphant (661) 513-2000 or [email protected]

MAMMOTH CONDO. 1 Bed/ 1.25 Bath sierra manors con-do. In town, on shuttle route. Sleeps 4 easily. Pets OK. Fully furnished with new furniture/HDTV/WIFI Woodburning fireplace. Hot Tub, sauna, W/D in complex. Reduced rates for FF’s starting @100/ntoldtownmammothcondo.ownernetworks.commammothmtncondo@ya-hoo.com Ryan (310) 717 8483 for more info/ rates

MAMMOTH CONDO. 2 bedroom, 2 bath, sleeps 6. Near Canyon Lodge. Newly remodeled recreation room with pool and spa. Laundy facilities, condo has been beautifully remodeled. Photos available on website. Winter - $300 per night, Summer - $150 per night. $150 cleaning fee. Call for holiday terms and pricing. Joseph Angiuli (626) 497-5083.

MAMMOTH CONDO-CHAM-ONIX. 2 bedroom & large loft, 3 full baths, sleeps 8. 5 minute walk to Canyon Lodge. Fully furnished, TVs, VCR/DVD, pool, spa, rec room, sauna, linens included. Winter $175 weekdays, $195-weekends/holidays; summer $125, plus cleaning. No smoking; no pets. Craig Yoder (909) 948-3659.

MAMMOTH CONDO Cozy 2 bedrooms, 2 bath. Fully furnished, WIFI, 3 TV’s, pool, spa, walk to shuttle, Old Mammoth area. Winter $115, Summer $90, plus maid $126. Includes linens. No pets, no smoking. Call (310) 540-4648.

MAMMOTH CONDO NEXT TO THE GONDOLA VIL-LAGE – Fully furnished, three bedroom, two bath with towels and linens, newly remodeled

kitchen, internet and cable TV, pool and Jacuzzi. Walk to the gondola, shops, restau-rants and ski in on the new comeback trail. Parking at the front door. Winter: $250/night. Summer $150/night. Holidays $300/night. Cleaning is in-cluded. Call Mike Whitehouse, Retired, 805-987-6122, email: [email protected] or Bruce Galien, Retired, 661-645-7448, email: [email protected]

MAMMOTH CONDO AT MAMMOTH ESTATES, 4BR/3BA, sleeps 10, fully furnished, 2 TVs, DVDs, WiFi, towels/linens, fireplace. Full kitchen. Walk to Gondola Village and shuttle. Complex has pool, spa, sauna, laundry. Winter $335/night, Summer $215/night, plus cleaning. Includes city bed tax. No pets, no smoking. Dory Jones (310) 918-0631 or Kelly Corcoran (310) 619-5355

MAMMOTH CONDO - 2 bdrm, 2 bath, 2 TV’s, phone, garage, pool, jacuzzi, fully furnished - exept linens. Near shuttle/chair 15. Winter $125/night. Weekends and Holidays $110 midweek. Summer $95/night. $495/week. No smoking. No pets. Jim Johnson (818) 992-7564, FS 80C.

MAMMOTH CONDO rental. Large 2bed/2bath winterset condo. Fully furnished, across from Vons, on shuttle route, easily sleeps 8. Hot tub, heated pool, sauna, full size in unit W/D HDTV/WiFi through-out, woodburning fireplace, pets OK FIREFIGHTER DISCOUNTS, rates from $150/night facebook.com/[email protected] @ (310) 717-8483

MAMMOTH CONDO - Sierra Manors Sleeps 7. 3 bedroom 2 1/2 bath. Fully furnished ex-cept linens. 2 TVs/VCR/DVD, stereo/CD. Dishwasher, mi-crowave, sauna, jacuzzi, pool. No smoking/No Pets. Shuttle at door. Winter $155/night, Summer $100/night, Plus $80

cleaning fee and City Bed Tax. Brian & Karen Salvage LAFD Retired (805) 499-7752.

MAMMOTH LAKES - One bedroom, extremely charming wildflower condo. Full ameni-ties, close to shuttle. Antiques, art, satellite TV, fireplace. Sleeps 4. Winter $110, Sum-mer $85 plus cleaning fees. Call Bill Clark (818) 371-6722 Email: [email protected]

MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET: Studio/loft, 2 bath, king bed, sleeps 4. Full kitchen, TV, VCR, DVD. Garage parking. Walk to Canyon Lodge. Ski back wall. 2 night minimum. Winter $100/nite, $126 Fri, Sat & Holidays. Summer $50/nite. Plus $95 cleaning & linens. Jeff & Lisa Moir. LAFD Air Ops (661) 254-5788.

MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET: Walk to Canyon Lodge. Studio loft sleeps 4. Queen beds, full kitchen, 2 baths, garage park-ing, TV, VCR, DVD. Winter Sun-Thurs $100.nite; Fri & Sat $115/nite plus cleaning fee $100. Non smoking complex. Joel Parker, LAFD retired. email: [email protected] or (213) 399-6534.

MARIPOSA/GOLD COUN-TRY. North entrance to Yosemite. 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, sleeps 6. Newly built. Com-plete kitchen, washer & dryer, wi-fi, satellite TV. Seasonal rates. www.thecottageonev-ergreenlane.comCall 888-977-1006

MAUI BEACH FRONT CONDO ON NAPILI BAY - 50’ from water. Studios and 1 bdrm. Luxury furnishings + full kitchen. All the amenities! Maui’s best snorkeling/beach. All island activities & Ka-palua within 4 minutes. 5-day minimum, from $150 per night (regularly $310 night). Call Sherrie or Bill for info/reserva-tions (805) 530-0007 or email: [email protected] visit: www.napilibaymaui.com

60 • January 2014

MAUI CONDO 1 AND 2 BEDROOMS. Centrally lo-cated on beautiful Maalaea Bay. Excellent swimming and snorkeling; white sandy beach. Minutes from golf, tennis, fishing, shop-ping, airport and resort areas. Marsha Smith or Jeanne McJannet. Toll free (800) 367-6084. www.maalaeabay.com

MAUI’S MOST BEAU-TIFUL BEACH - Napili Bay. Beautiful furnished condo that sleeps 4. Lanai/balcony, full kitchen, king bed, flat screen TV’s/DVD, AC’s free WiFi (inter-net), complimentary maid service, compli-mentary coffee every morning and breakfast on Fridays. Special firefighters’ discount - Best value in West Maui! Nice pool & BBQ area - Close to beach! (800) 336-2185 www.napilivillage.comDon Sprenger - retired LAFD (949) 548-5659

PALM DESERT-3 bed/2bath, one level. New re-model, fully fur-nished w/linens. Cable TV/DVR, Private Patio, BBQ, Laundry, Garage, Gated Community, 2(Pools, Jacuzzi’s, Tennis Courts). Near College of the Desert. $175 Dan Cook 310 418 1577.

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Romantic Chalet Fam-ily getaway. 3 bed/2 bath plus loft. Sleeps 8–10. Cable TV, wash-er/dryer, microwave, woodburning stove. 7 minutes to casinos and Heavenly. Located in Tahoe Paradise. $105 per night plus clean-ing. Call Shawn or Rose Agnew at (661) 250-9907 or (661) 476-6288.

VACATIONVEHICLES

LUXURY RV FOR RENT. New class A 40’ motorhome.

Sleeps 8, bunk beds, 4 slides, 4 TVs, fully loaded. $270/day (with active/retired firefighter/police discount), includes cleaning fee and unlimited miles. 3-day mini-

mum, tow dolly available. Get more, pay less. Call Shawn, LAFD. (888) 540-4835. www.ocdreamrv.com

CALL OR EMAIL US FOR MORE INFORMATION Eric Santiago - [email protected] - (323) 259-5231

Dave Wagner - [email protected] - (323) 259-5232

January 2014 • 61

Engine Company 38 occupied this quarters at 124 East “I” Street in Wilmington from 1917 until 1948.

Photo courtesy of the Fire Station 38 collection via LAfire.com

January Grapevine_2014.pdf 1 12/4/13 9:21 PM

Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association815 Colorado Blvd FL 4Los Angeles CA 90041-1745

january 2014

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