Your Los Angeles Fire Department and the Unified Command Center would like to say-
"Great job, Los Angeles!"  

Thank you for staying out of the closure area and thank you for your help and cooperation in allowing this project to go smoothly and largely, without incident.

The systematic re-opening of the I-405 Freeway has begun. It is expected that the entire Freeway will be fully-opened and accessible by approximately 3:00pm this afternoon.

Your LAFD remains prepared and will maintain its augmented staffing of the affected area until approximately 2:30pm this afternoon. At that time, the LAFD will begin a "demobilization" process that will ultimately put us back at normal staffing and normal, departmental operations by 6:00pm this evening.

A big "thank you" goes to our partners at the Command Post- CHP, LADOT, LAPD and Metro. Also, to the Office of the Mayor and all our local media partners, who played a key role in keeping everyone informed with the most up-to-date information. And, of course, "thank you" to the good people of Kiewet West and the Penhall Company for their efforts in completing this phase of the project well ahead of schedule.

It is to all "Angelinos" and our visiting guests, however, we give "great thanks" for their cooperation throughout.

 

 

Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman

Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - I-405 Closure Update - THANK YOU!

The Mayor of Los Angeles announced today, the appointment of Assistant Chief Brian L. Cummings to the position of Interim Fire Chief, effective Monday, July 11, 2011.


Interim Fire Chief Brian Cummings

Chief Cummings, a 31 year veteran of the Department who currently holds the position of Chief of Staff, expressed his intent to maintain the high level of service performed by members of the Los Angeles Fire Department.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be appointed as the Interim Fire Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department,” said Cummings. “I thank the hardworking, talented men and women of the Department - the sworn, civilian and volunteer personnel that make this organization great. I thank the Mayor for his confidence in me and for his commitment to public safety. I also thank the City Council for their commitment to prioritizing any increases in City revenue and directing them back to this Department to expand resources. Finally, I want to thank the Fire Commission for their continued guidance and partnership.

I can assure residents of Los Angeles that the LAFD will continue to deliver the high level of service to which they are accustomed, and that we are proud to provide.

I look forward to leading the Los Angeles Fire Department in accomplishing our mission of protecting lives and property and fostering economic growth.

As your Interim Fire Chief, I will work with City government in our efforts to position this Department for future success.”

The Mayor’s Office has begun the selection process for the City of Los Angeles' next Fire Chief. The Los Angeles Fire Department's Public Information Officer will be handling questions regarding that process.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

Interim Fire Chief Brian Cummings

Interim Fire Chief Brian L. Cummings is a 31-year veteran of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) with an exemplary record as a Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Battalion Chief, Assistant Chief and Chief of Staff.

Chief Cummings joined the LAFD as a Firefighter on February 10, 1980, and was promoted to Engineer in 1988. Chief Cummings then earned promotions to Captain I in 1993 and Captain II in 2000.

In 2003, Chief Cummings took command of LAFD’s Battalion 13, managing five Fire Stations in South Los Angeles. As a Commander of Battalion 13, Chief Cummings maintained strong relationships with various community organizations, clubs and churches, as well as with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

In 2005, Chief Cummings assumed command of the Recruit Training Section of the Los Angeles Fire Department. During his tenure as the Recruit Training Officer, he was instrumental in the development of the modular training facility located at the Frank Hotchkin’s Memorial Training Center, while managing training facilities in the San Fernando Valley, Downtown Los Angeles and San Pedro.

In 2007, Chief Cummings took command of Battalion 6, in the Harbor area, overseeing operations at nine Fire Stations responsible for fire protection in the Port of Los Angeles, three major refineries and a host of heavy commercial occupancies. As the Battalion Commander of Battalion 6, Chief Cummings served as the principal liaison to the United States Coast Guard, Port Authorities, the Chambers of Commerce, the shipping industry, Los Angeles County Fire Department and Long Beach Fire Department.

In 2009, Chief Cummings assumed command of LAFD’s Battalion 1, managing five Task Force stations in the Downtown area of Los Angeles. As the Battalion Commander of the Metropolitan area of Downtown L.A., Chief Cummings nurtured strong community relations with the various chambers of commerce and local community organizations.

In 2010, Chief Cummings was assigned to the Planning Section of the Los Angeles Fire Department where he oversaw the Fire Chief’s staff and assisted with the management of the day to day functions of the Los Angeles Fire Department. As the Planning Chief, he coordinated research projects, staff studies and formulated the goals and objectives for the Department.

In December of 2010, Chief Cummings was promoted to the position of Assistant Fire Chief and was appointed as the Chief of Staff. As the Chief of Staff his primary responsibility was to serve as the Executive Assistant to the Fire Chief. Chief Cummings assisted the Fire Chief in the planning and implementation of short and long range goals of the Department. He interacted with the Mayor’s office, members of the City Council, various civic leaders and Department Command staff.

Chief Cummings was born and raised in Los Angeles. His father was a 30 year veteran of the Los Angeles Fire Department. He graduated from Loyola High School and attended both West Los Angeles College and the University of California at Los Angeles. He is married and is the proud father of two beautiful daughters.

# # #

READ MORE - LAFD Announces the Appointment of Interim Fire Chief Brian Cummings

The following information was released by Los Angeles Fire Department Administration following a meeting of the Los Angeles City Council on May 18, 2011.

The LAFD Deployment Plan was approved today by a 12 to 2 vote [of the City Council] with two amending motions.

The first amending motion speaks to restoring funding to the department to re-open resources. Should labor make contract concessions, those funds will return directly to the Fire Department. Specifically 6.9 million dollars in anticipated concessions from labor negotiations will be placed in the unappropriated balance account.

The Department will use the same data analysis system that was used to create the deployment plan to determine what neighborhood services will be restored.

The second amending motion was designed to maintain the position authorities without the funding. 318 position authorities remain unfunded. This means that any savings that are found within the budget will be used to restore neighborhood resources. Those resources will be determined by the Fire Chief.

July 5th [2011] remains the implementation date for the LAFD Deployment Plan. The MCP [Modified Coverage Plan] will remain in place until that date.

Special Duty sworn furloughs were approved.

"After several hours of debate, I’m pleased that the LAFD Deployment Plan proposed by Chief Peaks was approved by the Los Angeles City Council," said Councilmember Tony Cárdenas.

"I applaud his leadership and vision in the development of a Plan that will save the City more than $50 million a year while enhancing public safety for all of Los Angeles." said Councilmember Tony Cárdenas.

# # #

READ MORE - Los Angeles Fire Department Deployment Plan Approved

This week's groundbreaking for new Fire Station 82 in Hollywood gives us an opportunity to highlight the LAFD projects made possible by Proposition F, the November 2000 bond measure overwhelmingly approved by Los Angeles residents to replace 19 existing Fire Stations and construct one new Fire Station.

Cost savings through Proposition F oversight have made it likely that one additional replacement Fire Station can be constructed with remaining funds.

The Los Angeles Fire Department is pleased to provide a status update regarding the twenty-one above mentioned Fire Stations, as well as two non-Prop F projects.

Here is a current overview:

- Fire Station 89 (North Hollywood), Regional Station at the current location of 7063 Laurel Canyon Boulevard. A groundbreaking ceremony on August 20, 2003 marked the start of construction on an apparatus storage facility and training classroom. That work was completed in August 2004 and a Grand Opening ceremony was held on December 9, 2004. Fire Station expansion will use Proposition Q funds.

- Fire Station 77 (Sun Valley), Standard Station at 9224 Sunland Boulevard. A groundbreaking ceremony on October 24, 2003 marked the start of construction on a new 6-bay fire station. The new station opened for service on June 22, 2005. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on September 17, 2005.

- Fire Station 83 (Encino), Standard Station at 4960 Balboa Boulevard. A groundbreaking ceremony on April 26, 2004 marked the start of construction on a new 6-bay fire station. The new station opened for service on January 19, 2006. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on February 26, 2006.

- Fire Station 5 (Westchester/LAX), Regional Station at 8900 Emerson Avenue. A groundbreaking ceremony on May 13, 2004 marked the start of construction on a new 7-bay fire station, apparatus storage facility and classroom. The new station opened for service on April 13, 2006. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on June 24, 2006.

- Fire Station 65 (Watts), Standard Station at 1801 East Century Boulevard. A groundbreaking ceremony on May 10, 2004 marked the start of construction on a new 6-bay fire station. The new station opened for service on July 20, 2006. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on September 30, 2006.

- Fire Station 59 (Sawtelle/West LA), Regional Station at the current location of 11505 West Olympic Boulevard. Construction of a training and apparatus storage building was completed November 1, 2006. A Grand Opening ceremony to recognize that project and a Fire Station expansion utilizing Prop Q funds was held on April 14, 2007.

- Fire Station 114 (Van Nuys Airport), LAFD Air Operations and Airport Rescue Firefighting facility at 16617 Arminta Street at Van Nuys Airport. A groundbreaking ceremony on June 26, 2004 marked the start of construction for a multi-role facility that provides airfield emergency response as well as serving as the operational base and maintenance site for all LAFD helicopters. The station opened for service on March 8, 2007. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on May 31, 2008.

- Fire Station 81 (Panorama City/North Van Nuys), Standard Station and Drill Tower at 14355 Arminta Street. A groundbreaking ceremony on June 14, 2004 marked the start of construction on a new 7-bay fire station, drill tower, recruit training center and apparatus storage facility. The station opened for service on March 19, 2007. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on July 14, 2007.

- Fire Station 62 (Mar Vista), Standard Station at 11970 West Venice Boulevard. A groundbreaking ceremony on October 17, 2005 recognized the June 2005 start of construction on a new 6-bay fire station, which opened for service on May 29, 2007. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on January 5, 2008.

- Fire Station 84 (Warner Center/Woodland Hills), Regional Station at 21050 Burbank Boulevard. A groundbreaking ceremony on September 9, 2004 marked the start of construction for a new 7-bay fire station, apparatus storage facility and classroom. The station opened for service on September 18, 2007. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on November 1, 2008.

- Fire Station 36 (San Pedro), New Satellite Fire Station at 1005 North Gaffey Street. A groundbreaking ceremony on May 2, 2005 marked the start of construction on the new 3-bay station, which opened for service on July 8, 2007. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on November 10, 2007.

- Fire Station 43 (Palms), Standard Station at 3690 Motor Avenue at Regent Street. A groundbreaking ceremony on February 6, 2006 marked the start of construction for a new 6-bay fire station that opened for service on September 25, 2007. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on August 16, 2008.

- Fire Station 87 (Granada Hills), Regional Station at 10124 Balboa Boulevard. A groundbreaking ceremony on September 19, 2005 marked the start of construction on a new 7-bay fire station, apparatus storage facility and classroom that opened for service on November 11, 2007. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on May 3, 2008.

- Fire Station 67 (Playa Vista), a non-Prop F new Standard Station at 5451 Playa Vista Drive. A groundbreaking ceremony on December 16, 2004 marked the start of construction on a new 7-bay fire station that opened for service on October 15, 2007. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on February 16, 2008.

- Fire Station 13 (Koreatown/Pico-Union), Standard Station at 2401 West Pico Boulevard. A groundbreaking ceremony on July 10, 2006 marked the start of construction on a new 6-bay fire station that opened for service on August 5, 2008. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on February 28, 2009.

- Fire Station 21 (South Los Angeles), Regional Station at 1192 East 51st Street behind the existing station. A groundbreaking ceremony on April 3, 2006 marked the start of construction on a new 6-bay fire station, apparatus storage shed and classroom that opened for service on November 18, 2008. A Grand Opening ceremony date is soon to be confirmed.

- Fire Station 4 (Civic Center), Standard Station and Dispatch Center at 450 East Temple Street. A groundbreaking ceremony on January 19, 2006 recognized the start of construction on a new 7-bay fire station, Fire Dispatch Center and City EOC. The Fire Station element of this multi-faceted project opened for service on December 2, 2008 and a Grand Opening ceremony was held on October 17, 2009. The in-service date for the new Fire Department Dispatch Center has yet to be scheduled.

- Fire Station 78 (Studio City/Valley Village), Standard Station at 4041 Whitsett Avenue. A groundbreaking ceremony on October 23, 2006 marked the start of construction on a new 6-bay fire station that opened for service on September 30, 2008. A Grand Opening ceremony was held on January 18, 2009.

- Fire Station 31 (Sylmar), a non-Prop F new Standard Station at 16320 Foothill Boulevard. A groundbreaking ceremony on November 1, 2006 highlighted the Department's intent to construct a new Neighborhood Fire Station serving the far north San Fernando Valley. A completion date has yet to be determined.

- Fire Station 64 (South Los Angeles), Regional Station at 10811 South Main Street. A groundbreaking ceremony on February 15, 2007 marked the start of construction on a new 7-bay fire station, apparatus storage shed and classroom that opened for service on July 7, 2009. A Grand Opening ceremony has yet to be scheduled.

- Fire Station 94 (Baldwin Hills/Crenshaw), Regional Station at current location, 4470 Coliseum Street. A groundbreaking ceremony on February 21, 2008 marked the start of construction for an enhanced facility that includes an expanded Fire Station, apparatus storage building and multi-purpose room. Completion is scheduled in December 2009.

- Fire Station 82 (Hollywood), will consist of a unique 3-story Fire Station with underground parking at 5769 Hollywood Boulevard, as well as an annex constructed at the site of the current station at 1800 North Bronson Avenue. A groundbreaking ceremony on May 28, 2009 marked the start of construction at the Hollywood Boulevard site. Completion is scheduled for February 2011.

- Fire Station 7 (Arleta), is to be an additional replacement station made likely through availabile Proposition F funds. A site for new Fire Station 7 has yet to be selected.

Comprehensive information regarding each Proposition F Fire Station project, including construction photos, can also be accessed via a detailed monthly report in PDF format.

If you have questions or concerns about the Proposition F Projects listed above, please visit:

www.lafd.org/propf.htm

..or call the LAFD Proposition F Team directly at (213) 202-3455.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Fire Station Construction Update

Los Angeles Fire Chief Douglas Barry announced his intent to retire at a Thursday afternoon press conference.

KTTV-TV's John Schwada reports...



Chief Barry issued this statement to LAFD members Thursday morning...

"For the past two-and-a-half years, I have had the honor and privilege of serving you and the people of Los Angeles as Fire Chief. It has been the proudest time of my 34-year career and so it is with a deep sense of gratitude that I announce my intent to retire effective August 30, 2009.

As I reflect back, I am proudest of what we as a Department have accomplished together. We have brought about a unity of purpose and have moved our Department to even higher levels of professionalism both operationally and in our work environment. We have made great strides in strengthening our future leaders by giving them the tools they need to be successful.

I am encouraged by the current spirit of the Department and believe it is on the verge of achieving bigger and better things. It is my strong belief that the progress and improvements we have achieved together will have long lasting positive impacts.

Over the next several months I will continue to focus on the future of the Department and will ensure that there is a seamless transition of leadership. I will give my all, and I ask you to do the same, in making the Department’s next leader equally successful.

In closing, I cannot put into words my appreciation for the support and encouragement I’ve received from all levels of the Department. It has been a humbling, unforgettable experience. I thank all of you, sworn and civilian for making my time as Fire Chief such a rewarding experience. I owe all of you a debt of gratitude."

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Chief Douglas Barry Announces Retirement

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department warmly welcome you to join civic and community leaders, including Fire Chief Douglas Barry, at the public dedication and grand opening of the LAFD's newest Neighborhood Fire Station.

Saturday, February 28, 2009
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
New Fire Station 13
2401 West Pico Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90006

We are pleased to offer an interactive map with driving directions to this new facility, which is now in service protecting the Pico-Union and Koreatown neighborhoods of Los Angeles.

Following Saturday's dedication ceremony, there will be food and entertainment as well as a chance to tour Southern California's newest Fire Station. All members of the community are welcomed to this family-themed public event.

A Brief History of Fire Station 13...

Now housing an Engine Company, Paramedic Rescue Ambulance and serving as Battalion 11 Headquarters, new Fire Station 13 replaces a cramped and inefficient facility on South Vermont Avenue that opened in 1950.


Former Fire Station 13 was designed to house no more than four male firefighters and one limited-role (now antique) fire apparatus serving an established neighborhood west of downtown Los Angeles.

Constructed for $79,730 on a 50' x 190' lot, the fifty-eight year old former facility was deemed deficient in meeting modern seismic safety, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, Building Code, ADA and separate gender accommodation issues.

LAFD operational and societal advances over nearly six decades made that 4,758 square-foot station - and only slightly larger parcel of land, inadequate for providing timely and effective response to a community that now includes sizeable commercial and industrial properties as well as many large multi-story apartments.

A New Fire Station for Pico-Union and Koreatown...

The new 15,250 square-foot Fire Station 13 is built on a one acre site, and is designed to address modern response needs while bringing efficiency to LAFD's workforce - and therefore convenience and enhanced service to a vibrant neighborhood we've long been proud to be a part of.

The energy conserving 6-bay facility also features an important "drive through" feature that prevents the need to block traffic on busy Pico Boulevard when rehousing Fire Department vehicles.

We encourage you to learn more about new Fire Station 13 and the many Fire Department facilities being modernized through Proposition F by viewing a highly detailed on-line Monthly Progress Report.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, February 28, 2009. Please don't forget your camera!


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Grand Opening of Fire Station 13 in Los Angeles

Today, we celebrate the promotion of LAFD spokesman and 'blog-minder' Ron Myers from the rank of Firefighter to Captain.

With his well-deserved promotion from Public Service Officer to Fire Captain I, Ron departs our media and public relations staff with a legacy of achievement that includes technical and procedural advances that will benefit Los Angeles for decades to come.

During his three year tenure at the LAFD Emergency Public Information (EPI) Center, Ron has been responsible for external communication related to many noteworthy events, including major wildfires, a formal change of LAFD Administration and the line-of-duty death of our Brother Brent Lovrien.

Those accomplishments not withstanding, Ron has achieved global recognition within government service for his crisis management, data acquisition and open source information analysis skills.

A highly decorated 29-year veteran of the LAFD, Captain Myers has been assigned to protect the northwest Van Nuys, Van Nuys Airport and North Hills area of Los Angeles as an Engine Company Officer at Fire Station 90 on the 'B' Platoon.

Please join us in wishing him well.

Brian Humphrey and d'Lisa Davies,
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Promotes Spokesman To Rank of Captain