We've written proudly in recent weeks about a small cadre of firefighters on a nationwide bicycle trek to commemorate the September 11, 2001 attacks on our nation.

Since beginning their journey in Los Angeles on July 24, these participants in the Ride For 9-11 have been unfazed by rain, triple-digit heat and hail, adhering strictly to a daunting schedule and course that will bring them to New York City in time for the tenth anniversary of that dark day.

With focus, pride and perseverance, they have kept on-course, until today...


Joplin, Missouri was not one of the group's original stops - but in the words of rider Jim Prabhu, an LAFD Firefighter/Paramedic:

"We've made a stop here in Joplin, Missouri in light of what happened here several months ago. We wanted to make sure that we paid our respect and saw it first hand, what exactly occurred."

We thank Jim and all participants in the Ride For 9-11, not only for their charitable effort in raising funds for the Wounded Warrior Project and the Dennis Leary Firefighter Foundation, but also for serving as emissaries of Los Angeles and the Fire Service in extending sympathies to the people of Joplin.

To learn more, donate or follow the progress of the Ride For 9-11, please visit:

ridefor9-11.org

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - The 'Ride for 9-11' Makes an Emotional Detour to Meet the People of Joplin

As you may have recently heard, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department are mourning the off-duty passing of fellow Firefighter Eric Shepherd.

The LAFD would like to share some additional information about this very special man...

Eric Shepherd was born on July 12th, 1978 at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. Raised in Carson, California, Eric graduated from Long Beach Jordan High School in 1996. Later that year, Eric joined the United States Air Force and served as a firefighter in Kuwait and at home at Edwards Air Force Base. After four years of dedicated service to his country, Eric was honorably discharged as a Senior Airman.

In July of 2003, Eric joined the Los Angeles Fire Department. Following the drill tower and probationary assignments, Eric transferred to Fire Station 29 in Battalion 11, serving the Wilshire Center and Mid-City areas of Los Angeles. Widely recognized as a conscientious and talented firefighter, as well as a generous and genuine friend, Eric quickly earned the respect and admiration of his peers and the public he proudly served. He successfully tested for the rank of engineer and was looking forward to the added challenges and responsibilities of the promotion.

Eric died suddenly while off-duty on July 18th, 2011. He is survived by his father, Ronald and his stepmother Cindy, his mother Loretta, sister Rene, and the love of his life Cacherel Smaith, with whom he brought into this world and raised as the apple of his eye, his daughter Sarai.

He was a credit to his family and friends, his country, the fire service and his department. His warmth, laughter, and easy going demeanor will always be cherished. Eric will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

Firefighter Eric Shepherd was assigned to Fire Station 29 "C" Platoon.

All members of the community are welcome to join us in celebrating the life of Firefighter Eric Shepherd.

Public Memorial Services for LAFD Firefighter Eric Shepherd:

• Date: Friday, July 29, 2011
• Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Location: Crenshaw Christian Center - "Faith Dome", 7901 South Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA.
• Interment: Forest Lawn, Cypress, 4471 Lincoln Avenue, Cypress, CA (immediately following Memorial Service)

 

*The Memorial Service will be streamed "live" on the "Faith Dome" (click this link) website on

Friday, July 29th from 9:30 am -12:30 pm.

*Members of the Fire Service and allied agencies that wish to have a formal presence, are asked to contact LAFD's Planning Section at (213) 978-3845.

*All flowers being delivered to the Crenshaw Christian Center "Faith Dome" for FF Shepherd's Memorial Service, must be delivered no later than 9:30 am on Friday, July 29, 2011.

*If you would like to make a donation, FF Eric Shepherd's Family respectfully asks that any donations be made to a fund that has been established for his young daughter, in her name:

        "Sarai Shepherd Educational Fund" (Account # 10000758996)
        Los Angeles Fireman's Credit Union
        815 Colorado Boulevard
        Los Angeles, CA 90041

We thank you for the outpouring of support in this time of sadness.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Mourns the Passing of a Fellow Firefighter

It is with great sadness that the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department inform you of the in Line of Duty Death of Los Angeles Firefighter Glenn Allen.

On Wednesday February 16, 2011, at 11:19 PM ten Fire Companies, one Heavy Rescue, one USAR Unit, seven Rescue Ambulances, seven Battalion Command Teams, one Division Command Team, three EMS Battalion Captains, and one Arson Unit responded to a reported structure Fire at 1546 North Viewsite Drive in the Hollywood Hills area of Los Angeles.

While Firefighters were performing their sworn duties, a partial ceiling collapse occurred, causing injury to four Los Angeles Firefighters and two Los Angeles County Firefighters. One of the injured Los Angeles Firefighters later succumbed to his injuries at 1215 hrs on Friday, February 18, 2011 at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.

As dictated by Fire Department policy, a formal and detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact nature of the cause of injuries sustained, as well as the precise cause and manner of the Firefighters death.

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department thank you for your kind words and sentiment at this time of overwhelming sorrow and immense loss.

The Allen Family and the Los Angeles Fire Department has received a tremendous outpouring of support during this difficult time. Your Firefighters wish to thank you and express our deepest appreciation for all the kind words and gestures that have been provided.

Glenn L. Allen was a Firefighter/Paramedic for over 36 years and last served at Fire Station 97. He is the 61st Los Angeles Firefighter to have died while directly involved in emergency operations during the Department's 125-year history. The Mayor of Los Angeles has ordered all City flags lowered to half-staff in Firefighter Allen's honor.

If additional information is required, please contact the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Community Liaison Office at (213) 978-3810.

Press Conference:

• When: February 18, 2011
• Where: Fire Station 3, 108 N Fremont Avenue, LA, CA 90012
• Time: 4:00 PM
• Speaking: Los Angeles Fire Chief Millage Peaks and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

MEDIA CONTACT:
Captain Jaime Moore
Office: (213) 978-3824
Cell: (213) 359-9415

Captain Tina Haro
Office (213) 978-3823
Cell: (213) 359-9743

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Announcement of the Passing of LAFD Firefighter Glenn L. Allen

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department are deeply saddened to report the death of Jack Popejoy, a legendary newsman and longtime friend of the LAFD.

Popejoy, age 63, was a morning news anchor at KNX-AM1070 NewsRadio at the time of his passing. He died from complications of cancer at his Sherman Oaks home on Sunday.

For millions in Los Angeles and beyond, Jack was for decades the endearing and deeply trusted news professional who informed us in times of joy and duress. With an unparalleled skill for sharing word of disaster, in-progress events, science issues and other hard news, he was rightfully called "the go-to guy when the world starts shaking".

Heard and seen frequently on CBS, BBC, CNN, ABC, Group W and countless broadcasters across the globe, Jack is most fondly remembered for his clear, confident and always calm voice on radio stations KFWB and KNX during such landmark events as the Challenger disaster, the Northridge Earthquake and the Los Angeles Riots.


At any office water cooler, or the entrance to a public shelter following disaster, one could be almost certain to hear "Well, Jack Popejoy says...", a vote of confidence well placed in a man who shared his work seriously.

...and we emphasize share, because watching and listening to Jack Popejoy was always like being in the presence of a dear and knowledgeable friend - who despite being a broadcaster, was somehow always speaking directly to you.

Yes, Jack was that good: Earning 27 Golden Mike Awards from the Radio & Television News Association, and in 1998 being named Journalist of the Year by the Society of Professional Journalists in Los Angeles for his work at the aforementioned broadcasters, as well as television stations KTLA and KCOP.

But that is only part of the story...

Jack Popejoy was involved in emergency planning and management, contributing his significant expertise to the City of Los Angeles Emergency Operations Organization for more years than any other person, and remained an adviser to the County of Los Angeles Office of Emergency Management and ardent supporter of the American Red Cross.

Moreso, Jack Popejoy was a unparalleled mentor and dear friend to our Los Angeles Fire Department media relations staff, always taking time in and outside the studio to offer helpful suggestions and more often to inquire about LAFD policies, protocols and procedures. So devoted was he to understanding and communicating life safety issues, that the Los Angeles Fire Department proudly named him an Honorary Chief in 1989.

Jack's inquiring mind led him to be an indisputable expert on fires, floods and especially earthquakes, not to mention space exploration and astronomy. To this day, many are surprised to hear that the humble Mr. Popejoy was a Regional Semi-Finalist in NASA's Journalist-in-Space competition, which was cancelled in the wake of the Challenger disaster.

As one of the creators of the annual Great California ShakeOut, with 8 million participants, and a valued crisis communications trainer to countless public officials, Jack leaves a legacy of excellence, as well as an emotional hole in our hearts.

Services for Jack Popejoy have yet to be announced.

(video)

View and share your thoughts on Twitter: #knxpopejoy

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Mourns Passing of Legendary Broadcast Journalist Jack Popejoy

John W. Callahan
1949-2010

John W. Callahan, retired Deputy Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department, and active-duty Chief of the San Luis Obispo, California Fire Department, passed away suddenly on August 18, 2010.

Chief Callahan began his career with the Los Angeles Fire Department on July 25, 1970 as a Firefighter and he promoted through the ranks to become Deputy Chief of our Department. As Commander of Operations, he held the second highest position in the Department.

During his LAFD career, Callahan supervised the implementation of the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, served as Commander of the Fire Suppression and Rescue Bureau, managed the Disaster Preparedness Section, oversaw Communications and Dispatch, as well as the In-Service Training Section.

In addition, he headed LAFD preparations for the 2000 Democratic National Convention and served as the Department's liaison with the Mayor and City Council.

Chief Callahan also served as the Vice-President for the LAFD Chief Officers' Association (COA) and as chair of the Emergency Preparedness Commission for the County and Cities of Los Angeles. Since 2004, he provided consulting in the area of public safety with clients throughout the United States.

Following retirement from the LAFD in 2003, he went on to become the Fire Chief of San Luis Obispo Fire Department in 2005, and led that agency at the time of his passing.


As the Fire Chief in San Luis Obispo, Chief Callahan was credited with bringing innovation to the Fire Departent and key improvements to the City's emergency operations.

On August 27, 2010 firefighters and friends from across our nation gathered in San Luis Obispo to offer a final farewell to a highly beloved fire service leader:



Chief Callahan is survived by his wife, Lynne, son John Christopher and daughter Danise.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Bid Final Farewell to Chief John Callahan

The early morning hours of December 4, 1984 were cool, quiet and peaceful for Los Angeles Airport Police Officers Joe Ransfer and Robert Lopez, on routine patrol of LAX and environs.

That was until about 4:50AM, when they were stunned to see flames piercing the roof of the one-story Proud Bird Restaurant not far from the airport's south runways.

As the Officers keyed their radio to request the first of 23 fire companies and eight rescue ambulances that would respond to the blaze, little could they imagine the commitment, bravery and unspeakable loss about to envelop the Los Angeles Fire Department in the coming minutes before dawn.

Before that December sun would rise, one Los Angeles Firefighter would succumb, a colleague would earn a Medal of Valor, four firefighters would be injured and an entire city would join a Fire Department in mourning.

Firefighter Benjamin Pinel never came home to his wife and 6 month old daughter that morning.

The sun has risen more than 9,000 times since - yet never have we forgotten this chapter in our history caused by the scourge of arson. We encourage you to learn more about that morning, 25 years ago today...

Benjamin Pinel's Last Alarm - The Proud Bird Restaurant Fire

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - 25 Years Ago Today: Arson Blaze Takes the Life of Firefighter Ben Pinel

From the Gardnerville, Nevada Record-Courier...

Award-winning firefighting publication editor James A. Perry, 69, was killed in a head-on accident on Thursday.

Perry was southbound on Highway 395 in a pickup when he collided head on with a Ford Expedition at 7:49 a.m. (Read More... )

Retired Captain Jim Perry was a legendary member of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Among his countless (and we use the term literally) accomplishments was establishment of the LAFD's media relations efforts through our Public Service Officer program.

Jim was a dear personal friend and strict but loving mentor who once sat in the very position our blog staff occupies today.

Words presently escape us in describing our loss - but as Jim would have wanted, we ask today for your thoughts and prayers for Kenneth Ceglia, the other driver, as well as the Perry and Ceglia families.

Memorial Ceremonies for Jim Perry - All are Welcome:

In Minden, Nevada...

Saturday, December 12th
1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
C.V.I.C. Hall
1602 Esmeralda Avenue
Minden, NV 89423

In Los Angeles, California...

Saturday, December 19th
10:00 AM
Frank Hotchkin Memorial Training Center
1700 Stadium Way
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Special rates have been established at hotels near both locations. Your on-line condolence is also welcome.


For additional information, we kindly refer you to the website of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (IAFF Local 112), where Jim was the proud editor of the multiple award-winning Los Angeles Firefighter newspaper at the time of his passing.

Rest in Peace Brother Jim, your work is done. # # #

(obituary)
(memorial service photos)
(memorial service photos)



Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Retired LAFD Captain Jim Perry Dies in Nevada Collision