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 African American Firefighter Museum had an unveiling on June 14, 2011. Renowned sculptor Artis Lane created a large bust of Arnett L. Hartsfield, Jr.

In 1940 Hartsfield was the 80th African American to join the Los Angeles Fire Department. Although he is 92 years old he is still affectionately referred to as the “Rookie” a name given to him because he was not allowed to go through the Drill Tower due to segregation. Arnett later became a practicing attorney, professor and a Civil Service Commissioner.

You can visit this historic presentation at your African American Firefighter Museum located at 1401 S. Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90021.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Sculpture of Arnett L. Hartsfield, Jr Unveiled

On Monday, May 2, 2011, Los Angeles Firefighters held a special celebration for Robert Jones, a four year-old boy who suffered third-degree burns to his hands and fingers earlier this year.

Los Angeles firefighters were so inspired by the boy's spirit that they pledged to hold a special birthday party for him at the Torrance Memorial Medical Center, where he has undergone three months of treatment - that included painful skin grafts, in the hospital's Burn Center.

Firefighters chipped in with armloads of presents, giving Robert a joyous celebration that included balloons, cake and his very own authentic "Los Angeles Fire Department" jacket and helmet.

Robert was proudly named "Honorary Firefighter of the Day" and given a certificate for a future ride on an LAFD fire boat when he recovers. The Los Angeles Fire Department extends special thanks to the caring staff at Torrance Memorial Medical Center for Robert's remarkable recovery and promising future. 

Our friends at SafeKids U.S.A. offer important tips for preventing burns and scalds, while the Education Center at MySafe:LA provides a comprehensive (and free) on-line course for burn prevention.


Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Hold Special Celebration for Four Year-Old Burn Survivor

At 9:00AM on Thursday April 8th, the Los Angeles Fire Department Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team will come-to-the-rescue and help cleanup graffiti on the historic Eagle Rock. Why you ask?

Traditional removal methods have been deemed too dangerous for City workers. Therefore LAFDs elite USAR Team will remove this precarious paint from the 150 foot high famous rock as part of our training.

This graffiti cleanup comes from the urging of citizens, Council Member Jose Huizar along with the Department of Recreation and Parks, all of whom will be on hand for this undertaking.

It was hoped that recent rains would have washed away the vandalism from the south side of this well-known rock, unfortunately the down-pour just faded the paint. At a loss of anything else that could be done, efforts turned to the Fire Department for assistance. The LAFD agreed, pointing out that the removal could be used as part of our required training exercises. This creative solution helps restore a cultural landmark at no additional cost to the city.

"We cannot say enough how appreciate we are of the fire department for working with us to make this happen. They said yes the moment we asked them without hesitation."-Councilmember Huizar's Staff.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman

Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD USAR Team Removes Hard-to-Reach Graffiti

For 87 years of our 125 year history, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) have proudly worked alongside members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD).

On a daily basis for nearly nine decades, members of our similar sounding but separate agencies have brought strength to one another in facing the fiercest elements of man and nature.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby

It is therefore with great pride that LAFD Chief Millage Peaks and members of our agency congratulate LACoFD Chief Deputy Daryl Osby, chosen today by unanimous vote of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, to lead the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

A 27 year veteran of the LACoFD, Chief Osby achieves command of his 4,400-person agency following the retirement of Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman, a great friend of the LAFD who served as LACoFD's commander for 21 years.

Congratulations Chief Osby!


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Congratulates Newly Appointed LACoFD Fire Chief Daryl Osby

The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation invites you to join members of the Los Angeles Fire Department, community leaders and other LAFD supporters at the...

Los Angeles Fire Department 2011 Awards Luncheon
Thursday, March 3, 2011
11:30 AM
Hollywood Palladium
6215 West Sunset Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90028

Please join Fire Chief Millage Peaks as he presents the Medal of Valor, Medal of Merit, Special Commendations and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dress: Business Attire
RSVP by: February 24, 2011

Cost: General Public / $100 per ticket (all tables seat 10)
LAFD Sworn Members & LAFD Civilian Employees / $50.00 per ticket

For additional information, tickets and event sponsorship opportunities, please call (310) 552-4139.


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Awards Luncheon Announced for March 3 at the Hollywood Palladium

For those of us who have worked alongside him, it is seen as an honor long overdue...

LAFD Firefighter/Paramedic Ruben Terrazas
Eagle Rock Paramedic of the Year
Aaron Proctor
Eagle Rock Patch

At Eagle Rock's Fire Station 42, next to [Eagle Rock] City Hall , Ruben Terrazas is known as the jovial guy who's never short of a smile or a joke. But to his LAFD colleagues, Terrazas is the paramedic who has spent the past 31 years responding to medical emergencies at the oddest hours, particularly after midnight. Nicknamed "pee-wee" by his... (read more...)

Thank you Ruben, for more than three decades of selfless service to the people of Los Angeles. It is my honor and that of many others to call you both a mentor and a friend.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Ruben Terrazas Named Eagle Rock Paramedic of the Year

On the evening of November 15th, 2010 Fire Engine 77 responded to a 9-1-1 call for a person trapped under a vehicle at the 8000 block of Norris Avenue in Sun Valley. Firefighters arrived on-scene and found a flatbed tow truck with a SUV that appeared to have fallen half way off. A victim's feet were sticking out from underneath the vehicle, the rest of his body was pinned, rendering him unable to breath.

Firefighters quick thinking and the use of a specialized tool led to a rapid rescue. A battery powered Holmatro Rescue Tool was carefully placed under the frame of the vehicle on the drivers side and lifted the SUV enough for firefighters to remove the pinned victim. All this, along with using cribbing to stabilize the vehicle was completed within just two minutes. Firefighters on scene stated, "We feel the victim would not have survived if we did not have this tool". The LAFD has hydraulic powered Holmatro tools placed strategically through out the city, predominately on Truck Companies. However thanks to the generosity of La Tuna Canyon Community Association, Karen Bristing, Deken Jones & Neighborhood Councils this $9,823.00 tool was purchased just 9 months earlier for Engine 77. The donation of this unique tool led to a rapid extrication which along with medical aid rendered from Firefighter/Paramedics greatly improved the patients condition. He reportedly even asked to make a phone call to his boss while in the back of an ambulance on the way to Holy Cross Hospital. We are happy to state the patient was admitted for observation and is labeled in serious but stable condition. The Los Angeles Fire Department stresses the importance of using extreme caution if you ever have to go under a vehicle.

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Firefighters Use Specialized Tool to Save Man's Life

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department take pride in a credo of service that places the needs of others ahead of their own.

There are times however, when our efforts - no matter how valiant - should be rightfully overshadowed. One such time is on this 11th day of the 11th month. Please join us in taking time to ponder the following question...

WHAT IS A VET?

Some veterans bear visible signs of their service: a missing limb, a jagged scar, a certain look in their eye.

Others may carry the evidence inside them: a pin holding a bone together, a piece of shrapnel in the leg - or perhaps another sort of inner steel: a soul forged in the refinery of adversity.

Except in parades, however, the men and women who have kept America safe wear no badge or emblem. You can't tell a vet just by looking.

What is a Vet?

He is the cop on the beat who spent six months in Saudi Arabia sweating two gallons a day making sure the armored personnel carriers didn't run out of fuel.

He is the barroom loudmouth, dumber than five wooden planks, whose overgrown frat-boy behavior is outweighed a hundred times in the cosmic scales by four hours of exquisite bravery near the 38th parallel.

She - or he - is the nurse who fought against futility and went to sleep sobbing every night for two solid years in Da Nang.

He is the POW who went away one person and came back another -or- didn't come back at all.

He is the Quantico drill instructor that has never seen combat - but has saved countless lives by turning slouchy, no-account rednecks and gang members into Marines, and teaching them to watch each other's backs.

He is the parade-riding Legionnaire who pins on his ribbons and medals with a prosthetic hand.

He is the career quartermaster who watches the ribbons and medals pass him by.

He is the three anonymous heroes in The Tomb Of The Unknowns, whose presence at the Arlington National Cemetery must forever preserve the memory of all the anonymous heroes whose valor dies unrecognized with them on the battlefield or in the ocean's sunless deep.

He is the old guy bagging groceries at the supermarket - palsied now and aggravatingly slow - who helped liberate a Nazi death camp and who wishes all day long that his wife were still alive to hold him when the nightmares come.

He is an ordinary and yet an extraordinary human being, a person who offered some of his life's most vital years in the service of his country, and who sacrificed his ambitions so others would not have to sacrifice theirs.

He is a soldier and a savior and a sword against the darkness, and he is nothing more than the finest, greatest testimony on behalf of the finest, greatest nation ever known.

So remember, each time you see someone who has served our country, just lean over and say Thank You. That's all most people need, and in most cases it will mean more than any medals they could have been awarded or were awarded.

Two little words that mean a lot, "THANK YOU".

Remember, November 11th is Veterans Day.

One fine man often stated...

"It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag."

Father Denis Edward O'Brien, USMC Veteran

Rest Assured: The Men and Women of the LAFD Will Never Forget!


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - The LAFD Asks You: What is a Vet?

When it comes to vegetation fires in The Golden State, few months keep responders as busy as November - and few locations offer as much challenge and heartache as the often volatile and rugged Santa Monica Mountains that originate in and bisect the City of Los Angeles before commencing a 46 mile westward journey through the Counties of Los Angeles and Ventura.

It is both the suburban proximity and diversity of this scenic coastal range that makes it a national treasure and a vengeful adversary to firefighters.


It was seventeen years ago today, on November 2, 1993 that a small blaze in the Santa Monica Mountains fanned by 40 mile-per-hour winds, would become a nine-day conflagration that killed three civilians, overran or entrapped 74 firefighters and led to 565 firefighter injuries.

Known as the "Old Topanga Incident" this massive and relentless brush fire continues to serve as a global example of Fire Service teamwork and commitment. The official report from our friends at the County of Los Angeles Fire Department remains a worthy read:

Official Report of the "Old Topanga Incident"

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Nine Days of Hell in November: The Old Topanga Wildfire of 1993

A crash, a flash - a decision to act...

Those who follow LAFD Breaking News via Twitter or the LAFD_ALERT e-mail list may have noted this incident on Sunday morning. Thanks to Susan Abram and her multimedia team at the Daily News, we now have the rest of the story:

Susan Abram, Staff Writer
Daily News

Although police typically find themselves scanning witness videos for bad guys, on Monday they put out an alert for a couple of heroes.

Officers hope to find the good Samaritans who were captured on amateur video as they rescued a 69-year-old man from a burning car after a collision Sunday in Sherman Oaks. The duo was joined by another man armed with a fire extinguisher and a fourth who used a crowbar to try and break the car's windows.




"It could have been much worse if it wasn't for them," said Officer Jose Garcia of the LAPD's Valley Traffic Division.

Police said the classic 1932 Ford was... (read more...)

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department join Los Angeles Police Officers in hailing these far-from-bystanders for their selfless response. If you have additional information about the collision, or can help us recognize these brave members of our community, please contact the Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Traffic Division by calling (818) 644-8000.

(photos) (photos)

UPDATE: We're pleased to learn that 4 of the 5 good Samaritans have been identified. Please join us in praising these brave men, as we read more from the Daily News... (read more...)

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Raw Video: Good Samaritans Save Life in Sherman Oaks Crash

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department join generations of Los Angeles residents in offering our best wishes to legendary television journalist and LAFD friend Stan Chambers, who has announced his retirement after more than six decades of television news reporting.

The pioneering newsman, who spent his entire career at KTLA-TV, chose today - his 87th birthday, to make the announcement...

 

During the past 63 years, no reporter has gotten closer to the action, the truth - and the meaning of local stories than Stan Chambers.

We thank you Stan, for your many decades alongside us during firestorms, floods and disasters. It has been a profound honor for us to witness and be inspired by your work. Please enjoy a well earned retirement with our best wishes.

On August 19, 2010, Los Angeles Fire Chief Millage Peaks and City Councilmember Tom LaBonge honored Mr. Chambers with a luncheon at Fire Station 27 in Hollywood, followed by the ceremonial presentation of an Honorary Fire Chief's helmet and plaque at the adjacent LAFD Museum & Fallen Firefighter Memorial.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Legendary Newsman and Friend of LAFD Retires

America’s most famous immigrant, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, will join Haiti recovery activist and Oscar winner Sean Penn in honoring CNN anchor Anderson Cooper at the LA Press Club’s Journalism Awards Gala Dinner, on June 27, 2010 in the Crystal Room of the Los Angeles Biltmore Hotel.

LAFD Captain Jim Perry (1939-2009 )

This year’s awards show is dedicated to the memory of Los Angeles Fire Captain Jim Perry, a "firefighter’s firefighter" and a longtime supporter of both the awards and the Los Angeles Press Club.

"This star-studded night is a celebration of quality journalism," said incoming Press Club President Will Lewis, adding that the award ceremony "Serves as an inspiration for journalists who continue to uncover stories that matter."

Cocktails and Silent Auction begin at 5:00 PM, with Dinner and the Awards Program commencing at 6:00 PM. For additional information, call (323) 669-8081 or visit:

lapressclub.org

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - 52nd Annual SoCal Journalism Awards Dinner to Honor LAFD Legend Jim Perry

Though award-winning authoress Rosemary Stevens has appeared on countless bestseller lists for her Beau Brummell Mystery Series - and other works of fiction, something far from her imagination startled her awake earlier this week in Los Angeles...

At 3am Monday morning, just after Mother’s Day, I was awakened by the sound of running feet and raised voices in the hallway outside my apartment. My son, Tom, met me in the living room both of us wondering what the noise was. I have to admit my first thought was “drunken brawl.”

But it wasn’t anything as tame as a couple of drunks. Through the peephole, I could see five or six masked firemen in full gear standing outside our door, more firemen quickly filling up the hallway. And there was smoke. Lots and lots of thick, yellowish smoke. In seconds, the firemen were pounding on our door and telling us... (read more...)

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Through the Pre-Dawn Eyes of Rosemary Stevens...

Daily News columnist Dennis McCarthy reports...

The winds hit you first. They slam you side to side in your helicopter and beat your brains out, but you keep going.

A couple of your buddies are riding your tail, following your lead through a dark, smoky canyon at night.

They're counting on you getting them close enough to the flames for an effective water drop - then getting the hell out of there.

If you fail, you're tomorrow's tragic headline.

"You have to trust that guy," veteran Los Angeles City Fire Department pilot Jeff Moir says. "We all trusted Dale. He was that good."

After 35 years of fighting fires in this city, first from the ground then as a helicopter pilot for 28 of those years, Dale Gant retired Friday.

He made one last surveillance flight over mudslide areas to check catch basins before coming home to the operations center at Van Nuys Airport.

"I shut it down, looked at my helicopter, and... (more...)"

Thank you Dale, for 35 years of devoted service to our City and its Fire Department. Tonight, families parented by one of the countless young lives you saved in air ambulance responses will tuck their own children to bed in one of thousands of homes you helped spare from wind driven wildfire. Their lives - and ours, will forever be enhanced by your presence and professionalism. You are by any measure Sir, an angel among us.

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD's Dale Gant: Calling it Quits After 8,000 Hours of Risky Flying

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department welcome you to join them on Friday, February 19, 2010 in saluting Retired Firefighter Arnett L. Hartsfield, Jr. who is being feted as Honorary Fire Chief for the day.

The LAFD recognizes and honors the lasting contributions made by the legendary retiree, who along with others successfully lead the fight for racial integration of the LAFD during the mid-1950’s.

We hope you can join us for one or more of these events on Friday, February 19, 2010:

8:30AM - 9:15AM
African American Firefighter Museum
1401 South Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA

10:00AM - 10:30AM
City Hall Council Chambers
200 North Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA

10:45AM - 11:45AM
Los Angeles Fire Commission
200 North Main Street, Room 1820
Los Angeles, CA

12:15PM - 2:00PM
African American Firefighter Museum (Reception)
1401 South Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA

We encourage you to learn more about the inspiring history of African-American Firefighters by visiting:

www.aaffmuseum.org

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Celebrating a Legendary Firefighter: LAFD Retiree Arnett Hartsfield

The clocks stand still in Port-au-Prince, 4:53 PM; the time on January 12, 2010 when things forever changed in Haiti - and soon thereafter for millions the world over, most of whom watched in quiet disbelief as images of the nation's catastrophic earthquake became evident.

While most of us in Southern California stood with slackened jaws and heavy hearts, a team of 72 highly trained and deeply dedicated friends and neighbors began to quickly assemble in Pacoima, California for a mission they had long trained for yet hoped would never come.

For more than two decades, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has helped organize and support a system of regional Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Task Forces available for mobilization by State and Federal government on an as-needed basis.

Comprised of specially trained and equipped local firefighters and other certified responders, this nationwide network of 28 FEMA USAR Task Forces includes eight in the Golden State, two of which are maintain here in Los Angeles County.

Though FEMA USAR Task Forces are equally trained, equipped and certified, only two of our nation's teams are pre-designated for service beyond our borders through the United States Agency for International Development.

One of those teams ready for international deployment on January 12 was FEMA California Task Force 2 (CA-TF2), comprised of brave and dedicated men and women from the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

For those unaware, the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) are similar sounding but separate organizations.

With military speed and precision, the 72 member Los Angeles County Fire Department contingent of fire fighters and paramedics, rescue specialists, emergency room physicians, structural engineers, heavy equipment operators, canine search dogs and handlers, hazardous materials technicians, communications and logistics personnel were assembled and on their way as emissaries of the American people.

Laboring selflessly around the clock for 14 days against an everpresent backdrop of despair, destruction - and aftershocks, the members of CA-TF2 performed to the highest standards and in the finest tradition of the fire service, giving hope and often life to the people of Haiti.

Among CA-TF2's many successes was this videotaped rescue of a badly trapped woman...



We offer a respectful tip o' the LAFD helmet to the members of CA-TF2, their families and all who offered aid, including two LAFD personnel summoned to serve Incident Support Team functions in Haiti.

As Los Angeles Firefighters, but more so as Americans, we are humbled by your service, compassion and valor. Most of all, we loudly echo the words of Los Angeles County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman:

Job Well Done. Welcome Home!

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Salutes L.A. County Fire Department's USAR Team

As we end 2009, we want to thank you for supporting our mission - and more...

As you know, each morning more than 1,000 men and women you call neighbors and friends, rise before dawn to assume the responsibility of their life's work as Los Angeles Firefighters - never certain of what that day will bring.

What helps your firefighters perform at a peak level is the knowledge that should the unthinkable happen - and it does, that you will join us in being there for those they leave behind.

Though high profile annual events such as 'Hope For Firefighters' lend immeasurable support, the emergent needs of our widows, orphans and colleagues injured in the line of duty often exceed the generosity of those attending a single event.

That's why we are asking you to consider a special charity as a part of your year-end giving. The Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen's Fund is an established and trusted 501(c)3 charitable organization that has been supporting the needs of our fallen and their families since 1906.

Your simple click or call to (323) 259-5200 helps us know that there is indeed Hope For Firefighters. For additional information or to make an on-line donation, kindly visit:

www.lafra.org

...will you tell a friend?

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - With You, There is Hope For Firefighters...

Though the blaze occurred in the City of West Hollywood served by our friends at the Los Angeles County Fire Department - and not the LAFD, we're pleased to share word of an incident underscoring the need for Fire Prevention and Preparedness, as well as The 3 W's ™ that can save your life:

Fox 11's Jane Yamamoto reports...

The LAFD Reminds You: To survive a fire in your home, you need a Warning, a Weapon - and a Way Out! ™

• The "Warning" comes from your properly functioning Smoke Alarms, and then your manual activation of an apartment or hotel fire alarm system if applicable.
• The "Weapon" we speak of is the presence of a properly maintained Fire Extinguisher that you know how to use safely and effectively.
• The "Way Out" is a well planned and practiced Escape Plan that includes alternate exits, a common meeting place and a pledge that all family members will Get Out and Stay Out!

We join our colleagues at the Los Angeles County Fire Department in saluting Fox 11 Reporter Bob Decastro for his selfless actions in assisting a neighbor in need.

When a fire occurs in your home, will The 3 W's ™ be ready to save you and your loved ones? For more information on surviving fire, visit:

firesafety.gov

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Reporter's Emergency Underscores The 3 W's of Fire Survival

In welcoming the newest members of the Los Angeles Fire Department from Recruit Class 2008-4, we can affirm that our community is in capable and caring hands for decades to come...



Do you - or someone you know - have what it takes to be a Los Angeles Firefighter? To learn more, visit:

JoinLAFD.org

Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - LAFD Recruits: Having What it Takes...