In celebration of Black History Month, the City of Los Angeles Personnel Department is helping to coordinate the:

LAPD and LAFD Recruitment Expo 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
7901 South Vermont Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90044

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Firefighter or Police Officer in Los Angeles, or if you'd just like to know more about the Los Angeles Police Department or Fire Department, we hope you'll join us this Saturday for an event that is welcoming all members of the community.

For information about the Expo and your career, call: (213)473-9060


Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Police and Fire Recruitment Expo in Los Angeles

On Monday, February 16, 2009 at 9:30 AM, 5 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Heavy Rescue, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 1 EMS Battalion Captain, 1 Battalion Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Battalion Chief Ronald Jackson, responded to a Cliff Rescue at 3635 N. Vanalden Av. in Tarzana.

Firefighters responded to a reported hiker down in the canyon at approximately 9:30 a.m.. When Firefighters arrived on scene, they found 3 young hikers who indicated they heard someone calling out for help down in the canyon and may have been there over night with possible injuries. A request for aerial assistance by helicopter with hoist capabilities was canceled due to weather.

Firefighters utilized the Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) Team to assist in the rescue. It took Firefighters 20 minutes on foot to locate the hiker. Utilizing an assortment of tools, the hiker was freed from the vegetation. After being assessed by Paramedics for injuries, the hiker was secured in a litter basket and walked out utilizing a low angle, hoist operation. The medical concern of Firefighters was the possibility of hypothermia, from exposure to low overnight temperatures. The hiker was finally at street side by 11:05 a.m.

The hiker, a male 33, stated he had been hiking the previous day, when he slipped and fell down into the canyon. Unable to climb out, he spent the night partially entrapped in brush calling for help.

The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department would like to stress trail safety. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Hike with a partner or let someone know where you will be hiking. Take sufficient water and a fully charged cell phone. Remember that cell phone coverage in the mountains can be spotty. But most importantly - BE SAFE

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Hiker Rescued After Overnight Ordeal

On Monday, February 16, 2009 at 7:26 PM, 10 Companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, 2 LAFD Rescue Ambulances, 1 Arson Unit, 1 Urban Search and Rescue Unit, 2 EMS Battalion Captains, 2 Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, 1 Division Chief Officer Command Team, under the direction of Assistant Chief Robert Franco, responded to a Structure Fire at 1598 W. Beverly Bl. in the Civic Center area.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find a one story, L-shaped, 50 foot by 70 foot, commercial building with fire showing from the rear of the structure. Companies were quickly deployed to establish hose lines and vertical ventilation. The roof top ventilation team indicated that 4 to 5 ventilators were "blowing fire." Additional companies were called to assist in the fire fight.

The aggressive work, enabled 67 Firefighters to knock down the fire in 17 minutes. The fire was contained to the contents of 1 room in the rear of the occupancy. The business, Laser, Inc., was responsible for legal copying and processing. The cause of the fire was deemed electrical and the dollar loss was estimated at $200,000 [$100,000 structure, $100,000 contents]. There were no reported injuries to civilians or Firefighters. The address was corrected to 1517 W. Beverly Boulevard.

Submitted by d'Lisa Davies
Los Angeles Fire Department

READ MORE - Fire Destroys Local Printing Business

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