by Ron MeyersLAFD PIO and Jon McDuffie

1st Vice PresidentOn Wednesday, March 26,

2008 at 1:57 p.m., Los Angeles’Bravest responded to an“Explosion” at 8800 S. Sepul-veda Boulevard in the Westch-

ester/LAX area. Upon theirarrival, firefighters discovered amanhole cover blown loose.Approximately 15 minutes afterthe fire department’s arrival,another manhole blast occurred.

At approximately 2:20 p.m.,additional firefighters were dis-patched to an office building

several hundred feet down thestreet on a “Reported StructureFire.” Upon arrival, firefightersentered the building to investi-gate the source of smoke. Whileattempting to enter a locked util-ity room, a catastrophic explo-sion occurred causing severeinjuries to two firefighters andminor injuries to one civilian.

Firefighter Brent A. “Lovey”Lovrien, age 35, a 13-year vet-eran of the fire service with 10years of LAFD service, died

shortly after arrival at the Cen-tinela Freeman Regional Med-ical Center. Engineer AnthonyJ. Guzman, age 48, an 18-yearLAFD veteran, was transportedto UCLA Medical Center inWestwood with multiple frac-tures and facial trauma. Bothfirefighters hail from Fire Sta-tion 95, “A” Platoon.

In accordance with depart-ment protocol a SignificantIncident Investigation Team(SIIT) was established by order

of the Fire Chief. The SIIT iscomprised of department per-sonnel of various ranks andbackgrounds, including repre-sentatives from UFLAC.

The “Green Sheet” – aninformational summary reportintended as a safety and train-ing tool, an aid to preventingfuture occurrences, and toinform interested parties – maybe found on the www.uflac.orgwebsite.

VOL. 46, NO. 3 May/June 2008

The

Los Angeles FirefighterOfficial Publication of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City—Local 112, IAFF, AFL-CIO-CLC

www.uflac.org

The Los Angeles Firefighter1571 Beverly Boulevard

Los Angeles, California 90026(#ISSN01907573)

May/June 2008

PERIODICALPostage Paid

atLos Angeles, CA

In This Issue . . .Article Page(s)LAFD Loses Three Active Firefighters . . . . . . . 1, 8, 9, 11 and 15Officer Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2, 3, 4, 2008 Al Whitehead Legislative Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 540 Years Ago – LAFD Photographer Snaps JFK Killer . . . . . . . 6Firefighters and Cancer – “The Risk is Real” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7“Hands Only” CPR backed by American Red Cross. . . . . . . . . . 7St. Baldrick’s Fund Raiser – Photos, March 15, 2008. . . . . . . . 10CPF and IAFF News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13Department in Action – Photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Firefighter Al Camacho Family Fund Raiser. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Explosion Kills L.A. City FirefighterSeriously Injures Another

Photo by Mike Meadows, EPN

Firefighter Brent A. Lovrien

In Remembrance...

Three Active LAFD MembersSee pages 8, 9, 11 and 15

Engineer Al Hernandez Fire Captain II Tom Dowling

Page 2 Los Angeles Firefighter May/June 2008

by Steve TuftsPresident

The death of Firefighter BrentA. “Lovey” Lovrien, the injuriessuffered by Engineer Anthony J.Guzman and the circumstancessurrounding the explosion inWestchester on March 26, 2008were a blow to paramedics andfirefighters in Los Angeles andaround the country. The twenty-four hour news networks repeat-ed the story in what seemed likean endless loop, reminding theworld in graphic terms that pro-tecting the public is a life threat-ening job; that those who chooseour line of work are a rare breed.

Just five hours before thecatastrophe of March 26th,Mayor Antonio Villaraigosastood before UFLAC membersat a General Membership meet-ing. As an invited guest of theExecutive Board, Mayor Vil-laraigosa spoke informally fortwenty minutes movingsmoothly through topics: theimportance of paramedics andfirefighters, the impact of both

the current and looming budgetcrises, and his personal feelingsabout negotiating with theUFLAC Executive Board.

The Mayor opened a 25minute question and answerperiod by taking a questionfrom Captain Juan Albarran ofFire Station 26. With eventones and a respectful manor,Juan said, “Mr. Mayor, whenyou talk about public safetyyou always say, ‘police andfire.’ Always police first, thenfire. Our job is dangerous too.Could you just say, ‘fire andpolice,’ once in a while?”

What sounded like a humor-ous but heartfelt statement atthe time would prove itself tobe one that would ring likechurch bells later that evening.No one knew that in the com-ing afternoon, evening, days

and weeks, millions of peoplewould be thinking and prayingfor Los Angeles’ Firefighters.

The outpouring for BrotherLovrien and Brother Guzmanfrom IAFF Locals (see con-dolances on page 9), from theLos Angeles Police ProtectiveLeague and our public safetysisters and brothers, elected offi-cials, and community members

was torrential. Each wish for thehealthy recovery of BrotherGuzman and each prayerful con-dolence that was asked to berelayed to the Lovrien familywas a reminder of the risks fire-fighters and paramedics takeeach day we go to work.

The uniformed throng offirefighters and police officersfrom across America, alongwith our extended family fromeach branch of the U.S. mili-tary, which lined the streets ofLos Angeles and the halls ofThe Cathedral of Our Lady ofAngels, was a reminder that wewere not alone in our grief.

The sight of Brother Guzman,lifting himself up from a wheelchair and standing proud tohonor Brother Lovrien at thefuneral was a reminder that wegrieve for the Soul that was lost,

while we must continue to standcourageously for each other.

What Now?We will continue to go to

work each day, put on a badge,and say to the public with ouractions, “Today, I am willing toprovide my own life as unse-cured collateral to say that you,not I, but YOU are important.”

We will continue to train sothat we may meet the chal-lenges with which we are con-fronted every time there is analarm. We have all heard,“Know your job, do your job,and do it right because otherscount on you,” and, “Train as ifyour life depends upon it,because it does.”

We are a rare breed. Wenever measure our own worth.We brush off acknowledge-ments because we love whatwe do. It is a sad reality that werarely think about how muchwe mean to each other and thepeople we serve until one of ushas paid the ultimate sacrifice.Brent paid that sacrifice andnow it is our duty to be worthyof the legacy he leaves behind.

The UFLAC Executive Boardwishes to say to the LovrienFamily: “May God care for youas I know He does for ourBrother Brent.” And to the menand women that make up theUFLAC membership: “Cherisheach moment as a gift and neverforget our dear Brother Brent.”

“Cherish Each Moment As A Gift And Never Forget…”

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa answering questions from UFLAC members at a General Mem-bership meeting. Photo by Jon McDuffie, 1st VP

by David PimentleSecretary

Hopefully by now, all worklocations have received a pack-et from UFLAC regarding therecently enacted FirefightersBill of Rights. This state lawwhich went into effect January1, 2008, protects the rights ofFirefighters who are underinvestigation that could resultin disciplinary action. UFLACand Management continue tomeet at the table to discuss justhow the Professional StandardsDivision and investigations ingeneral, will work. The packetcontained wallet sized copies ofthe Bill of Rights and should bekept by each member for refer-ence. In addition, a larger, plas-ticized version was distributedto place on the UFLAC bulletinboard at each work location.Please review and understandyour rights during the discipli-nary process. If you have anyquestions, please contact me atthe UFLAC office.

FLSA Lawsuit UpdateThis lawsuit has been mediat-

ed out of court and a settlementagreement of approximately$7.7 million dollars has beenrecommended. Each memberwho was a part of the lawsuithas received a letter stating howmuch their portion of recoverywould be and asking if they willaccept the offer. The City Attor-ney’s office is expected to rec-ommend to the City Council toexcept the offer as well. TheCity Council will have to voteon acceptance before the agree-ment is finalized. Remember,this was not a class action law-suit. You had to have signed upfor the suit individually to par-ticipate. Each individual’srecovery will be different aswell. How much you recoverwill depend on how long youwere on a non rotational RAand overtime hours worked.

EMS 5- Year Plan Update EAR Plan Update

The EMS 5- year plan willcontinue to move forward. InApril, Battalion 3 and Battalion13 will go rotational at every sta-tion. This will provide better andmore timely service to the citi-zens we serve. In addition, it willallow Firefighter/Paramedic’s toremain proficient at both jobresponsibilities and provide forworkload relief. Currently, thereare only 41 vacancies in all Para-medic positions. Paramedic posi-tions in six Battalions are fullystaffed, with five Battalion’shaving less then two vacancies.

Assign hires for the rank of Fire-fighter/Paramedic have been lessthen all other ranks for the pastthree months. The Departmentcontinues to work on developinga Paramedic School. TheLabor/Management EMS Work-group continues to meet and dis-cuss EMS issues. Topics to bediscussed in the future include;EMS Battalion Captain jobdescription and authority, train-ing/education, EMS reorganiza-tion, and a Paramedic TrainingOfficer position.

Workers CompensationUpdate

All members are reminded topre-designate the doctor of theirchoice before becoming sick orinjured. The form can be foundon the www.uflac.org homepage. Finding a specialist thatyou know and trust before youneed them will aid in yourspeedy recovery. Recently, Ihave seen some members whohave had to go on “state rate”because they failed to securelong term disability coverage.Many of our younger membersare purchasing short term insur-ance, thinking that if they getinjured, it will only be for ashort time. Don’t make this mis-take. In our occupation manyinjuries and job related illnessesare long term. UFLAC offerslong term disability insurance ata very affordable rate. Don’tcreate a financial burden foryourself and your family, get

this insurance. If you’re not sureif you have this insurance orwould like to start it, please con-tact the UFLAC BenefitsOffice. If you have suffered awork related injury or illnessand are having problems withsecuring care from Tristar,please let the Medical LiaisonUnit (MLU) and me know. Onour website, you can downloada complaint form and send it tome. Let’s be careful out there.

Paramedic EducationalBonus Update

UFLAC continues to pressthe need for resolution on thisissue. This issue affects over

460 Firefighter/Paramedic’s.To date, only a handful of thesemembers have received a retrocheck. UFLAC understandsyour frustration and will beasking for help from the Con-trollers Office.

That’s it for updates this issue.On a personal note, I just want-ed to express my condolencesand prayers to the family andfriends of Brothers Hernandez,Lovrien, and Dowling. Whei-ther it be personal struggles,emergency incidents, or dutyrelated, their loss is equally dev-astating. They will be missed,but never forgotten. God speedon your journey home Brothers.

From the Secretaries Desk…

Update on Issues of Concern

Anthony Guzman

by Steve Norris Second Vice President

Hello out there! Ever wonderwhere some/all of our (fire-fighter) benefits come from? Ormaybe you don’t wonder andjust accept them for what theyare and don’t loose any sleepover them. Well as I’m about toretire (May 15) I reflect back onmy career as a firefighter (since1971) and look at all the bene-fits that have been acquiredthrough the efforts of bothUnited Firefighters of LosAngeles City, Local 112(UFLAC) and the InternationalAssociation of Firefighters(IAFF) for all of us.

Where do you think the Pre-sumptive Laws came from(Heart, Lung, Cancer)? Majorlobbying efforts on Capital Hillon your behalf, that’s where.How about your DeferredCompensation and DROP pro-grams? Right again, lobbyingefforts to get legislation passedin Washington D. C. on yourbehalf by the IAFF.

Ever wonder why Congresswould pass legislation to enactthe SAFER and FIRE Acts?Again, it had to do with thepolitical savvy of the IAFFefforts lobbying members ofCongress and convincing themof our needs, (Staffing andEquipment).

How about the $305,000PSOB (LODD) benefit from thefederal government? You’recatching on! Yes, the IAFF lob-bying efforts in WashingtonD.C. The same as with the 2006HELPS bill which allows aretiree up to $3000 in health carepremiums on a tax free basis.

So why am I telling youall of this?

Well I’m of the belief that “ifyou snooze you loose.” WhatI’m pointing out to all of you isthat if we, collectively, areasleep and not involved, thenwe are apt to loose those so-called benefits that were sohard fought for.

The benefits that are gainedon the local, state (CaliforniaProfessional Firefighters (CPF)and national level in a large partare based on political relation-ships and support. On the locallevel, UFLAC is involved in thepolitical process from the cam-paigns of candidates up throughand including contributing tositting officeholders. On thenational level it is the IAFF thatlobbies on our behalf.

UFLAC has a PAC fundwhich we use wisely to make ourissues heard with the local politi-cians. Nationally, the IAFF hasestablished FIREPAC and withthe monies raised by the Interna-

tional, it supports members ofCongress (from both sides of theaisle) who support FIREFIGHT-ER ISSUES. That’s the crite-ria…elected officials who sup-port FIREFIGHTERS ISSUES.This means your issues! It isagainst the law for UFLAC tocontribute to congressional cam-paigns, so on the national level,UFLAC is represented by theIAFF.

So how do YOU get involvedin making sure that your voiceis being heard on Capitol Hill?Besides writing or calling yourrepresentative in Congress on aspecific issue and hoping forthe best, you can make a volun-tary contribution to FIREPAC.The IAFF does that lobbyingon your behalf.

UFLAC is exploring waysfor our members to participatein the FIREPAC program in ameaningful way. UFLAC’sExecutive Board believes thatthe more involved the member-ship is, the greater the benefit

to all... Conceptually, UFLACis working with the Interna-tional on a potential pay-check– check-off system where amember could have a relativelysmall amount deducted fromhis paycheck for FIREPACeach payday and these monieswould be directed towardsmembers of Congress who sup-port your concerns in the work-place. If everyone fromUFLAC donated the price of alatté a week ($2.50) our voiceswould be heard even more inthe halls of congress.

Just a reminder, over theyears we as firefighters havegained a tremendous amount inthe workplace. With today’seconomic climate (take away /cutbacks), I believe a relativelysmall investment periodically(pay check) will go a long wayto protect what you’ve earnedand deserve to keep. Thinkabout it people.

Thanks for listening and BESAFE OUT THERE.

May/June 2008 Los Angeles Firefighter Page 3

FIREPAC…The Time has come

by Frank LimaDirector

Since our last newspaper wehave had three active dutydeaths, and one life threateninginjury to our Local 112 broth-ers (duty and non-duty related).Our sincerest condolences goout to the families, crews, andfriends of our fallen andinjured brothers. It is amazingthat in our profession, life canchange on a dime, with norhyme or reason. One minuteyou’re training, laughing andenjoying camaraderie at theenginehouse, and the nextminute somebody can beresponding to their lastcall…our biggest fear.

I sat through the S.I.I.T. (Sig-nificant Incident InvestigationTeam) interviews as a UFLACrepresentative after FirefighterLovrien’s ultimate sacrifice. Iwant to give praise to TaskForce 95 and all members onthat fateful scene, and com-mend them for their heroism,professionalism, and couragethey demonstrated after theexplosion. They tackled adver-sity, worked tirelessly in astressful, chaotic, life-threaten-ing situation and did every-thing possible to get theirbrothers extricated and rapidlytransported.

Learn from MaggieThe LAFD has a history and

long tradition of great local andnational handball champions.One of the great ones is Vito

“Maggi” Maggipinto. Althoughyou would never know it look-ing at him today, Maggi is 84years old and served on theLAFD from 1948 – 1977, retir-ing as an Engineer.

I recently learned of Maggi’spatriotic service in World WarII. At the age of 20, Maggiewas a Naval Officer, serving asan Ensign on a mine-sweeperduring the invasion of Nor-mandy when his ship was sunkby Germans. Maggie receiveda “Purple Heart” for injuriessuffered during that battle andwas very lucky to get out alive.We are all lucky that Maggiemade it out alive because of hiscontinued dedication to ourcountry, his beautiful familyand the LAFD.

Maggi taught me a valuablelesson about life and the LAFDfamily recently when I saw himat Engineer Al Hernandez’Rosary. Maggi brought his wifeto the service, sat in the backand paid his respects.

When he was leaving, I said“Hi Vito, I didn’t know youknew the Hernandez family”.Maggi’s response was, “I’venever met the Hernandez fami-ly, but I heard he died, and he’spart of our LAFD family, thatmeans he’s part of my family.It’s important to me to comeand pay respect to our LAFDfamily member whether I knewhim or not”. What a beautifulman we can all learn from.

Most remember Maggi forhis national champion handballstatus (see his trophies at theLAFD museum), but I’llalways remember him for pay-ing respect to an LAFD familymember he never even met. Isthat not what the LAFD is allabout? What a classact…thanks Maggi, forreminding us how importantour brothers and sisters are, andto never forget our roots; fami-ly and friends.

Union Brothers and Sisters

Isn’t it easy to be nice andtreat everyone with respect?We still have Deputy Chiefsthat can’t figure out this simpleconcept.

Let me tell you about anotherbrother whose life was one ofclass… Bobby came on in theearly 60’s, was an old Battalion8, 22’s guy that spent his last20+ years at Fire Station 94.Bobby was special because healways treated everyone thesame. Whether it was a home-less person, somebody in thecommunity, a rookie firefight-er, or the fire chief, he wouldtreat everyone with respect. Helived that way every day of hislife and I was lucky to work forhim.

I’m going to leave you with aquote (Grillette) to think aboutthat hung on Retired Captain IIBobby Brooks’ locker (May hissoul rest in peace).

“I expect to pass throughthis world but once. Any goodthing therefore, that I can do,or any kindness that I canshow to any fellow humanbeing, let me do it now. Letme not defer or neglect it, forI shall not pass this wayagain”.

Captain II Test – RequestThe filing for the Captain II’s

exam came out and recom-mended leadership reading isin a book titled “It’s Your Ship:Management Techniques forthe Best Damn Ship in theNavy” by Michael Abrashoff.

It’s been a recommended read-ing book on the www.uflac.orgwebsite for years. After readingthe book and comparing noteswith others who have read it(Battalion Chiefs included),there are many key points onhow to be a successful leader.

It’s clear that this bookapplies to more than just thecommand/leadership on water.

Abrashoff states that it isessential for a leader to berespected (BES?), trusted andeffective….and to motivateemployees so they work withpassion, energy and enthusi-asm. Abrashoff also permitsdissent…he actually encour-ages it. Remember “yes” menand “yes” women can do asmuch harm as the “it won’twork” crowd.

Our Deputies have surround-ed themselves with “yes” menfor years, and if someone dis-agreed, they’d be on their retal-iation hit list. They instructpotential new Task Force Com-manders (Captain II’s) to readthe book, when in reality, allchiefs running the departmentshould read it, and actuallyapply it instead of talking aboutit. To be fair, there are somechiefs that do get it…and tothose, “Thank you!”

When common sense, basicleadership skills, and the powerof love (in our LAFD family)overcome the love of power(Deputies), the LAFD willbecome a better place.

Safety• Roof safety formula:• Always ladder uninvolved

to the involved (exception –roof ladders)

• Properly sound for structur-al integrity

• Always use a proper route(bearing wall, lam beams, etc.)and never walk cross- country.

Be safe out there and GodBless our fallen heroes.

Life is Precious...

Learn from the Good Guys

Ensign Vito “Maggi” Maggipinto receiving a Purple Heart forinjuries suffered during the invasion of Normandy in WWII.

Page 4 Los Angeles Firefighter May/June 2008

by Rey DelgadoDirector

As I listened to the newsreports of two Los AngelesFirefighters injured in anexplosion, my heart sank. Alltoo often these types of inci-dents conclude with seriousinjuries and death.

The worst was later con-firmed. Both Firefighters werelisted in critical condition. Fire-

fighter Brent Lovrien paid theultimate price and EngineerAnthony Guzman was serious-ly injured in a routine call.

With a deep feeling of loss Ibegan wondering what FireStation 95 was like that fatefulmorning. Brent and Anthonyprobably arrived at work likeany other day. They beganpreparing for duty as LosAngeles City Firefighters, likeany other day. But this was notgoing to be “like any otherday”. As they sat in the kitchendrinking their coffee I couldimagine them solving all theproblems of the world like weall do every morning we go towork.

Even though we all signed onknowing that we are profes-sional firefighters willing toput our lives on the line, it’s noteasy when you lose a fellow

firefighter.Our hearts and prayers are

with the family of Brent andAnthony. Our deep felt com-passion is also with the entirecrew of Fire Station 95.

Maybe this will be areminder that we should treatlife as precious as it is and nottake the simple things forgranted. The next time we aresitting at the kitchen tablemaybe we will be a little moreappreciative of the member sit-ting next to us.

Unfortunately we lose toomany firefighters every year.The feeling that we lived life toits fullest and we treated eachother with respect and dignitywill go a long way when one ofus responds to “The LastAlarm”.

Take care of each other myBrothers and Sisters.

Just an Ordinary Morning

by Jobe LeonDirector

First let me say that I’mdeeply saddened by the loss ofthree members of the LAFD inthe last six weeks; Engineer AlHernandez, Firefighter Brent A.Lovrien, and Captain TomDowling. I extend my heartfeltsympathies to the families andfriends of our fallen brothers.

This Department is goingthrough a change, a big change,from maturity to youth. Ourdepartment is very young. Thereare 816 firefighters that haveless than five years on the joband 596 firefighters with five toten years on the job. That aloneis 1412 out of a total of 2182firefighters on the LAFD. Anddon’t forget, we have aboutthree new recruit classes everyyear. We have 262 firefightersbetween ten and twenty yearsand 508 firefighters with overtwenty years.

I have met many of the youngmen and women who will be thefuture leaders of the department.This is nothing new; I was partof the youth movement in myday and every department, busi-ness or corporation goes through

the same evolution.One thing that has been trou-

bling throughout the years onthis department is the level ofnon participation or involmentin UFLAC. Whether it is vot-ing for members who representus on the Executive Board, vot-ing for bylaw changes or vot-ing to ratify our contracts forpay adjustments, benefits andworking conditions, very fewget involved.

It is very important for ourmembers to get involved intheir Union. It is your onlyvoice in the areas just men-tioned. This job is one of themost stressful and dangerousjobs out there and you needto be aware of the conditionsaffecting your job and wel-fare.

Like I stated earlier, thisdepartment is young, but mostof the members are coming onthe job much older than in prioryears. Many of these membershave BA and Master Degrees,married and have children.

Some new members have apassive interest in UFLAC. Tobe honest, when I came on thejob I was also passive. I wasvery content to be a firefighter,and all was right with theworld. Good pay and workingconditions, time off to playbasketball, scuba diving, skidiving and snow skiing…I didnot have a care in the world.We can’t be that way in today’sworld.

Everyone knows that theprice of gas, food and clothesare going up and med-

ical/health care costs are esca-lating. It’s safe to say thateverything is going up and Idon’t see an end to this. That’swhy you need to get involved.

In November 2006, only 1870members voted out of approxi-mately 3600. During our lastcontract ratification, approxi-mately 600 members voted andthe contract was narrowlyapproved.

Only 791 members voted forthe recent bylaw changes inNovember of last year.

This job, like the LAPD andCHP, requires you to put yourlife on the line from time totime. Protect you and your fam-ily by being more active in yourUnion. It’s your ship, steer it onthe right course…it’s your futurethat is at stake!

Get involved…

Attend Union Meetings and be Part of the Solution

Nine Companies of LosAngeles Firefighters, sixLAFD Rescue Ambulances anda myriad of LAFD resourcesresponded to “ReportedSmoke” at10112 W. RiversideDr. in the Studio City area.

The first arriving companyon scene found a two story rowof commercials with lightsmoke coming from one uniton the first floor. As companieswere trying to locate the sourceof the smoke, heavy fire andsmoke erupted from the TolucaLake Chiropractic office. Fire-fighters worked diligently,deploying 2-1/2 inch hose linesto get water on the seat of thefire in concert with roof topventilation.

Radio Shack, located directlyabove the fire origin, hadsmoke emanating from thatoccupancy. During the intensefire fight, a firefighter steppedthrough a burned out area on

the second floor and fellthrough to the first floor. Hewas immediately rescued andtaken to the Medical Group,where he was evaluated, treat-ed and transported to an areahospital with minor injuries.

It took approximately 76firefighters forty three minutesto get a knockdown on the fire.The damage was contained tothe storage area of the firstfloor Chiropractic office. Thesecond floor storage area forRadio Shack sustained minorsmoke damage. The dollar lossestimate and the cause of thelate night blaze was undeter-mined until the completion ofthe investigation. The injuredfirefighter was listed in stablecondition and no other injurieswere reported.

Information byd'Lisa Davies, LAFD PSO

Photo byMike Meadows, EPN

Firefighter Injured in Late Night Studio City Fire

by Frank LimaDirector

Paramedic John Keys (anda proud UFLAC Local 112member) has been on theLAFD since May 1973, andis currently assigned to FS 69

“B”. In addition to his regu-lar duties as a Paramedic,John’s commitment to othersis exceptional.

Recently the Fire Depart-ment recognized John for hismany years of service with a

LAFD Bagpiper John KeysReceives “Special Badge”

one of a kind ‘Bagpiper’ badgeat a presentation during a Firecommission meeting. John’sfour-days off usually consistsof driving hundreds of milesaround Southern California tofunerals to play AmazingGrace and other music for fall-en firefighters and lawenforcement agencies, or driv-ing to the opening of a new fire

station to play for dignitaries.John is the only member

playing the pipes on the LAFD,and has always represented ourDepartment well. For yearsJohn has accepted this rolewithout reservation, and oftenwithout reimbursement fromthe city. Thank you John foryour dedication to others serv-ing the public.

L to R: Fire Commissioner Andrew Friedman, LAFD Fire Chief Douglas Barry, Fire Commis-sioner Jill Furillo, Firefighter Paramedic John Keyes, Fire Commission Vice PresidentCasimiro Tolentino, Fire Commissioner Diana Bonta and Fire Commission President Hud-ley-Hayes. Photo by Patrick Butler, LAFD

May/June 2008 Los Angeles Firefighter Page 5

More than 840 IAFF leadersdescended on Washington, DCMarch 9-12, 2008, for theIAFF Alfred K. WhiteheadLegislative Conference and togarner support for the IAFF’s2008 legislative agenda.

Attending and representingUnited Firefighters of LosAngeles City, Local 112 werePresident Steve Tufts, Secre-tary Dave Pimentle, 2nd VicePresident Steve Norris, Direc-tors Rey Delgado, FrankLima, Mike Tobey, and EditorJim Perry.

The number-one legislativepriority is passage of the PublicSafety Employer-EmployeeCooperation Act giving allpublic safety workers collec-tive bargaining rights.

The legislative agenda alsoincludes the creation of earlyretiree health insurance and theenactment of federal fire fight-er presumption laws. And, forthe first time, the IAFF is alsoseeking congressional supportfor compliance with NationalFire Protection Association(NFPA) standards.

In his welcome address to thedelegates, IAFF General Presi-dent Harold Schaitbergerreminded attendees of theimportance of political action— whether lobbying their con-gressional leaders on CapitolHill or local elected officials intheir hometowns.

“While our members are outbusting their butts on the job,willing to sacrifice themselvesfor mere strangers, laying it onthe line serving their communi-ties, it’s our job to bust ourbutts to serve and protect them— and that’s just what we’redoing!” said Schaitberger.

He recalled a time whenthere were few presumptivelaws, no training programs, andno PSOB benefits or definedpension plans. But the IAFFhas worked hard since thosedays to establish laws to bringthose benefits to professionalfire fighters.

Lobbying efforts by theIAFF, its leadership and mem-bers will help national collec-tive bargaining legislation passin the U.S. Senate. “Thanks tothe leadership of Ted Kennedy(D-MA) and Judd Gregg (R-NH), we have our 60-plusvotes, including 11 Republicanco-sponsors,” Schaitbergerreported.

“When it comes to the floor,we will pass it, bringing us onestep closer to every IAFFmember having the same basicrights other employees in thiscountry have enjoyed for thelast 75 years,” he said.

Noting that the current eco-nomic downturn the UnitedStates is likely to trickle downto local cities and municipali-ties, Schaitberger encouragedfire fighters to remain united intheir goals. “Through strengthin numbers, many battles willbe won,” he said.

“We will pull together in thetough times. We will lead theway into the most challengingof circumstances and, at theend of the day, we will onceagain be victorious for our

members and their families.”For more information about

the current IAFF legislativeagenda, visit the IAFF web siteat www.iaff.org.

IAFF Legislative Conference Speakers

Webcast Available Onlineat www.iaff.org

The annual IAFF Alfred K.Whitehead Legislative Con-ference remains one of thelargest and most successful inthe House of Labor. As aresult of our strong bipartisanlobbying and political efforts,the IAFF is able to attractpowerful and influential legis-lators from both sides of theaisle, as well as top adminis-tration officials, recognizedpundits and leaders in the fireservice community.

This year’s lineup included:

RepresentativePete Stark (D-CA) Chair,

Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health Care

RepresentativeGeorge Miller (D-CA) Chair,

House Education and Labor Committee

SenatorJim Webb (D-VA)

Former Secretary of the Navy

SenatorChris Dodd (D-CT) Chair,Senate Banking Committee

GovernorBrian Schweitzer (D-MT)

Jim Shannon President and CEO of NFPA

MSNBC’s “Hardball” AnchorChris Matthews

FEMA Administrator Dave Paulison

RepresentativeJohn Shimkus (R-IL)

SenatorDick Durbin (D-IL)

Senate Majority WhipRepresentative

Thad McCotter (R-MI) Chair,Republican Policy

Committee

IAFF Legislative AgendaCollective Bargaining —

the IAFF strongly supports the

Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act andencourages senators to supportthe bill.

Health Insurance for EarlyRetirees — the IAFF urgesmembers of Congress to co-sponsor the Medicare EarlyAccess Act to give people ages55-64 the option to buyMedicare coverage.

National Fire Fighter Safe-ty Standards — the IAFF sup-ports adoption of national con-sensus standards for safe firedepartment operations and sup-ports legislation to promotecompliance with such stan-dards.

Federal Fire Fighter Pre-sumptive Disability — theIAFF supports the FederalFirefighters Fairness Act andencourages members of Con-gress to co-sponsor the legisla-tion.

FIRE Act and SAFERReauthorization — the IAFFis laying the groundwork forthe reauthorization of thesegrant programs, which Con-gress will consider in 2009.

National Urban Search andRescue Response System —the IAFF supports legislationto codify this program into lawand strengthen protections forUS&R members.

National Security Person-nel System — the IAFF sup-ports reforms to the NSPSincluded in the Fiscal Year2008 National Defense Author-ization Act signed into law Jan-uary 28, 2008.

Emergency Communica-tions — the IAFF continues towork with Congress and otherpublic safety organizations toestablish a state-of-the-art pub-lic safety communications net-work that meets the needs offire departments nationwide.

Funding for 9/11 HealthMonitoring and Treatment— the IAFF is working toincrease federal funds to assuremedical monitoring and treat-ment services for emergencyservices rescue/recovery per-sonnel.

Social Security — the IAFFopposes mandatory SocialSecurity coverage for non-par-ticipating public sectoremployees.

Aircraft Rescue and FireFighting Standards — theIAFF supports a provision inthe House-passed FAA Author-ization Act to update and

IAFF Unveils Aggressive Legislative Agenda

UFLAC Delegates to the 2008 Al Whitehead Legislative Con-ference, with the U.S. Capitol in the background. L to R: MikeTobey, Steve Tufts, Rey Delgado, Frank Lima, David Pimentleand Steve Norris. Photos by Jim Perry

L to R: UFLAC President Steve Tufts, U.S. Senator ChrisDodd and IAFF General President Harold Shaitberger.

L to R: Frank Lima, U.S. Congressman Xavier Becerra andSteve Tufts.

strengthen ARFF standards andis urging the Senate to includethe provision in its bill.

Student Loan Forgiveness— the IAFF supports expand-ing student loan forgivenessprograms for fire fighters.

OSHA Coverage — theIAFF supports legislation toexpand OSHA coverage to allpublic sector workers.

HELPS II — the IAFF sup-ports improvements to theHELPS program to ensure thatall fire fighters can participate.

United States Fire Admin-istration — the IAFF supportsH.R. 4847 and S. 2606 to makeimprovements to the USFA.IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger reminded attendees of the importance of politi-

cal action during his welcome address.

Page 6 Los Angeles Firefighter May/June 2008

40 years ago… “Exclusive to The Los Angeles Firefighter”

LAFD Photographer Captures Photos of RFK Killer with Gun in Hand

by Jim PerryEditor

On the morning of June 5,1968 I arrived at my office inLAFD headquarters on the dayafter Democratic Presidentialnominee Robert F. Kennedywas assassinated. Two FBIagents were waiting for meand demanded any photos and

negatives that anyone had ofthat incident. I told them thatthe fire chief would decidewhat we would do with any-thing the LAFD had posses-sion of.

Fire Chief Ray Hill told meto “dismiss” the FBI agents andtake the photos and negativesto the LAPD and copies of the

photos to the Los AngelesGrand Jury. That was done thesame morning.

The letterhead report printedbelow is self-explanatory. Thephotographer, Harold Burba,an active LAFD Auto Firemanwas detailed to the Photo Unit

and took dramatic photos of theassassination on that fatefulnight.

The series of photos thatBurba took showed severalmen grappling with the assas-sin, Sirhan-Sirhan, and takingthe murder weapon away

from him.Burba, a very modest man,

requested that I not show thephotos until after he passedaway. Now, after 40 years, thisis the first time any of thosephotos were published.

Brother Harold, rest in peace.

Auto Fireman HaroldBurba retired from the LAFDin October, 1969 after 27years of active service. Burba

had been assigned to theLAFD Photo Unit for severalyears before civilians replaceduniformed personnel. Hescored No. 1 on the Los Ange-les Civilian Photography listand was appointed to theLAFD as a civilian photogra-pher the day after his servicepension took effect. Burbareceived a Special Commen-dation from Fire Chief Ray-mond M. Hill for personalaction taken at the Ambassa-dor Hotel during the Robert F.Kennedy assassination.

LAFD Photo byDennis Murdoch

RFK supporters subdue assassin Sirhan-Sirhan in the kitchen area of the AmbassadorHotel in Los Angeles. Upper right, former LosAngeles Ram football player Rosie Grier isshown rushing in to help remove the gun fromSirhan’s grip.

This enlarged close-up shows LAFD Photographer HaroldBurba directly in the line of fire while the gun is being takenfrom Sirhan’s grip.

This historical photo appeared in the Los Angeles Times on June 5, 1968 wastaken by Boris Yaro (now retired), a career winning photographer and greatfriend of the LAFD.

May/June 2008 Los Angeles Firefighter Page 7

by Anne CliffordConsultant

Fickewirth & AssociatesIn 2006, a study in the

Journal of Occupational andEnvironmental Medicinedemonstrated that firefightershave an increased risk of devel-oping certain types of cancer.As UFLAC members know,firefighters are exposed tomany potentially hazardoussubstances, including dieselengine exhaust, soot, benzene,chloroform, styrene andformaldehyde. These sub-stances may be inhaled orabsorbed through the skin.

To assess the risk of canceramong firefighters, Universityof Cincinnati researchers con-ducted a “meta-analysis,” inwhich they evaluated informa-tion from 32 previously pub-lished studies, which includedinformation about more than100,000 firefighters.

Several types of cancer weremore common among firefight-ers than among other workersin other fields:

Firefighters were roughly50% more likely to developmultiple myeloma.

Firefighters were twice as like-ly to develop testicular cancer.

Firefighters were 28% morelikely to develop prostate can-cer.

The researchers suggestedthat ongoing attention to pro-tective gear for firefightersMUST be a priority, and thatfirefighters should wash thor-oughly after fighting a fire.

This information is of vitalimportance to UFLAC mem-bers, and each of these cancersdeserves its own article. In thisissue of the UFLAC newsletter,we will focus on multiplemyeloma, and in upcomingissues we will discuss testicularcancer and prostate cancer.

What is Myeloma?Myeloma is a cancer of the

bone marrow cells that affectsproduction of blood cells andweakens bone. According tothe International MyelomaFoundation (IMF), studieshave shown that firefighters areat higher risk for myeloma, andthe risk increases with lengthof service.

“At the InternationalMyeloma Foundation, ourown research demonstrates alink between myeloma andtoxins in the environmentincluding dioxins, chemicalcontaminants produced bycombustion,” said BrianG.M. Durie, M.D., chairmanand co-founder of the IMF.“When firefighters leave afire, they may be coveredwith toxins that can lead tolong-term risks. That is whyit is essential for them tolimit the exposure and seekexpert medical help whenthey need it.”

Important GuidelinesThe IMP Guidelines to help

prevent myeloma are as fol-lows:

Firefighters should havetheir turnouts professionallycleaned routinely, and avoidwearing or storing theirturnouts in fire station livingareas. The frequency of clean-ing depends on their level ofactivity. Turnouts in livingquarters or private cars canspread the contamination.

Firefighters should showeras soon as they return fromeach fire to remove the sootand ash. Firefighters canreturn from a fire exhausted, sothoroughly scrubbing off thesoot may not be a top priority,but an immediate shower canlimit the exposure to toxins andreduce the risk.

Fire departments shouldreview and update guidelinesfor use of personal protectiveequipment (PPE). Firefightersmay not always perceive a dan-ger, but risks may lurk wherethey are least expected. Whenin doubt, firefighters shouldchoose the side of safety andfollow their department guide-lines.

It is advisable for depart-ments to equip fire engineswith exhaust removal sys-tems. If not available, avoididling the engines indoorswithout adequate ventilation.There is some evidence thatchemicals in diesel fumes maybe linked to cancer, and multi-ple exposures in closed quar-ters can increase the risk andleave potentially toxic residuesbehind.

In addition, firefightersshould follow these medicalguidelines:

Firefighters should pursueand complete annual medicalexams. And they should dis-cuss possible cancer risks withtheir physicians.

Firefighters diagnosed withmyeloma should seek expertmedical care. This informationis available through the IMPand the Firefighter Cancer Sup-port Network.

These guidelines are issuedin cooperation with the Fire-fighter Cancer Support Net-work (FCSN), making fire-fighters, active and retired,aware of the importance ofproper cancer screenings andreducing hazardous exposuresto themselves and their imme-diate family members. TheFCSN can be found on theinternet at:

http://www.firefightercancersupport.org.

The IMF guidelines werefound on another excellentwebsite:

http://www.fireengineering.com.

Finally, you can learn moreabout the International Myelo-ma Foundation at:

http://www.myeloma.org.* * *

Note: Blue Cross of Califor-nia Changes Name!

Beginning April 1, 2008,Blue Cross of California, thestate’s largest health benefitscompany with more than 8.4million members, will adopt thetrade name Anthem Blue Cross.

As part of the move to theAnthem brand, Blue Cross’s

affiliate BC Life & HealthInsurance Company haschanged its name to AnthemBlue Cross Life and HealthInsurance Company, and itssubsidiary Blue Cross of Cali-fornia Partnership Plan willuse the trade name AnthemBlue Cross Partnership Plan.Consumers first began to seeand hear the Anthem BlueCross name on March 23,when the company introduceda new advertising campaignthroughout the state. The ads,running on television, in printand on radio emphasize thecommitment Anthem BlueCross has made to improvingthe health of the people inCalifornia.

Those who log onto the for-mer Web site at:

www.bluecrossca.com willbe automatically re-directedto the new Web site at:

www.anthem.com/ca.Through the Anthem Blue

Cross CaliforniaCare HMOand Prudent Buyer PPOplans, UFLAC members andtheir families have access tothe finest doctors and two ofthe most extensive networks inthe state. With Californi-aCare, you can build a rela-tionship with your primarycare physician and receivealmost all benefits includingoffice visits, hospitalization,surgery, routine physicalexams, well baby care andeven vision and hearingexams, for little or no out-of-pocket cost. Additionally, Pru-dent Buyer is the best fee-for-service type health plan avail-able for UFLAC members.

Your Health…

Firefighters and Cancer: The Risk is Real

Even people without CPRtraining can save the life of anadult whose heart stops, andthe American Heart Associa-tion has issued an advisory urg-ing everyone, trained or not, toact immediately in such anemergency.

Hands-Only (Compression-Only) Cardiopulmonary Resus-citation: A Call to Action forBystander Response to AdultsWho Experience Out-of-Hos-pital Sudden Cardiac Arrest. AScience Advisory for the Pub-lic from the American HeartAssociation Emergency Car-diovascular Care Committee.

The procedure is simple: ifyou see an adult collapse afterhaving a heart attack, immedi-

ately call 911 and then pushhard and fast in the middle ofthe chest continuously, untilemergency medical personnelarrive or an external defibrilla-tor can be used.

Dr. Michael R. Sayre, thelead author of the recommen-dations, said in a telephoneinterview that the ideal wouldbe 100 pushes a minute withenough force to make the chestgo down two inches, but, headded, “there is no need to usea metronome and a ruler.” Dr.Sayre is an associate professorof emergency medicine at OhioState University.

CPR, or cardiopulmonaryresuscitation, can more thandouble the survival rate in car-

diac arrest, but only about athird of people who collapseget CPR from bystanders.

The advice does not applyto cardiac arrest in children,or that due to drowning ordrug overdose, which usuallyrequire rescue breathing. Nordoes it apply when thebystander does not see thecollapse, since it might nothave been cardiac arrest.

But the exceptions, Dr. Sayresaid, are only about a quarter ofall cardiac arrests. “We wantpeople to act no matter what,”he said, “and one of the reasonsit’s important to take a CPRclass is because of this other 25percent.

“But doing chest compres-sions alone in these situationsis better than doing nothing,”he said. “Even for children, theprocedure would be the same.”

Chest compression keepsblood flowing, but it does notreoxygenate the blood, asmouth-to-mouth resuscitationdoes.

The recommendations, beingpublished in the April issue ofCirculation, are based on newstudies of CPR techniques.They update advisories pub-lished in 1997 and 2005.

Numerous studies in animals,and five others in humans, have

convinced experts that hands-only CPR from an untrainedbystander is usually as effec-tive as CPR with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation performedby a person trained in the tech-nique.

There may be several rea-sons. Rescuers performing tra-ditional CPR take longer tostart than those who use handsonly, maybe because it takesmore time to prepare, intellec-tually and emotionally, for themore complex and intimateprocedure. Studies have alsoshown that bystanders per-forming conventional CPRinterrupted chest compressionsfor longer than the recom-mended 10 seconds whiledoing mouth-to-mouth resusci-tation, resulting in fewer com-pressions.

Surveys suggest there maybe reluctance to performmouth-to-mouth resuscitationbecause of fear of infection, butthis is probably a minor barrier.More commonly, CPR-trainedbystanders cite panic and fearof causing further harm as rea-sons for inaction. Such fearsare unwarranted.

“If you do nothing, the per-son will die,” Dr. Sayre said.“And you can’t make themworse than dead.”

“Hands Only’ CPR backed by American Red Cross

Experts recommend chest compressions in cases of cardiac arrest.

Page 8 Los Angeles Firefighter May/June 2008

In Loving Memory…

Brent LovrienActive Firefighter III

Fire Station 95, “A” Platoon

Born: December 13, 1972Appointed to LAFD: September 28, 1997

Died (LODD): March 26, 2008

The officers and members of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City

Local 112, IAFF, AFL-CIO-CLC extends heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Brother

Brent Lovrien during this very difficult time.

Remembering Brent “Lovey” Lovrien

4 Photos by Mike Meadows, EPNPhoto by Jeff Zimmerman, EPN

Photo by Jeff Zimmerman, EPN

Photo by Rick McClure, LAFD

May/June 2008 Los Angeles Firefighter Page 9

In Loving Memory…Captain II Thomas Dowling lost his battle against cancer

on Friday, March 28, 2008. Tom, a 53 year old with 31years of service to the LAFD will be sorely missed. A longtime Board member and former President of the Los Ange-les Firemen’s Relief Association, Tom’s legacy will foreverlive in the hearts of all he touched. Unfortunately, at thetime this paper goes to press, we are still saying goodbye toTom. An article befitting the celebration of life that hedeserves will be included in the next edition of the LosAngeles Firefighter.

by Frank LimaDirector

Alfredo Hernandez was bornin Havana, Cuba on November5, 1970. In 1974, after living 21/2 years in Spain, he movedwith his parents Freddy andAurora, and older brother Joe, toNorth Hollywood, California.He attended St. Genevieve’sHigh School where he was cap-tain of the football team.

Later he went on to pursue hisdream of becoming a firefighter.Al went through probation at FS98, 13, and 94. I personally metAl when he came through FS 94“C” Platoon as a rookie. I wason another shift and drew animmediate liking to Al. Thenumber one thing I’ll always

remember about Al was howhard working he was, and hewas an ace in regards to rookieknowledge of tools, etc. Al left94’s after 4 short months, buthis work ethic wasn’t forgotten.A few short years later he pro-moted to Engineer with noproblems and served the Citywell in that capacity for years.

Al was blessed with twobeautiful daughters, Nina, bornSeptember 19, 1999, andCameron, born November 2,2000. I always rememberwhenever I talked to Al, healways mentioned how muchhe loved his girls. Al was agreat father. Al’s hobby wascarpentry, and he loved build-ing furniture for his family. Al

was also very proud of hisCuban heritage. Al was adevout Christian who believedin strong family values. He willbe missed dearly by all thosewhose life he touched.

Al had a wonderful Rosaryservice, followed the next daywith an LAFD funeral at theSan Fernando Mission. TheMission was packed withLAFD members both in andout of uniform, family,friends, and old acquaintances.Al will always be rememberedby his LAFD family. Thankyou to all who supported Aland his family in their time ofneed at the services. God blessyou Al, may you forever restin peace.

Remembering…

Engineer Al Hernandez

In Loving Memory…

Alfredo HernandezActive Engineer

Fire Station 68, “C” Platoon

Born: November 5, 1970Appointed to LAFD: May 8, 1995

Died: February 20, 2008

The officers and members of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City

Local 112, IAFF, AFL-CIO-CLC extends heartfeltcondolences to the family and friends of Brother

Alfredo Hernandez during this very difficult time.

Condolences(A small sample)

We extend our most sincerecondolences to you and themembers of the Los AngelesFire Department for the tragicline of duty death of Brent A.Lovrien on March 26.

Once again, our Brother andSisterhood of Fire Fighters hasbeen forced to pay the heaviestpossible sacrifice in our role ofprotecting our fellow citizens.Indeed, it hits you, the mem-bers of the Los Angeles FireDepartment hardest as Brentwas a member of your family.We grieve for you and for thefamily of this brave fire fighterwho should not have been tornfrom us in so brutal a manner.We hope you can take comfortin knowing he died doing whathe believed in; he willinglychose a valuable, albeit danger-ous occupation, and diedprotecting his fellow citizens. Itis unselfish people like Brentwho provide a bright light in aworld that at times can be verydark. Hopefully, those of us heleft behind will be inspired to

continue his legacy of selflessdevotion to our fellow humans.

As the Scottish War Museumstands the inscription, “Thewhole earth is the tomb ofheroic men, and their story isnot graven on stone over clay;it abides everywhere, withoutvisible symbol, woven into thestuff of other men’s lives.”

During the trying weeks andmonths to come, find a sourceof comfort in the remembranceof this hero, and in a continua-tion of life which does notentirely belong to the past.

If we can be of service to youor your families, please do nothesitate to call on us.

Tony Spitaleri, PresidentPalo Alto Professional Fire Fighters, Local 1319

__________The Executive Board and

members of the New OrleansFire Fighters Association Local632 would like to express ourdeepest sympathy and thoughtsto the family of Brother BrentLovrien and to the members ofyour Local.

It is always a sad time for all

of us when we hear of a fellowBrother or Sister that has fallenin the line of duty. Fire Fightersare proud professionals and weall know and understand thesense of duty, dedication andloyalty, not only to the peopleand communities we serve, butto each other. When the alarmbell sounds once again, we putaside our grieving and answerthat call with such dedicationand pride. Yet, the memory ofour fallen Brothers and Sisterswill always be in our thoughtsand in our hearts. Their memo-ry will never die. They havegiven that ultimate sacrifice.

They will always be trueheroes.

Please know that ourthoughts and prayers are witheach of you and the Lovrienfamily.

Nicholas G. Felton, Jr., President, New Orleans Fire Fighters Association,Local 632

__________I just wanted to let you know

that Local 2881 is at your dis-posal should you need anything;

our Honor Guard, Pipe Bandand membership are ready toprovide your Local with assis-tance. We have become all toofamiliar with the sting of lossand understand that no matterhow big a local is, there isalways something that youmight need. Our hearts andthoughts are with you and theloved ones of your fallen Fire-fighter.

God Bless you and keep yousafe. Your brother,

Bob Wolf, PresidentCDF Firefighters Local 2881IAFF AFL-CIO-CLCRepresenting the Profession-al Firefighters of CAL FIRE

__________My heart and prayers go out

to you, the families of Broth-er’s Lovrien and Guzman andyour members. Please callif there is anything we can do.

Dan Crow1st District Vice PresidentCalifornia Professional Firefighters

__________On behalf of all San Jose Fire

Fighters let me share our deep-est sympathies for you and allthe members Local 112. If wecan be of any help please donot hesitate to call me.

In Unity,

Randy Sekany, PresidentSan Jose Fire Fighters IAFF Local 2304th District Vice President California Professional Fire Fighters

__________During this time of loss, the

members of the Pipe & DrumCorps extend our condolences.We stand ready to assist withany needs you may have formemorial services or funeraldetail for our fallen brother.Arrangements are already beingmade for bus transport for manySan Diego Firefighters intend-ing to be present at thememorial services. We will joinand support any other Pipersthat may attend.

Mark ShintoSan Diego Firefighters Emerald Society Pipes & Drums

Photos by Jim Perry

Page 10 Los Angeles Firefighter May/June 2008

by Danny WuFirefighter IIILAFD FS 89C

On Saturday, March 15th,members of the LAFD andLAPD willingly shaved their

heads in unison to support find-ing a cure for childhood cancer.Sponsoring St. Baldrick’s 2008,LAFD Fire Station 89 played

host to this year’s fundraiserwhich has so far raised over$42,000 towards funding chil-dren’s cancer research.

Worldwide, 160,000 kids arediagnosed with cancer eachyear. Event organizers LAFDFirefighter Danny Wu andLAPD Lieutenant Greg Doyleand many participants had fam-ily and friends pledge money inexchange for “going bald”.

“Shavees” sacrifice their hairto support children who oftenlose their hair during cancertreatment. In doing so, eachparticipant takes an importantsupportive role in finding acure for a disease that sadlytakes the lives of more U.S.children than any other illness.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundationcoordinates worldwide head-shaving events that raise money

to support childhood cancerresearch. From 2000 to 2007,over 46,000 have shaved theirheads at over 1,200 St.Baldrick’s events, raising over$34 million dollars in 46 U.S.states, Washington D.C. and 18countries. LAFD/LAPD St.Baldrick’s 2008 brought aboutthe most participation ever in thefive year history of the annualjoint fundraiser, with the spon-sors contributing greatly to itssuccess.

Stressing the event to be“about the kids”, children weregiven free backpacks filledwith toys—stemming from thesales of LAFD/LAPD “IFIGHT KIDS’ CANCER” St.Baldrick’s t-shirts and over200 backpacks donated fromthe Los Angeles Firemen’sCredit Union. They alsoreceived free temporary tattoosand pictures taken and printedby LAFD Explorer Post 89.Councilpersons Wendy Gruehland Dennis Zine stopped by tovisit and join in the festivi-ties—with Gruehl actuallyshaving Zine during the event!St. Baldrick’s FoundationExecutive Director KathleenRuddy remained on-site allday to meet the participantsand support the handling of allthe generous donations—which included a $5000 checkfrom Jay Leno who was out oftown for the event and sadlycould not attend as he has inyear’s past.

Notable is the fact that over35 people donated blood in theProvidence “Blood Mobile”which in turn will affect over70 lives, and 33 people regis-tered their bone marrow withthe National Marrow DonorProgram. Plus a huge pat on theback to the crew of Fire Station89 which not only helpedorganize the event, but cookedover 2000 pancakes for the freebreakfast sponsored by Interna-tional House of Pancakes,using UFLAC’s M.O.A.B.(Mother of all BBQ’s).

Thanks to those that partici-pated and supported the 2008LAFD/LAPD St. Baldrick’sFundraiser. Remember, it’snever too late to donate onlineat www.stbaldricks.org andhelp find a way to cure kids’cancer. See you at next year’sevent!

Ryan Compton, two and a half, in remission but still undergo-ing treatment gives Apparatus Operator Rob Curtis a shakethanking him for helping in the fight against childhood cancer.

William Doyle 9, who has been in remission for 5 years, shaveshis father Greg’s head. Greg, is a police officer at the North Hol-lywood Police Station.

Ashley Porter, the daughter of LAFD member Greg Porter,and still undergoing childhood cancer, holds her brother Jakewhile he gets his head shaved.

Three Photos above by Mike Meadows, EPN Four Photos above by Rob Curtis, LAFD

Wendy Greuel touches up the “do” of fellow City Coun-cilmember Dennis Zine.

May/June 2008 Los Angeles Firefighter Page 11

Firefighters carry a 4 year-old-boy who fell out of a two story window in an apartment houseto a waiting helicopter. The incident happened on Woodman Avenue in Van Nuys. Police areinvestigating “possible” child abuse. Photo and information by Mike Meadows, EPN

All lanes of Interstate 5 were closed during this physical rescue on the south bound Inter-state 5 just north of Osborne St. A physical rescue assignment was dispatched as the ToyotaCorolla went underneath the tractor trailer. Heavy Rescue 56 lifted the tractor trailer rig andthen removed the vehicle. The driver was killed instantly.

Photo and information by Jeff Zimmerman, EPN

Explosion Kills L.A. City Firefighter ~See story on Page 1~

Los Angeles Times photos taken from LAFD Blog

Press Photographers ofGreater Los Angeles

Award WinnersThese photos will appear in

the PPGLA “Just One More”publication later this year.

Top photo: LAFD ApparatusOperator Dusty Clark breaksthrough the roof of a home forfreash air.

Left photo: Malibu’s CorralCanyon. The fire ultimatelydestroyed over fifty structuresand caused millions of dollarsin damage.

Photo by Hans Gutknecht

Photo by Craig Durling

In 2007, California Profes-sional Firefighters won for itsmembers the most extensiveon-the-job protections enjoyedby any public worker — theFirefighters Procedural Billof Rights. CPF also won healthcare protection for widows offallen federal firefighters, new

anti-terrorism funding and leg-islation streamlining firefightercar insurance reporting.

Believe it or not, that wasjust the first year of a two-yearlegislative session.

While the 2007-2008 Legisla-tive Session is already a suc-cess, CPF is turning with new

urgency to the 2008 legislativeyear. The CPF ExecutiveBoard unanimously approvedan ambitious 2008 legislativeagenda.

This agenda is being trans-formed into an aggressivepackage of bills on behalf ofCPF members, which state

lawmakers will consider.The CPF Legislative Agenda

for 2008 builds on resolutionsadopted by delegates to previ-ous biennial conventions. Newpriorities will be introduced,and CPF will continue pressinglegislation introduced in 2007but still pending action in theLegislature.

Some of the proposals you’llfind in our 2008 bill packageinclude:

The immediate accelera-tion of the purchase of 150OES engines to be positionedwith local government,designed to help combat theincreasing urban-wildlandinterface threat;

Updating PPE requirementsto ensure that each CPF mem-ber on a responding engine has

adequate firefighting personalprotective equipment;

Creating a low-interest homeloan or redevelopment pro-gram, so CPF members canbuy affordable homes in suit-able communities;

Eliminating the punitivepractice of “double jeopardy”in EMS disciplinary matters toensure that CPF members arenot faced with repeated disci-pline for the same issue;

An MRSA presumption;Clarifying the higher educa-

tion benefit eligibility for sur-vivors of fallen firefighters.

Continue checking the CPFweb site — www.cpf.org —for updates on our legislativepackage and ways that you canhelp actively advance theseissues!

CPF Working For You: AmbitiousLegislative Agenda on Tap for 2008

Page 12 Los Angeles Firefighter May/June 2008

The needs of California fire-fighters were a major focus ofattention for Gov. ArnoldSchwarzenegger at a commu-nity meeting in San Diegowhere he discussed his 2008budget proposals. The audi-ence at the Mission TrailsRegional Park included sevenCPF members from San Diegoand Chula Vista.

In response to a question fromCapt. Dan Saner, a member ofSan Diego Firefighters Local145, the governor stronglydefended his proposal to use a

1.25% surcharge on commercialand home fire insurance policiesto significantly improve theability of firefighters to respondto devastating wildland fireslike last fall’s southern Califor-nia firestorm.

“Some people get caught upin whether this is a fee or atax,” Schwarzenegger said. “Iget caught up in one thing:Saving lives.

“Everyone knows that ifyou are aggressive early infighting wildfires, you cansave lives and property,”

Schwarzenegger said.“That’s why it is so impor-tant that we give our fire-fighters all the resourcesthey need…more fire truckswith full five-man crews,and more helicopters andfixed-wing aircraft…Weshould spend $1 now to save$10 later.”

The governor noted that hisproposals directly address thepriorities of the independentBlue Ribbon Task Force, acoalition of fire professionalsthat has been working since

2004 to identify ways to makeCalifornia fire safe.

He warned that wildfires arenow a year-round threat andthat it was only because of thebravery and hard work of Cali-fornia firefighters that “we did-n’t have a Katrina situation”during last fall’s fires.

Firefighter James Azevedo,another attendee from CPFLocal 145, said he was “excit-ed to see so much supportfrom the governor’s office forgiving us the resources weneed to protect Californians.”

He noted that, following hispresentation, the governorpersonally thanked Capt.Saner for raising the issue offire safety.

Also at the meeting wereCPF members John Thomsonand Henry “Rocky” Delgadillofrom Local 145, Randy Scalesfrom CDF Firefighters Local2881 and Mark McDonald andMike Nash from Chula VistaLocal 2180.

A video of the governor’smeeting is on his Web site:http://gov.ca.gov/multimedia.

Governor Stresses Fire Service Needs in San Diego Budget Meeting

California firefighters joinedits teachers on the front lines ofliteracy. And right there at thehead of the line was CPF’spresident Lou Paulson.

For the third year in a row,CPF joined in partnership withCalifornia’s teachers, to partici-pate in the 11th Annual ReadAcross America Day on March3rd. Elementary schools acrossCalifornia invited celebritiesand community leaders to comeinto the classroom and read tothe kids. The goal: get kidsexcited about reading. The date

coincides with the anniversaryof the birth of Theodore Geisel… also known as Dr. Seuss.

Doing his part, CPF Presi-dent Lou Paulson brought thegood news about reading to theLeonardo Da Vinci ElementarySchool in Sacramento. Afterjoining a school-wide assem-bly celebrating reading, Paul-son dropped in on severalclassrooms to read “The Cat inthe Hat.

“As a father, I have firsthandexperience with the benefits ofreading aloud to kids,” Paulson

said. “Read Across Americabrings the message about theimportance of literacy directly

to those who need to hear itmost … the kids.”

Joining Paulson at LeonardoDa Vinci Elementary was DonVaughn, Secretary Treasurer ofthe California Teachers Associ-ation. CTA is the primary spon-sor of the event, with CPF pro-viding additional financial andprinting support. CPF wasjoined in this support by theLos Angeles Dodgers’ DreamFoundation and numerous otherorganizations and companies.

“Kids really look up to fire-fighters, and this is a great way

to get them involved in read-ing,” said Sheri Miyamoto,Community Relations Special-ist with the California TeachersAssociation.

Paulson was not the only fire-fighter on the book beat this year.As they have in the past, Bur-bank Firefighters were active,sending their members intoschools throughout the district.

“It’s a terrific program … ourmembers really enjoy it,” saidCPF 2nd District Vice Presi-dent Lew Stone, president ofBurbank Firefighters.

CPF Participates in “Read Across America” Day

California Professional Fire-fighters is supporting GovernorSchwarzenegger’s reportedproposal to improve our state’sability to prepare for, andrespond to, devastating wild-land fires.

Responding to last year’sdevastating Southern Califor-nia firestorm, the governor’sbudget includes a plan to addmore than 100 new mutual aidfire engines, all pre-positionedwith local governments andimmediately available forresponse to major fires. Thebudget will also include stable,

permanent funding to fullystaff CALFIRE engine compa-nies.

“With the second 100-yearfire in the last four years stillfresh in our minds, the verynature of the fire danger in Cal-ifornia has changed,” said LouPaulson, president of Califor-nia Professional Firefighters.“The governor’s proposals rec-ognize this stark new realityand responds by getting moreresources where they’re neededthe most.”

The proposals directlyaddress the two top priorities of

the independent Blue RibbonTask Force, a coalition of fireprofessionals that has beenworking since 2004 to identifyways to make California firesafe. California ProfessionalFirefighters is one of thefounding organizations of thetask force, along with the Cali-fornia Fire Chiefs Association,CALFIRE Firefighters andlocal fire chiefs from areashardest hit by wildland fires.

The additional resources willbe financed by a 1.25% sur-charge on residential andcommercial property. Paulson

said the proposal recognizesthe burden imposed on all ofCalifornia’s citizens as well asstate and local government.

“When California burns as itdid last fall, there are no juris-dictional boundaries - we areone statewide fire department,”said Paulson. “The risk isstatewide, the response isstatewide, and the economicimpact is certainly statewide.”

The pre-positioning of stateand local resources during awind event last November,clearly shows the importanceof being prepared. The gover-

nor’s proposals recognize theneed to prepare ahead of time,and helps increase the fire ser-vice’s capacity to respond withforce when fires erupt.

“The governor’s budget pro-posal, as best we understand it,funds those priorities and doesit in a way that reasonablyspreads the burden,” concludedPaulson. “We applaud the gov-ernor’s aggressive actions insupport of increasing fire pro-tection and prevention inCalifornia. We also appreciatethe insurance industry’s sup-port for this effort.”

CPF Backs Plan to Boost Wildland Firefighting Resources

Lou Paulson

California firefighters andfire departments can nowobtain the latest in online EMStraining from the NationalParamedic Institute (NPI) ata discount, thanks to a newpartnership agreement betweenNPI, IAFF and California Pro-fessional Firefighters.

NPI’s unique and dynamiconline training focuses on the

recertification and online train-ing needs of firefighters, EMTsand paramedics. NPI’s “MedicMonthly” modules are case-based scenarios showcasingprofessional fire-based EMSproviders across the country.

The training offers CE cred-its through the ContinuingEducation Coordinating Boardfor Emergency Services and is

strongly endorsed by IAFFand CPF.

Directed by Dr. Steven Katz,medical director for FloridaProfessional Firefighters, eachmodule is fast-paced and filledwith critical information forEMS professionals. Eachcourse includes a pretest, 20-minute video, post-test expla-nation and review, and a quiz.

“Never before has the IAFFoffered clinically based EMSeducation opportunities to ourmembers,” said IAFF GeneralPresident Harold A. Schait-berger. “Our new partnershipwith the National ParamedicInstitute allows us to offer thisvaluable continuing educationonline so it is accessible to allmembers.”

“Medic Monthly” continuingeducation modules areapproved for 1.5 CE credits inall 50 states by the ContinuingEducation Coordinating Boardfor Emergency Medical Servic-es (CECBEMS). IAFF mem-bers and fire departments affil-iated with CPF locals are eligi-ble for training discounts.

“CPF believes that all Cali-fornia firefighters should havethe necessary training andinformation to support fire-based EMS systems,” said CPFPresident Lou Paulson. “That’swhy we’re pleased to be a partof this new partnershipbetween IAFF and NPI. Weencourage all first respondersto take advantage of this valu-able opportunity.”

____________For more information, mem-

bers can go directly to theIAFF’s NPI page:

www.iaff.org/npi.You must be a registered

member of the IAFF web siteto participate in the program.

May/June 2008 Los Angeles Firefighter Page 13

IAFF/CPF-Backed OnlineParamedic Training

The Sacramento Bee, Calif.Copyright (c) 2008

Reprinted with permissionIn the midst of rampant city

layoffs and virulent angertoward government and publicservice employees, we offeranother view:

Sometimes the system works.Sometimes people do their jobswell. Sometimes the flames thatthreaten to damage something“really cool” get extinguished.

It happened in a city engulfedby pink slips and self-doubt.

Ella Fine Dining on 12thand K streets had been a wel-come addition to the rising din-ing scene, until an electricalmalfunction in a back roomflared into a fire in the weehours of Feb. 28.

City firefighters from Station2 were en route about 2:30 a.m.when a private security compa-

ny erroneously told them it wasa false alarm.

They went in anyway, whichis their policy, but we all knowhow that goes. The firefightersin question could have taken ahalfhearted peek in some win-dows and beaten a hasty retreatto the firehouse for some sleep.

It was the middle of thenight. The outcome could havebeen far different, but theywent in the building anyway.And they found that — yes —there was a fire in one of Ella’srear rooms.

“There were flames comingout of an electrical box, andthey were starting to come outthe vents,” said Capt. DaveLauchner.

The restaurant’s elegant inte-rior was filled with smoke, butthat’s as bad as it got.

“We’re a family business try-

ing to do something reallycool,” said Ella owner RandallSelland. “You turn your backfor a moment and before youknow it, you’re dead in thewater.”

Not this time. Ella willreopen Thursday night.

That wouldn’t have hap-pened if the firefighters had notgone the extra step to investi-gate a “false alarm.”

“My guess is it would haveput Randy out of business for along time,” said Capt. CharlieSprague. “Perhaps the apart-ments above (the restaurant)would have been affected.”

Clearly, this story is not frontpage material. In the grandscheme of things, it’s fairlyminor -- except to Selland, ofcourse.

Or is it? Downtown Sacra-mento is in wrenching transi-

tion. Along with Ella, there areThree Monkeys, ParlareEurolounge, Texas MexicanRestaurant and several otherenergetic spots bringing life toonce-blighted downtown build-ings.

Ella represents change for thebetter, and considering a city inthe red for $55 million, thesymbolism of a prolonged clo-sure would have been horrible.

However, the significance ofthis story doesn’t end there.Government and public serviceemployees — the backbone ofSacramento’s work force —seem to be under fire.

Every time The Bee publish-es how much these workersmake, the public reaction isbeyond visceral.

And there are whispers in thecity that police and fire contractsare partly to blame for Sacra-

mento’s runaway costs, in thewake of dwindling resources.

Maybe labor contracts aren’twhat anyone wants them to be,but don’t take it out on theworkers. Don’t make themscapegoats for fiscal problemsbeing faced across America.

In this city, people sneerwhen they think of firefighters— they remember the recentsex scandals and lucrativeretirement deals.

OK, but you know what?They do their jobs, too. Theyrisk their lives, they do morethan phone it in.

Think of that the next timeyou’re eating at Ella — orcomplaining about how muchthese people are paid.

To see more of The Sacra-mento Bee, or to subscribe tothe newspaper, go to:

http://www.sacbee.com

Sacramento Firefighters Show Grace Under Pressure

A van with six people inside careened off the Victory Blvd. offramp from the S/B 170 freeway in North Hollywood. Sevencompanies of firefighters removed, treated and transportedall of the injured to area hospitals. The driver of the van fledthe scene but was later apprehended by CHP officers and isfacing a multitude of charges including felony hit and run.

Photo and information by Mike Meadows, EPN

A new GMC Yukon flew off theS/B 170 Freeway at BurbankBlvd. and was airborne andspiraling for at least 70 feetbefore clearing a fence andtaking out a traffic signal andcoming to rest upside downon the north side of BurbankBlvd. across the street fromthe North Hollywood PoliceStation. LAFD members tookclose to 20 minutes to extri-cate the two adults trapped inthe wreckage. They weretransported to a local hospitalin critical condition. The twochildren in the vehicle sus-tained minor injuries.

Photos and information byMike Meadows, EPN

Page 14 Los Angeles Firefighter May/June 2008

Nine Companies of LosAngeles Firefighters, 2 LAFDRescue Ambulances, and amyriad of LAFD resourcesresponded to a reported AutoFire on the eastbound 118 Free-way at Reseda Blvd. in thenorth San Fernando ValleyPorter Ranch area.

A fiery crash involving atractor trailer and 2 cars erupt-ed into fires which spreadacross all lanes of the freeway.The intense blaze spread intothe grass and brush along thefreeway aided by leaking diesel

fuel from the semi truck, caus-ing additional work forresponding companies. Debrisfrom the damaged centerdivider littered both sides ofthe freeway.

A request for all traffic lanesto be shut down in both direc-tions to enable fire companiesto access the freeway and toestablish much needed supplylines to fight the fires. It tookapproximately 60 Firefighters29 minutes to bring the multi-ple fires under control. Therewere four reported patients.

Two females, 45 and 12, travel-ing in a small compact car,escaped serious injury andwere treated and released at thescene. The semi truck driverwas treated and transported toNorthridge Hospital in stablecondition. There was one fatal-ity; a male whose age could notbe determined, the driver of aToyota Scion. The low injurycount can be greatly attributedto the limited amount of trafficduring the early morning hours.

Information byd’Lisa Davies, LAFD

Photo by Juan Guerra, EPN

Photo by Mike Meadows, EPN

Fiery Crash on 118 Freeway

A driver of a sports car was going northbound in the south-bound lanes of the 101 Freeway between Vineland Blvd. andLankershim Blvd when he hit a woman in a pick-up truckhead on. It took firefighters almost 45 minutes to free both ofthe victims from the wreckage. The male driver was pro-nounced dead at the hospital.

Photos and information by Mike Meadows, EPN

A firefighter from Engine 57 makes quick work of this car fireon Vermont Ave. Photo by Jeff Zimmerman, EPN

Members of E-89 rush to attack a car fire in a parking lot at Victory Blvd. and Laurel CanyonBlvd. Photos by Mike Meadows, EPN

May/June 2008 Los Angeles Firefighter Page 15

These emblems on the masthead of any labor publication certifies that the publi-cation is a member in good standing of the International Labor Communications

Association and is bound to observe the ILCA Code of Ethics

IAFF and AFL-CIO affiliates have prior approval to reprint or excerpt articles inthe Los Angeles Firefighter — Please include credit line.

Note: Photos and cartoons may not be reprinted without the expressed writtenpermission of the photographer or artist.

The Los Angeles Firefighter(ISSN #0190-7573)

Local 112, IAFF, AFL-CIO-CLCOfficial Publication of United Firefighters of Los Angeles City is

Published Bi-MonthlyPeriodical Postage paid at Los Angeles, CA

Known Office of Publication isUnited Firefighters of Los Angeles City,

1571 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles,California 90026-5798

POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to The Los Angeles Firefighter1571 Beverly Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90026-5798

Union Office Phone NumbersAdministration:

(213) 895-4006 - (213) 485-2091 - Toll Free (800) 252-8352

Benefits:(213) 895-4990

FAX: (213) 250-5678

Website: www.uflac.org

EAP Office: (213) 895-0910 or (800) 252-8352

EAP FAX: (213) 481-1038

EAP 24 Hr. Help LineAnswering Service: (213) 250-1212

AffiliationsInternational Assn. of Fire Fighters, AFL-CIO-CLC

California Professional Fire FightersL.A. County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO

California Labor Federation, AFL-CIOAmerican Federation of Labor

International Labor Communications Association, AFL-CIO-CLC

Los Angeles Firefighter Newspaper StaffJim Perry-Editorjperry@uflac.org

Aaron “Cap” Espy - Staff WriterJerry Smith - Staff Writer

Contributing Photographers

Emergency Photographers Network, (EPN)

Isaac Burks, LAFDGene Blevins, EPNRob Curtis, LAFDJuan Guerra, EPN

Brian HaimerBill Hartenstein

Joshua Harville, EPN

Ryan W. Ling, EPNBrian Litt

Rick McClure, LAFDMike Meadows, EPN

Jeff MillerMartin Nate Rawner

Jeff Zimmerman, EPN

This union newspaper is printed by a union printer on union-made recycled paper.

If You See An Error…The Los Angeles Firefighter

strives to maintain accuracyand fairness in all stories,graphics, photographs andother copy that appears in ourunion newspaper. It is our prac-tice to correct errors in theissue immediately followingtheir discovery.

If you have a correction orclarification request, pleasecall the UFLAC office at 800-252-8352 or email the editor:jperry@uflac.org

Union Stewards NeededWe are in the process of reorganizing and updating our Union

Stewards Program. It is our goal to have a Union Steward atevery work location. Current and prospective Stewards arerequested to contact UFLAC Secretary David Pimentle at FireStation 1 – “A” or call the union office at (800) 252-8352.

2006-2008 UFLAC Executive BoardPRESIDENT

Steve Tufts, Firefighter III . . . . . . . . . . . . .UFLAC Office

FIRST VICE PRESIDENTJon McDuffie, Captain II . . . . . . . . . . . . . .UFLAC Office

SECOND VICE PRESIDENTStephen E. Norris, Captain II . . . . . . . . . .UFLAC Office

TREASURERTed Nonini, Firefighter III . . . . . . . . . . .Fire Station 87-C

SECRETARYDavid Pimentle, Captain/Paramedic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .UFLAC Office

DIRECTORRay Delgado, Firefighter/Paramedic . .Fire Station 42-BJames G. Featherstone, Captain II, . . .Tactical TrainingJobe Leon, Captian II . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Fire Station 47-CFrank V. Lima, Captain II . . . . . . . . . . .Fire Station 69-BMike Tobey, Firefighter III . . . . . . . . . .Fire Station 33-A

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE DIRECTORJerry Brakeman, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Retired Firefighter/Attendant . . . . . . .UFLAC Office

EDITORJim Perry, Retired Fire Captain II . . . . . .UFLAC Office

Newspaper Mailing ListIf you are receiving this newspaper and have a change of

address or would like to be removed from our mailing list,please call the union office at 1-800-252-8352, Ext. 208 or clipand mail this note to:

UFLAC Local 112Attn: Maria

1571 Beverly Blvd.Los Angeles, CA 90026

Name __________________________________________Address ________________________________________City ___________________________________________State______________________ ZIP_________________

✃

General Membership

Meetings9:00 a.m.

May 21, 2008

“A” Platoon Working

June 18, 2008

“B” Platoon Working

United Firefighters

Union Office

1571 Beverly Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90026

Refreshments and

Free Parking Available

Check UFLACWebsite

For latest news, information and

possible meeting date changes

www.uflac.org

Station StewardsAssignment Platoon Name

001 A Mark B. Stafford004 A Charles Garcia008 A Michael Crandall008 C Mark Kleckner015 A Cameron R. Kennedy016 A Dan Butcher029 B Michael Ladue034 B Joe Smith042 C Ruben Terrazas044 B David Raya048 A Hector M. Hernandez048 B Frank Hurtado052 C M. Benjamin J. Rossell061 A George James063 B John R. Maestri066 C Anthony R. Temple070 B Jeffrey Rickey074 A William Ramsey075 A Adam M. Van Gerpen078 A Chambers, Sidney079 B Ed Campos083 C Bejamin R. Guzman084 A Chamberlain, Thomas G.084 A Douglas Deyoung084 C Russell Rawl085 B Andrew D. Muniz091 B Michael McGrady094 C Arellano, Rigo092 A Contreras, Christopher095 A Buck O’Connor096 A Ronald Myers105 B Henry Munoz112 A Keith Massey112 C John DonatoVFP Scott Miller

Station Stewards MeetingsTime: 7:30 a.m.

Prior to Monthly Membership Meetings

The men and women of theLos Angeles Fire Departmentwere deeply humbled to havethe largest baseball crowd inhistory observe a moment ofsilence in honor of their fallencolleague Brent Lovrien, whenthe Los Angeles Dodgers facedthe Boston Red Sox at a his-toric exhibition game at theLos Angeles Memorial Colise-um on March 29, 2008.

Los Angeles Fire Depart-ment helicopters performed amemorial fly-over for the fall-en firefighter prior to the startof the exhibition baseballgame.

© AP Photo/KevorkDjansezian

Submitted by Brian Humphrey

Spokesman, Los Angeles Fire Department

115,300 People Stand Silent in Los Angeles

Boxing EventLA City and County Fire vs. LA

County SheriffCome join your LAFD, LACoFD, and LA County Sher-

iff’s Boxing Teams square off at the Sheriff’s Academy.Proceeds to benefit the families of Firefighter Brent Lovrienand Engineer Anthony Guzman (see front page story “Explo-sion Kills”), LA Sheriff Boxing team, Sheriff’s YouthProgram and USMC Devil Pups Program.

Saturday, May 10, 20081600 – 1930 Hours

Gates open at 1500 Hours

LA County Sheriff’s Academy11515 Colima Road in Whittier, CA

$10 General Admission Seats, $25 Ringside SeatsFor more information and advance tickets contact:

L.A. County Sheriff’s Relief Assn. 562-946-7081

Page 16 Los Angeles Firefighter May/June 2008

By Lafayette Carter &Frank Lima

Al Camacho is an Engineerat Fire Station 29, and his wifeDanielle is suffering from a ter-minal illness - ALS or betterknown as Lou Gehrig’s dis-ease. She was diagnosed withthis disease three years ago andwas given a five year lifeexpectancy. Currently, Danielleis bed ridden; soon to be tubefed and is suffering with minor

respiratory complications.Firefighters who work with

Al at Fire Station 29 have initi-ated three pancake breakfastsand a large raffle ticket draw-ing. Also just plain old dona-tions were made by hundredsof firefighters, family, commu-nity, and dignitaries. This iswhat the Fire Department fam-ily does for one another in timeof need. The fundraisers weresuccessful and met the overall

expectations set prior to theevent.

The Camacho’s have twobeautiful daughters Jessica, 11and Brittany, 14; both are cop-ing with their mother’s illnesswith a positive attitude. Never-theless, both of them need theirdad’s full attention and pres-ence in their lives to assist withsuch an emotional situation.

The fundraisers for theCamacho family were estab-

lished to assist Al Camachowith his financial obligationand allow him the opportunityto be there with his family. Alhas been working to theextreme to meet his financialdebts. This commitment isforcing Al to be away from hishome during these challengingtimes.

The members of the Depart-ment hope that the hard work,efforts, and donations with the

pancake breakfast and raffleticket drawing can help relieveAl with some of these debts.

Note from Lima: A specialthanks should be given toLafayette Carter (aka “Papa”)who pioneered this event for theCamacho family. All the mem-bers of FS 29, members whoworked so hard, it wouldn’t havebeen possible without you. FS27, FS 112, Lorenzo Armsteadand all assigned to Q.A., MonicaHall, Jim Finn, UFLAC,LAFRA, Ron Price for the beau-tiful t-shirt donations and allwho came to the breakfasts anddonated to the raffle, etc. (I couldgo on and on). I apologize foranyone that I left out, there aretruly too many to list in this‘thanks’. Please keep the Cama-cho family in your prayers at thistime. I encourage you to read thearticle in the Orange CountyRegister – OCregister.com,Thursday February 14th “DyingMom Hopes to Leave LastingGift for Children”. God blessDanielle Camacho and family.

Donations may be sent to: Los Angeles

Firemen’s Credit UnionFire Family

Foundation AccountIn care of the

“Camacho Family”P.O. Box 60890

Los Angeles, CA 90060-0890

LAFCU members may transfer monies from your own account by calling the

credit union direct:Phone: 1- 323-254-1700

Toll Free: 1-800-231-1626

Helping a brother’s family…

Old School Fire Department

The Camacho family

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Al Camacho and City Coun-cilmember Tom LaBonge.

Members at Al’s Fire Station 29 initiated three pancake break-fasts and a large raffle ticket drawing to raise funds for theCamacho family.