VOL. XCIV APRIL 2018 NO.

• CONTENTS •
President’s Message • .........................................................................05
Secretary’s Message
Cemetery plots and notary service • ...................................................06
Fake News
Attorney Bob Sherwin defends DROP • .............................................07
Fire Chief’s Silver Civilian Award
Dr Marc Eckstein • ..............................................................................09
Medicare FAQ’s
Answers to your most frequently asked questions • ................................10
Battalion News • .....................................................................................13
Station Fridge • .......................................................................................32
The Retired Guys • ...............................................................................33
Retirement Celebration
Bill Bringas • .......................................................................................34
Department in Action • .........................................................................37
The Leatherman
Custom crafted firefighter scabbards and suspenders • .......................41
Retirement Dinners • ...............................................................................43
Mailbox • ...............................................................................................44
Memorials • ...........................................................................................46
The Tide Pod Challenge
A really bad idea • ................................................................................47
Protein Shakes
Muscle or Myth? • ...............................................................................48
LAFD History
The year 1910 • ......................................................................................51
Minutes of the Board of Trustees • .....................................................54
Classifieds • ...........................................................................................57
Tailboard
Featuring Fire Station 46 • ...................................................................60

Notice: Production of The Firemen’s Grapevine magazine is very expensive, and while your dues
serve to underwrite a portion of the magazine’s costs, the bulk of funding comes from advertisers.
Many businesses advertise in the Grapevine. This does not mean that LAFRA endorses these
advertisers. Use of a Grapevine advertiser is at the risk of the member. If you are interested in any
of the advertisements, we urge you to use any and all means at your disposal to investigate them.

COPYRIGHT © 2018
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association.
No material may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher.

2 • April 2018
 On the cover: Structure Fire - Carthay Circle - By John Conkle
37

Inset LAFD photo by: Harry Garvin

Structure Fire - Fahion District

April 2018 • 3
 FIREMEN’S GRAPEVINE
owned and published by the
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
7470 N Figueroa Street, Los angeles CA 90041

EDITORIAL STAFF
Dave Wagner • Managing Editor..........................................editor@lafra.org
John Hicks • Associate Editor..............................................jhicks@lafra.org
Eric Santiago • Creative Editor...............................................eric@lafra.org
Display Advertising.................................................(323) 259-5200 ext. 231

PSO’s
Amy Bastman, Margaret Stewart, Brian Humphrey

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Art Sorrentino, Matt Mickey, Frank Borden, Jim Stiglich, Steve Ruda

PHOTOGRAPHERS
David Blaire, Greg Doyle, Harry Garvin,
Steve Gentry, Juan Guerra, Brian Haimer, Ryan Ling, Rick McClure,
Mike Meadows, Lloyd Payne, Jeff Zimmerman, Yvonne Griffin

LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION

Robert Steinbacher................................................President
Jeff Cawdrey ..................................................Vice-President
Andrew Kuljis ........................................................Secretary
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Chris Stine Gene Bednarchik Rich Moody
Craig White Henry Gasbarri Rick Godinez
Danny Wu Jim Duffy Steve Berkery
David Peters Joe Vigil Steven Domanski
Doak Smith John Jacobsen Tim Freeman Jr.
Frank Aguirre Kenny Breskin Tim Larson
Gayle Sonoda Mike Sailhamer Tyler Tomich

CHAPLAINS
To contact a chaplain, please call Senior Chaplain Rick Godinez at (213)
797-2404 or the MFC Floor Captain at (213) 576-8920
Greg W. Gibson...................Chaplain Hershy Z. Ten.......................Chaplain
Danny Leon..........................Chaplain Roger Fowble.....................Chaplain
George A. Negrete...............Chaplain Mark R. Woolf.....................Chaplain
Aquil F. Basheer..................Chaplain Jesus Pasos.........................Chaplain
Tim Werle............................Chaplain

TELEPHONES
Fire-Relief ...............................................................(323) 259-5200
Relief Association Toll Free Number .........................(800) 244-3439
Relief Medical Plan ................................................. (866) 995-2372
Fax Number ..............................................................(323) 259-5290

LAFRA MANAGEMENT
Todd Layfer • Executive Director..............................(323) 259-5243
Vacant......................................................................(323) 259-5247
Liberty Unciano • Controller/Treasurer...................(323) 259-5225
Bob Dillon • Operations Manager..............................(323) 259-5233
Marlene Casillas • Development & Marketing Director(323) 259-5217
Ana Salazar • Member Services Coordinator.............(323) 259-5223

HealthSCOPE Benefits
Claims & Benefit Information...................................(866) 99-LAFRA
THE FIREMEN’S GRAPEVINE (USPS 191-060) is published monthly by the Los Angeles Firemen’s
Relief Association, 7470 N Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, Cal­i­for­nia 90041. Annual $48 Subscription
included with Association mem­ber­ship; Non-members: $48. Single issues $4 postpaid. Back issues $7
postpaid. Pe­ri­od­i­cals post­age paid at Los Angeles, CA and at additional mailing office. POST­MAS­TER: Send
ad­dress changes to: THE FIREMEN’S GRAPE­VINE Magazine, P.O. BOX 41903, Los An­ge­les, CA 90041.

Printed by Collective Color, Los Angeles CA. For Clas­si­fied and Display Ad­ver­tis­ing rates please call (323)
259-5200, ext. 231 or 232. All editorial matter must be received by the Editor eight weeks prior to the month of
pub­li­ca­tion. The opin­ions ex­pressed here­in are those of the writ­ers and do not nec­es­sar­i­ly reflect the official
views of the Los An­ge­les City Fire De­part­ment or the Los An­ge­les Firemen’s Relief Association.

4 • April 2018
 April is Open Enrollment time for the LAFRA PPO Medi-
cal Plan. If you aren’t currently a Plan member, use this great op-
portunity to explore the best PPO plan available to LAFD mem-
bers. If you need to make changes, add dependents, etc. now is
also the time to do it. And just a reminder, the “Seven-Year Rule”
has been lifted. The rule affected retired members who, while
they were active, didn’t participate in the PPO Medical Plan for
a total of at least 84 months. These retired members are now eli-
gible to sign up during this Open Enrollment period for a July 1,
2018 effective date.
Member Benefit Summaries were recently mailed out
to allow you to verify your personal information is up-to-date.
It served its purpose because the responses have steadily been
streaming in. Thank you for allowing us to do our best for you
and your family by providing us with the most accurate informa-
tion available.
It’s sad to hear when a marriage is over, but certain respon-
sibilities still exist for the member. A spouse is no longer eligible
to be on the Medical Plan effective the date of the divorce, so
you’re responsible for notifying LAFRA and for providing docu-
mentation immediately. If you don’t notify us and your ex-spouse
continues to utilize the medical benefits, you’ll be financially re-
sponsible for any benefits received after the date of the divorce. I
mention this because it continues to be a problem and has put sev-
eral people in difficult positions. Call LAFRA’s Member Services
to eliminate additional grief in an already troubling time. Once
notification is given and proper paperwork provided, an offer for
COBRA coverage will be sent to the ex-spouse, who can elect to
pay COBRA premiums and have coverage for up to 36 months.
At this time each year, the Pension Board determines how
much they’ll increase the Medical Subsidy to for retirees who
don’t have Medicare. They can authorize up to a 7% increase to
ensure benefits keep up with medical trends. The Siegel Com-
pany (LAFPP’s consultant) has measured the cost to be slightly
greater than 7%. For all intents and purposes, this should be a
no-brainer decision based on the numbers provided.
The guidance language for this health subsidy increase
is spelled out in the administrative code. As of this writing, the
amount of increase hasn’t been approved and discussions contin-
ue. The potential increase will take effect this July and shouldn’t
be confused with the Medicare retiree subsidy which changed
this past January. Due to the delay, we can only make an edu-
cated guess as to what the subsidy increase will be when we print
Open Enrollment materials. I encourage everyone to actively in-
volve themselves in tracking these pension issues. Medical costs
continue to rise and keeping pace from year-to-year is a constant
challenge we’ll continue to face.
Congratulations Rosa Torres Tufts for being selected Fire-
fighter of the Year. She’ll be honored at a luncheon hosted by the
City of Los Angeles Firefighters Association on April 4th at the
Doubletree in DTLA.
The Hook and Ladder Enduro was another great success!
The Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund was the sole
beneficiary of yet another outstanding donation by all who at-
tended this annual family event. A special thank you goes out to
Craig White, Bruce Galien, and the host of volunteers who helped
to make this event so successful.
The LAFRA Family Support Group is now fully function-
al and taking wings under the leadership of Valerie Lawrence and
Diane Vigil. The Group was created to assist those who have lost
a loved one, helping them through the difficult transition from
spouse to widow or widower. They also need active and retired
members to volunteer their time to help surviving families with
things like household and automotive repairs. For more informa-
tion, contact the LAFRA Family Support Group at (323) 259-
5277 or lafrafsg@lafra.org.
LAFRA hosted two Medicare seminars here at LAFRA
HQ March 20th and 22nd. A speaker from the Center for Health-
care Rights, along with our own Member Services specialists,
and experts from HealthSCOPE Benefits, presented an in-depth
how-to for our members and spouses approaching the age of 65.
If you missed the events you can catch the videotaped sessions
which will be available soon on lafra.org.
Please mark your calendar or smart phone with the upcoming
LAFRA events:
• May 2nd - Lane Kemper Softball Classic
• May 21-25 - Pechanga Reunion
• June 7th - Hope for Firefighters
Be safe and be kind to each other!
Robert D. “SteinTalker” Steinbacher
president@lafra.org / 323.259.5200
April 2018 • 5
CEMETERY PLOTS
I’ve written before about how those suffering the recent
loss of a loved one can make poor, and often very costly, deci-
sions at a funeral home or cemetery. One way to protect yourself
is to pre-plan your funeral. Making these plans and the associated
purchases in advance will save your family from having to make
hasty decisions while under a tremendous amount of stress.
If your wish is to be buried in a traditional cemetery plot,
your Relief Association can help. LAFRA has scores of plots in
cemeteries all around the southland that are held for the use of
our members. While LAFRA normally retains title to the plot,
“LAFRA has cemetery plots
available for members”
the right to be buried there is sold to members at 75% of the cur-
rent market value. Additional plots will also be made available
to qualified relatives at full market value. We encourage you to
purchase these plots from us well in advance of your demise.
A few of the cemeteries where we have multiple plots are
Forest Lawn (Hollywood Hills and Covina), Green Hills in Ran-
cho Palos Verdes, Glen Haven in Sylmar, Rose Hills, Inglewood
Memorial Park, Valhalla in North Hollywood, and Valley Oaks in
Westlake Village. Contact me if you are interested in purchasing
any of our plots.
NOTARY SERVICE
Chances are, at some point in your life, you’ve needed
the services of a notary public. But what exactly do they do, and
when do you need one?
Simply put, notary publics are people appointed by the
state to act as an impartial witness to prevent fraud during the
signing of a document. A notary public will essentially monitor
the signing process for you. Their presence is meant to prevent
disagreements about the legitimacy of a signature and to protect
people from being taken advantage of. A notary public is a third-
party witness to not only the signature of a document but also to
the fact that all parties who signed did so willingly and under their
own power.
A notary will ensure:
• that you are actually you, the person signing the document
• that you are not being forced into signing
• that you understand what it is that you are signing
6 • April 2018
Chief among the reasons to have certain documents nota-
rized is that having a document notarized is a deterrent to fraud.
Getting agreements notarized adds a layer of verification that the
people who signed the document are the people they say they are.
Notarized documents also are considered self-authenti-
cating, which means the signers do not need to testify in court
to verify the authenticity of their signatures. Having a document
notarized is a huge strategic advantage in litigation.
Typically, there are three broad categories of things a no-
tary is used for:
• Acknowledgments: You will likely need a notary to ac-
knowledge a document at some point. Transferring ownership of
real estate usually requires a notary, as does granting power of
attorney or shifting control of a trust.
• Jurats: A jurat is an oath in which you certify that the con-
tents of a certain document are true. The oath is administered by a
notary public and is often related to evidence presented in court.
• Certifications of Copies: In some states (not all states), a
notary has the ability to represent that a copy of a document is in
fact an exact copy.
In order for a notary public to notarize a document, the
person whose signature is being notarized must sign the docu-
ment in the notary’s presence. The person can’t sign the docu-
ment ahead of time and then bring it to the notary. When a notary
public notarizes a document, they will physically add a seal to
and sign the document at the same time that you sign.
Often, there is a fee to have a document notarized. The
maximum amount a notary public may charge for services is reg-
ulated by state law. But if you have your document notarized at
the Relief Association, there is no fee.
If you need assistance with a cemetery plot or a notary, do
not hesitate to contact me. I’m here to help!
Andy Kuljis, Secretary
Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
(323) 259-5224
andy@lafra.org

For the past one and one half years,
we’ve heard this phrase used as a defense
mechanism to deny facts that are actually true.
I never thought I would give credence to the
phrase myself, but here I am, using it to attack
an outrageous article and subsequent editorial
published in the LA Times on February 4 and 5.
The Times saw fit to publish a scathing attack
on the City’s DROP program and the firefight-
ers/police officers who suffer a work related
injury while in the program.
The article focused on firefighters and
officers who entered DROP and subsequently
filed workers’ compensation claims resulting
in a claim of temporary disability compensa-
tion (IOD pay). The Times highlighted one
firefighter and four officers and did everything
in their literary power to suggest the individu-
als were fraudulently collecting worker’s com-
pensation benefits and double dipping against
the City. The article went further to state that
nearly all officers and firefighters in DROP had
filed cumulative trauma type claims and were
collecting temporary disability while simulta-
neously collecting their DROP money. In other
words, the City was paying twice at the same
time for a firefighter or police officer off work
on IOD status.
The article then asserted that all cu-
mulative trauma injuries are “presumptive”
Paid Advertisement:
Lewis, Marenstein, Wicke, Sherwin & Lee
injuries, suggesting that a firefighter or police
officer need only file such a claim without any
medical proof of the injury in order to collect
benefits. The reporters claimed they searched
through “thousands of pages” of City workers’
compensation documents and could not find
one instance of a specific trauma type of injury
for a firefighter or police officer in DROP. In
essence, they asserted that all injuries being
claimed were cumulative trauma presumptive
injuries.
They suggested there was little incen-
tive for a police officer or firefighter on IOD
status to return to work because they received
both their full salary under IOD and their
DROP money simultaneously…..in other
words….they were double dipping.
Finally, they reported on the history of
DROP and how it came to be. They quoted ex-
By: Robert Sherwin
Mayor, Richard Riordan, who suggested he was
duped by the LA Police Protective League into
endorsing and approving the DROP program
in order to appease the Union. When learning
of the number of work comp claims for DROP
members, Riordan called it “total fraud.”
So here I am, an attorney who has rep-
resented injured firefighters and officers for
nearly 35 years, using a phrase I detest, “fake
news,” to describe the shoddy attempt by the
Times to disparage and defame the hard work-
ing men and women of the City’s two finest
departments. Why is it “fake news’? Because
many of the so called facts relied upon by
the reporters and editor were flat out false . . .
100% dead wrong!
They were wrong that all cumulative
trauma claims are “presumptive injuries.”
While some injuries are presumptive for sworn
safety members (heart trouble, cancer, hernias,
pneumonia, back trouble for peace officers), the
injuries reported by the Times (knees, carpal
tunnel and hypertension) are not presumptive
and must be proven by medical evidence ob-
tained through independent medical examiners
agreed upon by the City. I emailed the Times
Editorial department and personally spoke with
one of the reporters regarding their error and
requested they correct the implication that all
officers and firefighters are receiving disability
Continued on page 16
April 2018 • 7
 SAVE YOUR HOTEL SPOT! SAVE YOUR SPACE!
– Pechanga Resort/Hotel reservation, – RV spots available – Reserve yours
Call (888) 732-4264 by calling LAFRA - (323) 259-5200

– For other hotels, call (323) 259-5235 – Email: sdomanski@lafra.org for any questions.

MONDAY – May 21st Lunches*are

Reservation for
prepared by the wine
chef tour
at Oak must Winery’s
Mountain come with
Cave meal choice.

– Check in & Catch up with old friends CAVE CAFE

– Reception Get-Together – Beer & Wine (provided) Sandwiches (Served with a choice of a side salad, a bottle of water & a dessert, **chef ’s choice).

Please select a Sandwich and a side salad:

TUESDAY – May 22nd • TURKEY SANDWICH - Roma Tomatoes, Red Onions, Romaine Lettuce, Pepper Jack
– Wine Trolley Tour - 10AM * Cheese & Basil Aioli on Sourdough Bread - Gluten Free bread available
• HAM SANDWICH - Roma Tomatoes, Romaine Lettuce, Swiss Cheese & Whole Grain
• Limited space available - Sign up early! Mustard on Sourdough Bread - Gluten Free bread available
– Pizza Night - 6PM • ROAST BEEF - Roasted Red Peppers, Arugula, Sharp Cheddar Cheese & Sun Dried Toma-
to Pesto on Sourdough Bread - Gluten Free bread available
• ROASTED VEGGIE SANDWICH - Zucchini, Red Peppers, Tomatoes, Onions, Fresh Moz-
WEDNESDAY – May 23rd zarella & Basil Aioli on Gluten Free Multi-Grain Roll.

– Dinner/Wine & Beer (provided) – 6PM Side Salad Choices for sandwich selections: Please select one.

@ Pechanga RV Clubhouse • PASTA SALAD: Kalamata Olives, Grape Tomatoes, Red Onions, Italian Parsley, Feta
Cheese & Vinaigrette. (Nothing in the Pasta Salad can be omitted)
– Organization Reps at Clubhouse – 10AM - 4PM • SIDE SALAD: Spring Mix, Cherry Tomatoes, Red Onions, Shaved Parmesan Cheese &
Balsamic Vinaigrette on the side.

THURSDAY – May 24th Salads: These are meals, NOT sides. No side salad offered with the Chicken Caesar Salad or the Chick-

– Golf “Journey” at Pechanga – Price/Time TBA en Spring Mix Salad. (Served with a bottle of water & dessert **Chef ’s choice)

– Organization Reps at Clubhouse – 10AM - 4PM • CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD - Grilled Chicken on Romaine Lettuce, Shaved Parmesan
Cheese, Croutons with Caesar Dressing on the side.
• CHICKEN SPRING MIX SALAD - Grilled Chicken on Spring Mix Lettuce, Cherry To-

FRIDAY - May 25th matoes, Cucumbers, Shredded Carrots, Red Onions, Glazed Walnuts and Shaved Parmesan
Cheese with Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing on the side.
8 • April 2018
– Check out...until next year!
 Luckily for the citizens of the greater
Los Angeles area, we have some of the best
trained first responders in the nation. On Au-
gust 28, 2017, at approximately 1 p.m., Al-
hambra Fire Department was dispatched to a
metal works and fabricator in the 1100 block
of Meridian Ave in the City of Alhambra. The
original dispatch was for a reported hand injury
but was quickly upgraded when first arriving
companies found a worker’s legs trapped in the
auger of a coal hopper.
Initial actions by fire department per-
sonnel to free the worker were unsuccessful.
With the advice from the Paramedics on scene,
the Battalion Chief then requested the Hospi-
tal Emergency Response Team (HERT), which
includes a trauma surgeon, emergency room
resident, and an emergency room nurse. That
day, it also included Dr. Marc Eckstein, Com-
mander of the LAFD Bureau of Emergency
Medicine.
Dr. Eckstein and a fellow HERT mem-
ber quickly made their way to the patient.
There they found a limited work space, and
an atmosphere filled with coal dust. Donning
masks, helmets, and flashlights, they did their
best to maintain their balance against the ma-
chinery walls as they again attempted to free
ns.
er Jack
e Grain
Toma-
h Moz-
Feta
se &
Chick-
rmesan
rry To-
rmesan
the man’s legs. Again, they were unsuccessful.
After medicating the patient, Dr. Eck-
stein and his colleague, using a pair of surgical
scissors, began cutting around the calf muscle
of the patient’s leg, exposing the lower portion
of one of the trapped legs. Realizing their ef-
forts to extricate the man’s legs would be in
vain, Dr. Eckstein decided to perform a double
amputation of the patient’s legs in order to save
his life. He next requested a reciprocating saw
and tourniquets.
Work conditions were far from ideal,
however, all members involved did their best
to work together to save the man’s life. Tem-
peratures in the building were approaching
the high nineties. Dehydration and exhaustion medics. Arriving at the hospital, the patient
were becoming a factor for all involved as well. underwent emergency surgery and reportedly
Combined with the toxic atmosphere and near survived the event and is on the road to recover.
pitch black conditions, Dr. Eckstein continue to Physically drained, Dr. Eckstein exited
put his own safety at risk. the hopper and was quickly evaluated by EMS
With the first of the two amputations personnel. Though on the verge of dehydration
started, constant care was needed to control the and heat exposure, he quickly recovered on
bleeding. Finally, after some time, the second scene with some fluid replacement. The Inci-
amputation was then completed, and the patient dent Commander stated that Dr. Eckstein per-
was immediately pulled from the hopper and formed the life-saving measures with extreme
transported with HERT members to the hospi- risk to his life. Because of his effort, along with
tal. During the transport, the patient suffered a all involved, the patient survived the ordeal and
cardiac arrest but was quickly revived by para- is now being fitted for prosthetics.
April 2018 • 9

Does the LAFRA PPO Medical Plan
cover the Silver Sneakers program?
No, this is not a program cur-
rently offered by this Plan.
Where can I find information about
my LAFRA PPO medical benefits?
Call HealthSCOPE Benefits
(HSB) at 1-866-995-2372 or visit
www.lafra.org then select “MEDI-
CAL AND PPO-SUMMARY-PLAN”
from the dropdown. Login and you
will find your Summary Plan Descrip-
tion (SPD).
Where can I find a medical claim
form so I can submit a request for
10 • April 2018
reimbursement?
You can find a claim form at
www.lafra.org. Select “Medical” and
then “Medical Forms” from the drop-
down. You can then select “Unpro-
cessed Medical Expense Claim Form.”
How do I find a provider who ac-
cepts Medicare and the LAFRA
PPO Plan so benefits can be coordi-
nated at the best rates?
Find a provider who contracts
in-network with Anthem Blue Cross
because if Medicare doesn’t pay your
entire claim, or if they don’t cover a
benefit at all, the PPO Plan may pay
at least a portion of the claim. The
Anthem site (www.anthem.com) will
also indicate if the provider accepts
Medicare.
Should I receive an Explanation of
Benefits (EOB) from both Medicare
and HealthSCOPE Benefits (HSB)?
Yes. When Medicare is primary,
the provider must send the claim to
Medicare first, regardless of whether
they believe Medicare will pay or
not. Medicare will pay most but not
all charges. LAFRA, as your second-
ary plan, may cover benefits Medicare
does not. The Medicare EOB must be
sent to Anthem Blue Cross (see the
back of the ID card for the address) to
be priced because HSB needs to know
how much was paid when processing
the claim.
How do I check the status of a Medi-
care Part A (Hospital Insurance) or
Medicare Part B (Medical Insur-
ance) claim?
Visit www.MyMedicare.gov and
log into your account and access your
personalized Medicare information.
Note: Your Medicare Summary Notice
(MSN) is a notice people with Origi-
nal Medicare receive via the mail ev-
ery three months. Receive a monthly
statement electronically by choosing
eMSN’s.
Why does the EOB I received say I
owe nothing but an invoice from the
provider indicates there is patient li-
ability?

Always open and read the infor-
mation you receive from HSB because
even if the ‘Patient Liability’ amount
says you owe nothing, refer down to
the bottom section under ‘Comment
Codes’ to make certain the claim
hasn’t been denied pending receipt of
required information from your pro-
vider (i.e. proof of medical necessity).
Please call 1-866-995-2372 with ques-
tions.
Which medical ID card should be
used when either the subscriber or
the subscriber’s spouse turns 65?
When a subscriber or a subscrib-
er’s spouse turns 65, they’re automati-
cally rolled to the Employer Group
Waiver Plan (EGWP). The spouse
who hasn’t yet turned 65 will con-
tinue to use the current medical/phar-
macy card. The spouse who turns 65
will be issued a new medical ID card
which looks virtually the same, except
it will not include pharmacy informa-
tion. Express Scripts issues a separate
pharmacy card, meaning once you turn
65, you will carry cards for Medicare,
LAFRA’s PPO Medical Plan, and also
an ESI pharmacy benefits card.
Why does only the subscriber’s
name appear on the medical/phar-
macy ID card?
When dependents on the Plan go
to the doctor, eligibility is confirmed
by using the Alternate ID number
which appears on the front of the card.
Please note, LAFRA PPO members
utilize the Anthem Blue Cross net-
work, but providers must confirm eli-
gibility by calling HSB, not Anthem,
at 1-866-995-2372. This information
can be found on the back of the card.
If both spouses are 65+ but still
working, will LAFRA still pay as
primary?
Yes, but it’s very important to
notify HSB so notes can be entered in
the system. If this is not done, claims
will be denied and you will be balance
billed.
If my doctor of 30 years doesn’t ac-
cept Medicare and I am about to
turn 65, can I continue seeing this
doctor and will LAFRA’s PPO Plan
pay as primary?
The goal should be to see pro-
viders who contract in-network with
Anthem Blue Cross because it saves
the Plan and you money. We will ac-
cept a letter from the doctor telling us
he/she is ‘opted out’ of Medicare and
we will flag this in the system and pay
as primary.
I lost my purse/wallet and I’m afraid
of identity theft. Do I need to get a
new alternate ID number and medi-
cal ID card?
We will send a new ID card but
you will not need a new alternate ID
number. There isn’t any real risk since
personal health information is not
printed on the card.
Why do I keep receiving a bill from
my doctor (i.e. $11.00) when I have
Medicare and the PPO Plan?
Check with your doctor’s bill-
ing office to make sure the claim and
Medicare EOB made it to Anthem
Blue Cross. The other possibility is
that payment for multiple claims was
sent to the provider via an electronic
check. Call HSB so we can fax over
proof of payment and the provider can
post payment to the correct accounts.
How do I find Durable Medical
Equipment (DME) items? I will
need a hospital bed when I get out of
the hospital in a week?
If Medicare is primary, check
the www.medicare.com website to find
a DME provider using your zip code.
All DME providers require a prescrip-
tion from your doctor.
My husband and I do not have long
term care coverage. Will the PPO
Plan cover any assisted living or
nursing home costs?
Check to see if you have cover-
age through Unum. Nursing home and
other assisted living facilities are not
paid for through the Medical Plan. Re-
spite care is also not a covered benefit.
My spouse was released from the
hospital and then moved to a Skilled
Nursing Facility. How can I find a
physical therapist to come into the
home?
Whenever you or a family mem-
ber stay in the hospital, be sure to re-
quest that an Anthem case manager be
assigned. Call the case manager if they
don’t call you first. A case manager is a
registered nurse and can advise you on
all kinds of issues, including finding
a contracted physical therapist. Make
sure the doctor orders physical therapy
though before leaving the hospital.
April 2018 • 11
Paid Advertisement

Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association Medical Plan may cover this examination.
12 • April 2018 Contact your plan provider to verify.
A car slid off the 5 Fwy in Elysian Valley
on 3/2/18. Photos by Rick McClure

April 2018 • 13
 Paid Advertisement:

in
the
community

designed to stand out in any situation

At
work

First Responders Discount Available

Emergency Instant Shelters • Custom Canopies
Custom Flags • Banners • Dome Tents • And More!

WHY IMPACT CANOPY?

Printed in USA Registered Flame Resistant Fabric
Quick & Easy Set Up Meets ULCS109, CPA187,& NFPA701
Quick Turnaround Time Heavy Duty Construction

14 • April 2018
 Deputy Chief Fligiel congratulates Daniel Fiori Matthew Thompson promoted
who promoted to Captain I at FS 47-B to Captain I at FS 12-A

who is actually actively assigned to the shift.

Besides his partner in crime on the rescue who
is off IOD, the entire remaining positions are
vacant. Hang in there, Son, nepotism had noth-
ing to do with this one!
Well, a new protocol has been added to
35’s Patient Disposition Policy. Turns out they
now respond on reports of expired beverages.
Not too long ago it was reported that RA 835
responded to a non-emergency call. In the com-
ment section of the MDC were the words, “Pa-
tient states he drank expired Sunny Delight.”
Not knowing what to expect, but doing their
duty, the two members arrived on scene of the
emergency to discover a man standing there,
appearing agitated, but conscious and standing
on his own power. They immediately asked him
what the emergency was. His response was, “I
drank a 3-year-old Sunny Delight. I tried to get
my money back at the store, but they wouldn’t
give it to me. Can you get my money back?”
Shaking their heads, the two rescue members
evaluated the patient and released him, most
likely longing for the good-old days of the past!
Now to the other end of the Battalion. A
big shout out goes to the new permanent cook
at Station 52 on the “C” platoon. Actually, he is
the permanent everything at the station. Turns E 23 attacks a garage fire in a condo complex
Check expiration date before consuming at 1615 Michael Lane on 2/16/18
out this “Lone Ranger” is the only member

April 2018 • 15
Fake News, continued from page 7
compensation for presumptive injuries when in
fact they are not. I explained to them the actual
process and daunting task of proving a claim
medically and the standard of proof required. I
am still waiting for the correction.
I challenged the Times on their claim
that they couldn’t find any injuries other than
cumulative trauma injuries. I provided them
with information on one of my existing cli-
ents (a FF/PM) who sustained serious injury to
both shoulders while lifting a patient on a gur-
ney. The injury has resulted in surgery to both
shoulders causing the firefighter to be off work
an extended period of time. I offered to produce
dozens more of these cases to see if they were
actually interested in reporting the truth rather
than claim they scoured “thousands of pages”
of work comp documents without finding the
evidence right before their noses. I am still
waiting for a response.
And with regard to the gratuitous re-
mark of the late Mayor claiming he signed onto
DROP because of political pressure? Nonsense
and I so told the Times. Mr. Riordan is a bright
man who made his fortune dealing as an invest-
ment banker and venture fund capitalist before
he became the Mayor of one of the largest Cit-
ies in the United States. That man didn’t sign
onto anything unless he fully understood it’s
financial implications.
Finally, the article concludes by giv-
ing lip service to some officers and firefighters
who assert that periods of extended temporary
disability are due to the unreasonable delays
and denials of medical care that have been in
existence since legislative reforms in 2004 and
2012. Rather than perform due diligence and
research on that issue, they dismiss it sum-
marily. Had they investigated the assertion,
they would have found it to be true, especially
with regard to officers and firefighters off work
while surgery requests are being litigated. In-
deed, the delays and denials of medical treat-
ment are perhaps the most significant result of
past reforms and clearly an integral reason for
extended periods of IOD.
So why am I ranting and raving about
all of this? Because you deserve better. Is
DROP perfect? Probably not. Are there people
who abuse the workers’ compensation system?
Yes and I’m not here to defend them. How-
ever, recent studies and statistics show that of
all fraud in the workers’ compensation system,
only 2% comes from injured workers while the
rest is from employers, insurance carriers and
doctors. I’m not defending the injured workers
who tells me or a doctor they can’t do some-
thing physical and then they are shown on film
doing that exact act. No sir . . . I’m here defend-
ing all the other firefighters and police officers
who earned their pensions and the right to en-
ter DROP to help the City gain up to five more
years of their experience.
The officers and firefighters who are in
DROP are older and at a greater risk for suf-
fering an injury to a body part that has been
punished for 20 to 30 years of wearing heavy
turnout gear or a gun belt. If a firefighter or
officer gets injured while in DROP, so be it.
Treat them with respect and provide them with
timely medical care so they can return to work
within a reasonable time. Contrary to the impli-
cation by the Times, most officers and firefight-
ers want to work and be productive for the City.
The Times’ article and editorial were
written to suggest a broad base conspiracy by
police officers and firefighters to bilk the City
while in DROP. While that kind of fake and
misleading reporting may draw readers and sell
papers, it’s unfair to those who have put them-
selves in harm’s way for those same readers.
Fraud should be investigated and prosecuted
when its present. But before making those
accusations across the board, get your facts
straight and do your homework. Our officers
and firefighters deserve better from the main
newspaper for the City of Angels.

Paid Advertisement:

TAX ALERT FOR FIREFIGHTERS!

Comprehensive Interview
The most comprehensive tax
interview in the industry

Free Review
Free review of your last three
years of tax returns

Specialized Worksheets
Specialized deduction
worksheets for Firefighters

“We amend hundreds of Firefighter tax returns Year-Round Service

every year. The IRS could owe you thousands of We are available year-round
dollars in overpaid taxes...”
HEWITT ®
AL Hewitt, CFP , ChFC, EA
®
NOW ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS
FINANCIAL AND PHONE INTERVIEWS
G ROU P
4009 Mission Oaks Blvd Camarillo ∙ 1120 West Avenue M4 Palmdale
Phone 800-573-4829 Website www.HEWITTFINANCIAL.com
16 • April 2018

Greetings from Battalion 10. Just a few
things to report on this month.
With the Genesis Classic being played
out in Pacific Palisades in February, golf fever
has spread across the city. No place was more
affected than Fire Station 90, where it turns out,
their own FF (Tiger) Benoit is captured on film
doing his best to stay out of the dishes. Good
form is everything. Speaking of good, “Wild
Firefighter (Tiger) Benoit
Hogs” Engineer Joel Ramelli went out of his
way to do a good deed for a fellow firefighter.
It seems that the firefighter was injured and was
unable to ride his Harley Davison home from
the station. So, being the great guy he is, Ra-
melli stepped up to help him out by volunteer-
ing to ride the bike home for him. There was
only one little problem - the injured member
lived only five minutes away from the station,
but the bike came home with an additional 200
miles on it? Maybe it’s time for another map
drill, Capt!
“Wild Hogs” Engineer Joel Ramelli
Na Na Newman!
TF 90 assists multiple patients in Van Nuys at an
auto vs train on 2/23/18. Photo by Rick McClure
On 2/3/18, companies extinguished a blaze at a re-
cycling center in Van Nuys. Photos by Mike Meadows
April 2018 • 17
 THURSDAY,
THURSDAY,JUNE
JUNE7,7,2018
2018(C(CShift)
Shift) :::: 11:30
11:30 AM
AM TO
TO 2:30
2:30 PM

Benefiting your
Benefiting your

Delicious food, fun & prizes

Delicious food, fun & prizes
BRING YOUR
BRING YOUR FAMILY FAMILY
& FRIENDS
& FRIENDS The official charity of the
Los Angeles Firemen’s
The official Relief
charity of Association
the

For more information visit givetoahero.org/hope

Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association

For more
Julietinformation
CONTACT:
18 • April 2018 Brandolino (323) givetoahero.org/hope
visit259-5215 jbrandolino@lafra.org
CONTACT: Juliet Brandolino (323) 259-5215 jbrandolino@lafra.org
 Matthew Sanchez promoted to Captain I at FS 29-C Jason Ortiz promoted to Captain I at FS 13-C

he
ssociation
he
Association Sloane Joseph promoted to Engineer at FS 13-B Scott Brennan promoted to Engineer at FS 11-B

April 2018 • 19
 E 77 with an auto at 11111 Thelma Ave
Jesse Wong promoted to Captain I at FS 13-A on 3/1/18. Photo by Rick McClure

Paid Advertisements:

Marcia Zigler
Mortgage Loan Officer
12521 El Dorado Place,
Victorville, CA 92392
Phn: 1-800-971-4808
Fax: 1-800-971-4809
info@TriStateSigns.com

20 • April 2018
 On 2/12/18, E 77 handles a fully involved motorhome
A structure fire damaged a SFD on 2/18/18. Photo by Mike Meadows fire in the 8400 blk of Telfair Ave. Photo by Rick McClure

75’s responded to a burning load of a trash truck in the 9600

block of Sepulveda Bl on 2/19/18. Photo by Mike Meadows

TF 39 investigates a roof collapse on Commerce

Ave in Tujunga. Photo by David DeMulle’

April 2018 • 21
 98’s handled an auto vs LAPD cruiser in the
Lake View Terrace area Photo by Rick McClure

Truck 60 clears a toppled tree and bee hive

on 2/14/18. Photo by Mike Meadows

22 • April 2018
 Physical rescue with T 89 and E 77 in the 12100 blk
of Roscoe Bl on 3/1/18. Photo by Rick McClure

Four workers fell when a scaffolding collapsed on

Vineland Ave on 2/16/18. Photo by Mike Meadows

April 2018 • 23
Paid Advertisements:

24 • April 2018
 On 2/12/18, 78’s regroups after a structure fire in
the 13500 blk of Moorpark St. Photo by Kelly Seidel

TF 89 worked a vegetation fire along the 5 Fwy in

Panorama City on 2/1/18. Photo by Kelly Seidel

April 2018 • 25
 Paid Advertisement

26 • April 2018
 The entertainment continues at 28’s. It seems that some magic
was performed at the station, transforming the engine’s beautifully deco-
rative axe scabbard into what can only now be described as a very-well
used leather scabbard. This trick so impressed the Captains at 28’s that
they are requesting a private audience of their own with the so far, un-
identified magician. Ticket information for that show is pending!

Auto vs house in the 17500 blk of Minnehana St. Fire 3 hoists a hiker out of Aliso Cyn
Photo by Mike Meadows on 3/4/18. Photo by Mike Meadows

On 2/4/18, companies extinguished a fire that ran the wall

into the attic of an SFD in Porter Ranch. Photo by Rick McClure

April 2018 • 27
 Attention Retired Members
LAFRA has removed the “Seven Year Rule” for PPO Medical Plan participation.
This affects retired members who, while they were active, did not participate in
the PPO Medical Plan for a total of at least 84 months. These retired members are
now eligible to sign–up for the PPO Medical Plan beginning with the April “Open
Enrollment” period. Coverage will become effective on July 1, 2018.

· Coverage is available nationwide through our extensive PPO network

· Preventative care is covered at 100%

· Full Body Scan benefit

· Long-Term Care Coverage for qualifying participants

Sign Up During Open Enrollment

In April

Look for enrollment details in the mail.

FOR MORE INFORMATION call 323.259.5200 x222 or x223
28 • April 2018 Visit us at www.lafra.org
The crew at 93’s fly a flag in memory of Eng. Ray Johnson

Triple function FF/PM/Mechanics at FS 58 “keeping it

rolling” with a quick repair at midnight. Great job boys!

April 2018 • 29
 SFD in the 900 blk of Schumacher Drive on 2/27/18.
LAFD Photos by Harry Garvin

30 • April 2018
Fire Commissioner Jimmy Hara, Councilmember David Ryu, Deputy Chief Fligiel, and his
wife celebrate Lunar New Year at the Golden Dragon Parade. Photo by Capt Cody Weireter

April 2018 • 31
32 • April 2018
 Gloria Allred contacted me for the sec-
ond in a series of interviews which she has
documented as, “The Trouble with Fire Station
14.” As you may recall, her daughter, Ms. Lisa
Bloom, was scheduled to conduct the second
and possibly third interview with me but has
been yanked from those duties by her mother,
who feels there’s a “Deep State” conspiracy
surroundin’ the overall workin’ environment
that was created by all three of the Task Force
Commanders.
Ms. Allred believes there is a much
deeper and disturbin’ problem that existed at
Fire Station 14 and has asked for my help in
explainin’ the behaviors and mindsets of those
Station Commanders from approximately ear-
ly 1998 to mid 2007. Needless to say, I was
shocked by her revelations and beliefs that
there were any problems at 14’s, real or per-
ceived. However, I agreed to fully cooperate
with her continuing investigation.
Her first concern was the methods used
for hirin’ Captain II’s for SOD days. She ex-
plained her sources revealed to her that two
Captain II’s in particular were in the habit of
routinely bypassin’ standard hirin’ procedures
to “Sharp Shoot” SOD days and that they
raised a leg onto one of the front office trash
cans so they could point to the office calendar
to pick their days. With glarin’ eyes focused to-
ward me, Ms. Allred wanted to know why these
Station Commanders had to have one foot on a
trash can to select their overtime days.
I explained that there were two front of-
fice trash cans. If there was any waste in one
can, they would simply empty it into the other
trash can and turn the empty can upside down.
Then they would raise a leg to balance them-
selves on the bottom of the trash can while
pointin’ their bruised and burly fingers at the
days they wanted to work. With a sigh of relief
in her voice, Ms. Allred stated, “Well, at least
these gentlemen maintained some respect and
order by not standin’ in a trash can.”
But Ms. Allred had more questions.
She asked, “Why did these Station Command-
ers have to hide in the front office to pick their
overtime days?” I told her they were not hidin’.
I said they did this same routine in the kitchen.
However, I explained when they were in the
kitchen, they’d raise a leg and rest their foot
on the kitchen bench, no trash can needed. I
then explained to her that no rules were broken
and all hirin’ procedures were followed in ac-
cordance to all regulations and the Manual of
Operations.
Well, Ms. Allred still thought she
smelled a rat. She reluctantly concluded her
interview but sensed my answers were nothin’
more than a smoke screen for the awful truth.
She seemed more interested than ever
to uncover a conspiracy that she believed was
lurkin’ in the shadows. I explained my willing-
ness to cooperate with her and that I had nothin’
to hide.
Not satisfied with my transparency, she
promised with the help of her daughter, Ms.
Bloom, that they would blow up Fire Station
14. I know, I reminded her she was about 10
years too late.
COWBOY HUMOR

An Engineer
dies, goes to Hell and was
unsatisfied with the level
of comfort there. Right
away he starts designin’
and makin’ improve-
ments. After a while, Hell
had air conditioning, flush
toilets, and escalators. As you can imagine, the
engineer became very popular.
Paid Advertisements:

One day God calls and asks Satan, “So

how’s it goin’ down there?” Satan says, “You
may not believe it, but things are goin’ pretty
good. It’s air conditioned now, we have toilets
FIREFIGHTERS WANTED that flush, there are escalators, and there’s no
tellin’ what my Engineer is goin’ to come up
Seeking applicants for the positions of: with next.”
Fire Marshal & Part-Time Brush Clearance Inspectors God was horrified. “What? You’ve got
$35 - $39 per hr. (Projected) - WORK SCHEDULE – To Be Determined an Engineer? That’s not right, he should have
never gone down there. You know all Engi-
BRUSH INSPECTORS/FIREFIGHTERS RETIRED? RETIRING?
The City of La Habra Heights is a rural wildland/urban interface community of 5300 residents, 2300 neers go to Heaven. Send him up here!” Satan
parcels with heavy brush, large homes and minimum 1 acre parcels. The City is classified in the answered, “No way. I like havin’ an Engineer
Very High Fire Severity Hazard Zone and requires 100% brush clearance for all parcels and is
located on the eastern edge of Los Angeles County between Hacienda Heights and Whittier.
on the staff. I’m keepin’ him.”
The City is developing a new Brush Clearance program utilizing a Full or Part-Time Fire Marshal to
God said, “Send him back up here or
manage the program and several Part-Time Brush Clearance Inspectors starting in January 2018 I’ll sue.” Satan just laughed and replied, “Yeah
The ideal candidate will have at least two (2) years of brush clearance experience inspection or right, and where are you goin’ to get a lawyer?”
wildland firefighting experience.

AC
Positions open until filled http://lhhcity.org Phone: (562) 694-8283 x326

Fire Chief Doug Graft, LAFD Ret. & Assistant Fire Chief Ron Myers, LAFD Ret. KEEP SMILIN’!
choppedup@att.net
April 2018 • 33
 When is a retirement dinner not a din-
ner? —when it’s a party! And what a party
it was. With 200 friends and family in atten-
dance, it was a night for all to remember.
It was also an event (at least in scale)
that almost didn’t occur. When Bill Bringas first
thought about retirement, the last thing on his
mind was a retirement dinner. To be honest, he
wasn’t even sure he wanted a large gathering.
Not because he thought people wouldn’t come.
No, it was just the fact that he didn’t want to
be in the spot light. Nothing new for Bill. For
his entire career he has been the one behind the
scenes, instead of out in front. From managing
all aspects of events such as the “Lane Kemper
Classic” and countless “Over-the-Line tourna-
ments,” to simply being one of the server of
food to hundreds of downtown workers to raise
money for “Hope for Firefighters,” Bill’s has
always been there, doing his part to make sure
34 • April 2018
it all got done, and done right. So, it was great
to see that Bill finally decided to celebrate his
nearly 31 years with the Department by having
a party, not a dinner.
Bill was adamant that it would be a
time of fun and food, instead of ceremonial
protocol. And he succeeded. With every seat
filled, friends and family enjoyed great music
and even better food from dusk to dark as they
exchanged their stories of Bill’s life and career.
Battalion 9, Chief Currey, off duty of course,
but working twice as hard, supplied a smor-
gasbord of cooked meats, beans, and salad.
Captain and Chaplin, Roger Fowble, gave the
nights benediction and a brief history of Bill’s
career. The guys at 23’s also came through, pre-
senting Bill with what can only be called a work
of art by the talented Jim Vels and Bill Hertz -
a custom painted fire hydrant that shimmered
in the moonlight. The “Drop Zone” bowling
team, however, would not be outdone. They too
brought their “A” game. Wearing their custom-
made bowling shirts, embroidered with the face
of their friend, Dave Moorman, they proudly
presented Bill with a beautiful American flag
plaque created by another equally talented
LAFD member, Scott Wofford of FS 28. This
handcrafted design commemorated Bill’s 30
years of service with the LAFD.
All in all, everyone had a great time.
The night’s events finished on a high note with
a slide show of Bill’s career being projected on
the side of a historical building at the Gillette
Ranch. I’m sure that inspired more than just
one person in attendance to want to do more
for others.
Congratulation Bill for living a life and
working a career in the service of others. Sim-
ple put—Well Done!
April 2018 • 35
 FF III / Arson Investigator
ROSA TORRES TUFTS
• Wednesday, April 4, 2018 @ 12 PM • Tickets are available for $37.00
per person.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Downtown Los Angeles • Tables of ten are available for $360.00
120 South Los Angeles Street
Los Angeles CA 90012 • NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT
THE DOOR (ONLY PICKED-UP)
• Please RSVP to (661) 433-4679 by
April 2, 2018 • LIMITED SEATING

PLEASE MAKE YOUR CHECK OUT TO THE LOS ANGELES CITY FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION
MAIL CHECK TO:
LAFFA
C/O GEORGE JAMES
40755 Via Tranqilo, Palmdale, CA 93551

36 • April 2018
 STRUCTURE FIRE
Vermont Knolls
Photos by Harry Garvin and Yvonne Griffin

Despite deeply entrenched flames and unstable walls that led to structural collapse, sixty-nine firefighters were spared harm during their 78 minutes battle to extinguish
formidable flames in a two-story row of vacant businesses at 8436 South Vermont Avenue on February 13, 2018.

April 2018 • 37
STRUCTURE FIRE
Bel Air
Photos by Harry Garvin, Keith Cullom, and John Conkle

38 • April 2018
 More than 100 firefighters extinguished a fire inside a 7,500 sq ft home, causing two firefighters to be transported to local hospitals. The occupied residence suffered significant
damage, however, firefighters stopped the flames from spreading to the adjacent pool house, garage, and nearby brush. Fortunately, the residents (homeowner, children, and nanny)
were alerted by functional smoke alarms and self-evacuated unharmed.

April 2018 • 39
STRUCTURE FIRE
Fashion District/DTLA
Photos by Harry Garvin and John Conkle

One captain sustained non-life-threatening facial injury while battling a pre-dawn major emergency blaze at 771 East Pico Boulevard in the downtown Fashion District on Febru-
ary 27, 2018. Despite intense flame, structural compromise and zero-clearance to neighboring properties to the mid-block business, the well-coordinated effort of 117 firefighters had the
fire confined to the business of origin and fully extinguished in just 47 minutes.

40 • April 2018

Francesco Thompson is a man torn be-
tween eras. For eleven years he lived the tur-
bulent life of a Coast Guard flight mechanic,
operating the hoist of an HH65 Dolphin on res-
cue missions in the waters off SoCal. Today,
he uses the focus he acquired as a helicopter
mechanic to craft custom leather goods, each
piece a handmade labor of love.
“Sometimes,” relates Francesco, “I feel
like I should have been born in an earlier era.”
Starting in his garage, Francesco
learned leathercraft first as a hobby, as some-
thing to just relieve a little stress. Belts were the
easiest, so he started with those. He eventually
moved on to tactical gun belts. These belts have
been a favorite of LAPD detectives who enjoy
the personalized, custom belts for their shoul-
der holsters and other concealed carries.
When you step into his San Pedro shop
today, the mild scent of the leather, the massive
work bench, and the vintage fixtures all create
an inviting, calming atmosphere. “Leather for
me has always been therapeutic,” says Fran-
cesco. “It has power over me that just calms
me.”
But make no mistake, he is hard at work
every day. When a few guys from the local fire
companies learned of the quality of his custom
turnout suspenders, the word quickly spread.
Someone put in a good word for him with Ja-
son Knight, and now Francesco makes all of
the scabbards for Fire Axe, Inc. In addition,
he makes the J.P. Special scabbards for San
Francisco Fire.
Francesco always asks his firefighter
customers for their input. He adapts his prod-
ucts to this feedback, and feels that these im-
provements make his work second to none. As
an example, he now triples the elastic on the
suspenders and measures all of his die cuts on
the scabbards to the 16th of an inch.
“I think it’s important to take care of one
customer at a time and focus on relationships,”
said Francesco. That is one of the reasons that
he conditions all of the products that he sells,
free for life. That includes oiling, cleaning,
new holes punched – for the most part, while
you wait.
The Leather Shop is located at 915
S Grand Ave in San Pedro. More info at
francesco@laleathershop.com or call (310)
982-3290
April 2018 • 41
 Los Angeles Fire and Police Pensions
(LAFPP), in cooperation with the Los
Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
(LAFRA) invites you to attend a one-
time pension event on May 18, 2018 at
9:00 a.m. at the LAFRA office located
at 7470 N. Figueroa, Los Angeles (right around the corner from
the credit union). The 1 ½ hour presentation by LAFPP will
discuss key information to assist you on when and how to retire.
Each member in attendance will receive personalized Pension,
DROP and Lost Service Time estimates.
ing drill tower time and military/
other government agency time.
Please join us if you have questions
such as:
◊ When can I retire?
◊ How much will I receive in retirement?
◊ What if I’m hurt on the job?
◊ What is a health subsidy?
◊ How does DROP work?
◊ What are my survivor health benefits?

The presentation will include information on:

• 3 Types of Pensions – Service, Disability and Survivor
• Health and Dental Subsidies
• DROP Space is limited. If you are interested in attending or need
• Resources and Contacts more information, please contact John Hicks, LAFRA by
May 4, 2018. Email (preferred) Jhicks@lafra.org or at
(323)259-5253.
LAFPP staff can also provide a review of your beneficiary and ad-
dress information and provide other estimates such as purchas- IT’S NEVER TOO SOON…OR TOO LATE
42 • April 2018
 MICHAEL SCHAEFER, A/O, FS74-A GLENN AMES, Captain II, FS 78-A

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2018 FRIDAY, APRIL 20, 2018

Caesar Banquet Hall Sagebrush Cantina

6723 Foothill Blvd, Tujunga CA 23527 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas CA

Social Hour - 5:00 PM Dinner - 6:00 PM Social Hour - 5:00 PM Dinner - 6:00 PM

Buffet Dinner - $35 Cost TBD - Tex Mex BBQ

Call FS 74 - (818) 756-8674 Fire Station 78 - (818) 756-8678

Name Assignment Date Retired Date Rank

Geroge W. James 04/12/1981 01/30/2018 Captain I, FS 103-C
Daniel Leon 02/10/1980 01/31/2018 A/O, FS 89-A
Mark T. Heffner 12/10/1984 01/31/2018 Engineer, FS 79-A
Glenn E. Ames 08/10/1980 02/28/2018 Captain II, FS 78-A
Richard D. Diaz 11/25/1985 02/28/2018 Captain I, FS 36-B
Leo E. Lopez 03/13/1983 03/31/2018 Captain II, FS 12-B
Dean D. Ulrich 12/18/1983 03/31/2018 Ass’t Chief, LAWA
Karl R. Herrera 12/18/1983 04/03/2018 Captain I, FS 71-C
ed Michael D. Tobey 12/10/1979 04/30/2018 Captain I, EMS 15-A
by
at Steven G. Brunett 12/10/1984 04/30/2018 Engineer, FS 97-B
Fernando Jimenez 04/13/1986 04/30/2018 A/O, FS 2-C

April 2018 • 43

Dear Bob,
Please accept this donation to the
WODFF in memory of Barney Nipp. I had
the pleasure of working for and around
Barney for many years, and of all the fine
officers and human beings the LAFD pro-
duced during those years, he was, in my
opinion, the top of the heap. His leadership
and interpersonal skills were something to
behold and learn from. He led by example,
never overreacted and was as fair as a per-
son could be in all aspects of his job. And,
if you ask any firefighter that ever worked
for him, they would tell you the same! A
remarkable man that will be missed by
many.
Alan Shroeder
LAFD Retired
Dear Andy,
Please accept this donation to
the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Fire-
men’s Fund in remembrance of Bill Mc
Donough, my Engineer at FS 2, and Sef
Godinez, my boyhood friend and Fire De-
partment buddy.
Harry and Doris Morck
Bob and Andy
Enclosed please find a donation to
the WODFF in memory of my father, Jack
R. Brodie. Dad was a shining example of
the Greatest Generation. He served aboard
the SS Boxer in WWII and Korea. He
44 • April 2018
was a proud member of the LAFD for 28
years, retiring in 1975. He was the breed
of fireman that every officer yearned to
have on his company; dedicated, depend-
able, resourceful and competent. Our fam-
ily knew him as a very strong, loving man
with a soft heart.
I’d like to acknowledge what an in-
credible organization LAFRA is and how
they have been there for us in our times of
need; with my mother’s illness and pass-
ing from Lou Gehrig’s disease in 1993,
and now Dad’s quiet passing at 94 years
old.
John Brodie, LAFD retired
Agoura Hills, CA
Dear Mr. Dolan,
Thank you for all the support and
assistance during this somber time. You
and your staff were great support with
all the details that could have been over-
whelming to me. Tony and I greatly ap-
preciate the flag and your letter that docu-
mented the services and my father, Arthur
C. Johnson’s career. Everything was just
beautiful, and the sentiment from you and
your office was so professional. Thank
you again for everything,
Tina and Tony Capistrano
LAFRA
I would like to tell you how much
I appreciate all the help the Firemen’s Re-
lief Association did for me during the hard
times these last few months. Obe talked
often about how he missed being with his
company. The flag will always be with the
family, and the plant is beautiful. Thank
you for everything.
Elizabeth Doan
Dear LAFRA
With special thanks to all of you. To
know you, is to know people who are kind,
considerate, and thankful. To know you is
to be grateful for the special things you do.
For everything you’ve done, for being the
special people you are, thank you so very
much for the beautiful flowers and all your
help.
Again, thank you-
Anita Spearman
LAFRA-
The world is a lesser place for hav-
ing lost Frank Brown. It was always a
pleasure to be around you, and aside from
some harmless firehouse banter, I never
heard of anyone having anything negative
to say about you. You were soft spoken
and a gentleman, dedicated to family and
friends.
You were, and always will be, loved by all
who knew you. Frank, you will be missed.
And one last time, we all raises our voices
to salute you . . . RIP “Fra-a-a-nk Bro-o-
own!”
Lauren DeRosier
LAFRA-
I met Bill Strickland at 64’s. It was
my 2nd house on probation and he was
the pump engineer. He took me under his
wing and guided me along. We studied to-
gether a year later, him for captain and me
for my probation test. Kept in touch with
him and a few years later he went to arson
and when a spot came up he gave me a call Firefighter
Firefighter Justin
JustinMendence
Mendence
at 90’s. Us Marines have to stick together. Firefighter
setset
upupa specialJustin
a special
needs Mendence
needstrust
trustto to
Spent some time with him in Texas
where he was Chief of Arlington FD. A
Firefighter
Firefighter
set
ensure up
ensurehisahis
special
Justin
son,
son, needs
Justin trust
Mendence
Mendence
diagnosed
diagnosed with to
with
great guy, tough but fair. I’m thankful I got setset
up
Autism, up
ensurea
Autism, special
a special
his
is is needs
son,
taken
taken needstrust
diagnosed
care
care trust
of of
in in to to
with
thethe
to play some golf with him after he moved ensure
ensure
best
best hishis
Autism,
manner son,
is
manner son,
diagnosed
takendiagnosed
care of with
possible.
possible. inwith
the
back to CA. I kept in touch with him on Autism,
Autism,
best is is
taken
manner taken
care
care
of of
possible. in inthethe
FB in later years. I always got a kick out
of this tough old Marine using FB. “Unless
“Unless
youyou
have
have a best
a plan best
plan
in manner
manner possible.
place…you’re
in possible.
place…you’replanning
planning
to fail.
to fail.
I’ll miss you Bill. You made my “Unless
Leaving it toyou
Leaving to have
it chance isa plan
chance not ininme
is not inplace…you’re
me
andand
mymy planning
wife’s
wife’s to fail.
vocabulary.”
vocabulary.”
career on the FD possible and I’ll always “Unless
“Unless
youyou
Leaving it have
to have
a plan
a plan
chance is in
notplace…you’re
ininplace…you’re
me and myplanning
planning
wife’s to fail.
to fail.
vocabulary.”
be thankful. They can never have enough Q. Why
Q. Why
Leaving is
Leaving it
is important
it important
it toit chance
to chance to
is not to
is notget
in meget
a
in mespecial
a special
andand
mymyneeds
needs
wife’s trust?
wife’s trust?
vocabulary.”
vocabulary.”
“Jarheads” in Heaven. My thoughts and Q. Why is it important to get a special needs trust?
prayers are with Donna and your family. Q.Q. A.Why
Why A. isKids
Kids itis important
itthat
that important
have have to
special to
get
special getaneeds
needs special
a special
willwill needs
grow needs
grow uptrust?
totrust?
up be
to be
A. Kidswith
adults
adults that
with have
special
special special
needs.needs.needs
If something will grow up to be
If something
Your friend,
Terry Depackh A. A.Kids Kids
adults
happened that
happened that
have
withtohave special
special
us,
to us,special
he he needs
needs.
would needs
would not will
If will
grow
something
notbe begrow
able up
abletoup to
tobeto be
Henderson, NV adults
adults
happened
manage
manage with with
by special
by special
to
himself us,needs.
himself heneeds.
and would
and Ifwouldn’t
wouldn’t something
Ifnotsomething
bebe
be able
protected. to
protected.
Frank happened happened
andmanage Laura thoughtto
byus,to us,
himselfhe he would
they would
and had notnot
wouldn’t bebe
plenty able
ofable
be to to
protected.
time to get an
Q.Q. Describe
Describe
manage
manage thethe
bytypes
bytypes
himself of of
himself things
and things
and thisthis
wouldn’t
wouldn’ttrust trust
be sets
be sets
protected.upup
protected. forfor
LAFRA- Estate
Q.
yourPlan.
Describe
your loved But
loved when
the
ones ones Frank
types
with with ofpassed
specialthings
special away
needs this
needs unexpectedly,
trust
in the sets
in the event up
event Laura
for
Q.Q. Describe
you
realized Describe
your
youareare
they loved
not the
not
were thetypes
ones
able types
able
not to of
with
to
care
prepared. of
things
care things
special
for for this
them. thistrust
needs
them. trustsets
in sets
the up up
forfor
event
Not sure where to start . . . perhaps
offering my condolences to the chief’s youryour
you loved
areloved ones
not ones
able with with
tospecial
carespecialforneeds needs
them. in the
in the event event
family is the best place to begin. I knew you
A.youare
Anare
A. An not not
Advisory able
Advisory able toCouncil.
Council.to
care care for
You for
them.
Youcan them.
canname name experts
experts in thein the
Glenn Dinger as “Chief Dinger.” I was Five Key A.
fieldSteps:
An
field Advisory
that that
know know Council.
your your child You
child andand cancancanname
help experts
help[the [theTrust in the
Trust
younger on the job and Chief Dinger had A. A.An An Advisory
Advisory Council.
Council. You Youcan canname name experts
experts in the
in the
field that know your child and canher help [the Trust
already established a very stellar reputa- 1. Pick aExecutor]
field
Executor]
planner.
field that that
make
know
make
Word-of-mouth
know
decisions
your
decisions
your references
childchild
forare
andand
for
hisa his
can
or
good
can
orplace
help
her
future.
tofuture.
start, but you
tion as a leader among leaders. For some Executor] make decisions for his orhelp [the
her [theTrust
future. Trust
people competency is as natural as breath- should always• Financial
• Financial
take time security
tomakesecurity
research and andasset
credentials, asset management
management
experience, on-going education
Executor]
Executor]
• make decisions
decisionsandfor for
his his
or her
or her future.
future.
ing – Chief Dinger seemed to have that levels and•select • Financial
Living Living arrangements
the Estate security
arrangements
Planning professional asset
that bestmanagement
suits your needs. When
gift. I was able to be at incidents where comparing• Financial
•costs• Financial
• Living
Care Care
make security
security
arrangements
arrangements
arrangements
sure you knowand and
all asset
theasset management
documents management
included and services
he was the IC and things always went • Living
• Living
Care arrangements
arrangements
arrangements
smoothly. I too remember the cigar. I ap- provided so you compare “apples to apples.” Each planner may break it down
preciate his leadership and for establishing DoDo you
Q.differently.
Q. you
• Care•have have
Care aarrangements
message
a message
arrangements forfor people people who who have have notnot
a standard that made us better individu- Q. Do you
created
created anhave
an
estate
estatea message
plan? plan? for people who have not
ally and corporately. God bless the Dinger Q.2.Q.Docreated
Doyouyou
Assemble ahave have
an aestate
team. message
Youra message
estate plan? forfor
planning people people
professional who who
canhave have
advise notyounot about
family. created
A.created
contacting A.
Itaistax an an
Itimportant
is estate
expert, estate
important plan?
an accountant
becauseplan?
becauseand wesomeonewe
work who
work incan give
ainhigh
a highyou advice
risk risk
job. about
job.
George Negrete A. It
charitableIfgiving.
you
If youis important
love love your your because
children
children we
likelike work
I loveI love in
mine, a high
mine, youyou risk
want job.
want
A. A. It isIf
the Itbest
the important
is best
you important
love
forfor because
your
them. them. because
children
Yes, itwe
Yes, isitwework
like
work work
is work in aon
I on
love inhigh
ayour
high
mine,
your risk
end, yourisk
end, job.
but job.
want
but
3. Compile If documents.
you
If youlove love Ask
your youryour attorney
children
children or
like other
like
I loveI Estate
love
mine,Planning
mine, you professional
you want want
youtheyou best
cannot
cannot for
putput them. inYes,
it init place place itlater,
islater,
work
youyou on
haveyour
have to end,
do
to do itbut it
what you'll the need
the
youbest to
best bring
for
cannot for toput
them. theit
them. first
Yes,in meeting.
Yes,
it is
place it work
is It’s on
work
later, usually
on
youyour justend,
your
have aend,
fewbut
to simple
but
LAFRA- now. now. Yes, Yes,
it’s it’s
a little
a little bitbit of anof an investment,
investment, butbut weweit
do
documents you and
you could
cannot include the deed(s) to your property, insurance policies,
have now.
have a cannot
Yes,
great
a great put
it’s putit little
init place
abenefit
benefit in place
ofbit oflater,
an
aofone-time, later,
a one-time, youyou have
investment, have to but
reimbursement do
to do
reimbursement itweit
I had the privilege of working SOD retirementnow. accounts
now. Yes,and
Yes,
a it’sa proper
it’s
a little I.D.
abenefit
little
bitgives
bit
of an
of an
investment,
investment, butbut wewe
at FS 105’s with Captain Leroy Lilly as a thehave
theReliefReliefgreat
Association
Association ofgives
a one-time,
us. us. reimbursement
two-year boot assigned to old 73’s in the have have a
the Relief
4. Ask for guidance. great
a great benefit
WhenAssociation benefit of
you meet withgives aofone-time,
a one-time,
members reimbursement
reimbursement
us.of your team, describe your
mid 70’s. We soon became friends via Q.Are
Q.goals Are
and you
askyou
the the glad
Relief
about glad
theyou
Relief bestyou diddid
Association
Association
way toit?
reachit?them. us.
givesgives us.
the Fireman’s Bowling League at Corbin Q. Are you glad you did it?
Lanes. Some of you reading this know Cover all
how much of a great guy he was to be Q.5.Q.Are
A.Are you
A.
It isthe
you
It isbases.
glad glad
definitely you
definitelyUnderstand
youadid adid
peace it?the
peace it?options
of mind
of mind whenthing.considering
thing.I sleep a will
I sleep ora trust,
a little little
around. durable A. power
bitbitIt of
is
easier attorney,
definitely
easier at nighta living
at night a will,
peace
knowing a health
knowing of care
mind
that that power
mymything.of
sonsonattorney,
I sleep
is setis set trusts
upupa for
little
To Dave Lilly: Your dad was one yourA. A.
children,
It isbit
for your
Ithis
for charity
definitely
iseasier
definitely
his
entire
entire and
at
life.even
anight
peace
life. yourself.
a peace of mind
knowing of mind thing.
that thing.
myI sonsleep
I sleep a little
is set aup little
the “best of the best.” Rest assured, he will bitbit easier easier at night
at night knowing
knowing that thatmy myson sonis set
is set
up up
forever be remembered as a “gentleman
for his entire life.
and a leader on the fireground.” forfor hishis entire
entire life.life.
Everyone
Everyone shouldshould consider
consider setting
settingup an
up estate
an estate plan. plan.
For
Ask Ask
your
Everyone
for afor“Getting
“Getting
should
a “Getting Started
Started
Started
consider
Kit”Kit”
todaysetting
today
Kit”
byup
by emailing
contact
an
emailing estate plan.
Michael Martin
Everyone
Everyone
Ask
Relief
Relief
Marlene ashould
Association should
“Getting
forCasillas,
Association consider
consider
Started
Development
Development
Development setting
Kit”
&& setting
today upbyan
Marketing up
&Marketing estate
an
emailing
Marketing
Director,estateplan.
Director,
Marlene
Director, plan.
Marlene
at
Relief Association Development & Marketing Director, Marlene
at“Getting
aat“Getting
Ask Casillas
Ask
for afor
Casillas
(323) orStarted
Started
Kit”Kit”
MCasillas@lafra.org
259-5217 today
MCasillas@lafra.org
email today
orbycalling
or callingemailing
by(323)
MCasillas@LAFRA.orgemailing
(323)
259-5217.
259-5217.
Casillas at MCasillas@lafra.org or calling (323) 259-5217.
Relief
Relief
Association
Association
Development
Development
& Marketing
& Marketing
AprilDirector,
Director,
2018 •Marlene
45Marlene
Casillas at MCasillas@lafra.org
Casillas at MCasillas@lafra.org
or calling
or calling
(323)
(323)
259-5217.
259-5217.
 MEMBERS
Ernest T. Spearman, Fire Inspector II. Appointed October 17, 1970.
Retired on a service pension October 22, 2000 from FPB.
Passed away January 9, 2018.

Edwin R. Crooker, Captain II. Appointed June 17, 1952.

Retired on a service pension June 1, 1977 from FS 93-C.
Passed away January 18, 2018.

Bernard E. Nipp, Captain. Appointed May 19, 1958.

Retired on a disability pension June 29, 1990 from FS 10-A.
Passed away January 21, 2018.

Lawrence C. Shuler, Firefighter II. Appointed November 1, 1956.

Retired on a disability pension January 1, 1977 from FS 88-A.
Passed away January 23, 2018.

Gene F. Taylor, Firefighter II. Appointed January 28, 1957.

Retired on a service pension February 1, 1977 from FS 55-A.
Passed away January 24, 2018.

Robert J. Laret, Captain. Appointed July 3, 1951.

Retired on a service pension June 30, 1980 from FS 80-C.
Passed away January 24, 2018.

Thomas L. Rix, Jr., Engineer. Appointed April 18, 1959.

Retired on a service pension March 30, 1991 from FS 87-C.
Passed away January 25, 2018.

Leroy M. Lilly, Captain II. Appointed June 16, 1952.

Retired on a service pension June 30, 1980 from FS 105-C.
Passed away January 27, 2018.

Walter J. Somaduroff, Engineer. Appointed July 2, 1956.

Retired on a service pension February 16, 1988 from FS 87-A.
Passed away January 27, 2018.

Glenn R. Dinger, Battalion Chief. Appointed February 20, 1960.

Retired on a service pension June 27, 1993 from S&M.
Passed away February 2, 2018.

Frank Brown, Firefighter III. Appointed February 15, 1975.

Retired on a service pension April 30, 2007 from OCD-C.
Passed away February 9, 2018.

Boyd E. Chapman, Engineer. Appointed March 15, 1948.

Retired on a service pension March 1, 1973 from FS 52-C.
Passed away February 11, 2018.

FAMILY
Jo Ann Lovett-Barnes, surviving spouse of Richard M. Barnes, passed away January 22, 2018.
Jennie O. Beneke, surviving spouse of Norman L. Beneke, passed away January 24, 2018.
Marian J. Hibbard, spouse of Donald L. Hibbard, passed away January 26, 2018.
Tracy Obregon, spouse of Paul R. Obregon, passed away February 17, 2018.
Ellie Klafta, surviving spouse of Norbert S. Klafta, passed away February 24, 2018.
Patricia A. Smith, spouse of Richard A. Smith, passed away February 28, 2018.

46 • April 2018
 First we had the Mentos Mint Challenge. Take a package of Men-
tos, rapidly insert them into a 2-liter bottle of Diet Coke, then step back
and watch as a stream of soda soars skyward with explosive force.
Next came the Ice Water Challenge. Take a bucket of ice water
and pour it over a friend’s head. Chilling - yes; dangerous - not likely.
That is, unless you drop the bucket on your victim’s head or they slip on
a rouge ice cube.
Unfortunately, a new fad is quickly gaining popularity, catching
the attention of EMS providers and government watchdog groups across
the county. It’s known as the “Tide Pod Challenge.” It calls for an indi-
vidual to put a Tide laundry detergent pod into their mouth. Most will
just let it sit for a bit before spitting it. Other more adventurous people
will first fry it in a cooking pan, then pop the capsule into their mouth and
chew on it, allowing the soap to spew into their mouths - many showing
the unsurprising side effects of swallowing a household cleaner: chok-
ing, gagging, and vomiting.
Besides the obvious choking hazard of the colorfully-packed
product, the ingredients in the pods are poisonous to ingest. They in-
clude: ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, and polymers – a highly-toxic mix
of detergent meant to wipe out dirt and grime, not fill one’s appetite.
Manufacturers have been concerned about toddlers mistakenly ingest-
ing them for years, but now teens are popping them into their mouth for
amusement and posting the videos on social media sites - with deadly
results.
Children who have been exposed to the capsules have been hos-
pitalized with diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, and
loss of consciousness. The chemicals contained within the pods can have
a profound effect on one’s blood pressure, heart rate, and may also lead
to seizures. Aspiration of the liquid is also possible leading to lung dam-
age.
Last year alone, U.S poison control centers received reports of
more than 10,000 poisoning cases involving detergent pods, of those,
over 200 teens reportedly were exposed, 25 % of those cases were inten-
tional.
To report exposure to laundry detergent pods, call the national
hotline at 1-800-222-1222 or text POISON to 797979 to save the number
on your phone.
April 2018 • 47
 Walk into any fire station and you’ll
find at least one container of protein powder
on the kitchen counter. It’s usually surrounded
by containers of various fruits and other natural
ingredients, ready to be mixed and consumed
by that “healthy individual” of the fire house.
The question is, does all this prep work pay off
in the end?
Fundamentally, shakes consist of whey
protein, although casein (milk), soy, egg, rice,
and pea protein powders are also available.
That much is straightforward, but from here
it gets trickier. For a start there are many mis-
conceptions regarding the shakes. People often
mistake them for steroids – perhaps under-
standable, given the big promises that drive the
products’ marketing campaigns. Of course, it’s
taken thousands of hours of gym work behind
the scenes to get those muscles, but you don’t
see that in the ads.
To be clear, protein shakes are not a
magic muscle pill. They are purely nutritional.
Another source of confusion is the differen-
tiation between a “mass gainer” and a protein
shake. Mass gainers are used as an aid to bulk-
ing up. They typically include a large amount of
FRUITY--Very Berry Shake
12 oz water
1 cup spinach
2 cups frozen mixed berries
½ cup plain low-fat yogurt
2 scoops vanilla protein powder
1 tbsp walnuts
1 tbsp ground flaxseed
48 • April 2018
simple carbohydrates that get delivered straight
to your muscles. These serve a purpose after a
workout when the muscle’s energy is depleted;
but use them at the wrong time, and the end
result is fat gain. Protein shakes, by contrast,
deliver amino acids to muscle cells, helping
them to recover after strenuous workouts.
Which protein shake should I choose?
Whey is the most common base for the
protein powder, as it contains all of the nine es-
sential amino acids that facilitate the healing of
damaged muscles. There are three main types
of whey protein: isolate, hydrolysate, and con-
“Without adequate protein,
training hard will leave
your muscles with a deficit”
SWEET--Strawberry
Banana Shake
12 oz water, milk, or yogurt
2 scoops vanilla or strawberry
flavored protein powder
1 banana
1 cup of frozen strawberries
1 cup of spinach
2 tbsp of ground flax
1 tbsp ground flaxseed
centrate. Isolate yields an elevated level of pro-
tein and is low on allergenics, making it a good
option for the lactose intolerant. Hydrolysate is
produced in a way that effectively means it has
been predigested, so its rate of absorption by
the body is super fast. Concentrate, meanwhile,
is the cheapest option, as the effects of its pro-
tein content are offset by its significant fat and
cholesterol levels. Serious athletes tend to use
hydrolysate.
How much protein does my body actually
need?
Without adequate protein, training hard
will leave your muscles with a deficit of the
building blocks they need to recover. There’s a
lot of debate as to the ideal amount of protein
to consume on a daily basis; each individual
needs to work out his/her body’s specific need.
However, the traditional recommendation for
muscle building is 0.7 gram of protein per
pound of body weight per day.
This would mean the average man of,
say, 170 pounds, needs 119 grams of protein
per day if he is to undertake a heavy weights
program with the aim of gaining muscle. That’s
CHOCOLATE--Peanut
Butter Cup Protein Shake
1 large banana coined (and then frozen)
1 cup chocolate almond-milk
(or chocolate soymilk)
6 ounces plain yogurt (or vanilla)
3 tablespoons peanut butter
1 tablespoon chocolate protein powder
½ teaspoon truvia (or sub another sweetener)
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 cup ice (optional)
 the equivalent of two chicken breasts (60
grams), three eggs (18 grams), and one 6-ounce
steak (40 grams).
Consuming two chicken breasts, three
eggs, and a steak per day sounds like a lot to
ask of your stomach, but it’s not an impossible
task. Protein shakes are not necessarily essen-
tial, but at the same time you can see why they
offer a convenient alternative. One shake can
save you a lot of time and money. At this point,
a caveat: The amount of protein one needs is
dependent on the level of training and the type
of training the individual is doing. To give an
obvious example, a bodybuilder needs more
protein than someone who is not exercising.
Equally, an ultra-marathon runner would need
more Vitamin C to optimize their immune sys-
tem than someone who jogs for 30 minutes
once a week. Recommended Daily Allowances
are always to be taken with caution.
Should you use protein shakes?
I believe the most important factor to
consider when deciding whether or not you
need to begin supplementing with whey protein
is to remember that it’s just a food supplement.
ut VEGETATION--Vegan
hake Protein Shake
1 medium bunch fresh kale
ozen)
(stems removed)
2 cups baby spinach
2 cups water
2 tablespoons hemp seeds
2 teaspoons MCT oil
der 1 medium (frozen banana)
½ cup strawberries (frozen)
sweetener)
¼ cup blueberries (frozen)
½ cup pineapple (frozen)
10 fresh mint leaves
Don’t expect instant results. Whey protein is a
great source of protein that will help you build
muscle, but it’s not going to “do” anything
for you that food wouldn’t do. Like
all supplements, whey protein is
best used as part of your overall
health and fitness efforts. This
includes planning the correct
training phases, training intensity,
consistency, adequate rest peri-
ods, and, of course, a nutritional
program calibrated to your cur-
rent goals.
Personally, I drink a pro-
tein shake from time to time
following a workout simply be-
cause of the convenience. That
being said, I often go months
on end without having one
and suffer no loss of muscle
because I know to seek my
protein from whole foods.
Visit Scott Laidler
at www.scottlaidler.com for
online personal training and
free fitness resources.
April 2018 • 49
 2017 Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer Report to the Membership
We are pleased to present to you our report on the state of
Firefighters First Credit Union as of December 31, 2017.
OWNERSHIP
Your Credit Union is truly committed to improving the
financial lives of the fire family and we are relentless in our pur-
suit of legendary service to our member/owners. We are a not for
profit, member-owned financial cooperative, exclusively serving
the fire family, and always strive to return a portion of our in-
come back to the membership. In 2017, we deposited more than
$1.5M to member accounts, which equated to just over 20% of
our net income. The remaining 80% goes directly into our capital
reserves to ensure our safety and soundness and to launching new
products/services and initiatives. This is in addition to offering
our members products/services at virtually no fees, providing a
rebate program on ATM withdrawals, launching new services
such as helping members setup and administer trusts, all while
maintaining competitive share and loan rates.
SAFETY & SOUNDNESS
Your Credit Union remains safe and secure. We ended the
year strong with $1.25 billion in assets, a 93% loan to share ratio,
$6M in net income after paying out interest refunds and bonus
dividends, and a capital ratio of 9.4% after refunds (7% is consid-
ered “well-capitalized”).
BEING LOCAL
Your Credit Union also successfully converted to a Federal
Charter in 2017 in order to serve firefighters and their families na-
tionwide. No matter what state our members move to, the Credit
Union will have a presence. In April 2018, we will also have a
grand opening of our first out of state regional office in Tempe,
Arizona.
NEW PRODUCTS/SERVICES
Your Credit Union also launched a number of services
which included trust, text, and chat. In the fourth quarter, Trust
Services was launched to provide guidance, education, and sup-
port in the creation and administration of a trust. Text and Chat
Services were launched for evening and weekend support. Fire-
fighters Insurance Services also purchased a $3.5M Insurance
Agency which has been generating great revenue for the Credit
Union.
50 • April 2018
IT’S YOURS
We are proud to report that Your Credit Union in the 4th
quarter of 2017 ranked #1 in member satisfaction among credit
unions nationwide who benchmark using the Net Promoter Score.
The Net Promoter Score is an industry recognized measure of
member loyalty and service quality.
BOARD CHAIR CLOSING COMMENTS
Your Credit Union Board of Directors recognizes that you
- our member/owners - trust and expect us to provide you with the
best financial services possible. We understand that your trust is
hard earned and easy to lose. We expect nothing less.
We consider you, your children, your grandchildren and
future generations of firefighters first in all strategic decisions we
make.
We are committed exclusively to our Fire Family and
we are proud to provide you with financial services from the #1
Credit Union in the country, while keeping us positioned for con-
tinued success.
CEO CLOSING COMMENTS
The financial services industry is becoming more and more
complex due to a number of economic, technical, and regulatory
factors. As a result of increasing competition, our challenge as a
financial institution will be to balance our growth and effectively
manage our financials as we grow and expand outside of the state
of California.
We will never compromise our service levels, and we will
continue to maintain our relevance and uniqueness to firefighters
and their families nationwide. I am grateful for being a part of the
Fire Family for more than 25 years, and excited to work with a
dedicated Board, and caring employees in service to our members
for years to come.
Your Credit Union continues to thrive thanks to our loyal,
dedicated members. It is truly a pleasure for us to serve you today
and for generations to come!
Respectfully submitted,
L.S. Gribbons Dixie. T. Abramian
Board Chair Chief Executive Officer

LAFD HISTORY – The Year 1910
Frank’s note: I rarely feature a single year of
LAFD history, but I decided to use 1910 be-
cause one of our curators found a historical
document from 1910 in our museum archives.
It was the Battalion Chief’s exam from 1910. I
included it in this article along with the hap-
penings on the Department and the city during
that year.
The City of Los Angeles had under-
gone a major growth period in 1910, adding
216,700 new residents, for a total population of
319,200. In 1909, the City annexed San Pedro,
Wilmington and the harbor gateway bringing
in the volunteer firemen from those areas. The
“City of Hollywood” was also annexed, giving
the LAFD its first motorized apparatus, an auto
chemical hose vehicle.
Chief Engineer Eley personally training members
of the Women’s Fire Brigade in 1910.
A postcard photo of Engine
Company 8 in 1910.
Submitted by Frank Borden • Director of Operations, LAFDHS
We had two Chief Engineers during
that year. Walter Lips succeeded Chief En-
gineer Thomas Strohm in February of 1905.
Chief Lips had been engineer on Engine Com-
pany #3 just five years before he became Chief
Engineer. He started his career as a Call Man in
April of 1895.
After Walter Lips resigned in March of
1910, Archie J. Eley became Chief Engineer.
Chief Eley was originally appointed Call Man
in May of 1892 and Lieutenant First Class in
January of 1900. During this period the two
platoon system was established, changing to 24
hour shifts. Chief Eley was responsible for get-
ting the first large fireboat for the LAFD. Fire-
boat 1 was later named after the Chief. He also
formed a Women’s Fire Brigade in 1910.
Note from Frank: For you Captains who want
to be Battalion Chiefs, try taking a practice
exam with this 1910 test.
Questions from the 1910 Battalion Chief’s
exam
1. In case of a fire what action should be taken?
a. Before opening or ventilating a building?
b. Before connecting to a standpipe?
c. In a cellar stocked with cartridges?
d. When there is a trolley wire in front of
building?
2. A. What are the difficulties to be overcome
in fighting a fire in a large apartment house and
how would you overcome them? B. Joist build-
ing. C. Hill fire. D. Fireproof building. Answer
in detail.
“City of Hollywood” firehouse with
the LAFD’s first motorized apparatus
Engine Company 18 in 1910 at 2616
Hobart St. The building is still there!
April 2018 • 51
3. How would you destroy a building to pre-
vent the spread of a fire in the business district?
4. Write a letter containing a hundred words
on how to best preserve discipline in an engine
house.
5. Give the most important duties on a Battal-
ion Chief.
6. Write a sample report of a fire such as would
be required of a Battalion Chief.
7. If attending a fire one of your Captains
should report one of his men for drunkenness
what action would you take.
8. If a three car train in front of the P.E. building
on Main St. should catch fire from the motor,
what would you do to extinguish it?
9. Outline the section of the building ordinance
on the construction of fire escapes.
10. What firefighting apparatus is required by
ordinance in a theater?
11. Give the different types of the engines in
the fire department and their capacity.
Arithmetic
1. What would the interest be on $1452 at 8%
per annum for 5 years and 6 months?
2. A fireman’s salary is $75.00 per month less
2% taken out for the relief fund. How much
would he pay in the fund in 18 months?
3. If it took 8 men 9 hours to extinguish a fire,
how long would it take 12 men?
4. How many bales of hay, each weighing 105
lbs., would 15 tons, 2240 lbs. to the ton make?
Write a 500 word letter to the Fire Commission
recommending a way to create better discipline
in the department.
THE LA TIMES BOMBING October 1910
At 1:07 in the morning on October
1,1910, the day new fire station 23 was to go
into service, the most violent explosion to ever
take place in the city of Los Angeles occurred
at First and Broadway at the Los Angeles
Times building. A bomb had been placed in the
alley behind the building which was occupied
by 100 employees. The explosion and resulting
fire killed 20 workers and injured many more.
A police officer walking his beat was knocked
down by the blast. He got up and ran to Box 12
at First and Broadway and pulled the hook. The
firemen at Station 3 were jolted awake by the
explosion and some were knocked from their
beds. It was a short run for Station 3’s chemi-
cal, hose, engine, and aerial ladder rigs. Never
in their careers had so large a building been so
totally involved.
When 3’s arrived, workers were at the
windows trying to escape the flames and smoke.
Some jumped before a life net was deployed
and many who jumped were saved by the truck
company members. A second and third alarm
was sounded which brought a total of eight en-
gines, two trucks, a combination chemical and
hose wagon, and the Gorter Water Tower (the
52 • April 2018
A large crowd gathered at 1st & Broadway to observe
the on-going emergency. Notice the 50-Foot Bangor
ladder in front of the building set in a window on the
high 3rd floor.
same one that is in our Hollywood Museum).
The firemen concentrated on protecting the ex-
posed buildings and on controlling the fire in
the Times building.
Fireman William Campbell of Engine
17 was operating a stream inside the first-floor
window of the Times when the second floor
collapsed. Campbell was buried up to his neck
in a deluge of steel, brick, and stone. His fel-
low firemen thought he had been killed until
they heard him calling for help. While firemen
covered Campbell with protective streams of
water, a rescue team crawled over the rubble
and for two hours worked to clear the debris
until Campbell’s chest was free. The problem
was an iron beam that had fallen across his foot
and could not be moved. Firemen tried to cut
the beam and pry the beam up but that did not
work. “I guess my foot goes, boys,” Campbell
told his rescuers. The firemen refused to give
up as more rocks and beams threatened to fall
on them. Campbell pleaded with them to cut off
his foot. After being trapped for three and one
half hours, a receiving hospital doctor amputat-
ed his foot at the ankle and he was at last freed.
Campbell miraculously survived but he never
answered another alarm. He was pensioned due
to his injury.
The bomb consisting of 16 sticks of dy-
namite and a clock timer was placed in the al-
ley by a criminal element of a labor union. Two
men were found guilty for the crime and sen-
tenced to prison. Despite the destruction to the
Times building, they never missed an edition
and rebuilt on the same site until they moved to
their present location at First and Spring Streets
on July 1, 1935.
The following story was written by Eddie King
who was a Los Angeles policeman at the time
of the bombing and nearby when it exploded.
This article appeared in the November 1960 is-
sue of the Firemen’s Grapevine.
Down Memory Lane
By Eddie King
If I lived to be a thousand years of age,
I could not forget this great tragedy. The suit-
cases containing the dynamite were placed in
Ink-Alley at the rear of the old TIMES build-
ing. And because of the floors being soaked
with benzene, which every fireman knows is
one of the most inflammable liquids known. As
close as we were to this Times building and as
quickly as Lt. Ferns and I could run, the heat
was terrific, and it seemed the flames quickly
covered each floor, burning those poor humans
employed there on the night shift. My recollec-
tion is as clear of events, as if it were but yes-
terday. In fancy I can hear the screams of those
poor souls, and tried in our feeble way to stay
the jumps or falls from that burning building.
Some tried to talk to Ferns and I before others
came running, but their sufferings were so in-
tense that they could not talk, only scream, and
moan in their misery. Some that jumped from
the top floor were killed outright on the cement
sidewalk, others died on the way to the Receiv-
ing Hospital which was just around the corner.
The smell of burning human flesh was
most nauseating, and I remember I became vio-
lently sick in carrying burned humans dying or
dead to the hospital. The heat as I stated before
was so intense that Ferns and I pulled our coats
up over our heads in trying to carry those poor
souls away. Never did I ever see a fire that was
hotter, and I have seen many in my time.
Fifty years have gone by since that ter-
rible night that this city witnessed one of its
greatest tragedies. As the embers of that fire
cooled we who stayed on the job until the last,
found one body, pressed flat on its stomach in
the farthest corner of that cement basement.
This body, like many others, was burned black,
only the underneath side of the body was white
where the fire could not get to it. Ghastly you
say, and how right you are.
The scene at the LA Times building explosion in 1910
This was the LAFD’s largest loss of life fire in
the history of the department up to that date
LAFD 50 YEAR CLASS REUNION By Re- Nevada. One even lives in British Columbia
tired Captain Jim Finn (although he cheated because he was wintering
On Saturday, February 10, 2018, mem- in Southern California).
bers of LAFD Drill Tower class 68-1 gathered Those in attendance were: Larry Andre-
at the LAFD Hollywood Museum to celebrate sen, Bob Armstrong, Ed Burzinski, Bob & Kris
their 50th anniversary of appointment to the Byron, Louis Chatin, Len & Char Cole, Lorrell
LAFD. The highlight of the evening was the Cooper, Rich & Linda Cotterall, Jim Dunn, Jim
attendance of two of the training captains & Jeannie Finn, Jerry & Linda James, Jim &
from the class. Academy training officer Gene Georgia Kinninger, Gerry & Jan Layton, Bill
Brewster and truck company day instruc- & Kathy Mueller, George & Bonnie O’Nan,
tor Ralph Davis, ages 91 and 95 respectively, Bruce & Liza Plumlee, Gary Shelford, Bill
graced us with their attendance. Sommers, Bruce & Mary Teasdale, Jeff & Sue
21members of the class enjoyed snacks, Willey and Bob Nelson. Unfortunately, due to
refreshments and a catered meal from Nana’s a family emergency, Mike & Marie Littleton
Kitchen. Class member Lorrell Cooper enter- were unable to attend. Jim & Jeannie Finn’s
tained us with music. daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer & Mike Al-
Name tags were provided, with large len, served as bartenders.
writing suggested, as both memory and eye- A donation of $600 was made to the The Hollywood Museum is lo-
sight had faded over 50 years. Class members Museum from the proceeds of the evening.
attended from all over California, Arizona and
cated in “Old Fire Station 27”
at 1355 No. Cahuenga, Hol-
lywood, CA 90028. The Har-
bor Museum is located in San
Pedro City Hall at 638 S. Beacon
St., San Pedro CA 90731.
Anyone interested in join-
ing our great cause by becoming a
member, or volunteering to work,
or make a donation of money or
an LAFD item may contact us by
mail:
LAFDHS Museum & Memorial
1355 No. Cahuenga Blvd.
Sitting l to r: Louis Chatin, Gene Brewster, Ralph Davis, Bob Byron, Jim Dunn.Standing l to r: Bill Mueller, Larry An- Hollywood, CA 90028
dresen, Jerry James, George O’Nan, Bill Sommers, Jim Kinninger, Gerry Layton, Gary Shelford, Bob Armstrong, Bob
Phone: 323 464 2727. But re-
Nelson, Rich Cotterall, Ed Burzinski, Jim Finn, Lorrell Cooper, Bruce Plumlee, Len Cole, Jeff Willey, Bruce Teasdale.
member we are currently staffed
part time, so leave a message and
we will return your call. The fax
number is 323-464-7401. Our
E-mail is: LAFDHS27@aol.com.
Web site at www.lafdmuseum.
org. If you want to look at some
great LAFD history check www.
lafire.com. and check the LAFD
web site for information and
events at www.LAFD.org. We
look forward to hearing from you
and seeing you at the Museum.

The Los Angeles Fire Department

Historical Society is a non-profit
501 (C) (3) organization.
“PRESERVE, EDUCATE,
MEMORIALIZE”

April 2018 • 53
 LOS ANGELES FIREMEN’S RELIEF ASSOCIATION MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
February 7, 2018

CALL TO ORDER the Pension subsidy issue. He indicated that Harassment training on January 30th. He
Dawna Gray of Bradawn Inc. had provided a indicated that since LAFRA has about 25
President Bob Steinbacher called the meeting flow chart containing different subsidy rates employees, we are not required by law to go
of the Board of Trustees of the Los Angeles including Medicare for the Pension Board’s through training, however felt it beneficial for
Firemen’s Relief Association to order at 10:55 review. He indicated that the City Attorney is the staff.
a.m. now requesting a contract with LAFRA in place
of the Operating Agreement. He indicated that 2) Todd Layfer provided an update on the new
ROLL CALL this will be further discussed at the next Ad phone system installation. He indicated that
Hoc meeting. He stated that he will keep the the installation will take place the weekend of
MEMBERS PRESENT: Board informed. April 6th.
Bob Steinbacher, President
Jeff Cawdrey, Vice President 3) Bob Steinbacher informed the Board that 3) Todd Layfer referred to the Edison easement
Andrew Kuljis, Secretary the Member Profile Sheets will be mailed agreement and indicated that it is up for
Trustee David Peters to the members by the end of February. He renewal. He indicated that Edison has a small
Trustee Chris Stine indicated that these sheets contain information escalation clause of 2% to 3%.
Trustee Frank Aguirre on donations, medical plan enrollees, and
Trustee Kenneth Breskin beneficiary information. 4) Todd Layfer informed the Board that US
Trustee Richard Moody Bank is returning as a sponsor for Hope for
Trustee Danny Wu 4) Bob Steinbacher referred to the Firefighter of Firefighters. He indicated that Liberty, Juliet
Trustee Craig White the Year Luncheon honoring Rosa Torres Tufts and he have a meeting scheduled to meet the
Trustee Jim Duffy on April 4th. He asked that Trustees interested new representatives. He indicated that they
Trustee Tyler Tomich in attending to let him know, as we purchased a are monitoring the Ralphs sponsorship and are
Trustee Gene Bednarchik table of ten seats. waiting to hear back from them.
Trustee Steve Berkery
Trustee Rick Godinez 5) Bob Steinbacher informed that the L.A. 5) Todd Layfer referred to the building security
Trustee Joe Vigil Retired Fire & Police will be utilizing our and indicated that there was an issue with one of
Trustee Mike Sailhamer multi-purpose room on February 21 and March the homeless. He stated that they are hiring an
Trustee Tim Larson – Pension 21 to hold their Board meetings. He indicated armed guard patrol service that would provide
Trustee Steve Domanski - Pension that their building is undergoing renovations. nightly patrol and respond to non-emergency
Trustee Doak Smith – Pension service calls.
Todd Layfer - Executive Director 6) Bob Steinbacher referred to the upcoming
Liberty Unciano – Controller-Treasurer Pechanga Reunion and indicated that Tim 6) Todd Layfer presented the 2018 budget for
Larson and Steve Domanski have begun the Board’s approval. He reviewed projected
MEMBERS ABSENT: planning. He indicated that the dates are from operating costs, benefits paid to members and
Trustee Gayle Sonoda May 21st through May 25th. contributions.
Trustee Tim Freeman
Trustee John Jacobsen EXECUTIVE SESSION David Peters motioned to approve the 2018
budget as presented by Todd Layfer. Tim
GUESTS: The Board entered into Executive Session at Larson seconded. There was no discussion or
Lee Kebler, LARFPA 11:13 a.m. objections.
Bob Olsen, LARFPA The Board adjourned from Executive Session
Bill Quinn, LARFPA at 12:08 p.m. Motion carried to approve the 2018 budget as
Tom Stires, Retired presented by Todd Layfer.
David Peters motioned to approve the actions
INVOCATION & Flag Salute taken in executive session pertaining to INVESTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
personnel matters. Gene Bednarchik seconded.
Rick Godinez led the invocation. Kenneth There was no discussion or objections. Bob Steinbacher informed that the annual
Breskin led the flag salute. investment committee meeting will be held at
Motion carried to approve the actions taken Beacon Pointe in Newport Beach on February
RATIFICATION OF MINUTES in executive session pertaining to personnel 28th.
matters.
Bob Steinbacher entertained a motion to ratify AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
and approve the Board Meeting Minutes of VICE PRESIDENT REPORT
January 10, 2018. Joe Vigil so moved. Craig Joe Vigil reported on the Audit Committee
White seconded. There was no discussion or 1) Jeff Cawdrey informed the Board that there planning meeting that took place on January
objections. will be a Bylaws committee review meeting on 25th.
March 6th.
Motion carried to approve minutes Board ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes of January 10, 2018. 2) Jeff Cawdrey referred to the upcoming REPORT
conferences and asked Trustees to let him
PRESIDENT REPORT know which conference they are interested in Tyler Tomich presented the following motions.
attending.
1) Bob Steinbacher reported on the Buzzard The committee recommends and I so move to
Bait Ride and indicated that it was a great EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT pay the usual and customary bills in the amount
event. of $969,669.73. There was no discussion or
1) Todd Layfer informed that the staff and objections.
2) Bob Steinbacher provided an update on a few retired Trustees attended the Sexual

54 • April 2018
Motion carried to pay the usual and customary
bills in the amount of $969,669.73.
The committee recommends and I so move to
approve $500 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation
fundraiser. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to approve $500 for the St.
Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser.
The committee recommends and I so move
to approve $100 for the LAFD Promotional
Badge Ceremony. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to approve $100 for the LAFD
Promotional Badge Ceremony.
The committee recommends and I so move to
approve $770 for a foursome of golf and tee sign
for the Firefighter’s Quest Golf Tournament.
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve $770 for a foursome
of golf and tee sign for the Firefighter’s Quest
Golf Tournament.
The committee recommends and I so move to
approve $2,072.39 to purchase hat pieces and
badges for the Honor Guard. There was no
discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve $2,072.39 to
purchase hat pieces and badges for the Honor
Guard.
MEDICAL COMMITTEE REPORT
Frank Aguirre presented the following motion.
The committee recommends and I so move to
accept the applications to the Medical Plan.
There was no discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to accept all applications to
the Medical Plan.
The committee recommends and I so move
to remove the “seven year” enrollment
requirement for retirees for the LAFRA
Medical Plan effective July 1, 2018. Steve
Domanski asked what the reason was to remove
the enrollment requirement. Bob Steinbacher
indicated that it will help alleviate some issues
of enrollment with the Pension Board and
shows no financial impact to the Medical Plan.
On the question there were objections. 17 voted
in favor of the motion, 2 voted opposed.
Motion carried to remove the “seven year”
enrollment requirement for retirees for the
medical plan effective July 1, 2018.
The committee recommends and I so move to
approve President Bob Steinbacher to attend
a Health Benefits conference at Harvard
University. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to approve President Bob
Steinbacher to attend a Health Benefits
conference at Harvard University.
RELIEF COMMITTEE REPORT
Steve Berkery presented the following motion.
The committee recommends and I so move to
pay:
The Sick & Injury benefits in the amount of
$73,618.56
The Estate Planning benefit in the amount of
$5,370
The Life & Accident Death Benefit in the
amount of $12,000
The Relief Death Benefits in the amount of
$45,000
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to pay the above Relief
benefits.
Steve Berkery read the names of members who
recently passed and asked for a moment of
silence from the Board.
MEMORIALS
Robert O. Duncan
Donald E. Betsworth
Arthur C. Johnson
Dennis M. Benkovsky
William T. McDonough
Edward S. Wormald
Robert K. Brown
Donald D. Renwick
Robert B. Provence
Harry B. Woods
ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE
Steve Berkery presented the following motions.
The committee recommends and I so move to
accept the donations in the amount of $9,094.13
to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s
Fund. There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to accept the donations in the
amount of $9,094.13 to the Widows, Orphans
& Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
The committee recommends and I so move to
approve the financial assistance applications for
surviving spouses, active and retired members.
There was no discussion or objections.
Motion carried to approve the financial
assistance applications for surviving spouses,
active and retired members.
ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT
The committee recommends and I so move
to advance funds for both active and retired
members. There was no discussion or
objections.
Motion carried to advance funds for both
active and retired members.
GRAPEVINE
David Wagner informed the Board that we will
be having a Medicare informational seminar
here at LAFRA on March 20th and March
22nd.
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT
Rick Godinez referred to the Scholarships
awards and indicated that the amounts and
names need to be updated in the Policy Book.
He indicated that they have three applicants
so far and applications will continue through
March.
MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT
REPORT
Rick Godinez provided an update on the L.A.
Marathon team planning. He indicated that he
would like to see more Trustee participation.
He referred to the L.A. Galaxy Firefighter
Appreciation Day and fundraiser and indicated
that they are coordinating the details for a day
in March.
NEW BUSINESS
Doak Smith indicated that he and Rick
Godinez discussed the possibility of increasing
the Scholarship Award amounts. Since the
scholarship awards are set for this year, the
committee would consider the increase for next
year.
SETTING OF DATES
1) Hook & Ladder Enduro – March 17th
2) L.A. Marathon – March 18th
3) Lane Kemper Softball Tournament –
May 2nd
4) Pechanga Reunion – May 21st – 25th
5) Hope for Firefighters – June 7th
RETIREMENT DINNERS
1) Bill Bringas – February 10th Private
Residence (Steinbacher)
2) Glenn Ames – February 15th A @ Fire
Station 78 Breakfast
3) Jimmy Rodriguez – February 17th C @
Private Residence (Danny Wu)
4) Daren Palacios – March 3rd A @ Automobile
Driving Museum (Kuljis)
5) Chuck Butler – March 8th B @ Brookside
Golf Club (White)
6) Dean Ulrich – March 21st A @ Fire Station
80 (Vigil)
7) Brian Baltad – March 25th C @ Fire Station
69 (Doak)
8) Mike Schaefer – April 5th C @ Caesar
Banquet Hall (Berkery)
ADJOURNMENT
Bob Steinbacher entertained a motion to
adjourn in honor of Walter J. Somaduroff. Frank
Aguirre so moved. Craig White seconded.
There was no discussion and no objections.
Motion carried to adjourn. The Board of
Trustees meeting adjourned at 1:08 p.m.
Bob Steinbacher, President
April 2018 • 55
 Donations to Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund - February 2018

BESS L. WESTON in honor of my husband Donald W. Weston JAN C. BERNARD

and son-in-law Gerald “Gerry” Foust
DON MCNAIR in memory of Glen Dinger
JOHN R. BRODIE
RICHARD KHAIL
WESCOM
GAIL C. COOK in memory of Glen Dinger
LOS ANGELES FIRE DEPARTMENT
HISTORIC SOCIETY JUDD ABRAMS in memory of All those firefighters who gave
their lives to protect others!
BETTY J. HALL
NOOSHI AKAVAN
WILLIAM A. BENEKE in memory of Bernard E. Nipp and
Douglas F. Cully DANA BROWN

DINKO KLARIN CAROL CHENG-MAYER in memory of all the firefighters

who worked so tirelessly and dedicated to saving the
RICHARD L. WATTERS Westside of LA during the recent fires. Thank you!

KIRK P. BINGHAM JULES FEBRE in tribute to Luna Douglas

PROCEEDS FROM SEE CANDIES SALES PAUL FEUERBORN in tribute of Greg and Suzie Ibers

MARY A. MENDENHALL in memory of CATHLEEN GARITE in memory of Dennis Benkovsky

Dennis L. Mendenhall
VICKI HARINGA in memory of Bernard Nipp
CHRISTINE M. BRUMBAUGH in memory of
Mike O. Brumbaugh PHILIP HOBSON in tribute to Sam Diannitto

PATRICK M. SHANLEY PHILIP HOBSON in memory of Ron Lange

GARY T. SHELFORD JOHN JONES II in memory of Cory Iverson

WALTER H. HARTSUYKER RICHARD WILLIAMS

ROGER G. GILLIS in memory of Glen Dinger DICK ZIEMER in memory of Barny Nipp

CHRISTOPHER SHAW in memory of Frank Brown

What Is The...Extinguisher Fund?

The brain child of Ted Bailie, retired from the LAFD and LAFRA, your station’s Extinguisher Fund
is a simple way to collect donations for the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund. Ted saw the
accumulation of change that the cook dumped into the mess fund box each shift and had a better idea. If
this change was instead collected for the WODFF he figured it could really add up. With an average of 50
cents per day per station, in a year there would be . . . well, you can do the math!
So take your turn in the cooking rotation and remember to drop all your change into your station’s
extinguisher. There should be one in every firehouse. And any loose change in your pockets, any that you
find in the TV chairs, or hoarded in the “ashtray” of your vehicle can be thrown in for good measure.
The Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund is the heart of the Relief Association. This fund
provides assistance to our firefighters and families who are faced with personal difficulties and tragedies.
Donations are the sole means of support for this Fund.
Firefighters risk their lives to protect the community on a daily basis. Thus, they and their families can
be comforted in knowing that the “Fire Department Family,” supported by the Widows, Orphans & Disabled
Firemen’s Fund, is there for them in times of need.

56 • April 2018
 CLASSIFIEDS
For advertising information, please contact:
Eric Santiago - (323) 259-5231 - eric@lafra.org
MERCHANDISE
FOR SALE
2007 CLASS B. SELLING ONLY
BECAUSE Rodney Hillerts
passed away. Only owned for 6
months. Many upgrades com-
pleted to get ready for big trip.
NEW tires, shocks,cooler hoses,
all fluids and filters. Rearbrake
pads,bearings,springs, engine
mounts. All mechanical records
available. Propane generator
approx 3 yrs old. Transferable
Good Sam extended warranty .
Loan is transferable with good
credit thru Firefighters First
Credit Union. Call me for Fire
fighters discount . Anna Nilssen
949-285-9905.
Link for photos: https://m.
ebay.com/itm/2007-Pleasure-
Way-Sprinter-83-000-Miles-
Full-size-Cargo-Van-Diesel-
5-Cylinder-E/192461861150?_
mwBanner=1&ul_
ref=https%3A%2F%2Frover.
ebay.com%2Frover%2F0%
2F0%2F0%3Fmpre%3Dhttp
s%253A%252F%252Fwww.
ebay.com%252Fulk%252Fit
m%252F192461861150%26r
vr_id%3D0&ul_noapp=true
SEE-DOO BOAT 2007
Speedster with twin Rotax 1503
4-tec-4-stroke engines. Great
condition used in fresh water
only, Blue and White paint with
wake tower and Karavan trailer.
Great family Boat. $16,500 OBO
Call (310) 480-7939.
SERVICES
ARE YOU LOOKING TO
BUY, SELL, INVEST IN A
HOME?  Call me, Diana Fuen-
tes, Realtor® and wife to Fire
Captain 56A at 661.373.6569,
dianafuentesrealtor.com,
diana@nchal.com. I also
specialize in Probate Sales.  A
generous donation, at close of
escrow to Adopt-A-Station.
Cal-BRE License 01794244.
BUSY BEAVER TREE AND
LANDSCAPE. Tree trimming
and removal, stumpgrinding, and
firewood sales. Mixed firewood,
eucalyptus and oak. Delivery
available or pick up. Licensed
and insured. Dwayne Kastor, FS
63-B - (818) 535-6368.
CRAIG SANFORD HEATING &
AIR - Free estimates, residen-
tial, commercial. Great rates for
LAFD and LAPD. Toll free (877)
891-1414, (661) 298-3070, FAX
(661) 298-3069. State License
No. 527114
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
MANAGEMENT: Introducing
My Deferred Compensation
Manager® AL HEWITT, INC., a
FEE-ONLY Financial Planning
and Investment Management
Firm, offers Comprehensive
Deferred Compensation Man-
agement using Elite Institutional
Money Managers. Personalized
portfolio selection and ongoing
management of your deferred
compensation assets. Invest-
ment Management of other
retirement and non-retirement
assets is also available. We
charge a fixed flat advisory
fee to manage your deferred
compensation plan. We do NOT
charge a percentage of assets
under management. (800) 573-
4829. www.ALHEWITT.com
FIRE FAMILY ESTATE SALES
– Call us when a loved one
passes, moves to a nursing facil-
ity or downsizes. Our profession-
al staff can handle every aspect
of estate liquidation. We have
worked with many fire families
and are here to help. Rebecca
Martin, (818) 216-3637
www.firefamilyestatesales.com
FRANCHISORS WANT TO
PARTNER WITH FIREFIGHT-
ERS. Have you considered own-
ing a franchise? Most brands
offer 1st Responder and Veteran
discounts. Let me help you sort
through the options for free! The
franchisor pays me. I’m the son
and grandson of LAFD, Army
veteran and multi-unit franchi-
see. andy@thefranchisecon
sultingcompany.com
GARAGE DOOR INSTALLA-
TION & SERVICE. Garage
doors and openers. Need to
replace your broken springs?
or does your door need repair,
even replaced? We do it all from
new product to repairing old.
Call (661) 860-4563 Grassroots
Garage Doors, Inc. Lic# 950020.
Son of 35 year veteran fireman.
IT’S TAX TIME AGAIN! Special-
izing in Firefighter and Para-
medic Returns, Electronic Filing
available, year round bookkeep-
ing and accounting, business
and partnership returns, payroll.
All computerized processing with
over 30 years experience. Call
early for an appointment around
your schedule. Robert Sanchez
LAFD-OCD retired (818) 367-
7017, cell (818) 216-1040.
CALI+HI PHOTOGRAPHY
Weddings, Family, Maternity,
Newborns Lifestyle + Portrait
Photography
CALIHIPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Contact:
calihi@calihiphotography.com
Follow on Instagram:
@ calihi_photography
LAFD FIRE FAMILY
RED IRRITATED SKIN? Aging
lines, sun spots, acne or loss of
firmness? Rodan and Fields skin
products are clinically proven to
change your skin. Start using
products that make a difference.
Go to: https:/annatsanchez.
myrandf.com - Love the prod-
ucts? Start selling them online
and become an independent
consultant. Call Annet (626) 818-
1846 for more information.
SOUTHBAY EXPOSURE
PHOTOGRAPHY. Professional
photography services for all
wedding, family, student, life-
style, sports or events Serving
Southern Calif and destinations
beyond. Member of Pro Photog-
raphers of Calif. Aerial photo and
video also available. FAA certi-
fied. SouthbayExposure.com
(800) 448-0788. Tony Senior
LAFD retired
WINDOWS & PATIO DOORS
- vinyl replacement windows
& Patio doors. I also carry
aluminum, wood and entry door
systems. Rick Brandelli, Capt.
LACoFD, FS 8-C (800) 667-
6676. www.GeeWindows.com
REAL ESTATE
FOR SALE
LAKE HAVASU CITY HOME
FOR SALE. 3 bedroom, 2 bath,
1700 sq. ft. Beautiful Santa Fe
pool home, 3 car garage, 8 foot
doors. $365,000. If this is not
the one, I have others available.
Retired engineer’ wife. Plan for
the Summer. Call Georgeann
Hoover, realtor at (310) 890-
1562. AZ broker #143001473.
husgeorgeann@gmail.com
VACATION
RENTALS
BASS LAKE - Lake view 2 story
cabin. 3 bedroom, sleeps 7 , 21/2
bath,forced air, big screen cable
T.V. / WIFI, red wood deck , gas
BBQ, fully furnished except linens,
walk to marina/pines village.
No smoking or pets. $200/night
+$100 cleaning. 4 night minimum
Larry Harris LAFD retired (805)
509-5739
BIG BEAR - Beautiful decked
two story cabin. 2 bedroom, 1
bath. Sleeps six. Pets OK. Near
lake, slopes, shopping. Fire-
place/wood, cable/WiFi. Fully
furnished except linens. Winter
$110/$650. Summer $100/$550.
2 night minimum.
www.schaffercabin.com
Call Donna/Beep (760)723-
1475.
BIG BEAR LAKE’S FINEST-
Deluxe lakeside townhouse, 2
bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 cable TVs,
HBO, DVD, WiFi, 2 wood burning
fireplaces, laundry room, tennis
court, indoor pool, sauna, spa,
boat dock. Fully equipped, includ-
ing all linens. Sleeps 6. 310-541-
8311 or nmbigbear@gmail.com
BIG BEAR CABIN. 2 bedroom,
2 bath, 2 story. Sleeps 6-8. About
6 miles from ski slopes & lake.
Fireplace/wood, cable, full kitch-
en - furnished. $100 per night M -
Th. $110 per night F-Sun. Weekly
available. Sheri (909) 851-1094
or (760) 948-2844.
April 2018 • 57
CATALINA BEACH COTTAGE
- 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, one block
to beach, view, fully equipped
housekeeping unit. Marci (818)
347-6783 or Clarence (310) 510-
2721.
CATALINA CONDO - HAM-
ILTON COVE. Ocean front, 1
bed, 1 1/2 bath, sleeps 4. Steps
to beach, pool, gym, putting
course, tennis and more. Newly
refurbished, fully equipped.
Includes golf cart, WiFi. Contact
Bart @ (310) 510-0190. Ham-
iltoncove.com. Ask for “LAFD
8-89” discount. Owner active
LAFD.
COEUR D’ALENE IDAHO
Lakeside Resort Town. 1909
Vintage Vacation Home walking
distance to lake and downtown
entertainment. Sleeps 12 with
5 Bed-2 Ba, 3000 sq ft Fully
Furnished including Hot Tub.
Winter, Summer, Spring or Fall
easily accessible from Spokane
Airport. www.vacasa.com/unit.
php?UnitID=11928
http://www.vacasa.com/unit.
php?UnitID=11928
LAFD Family Owned
JUNE LAKE CABIN - 2BR/2BA
cabin with Carson Peak
view. Close to fishing & ski-
ing. Furnished, wood deck,
equipped kitchen, wood burning
stove, tree swing, cable /DVD/
phone. Garage/ample parking.
$100/night plus cleaning fee.
Email for pictures. Jeff Easton
LAFD retired (805) 217-5602.
junebound@gmail.com
LAKE HAVASU BEAUTY FOR
RENT - 3 bdrm, 2 bath, 1600
sq.ft. Fully furnished with all
amenities- Laundry & BBQ.
13,000 sq.ft. lot. 3 car boat-deep
garage. 3 miles from launch
ramp. Close to downtown shops
& restaurants. View of the lake.
Quiet street in good neighbor-
hood. No pets. No smoking.
Snowbird rates. Call Mike (661)
510-6246
LAKE HAVASU LANDING-
WATERFRONT, steps to the
water. Boat mooring out front,
off-road desert behind house.
3 bed/3 bath, fully furnished w/
linens. Direct TV/DVR, BBQ,
Casino, Grocery/Meat Market,
Launch Ramp, Marina with Boat
House, Gated Community. No
58 • April 2018
pets/smoking. $350 Dan Cook
(310) 418-1577.
LAKE HAVASU LANDING
RESORT. 3 bedroom, 2 bath,
waterfront house, boat, moor-
ing out front, fully furnished,
laundry, gas BBQ, launch ramp,
gated community, grocery
store, hardware store. No pets,
no smoking. Email Kathy at
scarkj@yahoo.com or call
(760) 858-4470
LAKE HAVASU LANDING RE-
SORT BEACHFRONT HOME
with boat mooring. Swim, ski
or fish from front yard. 4 bed/2
bath, fully furnished. DirectTV/
DVD/WiFi, pool table, laundry,
BBQ. Gated community with ca-
sino, groceries, marina, launch
ramp and off-road trails. No
pets, no smoking. $350 Bowen/
Garner email:
havasulanding27@gmail.com
LAKE MOHAVE / BULLHEAD
CITY. 4 bedroom, 3 full bath-
room, 2200 sq/ft Located in
private community w/ private
marina and launch ramp. Direct-
ly across from the river, backs
to large park with grass. Fully
equipped kitchen, BBQ, Washer/
Dryer, TV/DVD. No cable. No
pets, No Smoking. Call Kevin
(805) 279-2430
LAKE NACIMIENTO. Oak
Shores gated community. 3 bed-
room, 2 1/2 bath, large loft. 3min-
ute drive to main marina in Oak
Shores. Large flat driveway. Fully
equipped kitchen, BBQ, washer/
dryer, TV/DVD. No cable. No
pets/smoking. $225/night. $150
cleaning fee. 3 night minimum.
Call Ben (805) 444-2264.
LARGE LAKE HAVASU HOME
FOR RENT – 5 bedroom, 3
bath, 2900 sqft home with ame-
nities & pool that easily sleeps
14+ people. Centrally located,
1 mile from the lake, close to
downtown shops and restau-
rants. Check out home at
https://www.vrbo.com/4648549ha
Call Julie 818-268-7906 for spe-
cial firefighter family rates.
MAMMOTH - 1 bedroom Sum-
mit condo, sleeps 6. Convenient
underground garage parking. Ja-
cuzzis, gym (pool/tennis in sum-
mertime), shuttle right outside!
Across from Eagle Lodge, Win-
ter $110 per night, Summer $80
per night plus $65 cleaning fee
and 13% tax. All linens included.
Drew or Nancy Oliphant (661)
513-2000 or mammoth241@
aol.com
MAMMOTH CONDO - 2 bdrm,
2 bath, 2 TV’s, phone, garage,
pool, jacuzzi, fully furnished - ex-
ept linens. Near shuttle/chair 15.
Winter $125/night. Weekends
and Holidays $110 midweek.
Summer $95/night. $495/week.
No smoking. No pets. Jim John-
son (818) 992-7564, FS 80C.
MAMMOTH CONDO- SEA-
SONS FOUR RESORT.
Charming and cozy furnished
1 Bedroom sleeps 5. Updated
unit with amenities including
wifi, sauna, jacuzzi, phone,
rec room, 2 flat screens , DVD
players. W/D on site. Shuttle
stop. Walking distance to village.
$120/night + $80 Cleaning fee
Bobby@310-350-5552.
MAMMOTH CONDO Cozy 2
bedrooms, 2 bath. Fully fur-
nished, WIFI, 3 TV’s, pool, spa,
walk to shuttle, Old Mammoth
area. Winter $115, Summer
$90, plus cleaning fee $139 and
14% city tax. Includes linens.
No pets, no smoking. Call (310)
540-4648.
MAMMOTH CONDO NEXT
TO THE GONDOLA VILLAGE
– Fully furnished, three bed-
room, two bath with towels and
linens, newly remodeled kitchen,
internet and cable TV, pool and
Jacuzzi. Walk to the gondola,
shops, restaurants and ski in on
the new comeback trail. Parking
at the front door. Winter: $250/
night. Summer $150/night.
Holidays $300/night. Cleaning is
included. Call Mike Whitehouse,
Retired, 805-987-6122, email:
btkwhitey@yahoo.com
or Bruce Galien, Retired, 661-
645-7448, email:
luvbaja2@aol.com
MAMMOTH CONDO AT MAM-
MOTH ESTATES, 4BR/3BA,
sleeps 10, fully furnished, 2
TVs, DVDs, WiFi, towels/linens,
fireplace. Full kitchen. Walk to
Gondola Village and shuttle.
Complex has pool, spa, sauna,
laundry. Winter $335/night, Sum-
mer $215/night, plus cleaning.
Includes city bed tax. No pets,
no smoking. Dory Jones (310)
918-0631 or Kelly Corcoran
(310) 619-5355
MAMMOTH CONDO. 2 bed-
room & large loft, 3 full baths,
sleeps 8. 5 minute walk to Can-
yon Lodge. Fully furnished, TVs,
VCR/DVD, pool, spa, rec room,
sauna, linens included. Winter
$175 weekdays, $195-week-
ends/holidays; summer $125,
plus cleaning. No smoking; no
pets. Craig Yoder (909) 948-
3659.
MAMMOTH LAKES - One
bedroom, extremely charming
wildflower condo. Full amenities,
close to shuttle. Antiques, art,
satellite TV, fireplace. Sleeps 4.
Winter $110, Summer $85 plus
cleaning fees. Call Bill Clark
(818) 371-6722
Email: shakesong@aol.com
MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET:
Studio/loft, 2 bath, king bed,
sleeps 4. Full kitchen, TV, VCR,
DVD. Garage parking. Walk to
Canyon Lodge. Ski back trail.
2 night minimum. Winter $100/
nite, $125 Fri, Sat & Holidays.
Summer $60/nite. Plus $120
cleaning & linens. Jeff & Lisa
Moir (661) 254-5788.
MAMMOTH SKI & RACQUET:
Walk to Canyon Lodge. Studio
loft sleeps 4. Queen beds, full
kitchen, 2 baths, garage parking,
TV, VCR, DVD. Winter Sun-
Thurs $100.nite; Fri & Sat $115/
nite plus cleaning fee $100. Non
smoking complex. Joel Parker,
LAFD retired.
email: cat25sailor@gmail.com
or (213) 399-6534.
MAUI BEACH FRONT CONDO
ON NAPILI BAY - 50’ from
water. Studios and 1 bedroom.
Luxury furnishings + full kitchen.
All the amenities! Maui’s best
snorkeling/beach. All island
activities & Kapalua within 4
minutes. 5-day minimum, from
$150 per night (regularly $310/
night). Call Sherrie or Bill for
info/reservations (805) 530-0007
or email: pmimaui@aol.com
or visit:
www.napilibaymaui.com
MAUI’S MOST BEAUTIFUL
BEACH - Napili Bay. Beautiful
furnished condo that sleeps 4.
Lanai/balcony, full kitchen, king
bed, flat screen TV’s/DVD, AC’s
free WiFi (internet), complimen-
tary maid service, complimen-
tary coffee every morning and
breakfast on Fridays. Special
firefighters’ discount - Best value
in West Maui! Nice pool & BBQ
area - Close to beach!
(800) 336-2185
www.napilivillage.com
Don Sprenger - retired LAFD
(949) 929-0989
PALM DESERT - Gated mini
estate on half acre. Multi-family
friendly. Spacious 4 bedrooms
with game room. Come relax
and enjoy the large pool with
jacuzzi and built-in BBQ. Game
room has a pool table, ping pong
table, pinball machine and bar.
Patio areas with seating for all.
Walk to “El Paseo” dining and
stores. Pet friendly. No smoking.
Email: lilinoecastro@yahoo.
com or text (562) 895-8263.
PALM SPRINGS- 3Bdr/3Ba Pool
home with great back yard to
BBQ. Fully furnished w/WiFi, Big
screen Cable TV and Pool Table.
Pets Ok on gated property.
Close to Palm Springs Aerial
Tramway,Casino and Down
Town. Call property manager for
DESERT SUNSHINE house and
ask for seasonal pricing.
(800) 215-9880
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE Ro-
mantic Chalet Family getaway.
3 bed/2 bath plus loft. Sleeps
8–10. Cable TV, washer/dryer,
microwave, woodburning stove.
7 minutes to casinos and Heav-
enly. Located in Tahoe Paradise.
$115 per night plus cleaning.
Call Shawn or Rose Agnew at
(661) 250-9907 or (661) 476-
6288.
SUNSET RANCH ­PALM DES-
ERT. 163 acre ranch private ski
lake. Perfect for Family vaca-
tions. Ranch house accommo-
dates large groups. Amenities:
pool, AC, billards, TV, fishing, pet
friendly. Nearby golf, casinos,
ATV riding. Also, Premier lodging
for Coachella music festivals.
*Seasonal duck hunting club.
See website for rates and info:
sunsetranchoasis.com
or call Nick Davidson
(424) 237-4121
VACATION
VEHICLES
MOTORHOMES FOR RENT.
Several Class C’s & Class A’s for
rent. Serving family and friends
for over 15 years. LAFD, LASD,
IPD, OXPD, OXFIRE, LACO,
LACITY, LACITY SKI CLUB.
Visit us at www.so-calrv.com
or call 661-297-2398 as for Jeff.
Make money with your mo-
torhomes to offset your payment.
We sub-lease RV’s.
WANTED
ATTENTION FIREFIGHERS-
The Peninsula Group is a manu-
facturer’s rep agency operating
as the sales and service arm for
National Gypsum Co. at Lowe’s
and Home Depot stores. We
employ close to 30 firefighters in
nearly every major market and
are currently looking for person-
nel in California. The position
requires approximately 4-5
days of work per month, and is
ideal for a firefighter. The option
exists to work any weekday as
there is no fixed schedule. No
physical work is required. The
right candidate should be an
articulate, self motivated worker
with a high standard of integrity.
We offer a competitive hourly
wage and mileage reimburse-
ment. If you are interested, or
know someone who might be
interested in this position, please
contact Joe Heath at:
jheath@pengrp.com
2017 LAFD
Yearbooks Available
There are a limited number of
the 2017 LAFD/LAFRA Year-
books available for purchase.
If you would like a 2017 year-
book, they are available for
a $55 donation- postage and
handling included. Proceeds
benefit the Widows, Orphans,
& Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
Send a check made out to
LAFRA WODFF, along with
your name and mailing ad-
dress to: 7470 No. Figueroa St,
Los Angeles, CA 90041.

Deal direct with authorized Factory Dealers

Offering members of the Los Angeles Fire Department
Courteous, Ethical, and Special Consideration in the purchase of your new car.

GALPIN FORD HAMER TOYOTA, INC. HONDA OF HOLLYWOOD

“#1 Volume Ford Dealer in the world for 20
consecutive years!”
Lincoln / Mercury / Honda / Mazda /
Volvo / Ford / Jaguar / Lotus / Aston
Martin / Spyker / Galpin Auto Sports
For special pricing contact
Terry Miller—Fleet Sales & Leasing
15505 Roscoe Blvd
North Hills CA 91343
818-797-3800 l www.galpin.com
1.800.GO.GALPIN
Camry / Celica / Corolla / Tundra
Tacoma / Sienna / Supra / Solara
11041 Sepulveda Blvd
Mission Hills CA
Ask for Steve Denson—Fleet Mgr
steve@hamertoyota.com
818-365-9621
“Specializing in hassle-free car buying”
Honda - Sales and Leasing
Large Selection of Used Vehicles
6511 Santa Monica Blvd
Hollywood CA
Ask for Dave Erickson­­­­­­­­­
323-466-3251 l Fax: 323-462-0187
DaveE@hondaofhollywood.com

April 2018 • 59
 Circa 1924
W
a
th
se

P
a
Ph

Engine Company 46
Fa

14 0 9 W . V e r n o n A v e n u e

Engine 46-A in 1979. Left to right, FF Bob

Hendrickson, Eng Gene Geer, FF Bill Gerke
and Capt Eric Ingelman

60 • April 2018
We have devoted ourselves Workers’ Compensation
and our staff to providing Employment Litigation
the highest level of personal Personal Injury
services to our clients Disability Retirements

Please contact our firm for Located in the Van Nuys

a free consultation Historic Library Building
Phone (818) 788 1700 14555 Sylvan Street
Fax (818) 788 1705 Van Nuys, California 91411

Making a false or fraudulent workers’ compensation claim is a felony subject to up to five years in prison or a fine up to
$50,000 or double the value of the fraud, whichever is greater, or both imprisonment and fine
April 2018 • 61
 Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
7470 N Figueroa Street
Los Angeles CA 90041-1725

*APR
*APR = = Annual
Annual Percentage
Percentage Rate.
Rate. Rate
Rate includes
includes .50%
.50% rate
rate reduction
reduction for
for full
full direct
direct deposit.
deposit. Representative
Representative Example:
Example: AA $50,000
$50,000 RV
RV loan
loan (Motorhomes
(Motorhomes and and Campers)
Campers) nanced
nanced at
at 4.74%
4.74% APR
APR for
for 72
72 months
months would
would result
result in
in 72
72
payments
payments of of $800.80.
$800.80. To
To qualify
qualify for
for the
the full
full direct
direct deposit
deposit discount
discount funds
funds must
must bebe deposited
deposited into
into your
your Fireeghters
Fireeghters First
First checking
checking account.
account. Some
Some restrictions
restrictions apply.
apply. Loan
Loan rates
rates are
are based
based on
on term
term and
and applicant
applicant credit
credit history.
history.
All loans are subject to credit approval and are subject to Credit Union policies and procedures. Rates are subject to change without prior notice. For current rate information, please call (800) 231-1626.
All loans are subject to credit approval and are subject to Credit Union policies and procedures. Rates are subject to change without prior notice. For current rate information, please call (800) 231-1626.