February 2012
2 posts
“The entire DeMott family would like to express our appreciation for the support...”
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The DeMott Family
January 2012
9 posts
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Financial Planning for Unmarried Domestic Partners
Courtesy of Jodie Cohen, Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
How times have changed. Less than 22% of American households are composed of married couples with dependent children, according to the latest U.S. Census. That number has dropped significantly: In 1970, 40% of households fit in that category.1 Meanwhile, over the past 40 years, the number of unmarried couple households has...
6 tags
What did you say?!?
Hear well, live well.
Untreated hearing loss can keep you from enjoying the activities that mean the most to you—like spending time with family, catching up with old friends, or attending a concert or a film. It can also strain your personal relationships, make your work life harder to manage, and put your safety at risk.
Hearing loss is common in older adults and often the result of aging. But...
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The LAFD Toy Program
Over the last 34 years, the Los Angeles Fire Department Toy Program has distributed more than THREE MILLION toys throughout the City. The success of the program can be attributed to invaluable resources and partnerships which include all of the wonderful volunteers, KABC TV’s “Spark of Love” Toy Program with their extensive media coverage, and of course, the generous donations of our Los Angeles...
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Who Teaches Our Leaders?
By Stephen J. Ruda, Battalion 10-B
Several months ago I shared with you a story about one of our premier LAFD officers, Captain II Bill Finn. I was attempting to capture the leadership qualities that Captain Finn shared, not only in his career, but now in retirement at the LAFD’s Leadership Academy. From that article, “University of the Kitchen Table,” I hope many of you took to heart the...
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December 2011
6 posts
Accountability - Search and Rescue – Part 13
By John Mittendorf
The Washington Firefighter printed an excellent article in 1999 by retired Chief Dennis Compton that can be directly applied to accountability in search operations (and for that matter, other fireground operations). Following are selected portions of Chief Compton’s article:
Company Officers
“When I was a company officer, the most difficult part of my job at a structure fire...
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Courageously They Died, By Inspiration They Live!
Photos by Mike Meadows, EPN
Each year, the Los Angeles Fire Department, with the help of the LAFD Historical Society, celebrates the lives and contributions of those firefighters who gave their lives while in service to the city. The 2011 event took place on Saturday, October 8 and was attended by members, friends and family of the LAFD, as well as civic and community leaders.
The Fallen...
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2011 LAFD Car Show
By Don Cascio, Captain, LAFD Photos by Valerie Lawrence
More than 130 cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles and fire apparatus rolled down Roscoe Blvd in West Hills on their way to the 2011 edition of the LAFD car show. Entrants were from the local community as well as active and retired fire department members from several different departments.
Volunteers from the LAFD, the CERT team, and Cadet Posts...
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Our Doors Are Open
The Relief Association welcomes all and honors LAFD Chaplains
By David Vienna, Staff Writer Photos by Lloyd Payne
Firefighters, their families, friends and supporters joined Relief staff for the annual Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Open House. And speaking of houses, this year the Relief honored a group of people who do some of their best work in the homes of others. Eight LAFD Chaplains were given...
November 2011
1 post
October 2011
9 posts
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First Ever LAFD Over-the-Line Tournament
It Ain’t Beach Blanket Bingo By Jody Houser Photo by Precious Pix Photography
The Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund is honored to be the benefiting charity of several wonderful fundraisers year after year, with many of these events being annual favorites of the participants. Having watched the growth of these events and the way they bring supporters of Widows & Orphans...
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LAFD Golf Invitational 2011
By Jody Houser, Staff Writer Photos by Lloyd Payne and Laura Lichter, PreciousPixPhoto.com
Whether you love a challenging course or just enjoying a beautiful afternoon out on the green, there are few things better than a day of golf. A day of golf for a good cause might just top that list.
For over a decade, the LAFD Golf Invitational Tournament has been one of the biggest fundraisers for The...
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Firefighters Teach Haitian Children
By Rick Godinez, Captain, LAFD
The sixth Firefighters For Christ Emergency Response Team that has traveled to Haiti since the devastating 2010 earthquake recently returned after another successful effort in the beleaguered Caribbean island nation. A mixed bag of firefighters, nurses, a chiropractor, a second grade teacher, music teacher and a LAFD wife made up the twelve-member team. Their mission...
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In Memoriam - Glenn V. Smith
In Loving Memory
GLENN V. SMITH
Chief Helicopter Pilot – Active
Born: October 29, 1956
Appointed LAFD: September 10, 1978
Died: September 26, 2011
Glenn Victor Smith was only 54 years old when he lost his courageous battle with cancer. He will be remembered first and foremost for being a loving husband, father, brother, and grandfather to his family.
To everyone else that was fortunate enough to...
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September 2011
5 posts
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“Dear John Jacobsen and Our LAFRA Family,
The members of Fire Station 97 would...”
– The Members of Fire Station 97
Be Smart When You are Injured on the Job
When people decide to represent themselves in legal proceedings, judges often discourage them by warning, “He who represents himself, has a fool for a client.” Does this axiom hold true for workers’ compensation which is actually an administrative law process? The answer is a resounding yes! Does that mean, however, that all injured workers need legal representation? No! Does that sound confusing?...
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“Never forget…”
– In memory of all who perished 10 years ago on September 11, 2001
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University of the Kitchen Table
By Stephen Ruda, B/C, Batt 10-B
There are many fine educational institutions throughout our country. There are many schools of knowledge in and around our first-in districts. But the greatest learning location of all, especially within the Fire Service, is at the kitchen table.
When the paper towels come rolling out of the kitchen dispensers and a senior member of the crew grabs a pencil and...
August 2011
3 posts
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In Memoriam - Eric Shepherd
In Loving Memory
ERIC D. SHEPHERD
Firefighter III, Fire Station 29-C
Born: July 12, 1978
Appointed LAFD: July 7, 2003
Died: July 19, 2011
Eric Shepherd Eulogy By Harold Kim, Firefighter, FS 26-C
On July 29th, 2011, Eric Dubose Shepherd was laid to rest in a memorial befitting his life of service. Hundreds of sworn personnel, active and retired military personnel, friends, and family...
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Twice A Citizen
by Dave Danielson, FF/PM, FS 88-C
In honor of Veteran’s Day and the 10th Anniversary of 9/11, the Los Angeles Fire Department and LAFRA proudly recognize our LAFD members who have served both the City of Los Angeles and our country during our nation’s call to military service. Ten years have challenged our nation’s finest to answer the call - both here at home and abroad - to accomplish the...