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Early Morning Accident Critically Injures Six in South Los Angeles
South Los Angeles - An early morning traffic collision critically injured six patients and brought nearly 50 Firefighters to the scene.
At 2:47 am on Friday, February 3, 2012, Firefighters responded to the intersection of West Florence Avenue and South Halldale Avenue for a reported "traffic collision." First arriving resources noted several victims lying in the middle of the street but could identify only a single vehicle. Immediately, additional resources were requested to the scene of this "multi-casualty-incident" (MCI).
http://www.ktla.com/videogallery/67834796/News/VIDEO:-6-Women-Critical-After-SUV-Slams-Into-Hyde-Park-Trees---Wendy-Burch-reports
The involved vehicle, carrying a total of six passengers, appeared to have struck a tree. A report from one Rescue Ambulance confirmed that five of the patients had been ejected from the sport-utility-vehicle (SUV) and one additional patient did require extrication. 46 Firefighters, including 9 Rescue Ambulances, worked quickly and diligently to provide the best and most appropriate patient-care at the scene of this horrible accident.
All six patients were young-adult females and unfortunately, each sustained what appeared to be life-threatening injuries. They were each rapidly transported to local hospitals in "critical condition." It was not clear at the time of this report if any of the passengers were wearing seat belts and the exact cause of the accident is under active investigation by the LAPD.
Dispatched Units:
E57 RA257 RA57 E266 E66 T66 E33 HR56 EM11 BC13 E46
RA857 RA66 EM2 RA33 RA46 EM9 RA64 RA264 RA866 E57
Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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Los Angeles Fire Department Settles EEOC Harassment & Retaliation Case
A situation of significant concern took place within the Los Angeles Fire Department that violated the Department's zero tolerance for harassment.
The City of Los Angeles and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently reached a settlement agreement regarding a claim of harassment and retaliation brought forth by an active member of the Los Angeles Fire Department. Our agency is committed to providing and maintaining a work place free of harassment for all of our employees and is equally committed to ensuring that every employment policy and practice is administered in a manner which does not violate employees' or the public's rights under the law.
The events underlying the member’s complaints of harassment and retaliation occurred in 2006. Since that time, the Department established the Professional Standards Division with a full-time staffed Equal Employment Opportunity investigative unit. Additionally, in order to effectively capture, report and manage these types of complaints, the Los Angeles Fire Department created a complaint filing system which employees now use to independently file complaints.
In an effort to ensure that all employees recognize their responsibility for maintaining a work environment free from any form of discrimination, harassment, retaliation and hazing, the Los Angeles Fire Department is in the process of creating and instituting an enhanced training program specifically related to these topics that builds upon its already established zero tolerance policies.
The Los Angeles Fire Department prides itself in serving our community with Courage, Integrity and Pride. We have earned our reputation by the manner in which we serve the community, and we pledge to earn respect by the way we treat each other.
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Submitted on behalf of LAFD Administration
by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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Major Emergency Structure Fire Injures Firefighter
SOUTHEAST LOS ANGELES - Over 100 Los Angeles Firefighters battled a Major Emergency Structure Fire in a furniture warehouse, doing business as C&L Furniture. One firefighter sustained minor burns from the intense heat.
On January 30th, 2012, just after 8 AM, firefighters arrived in less than three minutes to 6245 South Manhattan Place. Fortunately, occupants had just exited the 100' x 60' metal clad commercial building that was rapidly filling with black smoke and fire.
It was quickly realized that a long battle was about to begin, and additional companies were immediately requested. As firefighters entered a loading dock alley on the west side of the structure, they encountered roaring flames. Rotary saws were utilized to force entry through gates and cut through the metal clad sides of the building, allowing firefighters to make access and attack the blaze with hose-lines. Due to the heavy fire load and the construction of the 42 year-old structure, it was deemed unsafe for firefighters to perform vertical ventilation on the roof, however they remained in an intensive, offensive attack.
A total of 136 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Carlos Calvillo, confined the fire to the structure of origin and fully extinguished the flames in just 45 minutes. Teams of Los Angeles Firefighters stayed over seven hours assisting the business owner by combing through approximately 10,000 square-feet of goods to salvage.
When asked if there was anything unusual regarding this fire, Chief Calvillo stated, "It was unusual that firefighters encountered that much fire so early on. It expanded very quick and we are fortunate that all on scene made an such an aggressive attack." No nearby exposures were damaged.
One firefighter received minor burns from the intense heat and was treated by fellow firefighters, then transported to a local hospital in good condition.
The cause of this fire is, "undetermined, most probable accidental", likely due to workers performing normal maintenance on a spray booth. The dollar loss is estimated at $450,000 ($200,000 structure & $250,000 contents).
Dispatched Units: E66 RA866 E57 RA257 E21 E221 T21 SQ21 E266 T66 EM11 BC13 BC11 E46 RA57 RA257 DC2 E215 T15 E226 T26 E15 E64 EM9 BC18 T5 E205 E5 UR85 UR88 BC4 T3 E203 UR3 RA3 BC9 BC2 BC14 E229 T29 E61 E26 E220 T20 AR1 RA64 RA29 EM2 AR3 RT59 EA1 DT1 E85
Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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NOAA Declares Los Angeles StormReady and TsunamiReady
The City of Los Angeles was recently recognized by NOAA’s National Weather Service as StormReady® and the largest city in the nation to become TsunamiReady™.
The nationwide voluntary community preparedness programs use a grassroots approach to help communities develop plans to prepare and warn citizens about severe weather, flooding and tsunami threats. To become StormReady and TsunamiReady, the City of Los Angeles met stringent criteria focusing on both internal and external communication, alert systems, reception and understanding of hazardous weather alerts, community outreach, and a comprehensive natural disaster plan.
Mark Jackson, meteorologist-in-charge of the National Weather Service forecast office in Oxnard, presented city officials with recognition letters and StormReady and TsunamiReady signs at a ceremony on January 27, 2012 during a Los Angeles City Council meeting.
"As a city that faces the potential wrath of Mother Nature on a number of fronts, Los Angeles is proud to have earned the National Weather Service's distinctive 'TsunamiReady' and 'StormReady' recognition," said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. "Our city is committed to the highest level of emergency preparedness so that our residents can be best equipped to deal with any sort of disaster."
"Like all areas along the West Coast, a tsunami could strike Los Angeles," said Jackson, who encouraged residents to develop their own emergency response plan, keep a disaster supply kit on hand and learn the tsunami warning signs.
The StormReady and TsunamiReady programs are a part of NOAA National Weather Service's working partnership with the International Association of Emergency Managers, the National Emergency Management Association and the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program. The StormReady and TsunamiReady designation must be renewed after three years.
For more information on how your family can be prepared for a severe storm or tsunami, visit:
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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31 Years Ago Today: Arson Takes the Life of LAFD's Tom Taylor
It was a cold, wet and windy Tuesday night in late January 1981, as off-duty Los Angeles Firefighter Jim Barrett prepared for bed at home.
It had been a long and eventful week for Jim and most Americans. In seven days time, our nation had inaugurated a former California Governor as President, the Oakland Raiders reigned as Super Bowl champs; and 52 Americans were finally home from 444 days of captivity in Iran.
Jim turned off the television news amid word of an Indonesian ship capsized in the Java Sea, killing 580. While tragedy would come far closer before dawn, it was now time for sleep during a pulsing rainstorm. As his head hit the pillow, his thoughts drifted quickly to his Los Angeles Fire Department colleagues on-duty at Fire Station 60 in North Hollywood...
A few miles away in Van Nuys, there was little thought of sleep in the mind of Mario Catanio. The 42 year old barber had agreed to fulfill a wicked request by business owners Henry Martinez and Arlene Boyle to set fire to their financially ailing North Hollywood restaurant. With $2500 and a key to the restaurant burning a figurative hole in his pocket, the yet unknown arsonist would soon alter the course of Los Angeles Fire Department history.
For the men assigned to 24-hour duty on the 'B' Platoon at Fire Station 60, the rainy Tuesday proved active. Just four months to-the-day that LAFD lost Fireman Frank Hotchkin in an Elysian Park inferno, the North Hollywood crew found themselves adopting lessons learned while busily responding to emergencies in the community, including a midnight battle against flames in a two-story apartment building. As the clock raced into Wednesday morning, the crew from Station 60 ritually cleaned equipment and themselves from the grime of the apartment fire, not knowing that Mario Catanio was slinking in the shadows nearby with evil intent.
Awakened by the squeal of his home alarm clock at a ritually early hour on Wednesday, Firefighter Barrett began his commute to work in the pre-dawn darkness, later telling the Los Angeles Times:
"I was driving to the fire station when I heard it on the radio. They were saying something about a fire in North Hollywood - - something about a fireman getting killed and others being hurt. I thought to myself, God, I hope it's not anyone from the station. Then I saw all the cars in front of our place and I knew it was one of us." Barrett ran into the firehouse at Tujunga Avenue and Chandler Boulevard. He saw the men's faces...
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On Wednesday, January 28, 1981, at 3:33 AM, while most of the city slept, the alarm bell rang for a full structure fire assignment, sending Los Angeles Fire Department crews, including those from Fire Station 60 to Cugees Restaurant at 5300 Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood.
Firefighters found heavy smoke with some fire showing in the interior of the restaurant. Because a backdraft explosion was a distinct possibility - and because the smoke had to be cleared in order to begin a meaningful fire attack, ventilation procedures were begun on the roof.
Four members of Truck 60 were cutting a hole near the center of the roof when, without warning, it began to sink beneath their feet. One firefighter described the sensation as similar to standing on the deck of a rapidly listing ship. As the roof sank, it fell at a steep angle, slowly and agonizingly pulling Apparatus Operator Thomas G. Taylor to his death.
Your LAFD has never forgotten that night, nor have we forgotten those who took Tom from us. We remain deeply indebted to members of our community who joined us in putting pen to paper to make sure Tom's murderer can no longer endanger firefighters or those they proudly serve. We are pleased to say Mr. Catanio remains safely behind bars at Chuckawalla Valley State Prison.
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To learn more about our Brother Tom and other members of our Department who have paid the ultimate price in their service to the City, visit the LAFD Museum and Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Hollywood or click:
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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House Fire Claims Life of Woman in South Robertson, LA
SOUTH ROBERTON - Los Angeles Firefighters quickly extinguished a residential blaze on Saturday, January 28, 2012. However, sadly, an adult female was found deceased inside.
 Firefighters arrived within four minutes to 2637 Garth Avenue, to find fire showing from the rear of a one-story single-family-dwelling. Scores of firefighters forced entry with rotary saws, and performed an aggressive attack with hose-lines through the smoke charged 1,379 square-foot residence. Simultaneously, their colleagues performed strategic vertical ventilation with chainsaws on the roof to remove hot smoke and gasses.
Although a security front door provided forcible entry challenges, firefighters quickly made access through a rear sliding glass door. The burned body of an 38 year-old female was subsequently discovered in a rear bedroom of the residence. Without vital signs of life, she was determined deceased at the scene.
A total of 41 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief Al Ward, confined the fire to the residence of origin and fully extinguished the flames in just 22 minutes. No one else was injured.
In examining the fire's aftermath, smoke alarms were present, however their functional status are not immediately known. Some windows in the rear of the residence were equipped with security bars and the front door was a security door, however it is undetermined if either impaired egress. The 77-year old residence was not equipped with fire sprinklers.
A positive identification of the deceased woman, as well as the precise cause, time, and manner of her death will be determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.
The Crisis Response Team arrived to provide immediate on-scene crisis intervention, emotional support and referrals to the family involved in this traumatic incident.
The cause of this 11:20 AM blaze in under active investigation by LAFD's Arson/Counter-Terrorism Section and monetary loss is still being tabulated.
 Chief Ward in conjunction with LAFD Arson Investigators stated, "There have been 18 civilian fatalities in the last year and the lack of functional Smoke Alarms may have been a contributing factor in 50% of these incidents."
Fire Chief Brian Cummings provided this timely tweet to the citizens of Los Angeles earlier today, "Make sure that you have smoke detectors in your home. Test them regularly and change the batteries twice per year."
Dispatched Units: E58, RA58, E43, RA43, LF94, EM9, BC18, E61, LF92, E34, AR2, AR7, AR36, AR10, E57
Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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Beloved LAFD Employee Remembered on 7th Anniversary of Glendale Metrolink Collision
This morning with sadness, the men and women of your Los Angeles Fire Department recall a tragic incident at our City border that injured more than two hundred rail passengers and killed eleven, including a deeply valued member of our LAFD family.
Today is the 7th anniversary of the January 26, 2005 Metrolink collision in Glendale that took the life of Julia Bennett, a Senior Clerk Typist for the LAFD's Bureau of Fire Prevention and Public Safety.
In the days, weeks and months since the massive and well-coordinated response to the collision and derailment - determined to have been a homicidal act, we have dearly missed Julia and her bright smile.
When visiting the Los Angeles Civic Center, we warmly welcome you to pause in Room 1705 at City Hall East, a meeting space not far from Julia's desk, which was proudly named in her honor as the Julia Bennett Conference Room. There, on a daily basis in "Julia's place", the men and women of LAFD's Fire Prevention Bureau gather to plan for the protection of Los Angeles under the watchful and caring spirit of a beloved friend, colleague and mentor.
Thank you Julia, for making an eternal impression on those who protect life and property in our great City. You are dearly missed today and every day.
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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LAFD 'Live Fire' Training at Los Angeles International Airport
Pending favorable weather, the Los Angeles Fire Department will conduct a 'live fire' training exercise at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This special drill for firefighters is scheduled to occur between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM PST on Thursday, January 26, 2012.
There are no provisions for media or public access.
Historically, smoke from this Federally mandated training has been visible more than 30 miles from the airport. We wish to emphasize there is no cause for public alarm.
Federal Aviation Regulation Part 139 requires all Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) personnel to attend a live fire training drill at least once per year.
LAFD Airport Rescue Fire Fighters serving at LAX and Van Nuys Airport use Los Angeles International Airport's $3.75 million state-of-the-art training facility to hone their lifesaving skills. This training site, located at the southwest corner of the 5.6 square mile airport grounds, was built using airport funds. It is designed to support the rigorous demands of the Los Angeles Fire Department while meeting strict aviation and environmental regulations.
Before commencing these live fire drills, LAFD members carefully monitor climate conditions. Drills are conducted in strict adherence to standards designed to maximize safety and minimize environmental concerns. These factors are confirmed with the LAX Control Tower before the final "go-ahead" is given.
 These periodic live fire drills at LAX generally take place between 4:00 AM and 6:00 AM, but may be postponed at the last minute due to abrupt changes in climate or as a result of Fire Department or aviation concerns.
The KTLA video above is from a 2010 exercise
We are pleased to note that all water, fuel and firefighting foam used at this LAX training facility is captured. After going through a complex series of scrubbers, water is tested to assure it meets strict clean water standards before being discharged to the nearby Hyperion Treatment Plant.
Passengers and air crews should use LAX and Van Nuys Airports with confidence, knowing that highly trained members of the LAFD are always ready to protect them.
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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Man Charged with North Hollywood Arson Spree to Stand Trial
 VAN NUYS - The Los Angeles Fire Department announced today that Kurt K. Billie, charged with setting a rash of fires in North Hollywood during July 2011, has been held over for trial, following a preliminary hearing this morning in Van Nuys Superior Court.
The 34 year-old, former Marine, with previous convictions of setting fire to bars and restaurants in Japan, remains in custody on $2 million bail. He has been held to answer on 21 charges, and due to prior arson convictions, he is eligible for sentencing under California's "Three Strikes" law for this most recent series of fires. If found guilty at trial, Billie may face up to life in prison.
Billie is alleged to have committed a series of fires in the North Hollywood area, with parked cars, motorhomes and garages in the Lankershim Boulevard corridor the target of arson that kept residents fearful and Investigators on around-the-clock surveillance.
"The fact that Billie has been held to answer on all original felony counts is a credit to the work of LAFD Arson/Counter-Terrorism Arson Investigators, as well as the effort of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Arson Unit," according to David Liske, LAFD Senior Arson Investigator.
No firm date has been set for trial.
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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Smoke Alarms Help Save Family From Burning Apartment
EAST HOLLYWOOD - A family of five abruptly awoke to the sound of their smoke alarms echoing through their apartment, alerting them of a fire. This life saving sound provided them the necessary time to call 9-1-1 and escape through a second-story window.
 Just before 6:30 AM on January 19, 2012, Los Angeles Firefighters quickly arrived in a little over three minutes to find smoke showing from the second story of a two-story apartment building located at 811 North Mariposa Avenue. Firefighters performed a rapid Search and Rescue operation to find anyone inside the smoke filled residence, but they were already out...
Upon detection of the fire, the family immediately called 9-1-1, then got out and stayed out! They were unable to exit the front door due to smoke & flames, therefore they broke out a window from their second-story apartment and threw a mattress outside to the ground, in anticipation of having to jump. Neighbors assisted by placing aluminum "painters ladders" to the window allowing the mother, father and three daughters to safely exit the 46 year-old building.
A total of 39 firefighters, under the command of Battalion Chief A. Ward, worked hard and fast to extinguish the flames in just 13 minutes. The fire was confined to the unit of origin, before it had a chance to spread to any of the dozen attached units. The cause of the fire was electrical and appears to be accidental in nature. The dollar loss is still being tabulated, and the American Red Cross assisted with the displaced family.
Every year in the United States, about 3,500 people die in home fires. Most of these deaths occurred in homes that didn’t have a working smoke alarm.
 Fortunately, due to early detection from functional smoke alarms, no one was seriously injured or killed in this morning's incident.
Your Los Angeles Fire Department asks, "If a fire breaks out in your home while you are asleep, how will you know?"
Smoke and heat rapidly build, making every second count. A smoke alarm is constantly on alert, scanning the air for fire and smoke 24/7. Remember, Smoke Alarms not only protect your family but can help save the lives of firefighters who would otherwise have to risk their lives by searching a burning home for residents.
Lastly, don't forget to prepare and practice your fire escape plan twice a year with everyone in your household, including children and people with disabilities.
Dispatched Units: E52 RA52 E6 RA6 E235 T35 E82 E227 T27 EM11 BC11 BC18 E29 (photos)
Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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Stay Prepared For Whatever Comes in 2012
On this 18th Anniversary of the deadly and disruptive Northridge Earthquake, we are reminded that disasters can strike without warning.
Unforeseen emergencies can not only injure us, but force us to evacuate our neighborhood, workplace or school - or even confine us to home.
What would you do...
...if basic services - water, gas, electricity and telephones - were entirely cut off? ...if roads were impassible or Neighborhood Firefighters were committed to major emergencies and unable to reach you right away?
The answer is Preparedness!
The men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department want you and your family to be safe. Here are some tips for getting and staying prepared:
- Know the types of disasters that can occur in your community.
- Make a family emergency plan that coordinates with your school, work and neighborhood plans. Practice them with the every member of your household - and don't forget your pets!
- Create a disaster supplies kit that includes enough supplies for each family member for at least three days. Remember to check your kit every six months.
- Teach children about emergencies, including when to call for help, where you'll meet and how you'll communicate following a disaster.
- If you commute to work, know alternate routes and carry appropriate supplies, such as a disaster kit in your car - and a compact kit with bare essentials such as a small flashlight and whistle when on public transportation.
Being prepared helps you and your family minimize the impact of a disaster such as an earthquake or an emergency such as fire, injury or severe illness.
The LAFD suggests these resources to help you prepare:
The time to get ready for unexpected situations is right now - while you have time to listen, learn and plan!
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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Booming Fire Tears Through Offices at Wilmington Refinery
WILMINGTON - Flames engulfed an administrative office building early this morning as Firefighters battled a massive fire at the ConocoPhillips Refinery.
The call was made at 4:22 am on January 16, 2012 by a passerby who noticed fire in a second-floor window of a two-story, administrative building at 1660 West Anaheim Street in Wilmington. First on-scene resources confirmed a large portion of the second floor fully-involved in flames.
A quick and aggressive interior fire-attack was made on the 75' x 300' structure of masonry construction, as companies on the Spanish tile roof assisted by cutting ventilation holes.
It was only 30 minutes into the incident, however, that Firefighters experienced a partial roof collapse of the nearly 100 year-old structure and the decision was made by the Incident Commander to pull all Firefighters off and out of the structure.
By that time, over 160 Firefighters had been called to the scene of this "Major Emergency Structure Fire".
Firefighters continued their diligent work hoping to prevent this blaze from extending to any of the adjacent structures on the property. Large hosestreams were targeted from the exterior on the now well-entrenched flames. They were joined by the "fire brigade" of ConocoPhillips to assist with any technical expertise that may have aided in the firefight.
However, at no time was the refinery itself or any of its petroleum products ever in jeopardy. Business at the entire ConocoPhillips Refinery will resume following the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported, despite a firefight that lasted 3 hours and 48 minutes. There were no occupants in the building at the time of the fire.
Dollar-loss estimates are not yet available and the exact cause of the blaze is under active investigation by the LAFD's Arson/Counter Terrorism Section.
Dispatched Units: E85 T85 E285 RA85 E38 RA38 E36 E248 T48 EM6 BC6 BC13 E64 E49 E48 E264 T64 E266 T66 DC2 SQ21 EM11 BC11 BC1 T5 E205 E5 UR88 BC4 E33 T33 E233 E15 E10 E295 T95 E221 T21 AR1 EA1 BC18 BC5 RA36 RA101 RA112 EM9 RA79 T26 E226 E3 T11 E211 E61 E210 T10 E37 E2 RT40 RA85 E226 T26 E248 T48 E202 T2 E34 BC11 E215 T15 E61 E101 E292 T92 E229 T29 SU1 RA38 AR33 AR53 Submitted by Matt Spence, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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LAFD Hockey Team Honored to Support Wounded Warrior Project
On Thursday, January 12, 2012 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, the LAFD Hockey Club had the honor of facing the Patriots Hockey Team in a match to benefit the Wounder Warrior Project.
Our friends at Fox News tell the story in this video:
A non-profit organization comprised of over 40 Los Angeles Fire Department firefighters, the LAFD Hockey Club competes in a Police/Fire league as well as tournaments and charity games that support worthy causes.
Comprised entirely of active duty, reserve, retired and military veterans, the Patriots Hockey Team was founded as a way for members of our Armed Forces to enjoy the game while giving back to the military community.
The LAFD Hockey Club and Patriots Hockey Team were proud to honor and empower wounded warriors through their charitable competition. To learn more about the true winner of their faceoff, visit:
woundedwarriorproject.org
Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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LAFD's New Command Staff
 Fire Chief Brian Cummings has thanked the current members of the Command Staff for their years of service to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), and their contribution to the community. Chief Cummings stated, "Each of them has provided their unique perspective and energy to leading the LAFD. I am confident that their demonstrated professionalism and dedication will be just as evident in their new roles and assignments."
In March of 2011, the voters approved an amendment to the City Charter to exempt all Deputy Chiefs from civil service provisions. This change was intended to give the Fire Chief the ability to select the members of the Command Staff. To select Assistant General Managers (Deputy Chief level), General Managers (Fire Chief) must comply with the provisions contained in the Mayor’s Executive Directive No. 6. The LAFD has also entered into a Letter of Agreement with the Chief Officers’ Association that speaks to the selection process to be utilized for Deputy Chiefs.
In compliance with both documents, on October 27, 2011 a job bulletin was posted for Fire Deputy Chief. A three-part selection process was used: Qualified members submitted their resume for review; four individuals, two each from the Personnel Department and the Fire Department reviewed the resumes and the top candidates moved on to the interview portion of the process. The four-person interview panel consisted of a Fire Commissioner, a Los Angeles Area Fire Chief, a retired Fire Chief and a member of the Fire Department. The panel rated the candidates, and Chief Cummings interviewed the resulting top four individuals.
The following selections were made and will become effective February 12, 2012:
Assistant Chief David Yamahata to Chief Deputy, Emergency Operations
Assistant Chief Daren Palacios to Chief Deputy, Administrative Operations
Assistant Chief Roxanne Bercik to Deputy Chief, Training and Support Bureau
Assistant Chief Mark Stormes to Deputy Chief, Fire Marshal
"I look forward to working with them as members of my Command Staff in accomplishing the Mission and achieving the Vision of the Los Angeles Fire Department." -Brian Cummings
Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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One Man Burned, Three Escape Injury in West Hills House Fire
WEST HILLS - One man sustained critical burn injury, and three housemates escaped uninjured, when a fire erupted in a west San Fernando Valley home early Thursday morning.
Reported at 3:14 AM on January 12, 2012, the blaze brought 32 members of the Los Angeles Fire Department to 6531 Sheltondale Avenue in West Hills, where they discovered a one-story 1,570 square-foot home fully involved with fire.
Though two men and two women escaped the burning home, one of the men, age 53, sustained second-degree burns to as much as sixty percent of his body, including his torso, face and airway. In critical condition, he was rushed by LAFD Paramedic Ambulance to nearby West Hills Hospital and Medical Center, which is home to the Grossman Burn Center.
The fire was confined to the structure and flames were fully extinguished in just 20 minutes. The American Red Cross was summoned to provide assistance to the three uninjured adults displaced by the fire.
There was no immediate evidence of functional smoke alarms within the home, nor were there any window bars, security doors or obvious non-fire factors to impede the egress of occupants. The 51-year old residence was not equipped with residential fire sprinklers.
Loss from the fire is estimated at $180,000 ($120,000 structure & $60,000 contents). Though the cause of this early morning blaze remains under active investigation, LAFD Investigators have been able to eliminate construction or design deficiencies as being a cause of this fire.Dispatched Units: E106 RA906 E72 RA72 E296 T96 EM17 BC17 E100 T105 E305 AR2 Submitted by Brian Humphrey, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department
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