af to eet Al h fire- the men werebroughttoattention. All erect. stood half other the while flag, the of half dropped to one knee with our The Star Spangled Banner. We scarred country. night torestoreorderourbattle ful people that worked day and flag that looked over the beauti the over looked that flag honor ofholdingthisglorious all over theworldandweget from firemen of Hundreds org). This wastrulyhumbling. Flag (www.thegroundzeroflag. presentation of the Ground Zero the honor ofparticipating in the to start, Andre andIweregiven were waiting for theceremony North Pole Fire Dept. While we breakfast with a fireman from the With time tospare,wewent Dr. We showedupalittle early. Memorial Service on Riverside on Sept11th toattendtheFDNY VOL. 49, No.6November /December 2011 comfortable position. They are to movetheir feet to amore their backs andthey are allowed behind snap hands firemens’ the REST,” a voice demands. All ing sungbyangels.“PARADE begins, it sounded like it was be- the billoftheircover. The song everyone’s right hand snapsto yells, “PRESENT ARMS!” as respect to ourdead. A loud voice moment we are warriors paying do. Everythingstops,andfora moment when there is ajobto A-game. A their present firemen spect. This isthatmoment when a peeringstarethatdemandsre- hands alongthepantsseam, and to attention with heelstogether, TENTION.” Everyone snapped “Company,” ashortpause,“AT The ceremony started with We wokeupearly(4:45am) The Los Angeles Firefighter Nearly 200LAFDFirefightersPay RespectsinNY PERODICAL 1571 BEVERLY BOULEVARD Postage Paid LOS ANGELES, CA 90026 (#ISSN01907573) at Los Angeles, CA November/December 2011 - - Official PublicationofUnitedFirefighters ofLos AngelesCity—Local 112,IAFF, AFL-CIO-CLC Lieutenant Brian G. Ahearn, En- Joseph Agnello, Ladder 118, Firefighter begins. names the of Chaplain. And thenthereading ing prayer is given by the FDNY fortable, but nottorest. An open- allowed a moment to standcom- names continueandjustkeepgo- the Then fell. tower first the time moment of silence, this isthe is apause,thetime is 09:59,a like thecreditsinamovie. There Squad 18. The namescontinue EricFirefighter 230, gine T Allen Photo ByShawnKaye,EPN www.uflac.org Photo By CherylGoddard ing to be brothers or afatherand ing tobebrothers Was the next names in line go- on atruck,anengine,rescue? where they worked. Were they You listentotheirranksand pare them to people you know. ing, youpicturethem,com- ney. NY andbloggedabouthisjour fromto solo rodeL.A. bicycle his Jason Brotherhood. to Tribute his for 7 page featuredon also is who Firefighter dedicated a and rial forthe9/11 Tribute. were feeling while at the FDNY firefighters Memo- of thousands that emotions capturedthe Jason Jason Teter. blogger and fighter ticle was written by LAFDFire- vane. we dohavetogiveall, it’s notin I amsomehowcomforted that if ro Battalion 9. Ilookaroundand front ofme. Fireman Carl F. Asa- mortality being readoutloudin again Iamlisteningtomyown read themoreIrealize that once Ladder 5. The longer the list is Ladder 5,heck,IworkatLAFD continues, Fireman Louis Arena, of guysthatworkthere. The list LAFD Engine33,Iknowabunch Arce, Engine 33. We have an Battalion 2, FiremanDavidG. Fireman Faustino Apostol Jr., of silence. The namescontinue, tower collapse, another moment 10:29, the time of the second dad andsonbothkilled,”Ithink. gelini, Jr., Ladder4.“MyGod,a Rescue 1,Fireman Joseph J An- Fireman Joseph J. Angelini, Sr., man Calixto Anaya, Jr. Engine4, James M. Amato, Squad 1, Fire- lists starts to be read, “Captain I saytomyself. Then another reading, “thankGod,it’s over,” son? There is a short pause in the ao Ttr s gfe writer gifted a is Teter Jason Editor’sNote: Theabovear ByJason Teter, LAFD (ContinuedonPage9) The names stop. The time is - - Page 2 Los Angeles Firefighter November / December 2011

let’s take all those ideas from the am sorry for discussing EMS in tient is walked from the incident dissension in our ranks and divi- kitchen table and put them into this paper…….,” it was meant location to the RA and then into sion amongst ourselves based on action. strictly sarcastically and as a little the ER, document it in the EMS uniform and badge color. Why At the same time, I under- bit of a joke. I am a Firefighter/ report why the patient walked and can’t we go back to just doing stand how difficult it is to go Paramedic myself and am cur- that they did not meet any of the what’s right no matter who it from Chatsworth to 1571 Bev- rently assigned to a rotational criteria mandating a ride on the sides with. I know what you are erly Blvd. at 8 am on a Wednes- Task Force. When I transferred gurney. All it will take is for one thinking, “well everyone thinks day morning when you are driv- from being a Staff Assistant, be- person outside the Department to their way is right.” This is true ing the opposite direction to get fore they were EIT’s, it was to go complain that they saw you walk but that is where communica- home after work. I hope you back to being a paramedic/fire- a patient and you will be down- tion comes in. I think our Board have noticed that your Executive fighter. EMS is 85% of our daily town for an interview. It doesn’t in the last month or so has truly Board is trying to take steps to duties and I feel blessed that I can matter if anything happened to seen how relationships and com- By Adam Knabe, get more of you involved and to do the most treatment possible for the patient or not by you walk- munication can go a long way Secretary have your voices heard by taking the citizens we serve. So again, if ing them. Save yourself and your and are crucial in trying to ac- the General Membership meet- you were offended by my article I partner headache and heartache, complish goals. Everyone is go- During a recent visit to a Fire ing on the road. The September am sorry, it was not intended how wheel them out or document why ing to have an opinion as to what Station I was asked, “What can meeting was at Fire Station 87 in it was perceived. not. You will be happier in the the right thing to do is, but when UFLAC do to motivate me to Granada Hills and, in my opinion, By the time you read this, this long run. you are able to sit down and dis- come down to a meeting?” I re- was a huge success. There may will be old news, but I want to Again, if you have had any ex- cuss your view with your detrac- alized if this member was think- have been just a few more indi- commend those members cur- periences that our members can tor, there is always another side to ing this, there are probably others viduals, but there were new faces. rently in paramedic school. On learn from to save them trouble in the story and a reason for their ac- thinking this too. Before getting As a Board, I feel we tend to hear one of their recent block exams the future, write me and let us all tion. Now as you communicate, involved, similar thoughts ran from the same members month (mid September), out of the top learn from each other. I know I you may very well show the other through my mind. Then I thought after month, and although their 10 scores, 9 of them were LAFD have already! [email protected] side that you have a reason for of my father, who has never kept input is extremely important, we members. Great job guys!!! your view and come out ahead. an opinion of his silent, and real- need to hear from the 3,000 other Keep up the hard work. Just Do What’s Right We need to check our egos at the ized, if I have strong feelings of opinions out there as well. Hope- Being a “rep” for our mem- I hear more and more, “Oh, he door, no matter what rank we are how I think things should be, and fully we will start hearing some bers, especially for the EMS re- is pro-management”, or “he is a and just work together. I have a passion for this Depart- of those on the road. Also, I hope lated cases, has shown me that union goon”. We have so much ment and its tradition, I need to that the new faces we saw in the even the most routine sick call at get involved. That is why I began Valley, will follow us downtown 2am can have a not so good out- training to qualify for special- when we return to UFLAC.… come for those first responders. ized teams, got involved in the and bring their friends. We are This discussion is not only for the LA Firemen’s Credit Union, and planning to hold the next meeting paramedics, it’s for the EMT’s on ultimately ran for secretary of the somewhere in the southern part of the 800’s and the EMT’s on the Union. In the not so distant fu- the City so keep an eye open for engine companies signing out ture, the generation of individuals the next flyer. a patient. We talked last month who have carried the torch will about patients requiring 12 Leads, retire and hopefully those of us EMS Corner well this month I want to talk with 1-15 years on have estab- First thing, first, before we get about walking patients. Hold on, lished ourselves well enough to to discussing EMS this month, I I am not saying you can’t do it, continue the journey into the next need to put out an apology and an I am just saying there is in fact decade. All that being said, your explanation for the way I started a policy in place. Please review motivation for getting involved my EMS discussion last month. Departmental Bulletin 06-15 with and having a voice should be to I received numerous phone calls your crews. Trust me I know, I ensure that this Department is from concerned members regard- have walked patients numerous how you want it to be in the fu- ing my attitude towards EMS. times and most of the time it is ture. Like I have written before, When I said, “Yes once again, I the patient’s request, but if the pa- LAPPL President Paul Weber with UFLAC Board

Your UFLAC Negotiating This ratification vote was not Team has worked tirelessly to get only unique because of the mul- the best possible contract. Giv- tiple voting locations. This rati- en the current economy this has fication was also unique because been one of the toughest negotia- after members voted they re- tions in history. The MOU that ceived a Pink Local-112 t-shirt. was ratified would not have been October is Breast Cancer Aware- possible without compromise on ness month and UFLAC cares both sides. Being on the Nego- enough to wear pink. tiating Team is often a thankless For details of the ratified MOU job so be sure and thank the mem- log into www.uflac.org. It is ev- bers who are working so hard for ery members responsibility to Director Escobar and Acting President Dapper at UFLAC Office Director Nonini at FS-64 you and your family. read and familiarize yourself with This years ratification voting the MOU. took place over three days and Thank you to all the mem- three separate locations. Having bers who voted at the Ratifica- the separate locations for voting tion Meetings. We are happy to received lots of positive feedback see more members showing an from the membership. There interest in UFLAC and staying was also Negotiating Team and informed. Be sure and follow UFLAC Board members at the UFLAC on Facebook and Twitter locations to answer any questions for up to date information.` members might have before they vote.

RA-33 Cares Enough to Wear Pink Director Gamboa at FS-64 Election Committee Chair Elguea Hard at Work November / December 2011 Los Angeles Firefighter Page 3

By Jeff Dapper. tireless efforts of our Negotiating explain the 2% “opt in” Retiree Acting President Team we now have a MOU that Health Subsidy contribution. Ad- has been Ratified by the member- ditionally, we had presentations As most of you know, UFLAC ship. by subject matter experts at con- President Pat McOsker an- secutive UFLAC meetings, and nounced he was taking a leave of Overtime we communicated with the Los absence beginning about 8 weeks There has been significant dis- Angeles Fire and Police Pension ago to campaign for the open cussion by the membership over staff as they offered multiple seat in Los Angeles City Coun- the past couple of years about seminars in an effort to ensure cil District 15. During his time overtime inequities and the possi- our members were fully informed away, as per our Constitution bility of a letter of agreement for prior to making their decision. and By-Laws, I will be the acting a cumulative hour/low number The opt in period is now closed President - and I wanted to take SOD hiring system. Addition- and UFLAC will continue to in- this opportunity to clarify what ally, the concept of a 48/96 work form the membership of any new this means to the membership schedule has been discussed for developments. and provide you with updates on several years - and continues to some items we are addressing. be raised. It has been my belief Training that progress has been slow on We have been actively working Questions about the Leave these items and, at my request; and collaborating with our mem- of Absence our Negotiating Team has dis- bers assigned to the Department’s Several members have in- cussed and considered both is- In-Service Training Section to quired about the length of my ten- sues during several recent meet- streamline the Cal-JAC funding ure during this leave of absence. ings. Because both issues would process which will produce ad- For clarification, Pat McOsker represent a significant change to ditional training course offerings will likely remain on his leave our established procedures, the for our members. of absence for the following rea- membership will be afforded the We are happy to announce that sons: opportunity to vote on both issues the In-Service Training Section Patriot Flag at Frank Hotchkins Memorial Training Center - If he is one of the top two can- before we attempt to secure a let- recently announced the first ever didates in the Primary Election on ter of agreement. non-officer offering of the Los of LAFD staffing. I have also reception for UFLAC and FDNY November 8, 2011 - he will likely Angeles Fire Department Leader- met personally with our new Fire members in New York. remain on leave and continue on Saving the Membership ship Academy - a course modeled Chief to discuss this and many to the General Election. Money after West Point Leadership, and other issues. Happy Holidays -If he wins the General Elec- A central theme of my cam- the non-officer delivery begins in We continue to provide disci- As we move into the Holi- tion run-off on January 17, 2012 paign was a pledge to reduce ex- May of 2012. plinary representation for dozens day Season please remember the - he would retire from the LAFD penditures. To that end, your Ex- UFLAC took a direct role in of our members. One of the ar- things that are important in life. effective immediately. ecutive Board is consistently try- the nomination and subsequent eas of discussion I covered with Celebrate responsibly with the -The McOsker for Council ing to find ways to operate more selection of an LAFD Captain as our Fire Chief was modifications ones you love. Happy Holidays campaign is going well and we efficiently. During the past year a representative on the Federal to the Complaint Tracking Sys- from my family to yours. continue to be optimistic. How- alone, we have reduced operating Emergency Management Agency tem (CTS) and portions of the ever, he could return to his posi- expenses by well over two hun- (FEMA) 2011 Assistance to Fire- investigatory and representation I am humbled by the honor tion at UFLAC in November or dred thousand dollars ($200,000). fighters Grant peer review panel. process. We hope to see this sys- and opportunity to serve on your January depending on the out- Since beginning my tenure as act- This is a federal grant program tem evolve with changes to areas Executive Board and now as your come of the elections. I hope this ing President, we now have two where an appropriation of $810 where our members are being un- acting President. If you have any helps clear up any questions you members of the board assigned million in support for Fire and necessarily adversely impacted. questions or feedback, please feel may have. full time to the Fire Chief’s office EMS services has been approved In the past month, UFLAC had free to send me an email at: thereby saving the membership for FY 2011. the opportunity to provide finan- [email protected] September General several thousand more dollars per UFLAC also is sponsoring a cial assistance to the Memorials Membership Meeting month. one day Leadership Symposium at FHMTC, as well as the LAFD Sincerely and Fraternally, In an effort to increase acces- by subject matter experts. museum. We also provided sup- sibility, participation and atten- Benefits port for the Ride for 9/11, the dance - on September 21, 2011, The Dental Plan has been up- Technology Updates Never Forget Ride as well as a our General Membership meet- dated and will now include a You may have noticed that ing was held at Fire Station 87 network of providers for Direct your UFLAC website has been in Battalion 15. This was the first Reimbursement claims. We are completely redesigned and new meeting in several years that was changing carriers to MetLife. content is being added daily. We offered at a remote location. The This will allow us to increase are actively planning for online meeting was well attended and dependent coverage to age 26 voting (where circumstances the membership provided a robust and add dental implants as an will allow) - as well as develop- exchange of information. We in- additional covered benefit. This ing member polls and a paycheck tend to periodically offer future change in insurance carriers will calculator. Make sure and follow meetings at remote locations. allow us to provide the aforemen- UFLAC on Facebook and Twitter tioned additional benefits as well for up to date and breaking news Status of Negotiations as maintain long term stability of that relates to UFLAC. We also When I took over as President, the Dental Plan. have a new Smart Phone applica- we had been encountering some tion you can download from the roadblocks in our negotiations. I Retiree Health Subsidy Issue UFLAC website. have opened fresh dialogue with Executive Board members FDNY Fire Station 10 with Dennis Garza City Hall - and along with the actively visited Fire Stations to Additional Activities I have initiated discussions and dialogue with the Mayor, City Council members and their staffs regarding the restoration

Seattle FD Local 27 President Kenny Stuart at FDNY Memorial FDNY Memorial Wall FDNY Firefighter Memorial Page 4 Los Angeles Firefighter November / December 2011

take a bite! We did great though Board of Rights because in negotiations after the Council of a failure to maintain voted to furlough you; we have a valid Driver’s License a NO FURLOUGH CLAUSE in with proper endorsements our upcoming 3 year contract! These are just some of the examples and awards to report, Arbitration Updates but as the UFLAC discipline Arbitration is a benefit that we committee chair I wanted to have and cherish, especially in make sure you were aware that the discipline arena. Arbitration is your union will fight for you a check valve that we have with and has sustained some good our management, and it is also victories in the discipline arena By Frank Lima something that the department has recently. Also coming up is a 2nd Vice President wanted to desperately take from recently filed lawsuit in Superior us while at the negotiating table. Court by UFLAC for Firefighter Pension Issues Why try and take away a non- Bill of Rights violations, Skelly Boxing with Carmen A. Trutanich, City Attorney The 45 day ‘opt-in’ window economic item like arbitration violations, and due process day, and think about it daily as the pouring rain right above a is over for contributing 2% during these challenging fiscal blunders by the Internal Affairs a reminder of what we do day fast moving flood control river. additional percent into the times? Good question. We have Section that didn’t think twice in/day out and the dangers we At the Smith residence days after pension to secure raises in your the right to arbitrate discipline about trampling our members’ face in this different world with his passing, I heard several stories future retiree monthly medical and fight for you, a negotiated rights (after we made several terrorism. that were shared with family, health subsidy. Approximately benefit that we will not relinquish. good faith attempts to fix the The 10 year memorial service friends, and co-workers; we have 70% of our pension members However, your union board issues). at LAFD’s training facility was to do our part to keep those stories (LAFD, LAP, and Port Police) cannot arbitrate every discipline well attended. We had a cadre going to keep Glen’s memory opted in, as to not be ‘frozen’ case for various reasons. Firefighter Memorials of members who rode their ten- and legacy going. Brother Glen, forever in future retiree raises. Financially we couldn’t support Fallen Firefighter memorials speeds across the country, the we would like to thank you for This is continuing to be a very every case, some cases we do continue to be a very solemn and Firehogs rode their motorcycles your years of service, memories, evolving situation, and after the not want to arbitrate because it humbling reminder to never forget across the country as well. They teaching the other Pilots, and pension meeting on October 6th it could have a negative impact on our brothers and sisters who have met up in New York City for the leaving your legacy behind. We is clear and more than likely that thousands of our members, and paid the ultimate sacrifice! If you memorial in NYC as well. It was will never forget you! litigation will ultimately decide occasionally we have to pick our have never been, please make an nice that the LAFD represented (Look for a Complete Tribute the entire 2% issue, and whether battles and keep our integrity as effort to attend one of the events the memory of 9/11 from coast to to Glen Smith Next Issue) the retiree medical subsidy raises a union. next year in our hometown at the coast. Wellness – Health are a vested benefit or not. As of The discipline arbitration has LAFD Memorial, in Sacramento Please take advantage of this writing I will be attending worked in the past, and continues at our State Memorial, or in the wellness-fitness initiative meetings on behalf of UFLAC to work. Following our Board Colorado Springs at the IAFF that we have worked out with with the PPL and the CAO for of Rights process (that seldom Memorial. Several of your board management. What it comes the rules/requirements/standards, seems to work and render justice, members were in attendance at down to is a choice to exercise/ etc…. regarding the ‘dispute but occasionally it does work), the various memorials spending workout while on-duty, or not resolution committee’ for the we have arbitration. Remember time with the fallen widows and to. This is an outstanding benefit 2% medical contribution. We the 120 day suspension without children of our brothers. that we have, so please take will continue to update you on pay a few ago? It was a pleasure Words cannot say enough advantage of it. Blood Pressure pension issues as they arise. getting that suspension 100% about the LAFD Color and Honor checks…….. have you done them overturned! Recently we have Guards! Our Color Guards are yet? If so, are you doing them on had a termination case overturned as good and professional as it a regular basis? I will continue to by an arbitrator with full back gets, and the cadre of the crew is pound this into you to check and pay ordered, a decision about the growing! Please thank them when monitor your own blood pressure, department disciplining members you see them at the firehouse or keep your own log (confidential), for nolo contender plea in court after marching at an event and and address the silent killer head for off duty actions. We also representing you; often times Pilot Glen Smith because it is easily treatable if had a commercial driver license away from their families for days I’d like to express our most detected early! We’ve heard back arbitration rule in our favor big at a time doing their honorable sincere condolences to the from several members on the time. work. Also in attendance in family of our active Helicopter Stop, Drop, and Control High The union’s position was that Sacramento was LAFD Fire Pilot Glen Smith. Brother Smith Blood Pressure that have detected the departments was unilaterally Chief Cummings. This was the recently lost a long battle with a problem, and now have it under changing the discipline system 9th annual California State Fallen cancer, but left behind a legacy control. without using the meet and Firefighter Memorial, and the first on our Department. Glen’s son Firefighters always help others, confer process (as required by time we have ever seen an LAFD Steven is an active Firefighter and rarely help themselves. Check law). Management drew up Fire Chief in attendance there, at Fire Station 94, and Steven is your blood pressure for your and distributed ‘Departmental thanks for showing you care and continuing to hear stories about family because High BP does Bulletin 10-05’ (dated May 19, remember! what a great man his father was. not discriminate with age, race, 2010) in regards to commercial 9/11 Memorial – Never Forget Also in addition to Glen being or religion. Brothers and Sisters driver’s licenses and discipline. As a U.S.A.R. rescue worker a true gentleman, he was a very please take care of yourself. LAPPL Gala Some of the arbitrators awards at ground zero beginning work competent Firefighter and Pilot, were as follows: on 9/12/11, it changed my life and the first African American Happy Holidays! No Furlough Language! • Vacate and Rescind forever as it did the fire service, Helicopter Pilot in the history of The Holidays are upon us Earlier this year the City Departmental Bulletin 10- and our country. There is not a the LAFD. Glen would routinely now during these fall months Council voted to furlough our 05 Memorial that will ever replace hit the mark with his pinpoint so regardless of your religious LAFD sworn personnel working • Cease and desist from the horror, terror, and loss of life water drops when the pressure faith affiliation, take the time in a special duty (4/10) capacity changing the disciplinary of our FDNY fallen 343, Police, was on him with Firefighters and spend it with those you love. including our Inspectors, and that penalties without meeting and civilians going to work that below him in harm’s way of an Take the time to appreciate all of would of cut 2.3% of their base and conferring in good day. Words cannot take back the fast moving brush fire, or hovered the good things we have. Take take home pay. As I mentioned faith with the Union fatherless children growing up the helicopter perfectly while the time to do something nice in after this vote, we would NOT • Make whole, for any loss because of the attacks, and the hoisting a fallen hiker during your actions for another brother allow a small percentage of our sustained, all members firefighters who survived that an over the cliff side rescue, or or sister in the department. Keep bargaining unit to take a ‘hit’ who have been precluded are still suffering adverse health steadily following a stranded the families of our fallen in your while the rest of us sat back and from working, placed on effects as well. As a department child while making an heroic prayers and thoughts during this watched; we were all prepared to leave and/or ordered to a we need to never forget that rescue with cables and ropes in time of the year.

Fire Chief Cummings and Urquiza Family at CPF Memorial Fire Hog Check Presentation LAFD Honor Guards November / December 2011 Los Angeles Firefighter Page 5

two Los Angeles City brothers and Clark families were truly gether such a wonderful and fit- donated monies can be held, in- were honored when their names inspirational and we thank them ting tribute for the families of our vested, and utilized to make sure were etched on the granite walls for allowing the fire service the fallen brothers. that this scholarship program at Memorial Park in Colorado opportunity to honor our fallen will be sufficient and satisfy the Springs. The names of Brothers brothers! They will never be for- California Fire Foundation: increasing costs of higher educa- Glenn Allen and Gary Clark are gotten. The California Fire Foundation is tion. The Fire Foundation needs now enshrined forever on this sa- the CPF charitable organization our help in raising money. The cred wall next to the other brave California Professional that helps the children of Cali- CPF’s California Fire Foundation men and women who have made Firefighters (CPF) fornia’s fallen firefighters pay for is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organi- the ultimate sacrifice. May God Memorial Ceremony: school. Each year, scholarships zation so your donations are tax bless you and your families! The California Professional Fire- are awarded to help eligible chil- deductible and ultimately, your This year’s observance was well fighters held their annual Fallen dren in their pursuit for higher donation(s) will be the key in- attended by Local 112 mem- Firefighters Memorial on October education. To qualify, applicants gredient in ensuring the success By Chuong Ho bers to not only honor our fallen 1, 2011. The California Memo- must be the child of a California of this wonderful endeavor. To Director brothers, but also to support the rial Wall is located on the historic fallen firefighter whose name is make a donation, contact the Fire families of these heroes. Those grounds of the State Capitol in on the Memorial Wall. Currently, Foundation at (800) 890-3213 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter in attendance included members Sacramento. Of the 30 heroes the scholarships that are awarded and/or www.cafirefoundation. Memorial: of your UFLAC executive board, enshrined at this year’s service, each July are in the amount of org. After you make your gener- The 2011 Observance of the members of your Relief Asso- five had ties to Los Angeles City. $2,000.00. With college educa- ous donation, ask about the CPF IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memo- ciation board, the LAFD Color Glenn Allen (2/19/2011), Gary tion costs skyrocketing, your CPF challenge coin. I urge you to rial took place on September 17, Guard, and the LAFD Fire Hogs. Clark (9/22/2010), John Calla- would like to increase the schol- donate today! In parting, I leave 2011 in Colorado Springs, Colo- As a first time attendee to this han (8/18/2010), Ralph Urquiza arship amounts to keep up with you with a quote from one of my rado. The annual IAFF Obser- event, I was extremely humbled (9/20/2009), and Keith Kroll the times. We must never for- childhood heroes: vance honors those brave souls to be a part of the fire department (12/9/1979) all joined the list of get and therefore, continue to be “Life’s most persistent and ur- who selfishly and bravely gave contingent that made the trip to California’s fallen heroes who there for the children of our fallen gent question is, what are you their lives serving and protect- Colorado Springs. The strength have made the ultimate sacrifice. heroes. As such, the Foundation doing for others?” ing their communities. This year, and kindness of both the Allen We thank the CPF for putting to- has created an endowment where - Martin Luther King, Jr.

IAFF Memorial in Colorado Springs with Clark and Allen Families Allen Family with Fire Chief Brian Cummings in Sacramento LAFD Honor Guards Go Above and Beyond engraved on the limestone wall had many informational sessions tive Board members, Stewards were Ralph D. Urquiza, Glenn at Firehouses to get as much in- Representation and Family members came out D. Allen, Gary Clark, ret. LAFD formation out to our members Brothers and sisters, if you to support the labor coalition. John Callahan and David Law- prior to September 29, 2011 opt receive notification from PSD Our Local 112 MOAB was at the rence Powell father of active duty in date. The calls were non stop that you are under investigation center stage with friends of labor A/O Dustin Powell. David was since July to our board members. and wish to have representation in local, state and federal level an A/C, California Emergency We had 2 informational sessions please call the James A. Perry of government helping out at the Management Agency. The Honor at the UFLAC office and the Labor Center (UFLAC Office) BBQ and serving thousands that Guard was also present in Sacra- LAFPP had several informational immediately for assistance. showed up. The teachers, grocery mento and did a fine job repre- sessions as well. Hopefully the workers, Teamsters, Longshore- senting the LAFD. sessions at the firehouses along 32nd Annual Labor Day men, and so many others appre- with e-mails and info behind the Parade and BBQ ciated the Firefighters in joining Retiree Health secure login on our website have This past Labor Day event that them in solidarity for that special By Tony Gamboa 2% Contribution helped some make a more in- took place in Wilmington was a day. Director Over the past few months we formed decision. success. Several of your Execu-

Honor Guard Colorado Springs There were two Los Angeles Firefighter names engraved on the granite wall in Colorado Springs, Glenn Allen and Gary Clark. Both families had support from your Executive Board on behalf of every Local 112 member as well as support from the Relief Association during their stay in Colorado. Our Honor Guard did an outstanding job representing the LAFD during that memorial weekend. Shannon Saffo, Kevin LAPPL Gala LA City Controller Wendy Greuel Working the MOAB Johnson, Ryan O’Gorman, Al- fonso Mackey and Kelly Niles were the members that were pres- ent out of 21 member cadre. The guys were professional, looked sharp and made us all proud!

Sacramento This year I had the humbled privilege to escort Janice LeDoux widow of Keith Kroll and Keith’s granddaughter Christine Sprague at this year’s memorial in Sacra- mento. The other names that were Family of Keith Kroll at CPF Memorial in Sacramento 32nd Annual Labor Day Volunteers Page 6 Los Angeles Firefighter November / December 2011

On July 28 , a group of 20 Fire- the Fire Service in NY and Los With one of the Clans going hogs participated in the send off Angeles. to the NASCAR Race the other ceremonies for the cyclist riding Following the ceremony, a Clans departed on September 5, coast to coast as the Ride for 911 catered lunch sponsored by for a 300 mile trip Roanoke, VA. Riders. At the conclusion of that UFLAC, the Los Angeles Fire- Departing Roanoke, VA on ceremony the Firehogs escorted mans Credit Union, and the Los September 6@ 0800hrs we were the cyclist to the City of Los An- Angeles Firemans Relief Asso- able to pay our respects at the gels limits. ciation was provided on the drill pentagon memorial in the early On August 25, A ceremony, deck of FHMTC. after noon and later that evening coordinated by Firehog Vice Pres- From August through Septem- the group chartered a buss for ident Mike Kammerer, was held ber over thirty five members of an evening tour of Washington at the World Trade Center Memo- the Los Angeles City Fire Depart- DC that included a visit to pay rial at Frank Hotchkin Training ment departed on a cross country our respects at the Washington Center to recognize all the LAFD trip across the United States to Monument, Lincoln Memorial, members making the journey to New York to pay tribute to their Vietnam Wall, Korean Memorial, NYC for the 9/11 Memorials. Fallen Brothers of the FDNY. Martin Luther King Memorial, This event included speeches The Knoxville boys had ar- and World War II Memorial. by Fire Chief Brian Cummings, ranged a personalized tour of the Leaving Washington D.C. on the escort were members of the rial Wall for the burning of Gary UFLAC representative Frank Jack Daniels Distillery- on our September 7 for a 420 miles ride NYPD & FDNY. At the Fire- Stameisen’s Fighog Colors with Lima, and a benediction by way to Knoxville that included to Philadelphia, the Clans trav- men’s Memorial, a ceremony was the FDNY Fire Riders and other Chaplin Mark Wolfe. Firehog a tour of the Old No 7 Fire Bri- eled to the small town of Shanks- held marking the end of Cyclist IAFF members. Gary’s ashes Vice President Mike Kammerer gade, led by Master Distiller, Jeff ville to pay honor to those who Coast to Coast Ride. Firehog were then tossed into the Sea he then spoke about the importance Arnett . sacrificed their lives in the strug- Vice President Mike Kammerer, loved so much for all eternity. of the Coast to Coast Ride and to The riders were escorted into gle of flight 93. From there we presented a check of $5,000 to the On September 13 most clans always remember the sacrifices Knoxville by the State Troop- traveled through the battlefields FDNY Widows & Orphans Fund. left from NYC taking various made that day ten years ago and ers with fanfare courtesy of the of Gettysberg on our way to Phil- That evening a ceremony was routes to the IAFF Colorado are still being made by those in Knoxsville Boys. At the hotel adelphia. Upon entering Phila- held honoring those that made the Springs Memorial. our military to this day. Firehog in Knoxville other Clans for Los delphia we stopped at the Central pilgrimage to NYC to honor the Many of the Clans attended Vice President Mike Kammerer, Angeles joined the group and the Market and met up with the Ride fallen. This event was held at our the September 17, Wind & Fire acknowledged the donations giv- riders numbered over 30. for 911 Riders who still had a few host hotel, the Brooklyn Marriott, Rocky Mountain Chapter-Ride to en by UFLAC ($2500) the Fire- The Knoxville Boys proved hundred miles to go. which was sponsored by UFLAC, Remember, 2011, which endsed man’s Credit Union ($1000), and that they had been busy planning With all the Clans back to- the Los Angeles Fireman’s Relief at the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter the Fireman’s Relief Association events to make our stay memorial gether again we departed Phila- Association and the Los Angeles Memorial Service where the ($1000), for banquet to be held in with an escorted tour on Sep- delphia, PA on September 8 for Firemen’s Credit Union for the names of Battalion Chief Gary NYC for those that traveled there tember 4, through the infamous our destination of New York City, FDNY & LAFD present in NYC. Clark & FF Glenn Allen were and for the FDNY Fireriders. Dragon Tail Canyon Road, that NY. Highlights of the event included added to the Memorial Wall. Af- Fire Hog North End Vice Presi- boasted 318 turns in 11 miles. With over 30 riders now in the the tribute to Gary Stameisen ter the weekend services most of dent Jack Wise presided over the Later that evening, we attended group, on September 9 we rode which included his widow Lori, the remaining Clans took their ceremonies and gave the tribute a local concert that included the to New Jersey to escort the Ride the 10 bell ceremony honoring own routes home, of the 10 bells honoring Gary Sta- Kentucky Headhunters that hon- for 911 Riders into NYC and those that have received their During the 24-day ride, the meisen, Gary Clark, Glenn Allen, ored the Firehogs as guest of the FDNY Firemen’s Memorial last call, and the presence of the Firehogs raised over $5000 dol- and those that gave their lives in honor. at Riverside Park, NY. Joining FDNY. lars for the FDNY, traveled close On the morning of September to 8,000 miles with over 30 rid- 11, Charter Buses left the hotel ers, rode through arduous condi- to Riverside Park for the official tions each day, and only had 3 FDNY Memorial Ceremony. minor falls with no injuries. The This event included the reading coordination of the last 10 years of the names of the 343 members by Mike Kammerer, Scott Gill, lost. Following that the busses the Knoxville Boys, and all the took everyone to the ceremony at Clans resulted in an event that the FDNY Firemen’s Museum for will be etched in the minds of the dedication of Chaplain Mike those that participated forever. Judge’s turn outs and gear to the To quote a blessing that was museum. Other events attend- our matra : May you always ride ed included the 10 House Still with the wind in your face, the Standing, Ceremony at Ground sun at your back, the rubber side Zero with the FDNY Pipes and down, and may you never ride Drum Ceremony. faster then your Guardian Angels As a final tribute to one of our can fly….. own, on September 12, we rode to Coney Island Firemen’s Memo- By Jack Wise, LAFD November / December 2011 Los Angeles Firefighter Page 7

expect. All I knew was that 9/11 She starts talking about how he had a profound affect on me as a excelled in the training tower and Firefighter and as an American. he graduated in the top of class I felt compelled to pay tribute to as a paramedic. This girl is too the men that changed my life that young to have known him when day. he was in the training tower, she When I left in July, our Fire De- is starting to walk a really thin partment was in one of the lowest line now. Who is this women? points I have ever seen. Morale Now she starts telling a story. was already nonexistent and then When your Captain had only two we shut down 18 fire companies days on the job he responded to due to budget cuts. I was almost a call of a child drowning. As he By Jason Teter, relieved to be taking a break from arrived on scene he observed a LAFD Firefighter all the negativity that had been two-year old floating lifeless in surrounding us for so long. I’ll the pool. He jumped in and pulled dad answered for us, “Firemen In Salt Lake City, the Fire Recently, I completed a journey be the first to admit, I was feeling the child to safely. He began to don’t quit, son.” Captain woke up early and had that would change my life forev- very discouraged with our De- work on her lifeless body as he From here on out the days breakfast ready by 0500. One of er. It was a journey into the heart partment when I left. rushed her into the ambulance. would consist of approximately the off going Engineers put on his of our brotherhood. Many times On the third day of riding, I was That’s a really stressful day for a 90 miles a day, the longest day uniform drove his personal car it takes a tragedy to bring light to met by several other riders, Fire- kid with only two days on the Fire being 130 miles. Most breakfasts to the training tower, picked up the loving family that we belong a rig, and escorted me through a to. My life was going to become ‘The Fire Department spirit is very much still alive dangerous portion of the Rocky embraced by our Fire Department Mountains. No one every asked family and it was just a bike ride across the country.’ Jason Teter for these things, these men just away. made it happen. You can try to It’s not easy to make the deci- fighters from Jean, Nevada. Not Department. Two days in the field and lunches would consist of cof- force a fireman to do what you sion to leave your home, your only did they ride with us, their and he had already proven that he fee, Skittles, and York pepper- demand and your results will be family, and your friends for 47 department provided apparatus to was meant to do this job, he had mint patties. All of which would less then gratifying. If you ask for days. It’s even harder when you escort us into Las Vegas. As we found his calling. She looked at come from an establishment that their help and let them do their are leaving them to ride your bike were riding we discussed many of the fire Captain and said, ‘thank also sold liquor or fuel. Occa- job, they will move mountains over 3500 miles across the coun- issues that plagued both our de- you for saving my life that day.’ sionally, I would stumble across for you. The stories go on and on. try. The reason I embarked on this partments, budgets, pensions, etc. This women was the girl in the a diner, there I would enjoy a sit- The stories of our family working journey was to pay tribute to the My new friend asked me, “Why pool. There was not a dry eye in down meal consisting of eggs and together to accomplish one com- fire service and the 343 men that are you doing this?” Normally, I the house that night.” bacon. Dinner, or supper as they mon goal, the goal being never gave the ultimate service while would have explained it the same My eyes welled up when he still call it in farm country, was a forget. protecting others. way that I explained it above, told the story. I felt like I had different story. I would generally The final leg of my journey After six months of training, I but I didn’t. Instead I answered, been kicked in the gut by a mule. enjoy a fine meal with my bothers would be the FDNY memorial rolled out of Fire Station 89 on “I am searching for something.” Suddenly I got it. It was not about in the fire house. Sleeping accom- in New York. I was joined by my July 24, 2011, accompanied on Almost surprised by my own an- what we were talking about that modations varied from station to friend, Firefighter Andre Voelker a bicycle by my friend, A/O Rob swer, I began to contemplate why mattered, it was that we were station. I slept on beds, couches, and my family, Nicole, Haylee Curtis, from FS 89 and followed I had answered that way. Then he talking, that mattered. One broth- futons, air mattresses, TV chairs, and Whitney. We joined thou- by my wife Nicole, her sister, asked, “What are you searching er talking to another. It’s not and floors. I traveled with a pil- sands of firefighters from all over Haylee, her mom, Gemma, my for?” I answered, “Something I about where you are standing, it’s low, and bedding was readily the world to pay our respects at friend, LAPD Detective Robert have lost over the last 11 years, who you are standing with that available. All I really ever needed the memorial. De Armon, my friend, A/O Matt that feeling I had when I was new is important. Suddenly my mis- was a hospital sheet. During my journey, it was Nolen, and his wife, Kristy. This on the job.” He did not say any- sion was clear. This was not just Once you get out of the major made very clear to me that the is were my journey as a firefighter thing else about it. We continued about paying tribute to those we cities most of the fire departments Fire Department spirit is very started so it was fitting that my to talk about the fire service until have lost, I was going to draw a are volunteer. Most volunteer much still alive across the coun- tribute to the fire service should we reached the edge of his dis- line from one end of the country departments don’t have beds be- try. Our department has reached also start here. trict. “I want to tell you a story to the other. I was going to leave cause they don’t man the station a dangerous level of separation. My plan was to ride without a before I go,” he said, “I recently a can in California and string a until a call comes in. Some vol- With MCP, Pool positions, and support vehicle. I would carry ev- attended a retirement dinner for line across the country and bring unteer stations would put me up Fire company closures, quite of- erything I needed for the next 47 one of our department Captains. a can to New York. For you in their homes and feed me din- ten members find themselves on days on my bicycle. I started off It was a pretty standard din- younger readers I would be build- ner and breakfast. Others would their own, segment after segment. pulling everything I needed in- ner everyone was telling stories ing cell towers across the country. open their station and I would The fire service is what it is today cluding the kitchen sink in a trail- about his career. All his broth- I would attempt to connect our stay there alone. From time to because of the brotherhood. It is er. After two weeks, I narrowed ers were laughing and scratch- brothers like we were connected time, a hotel stay was the only in my opinion after spending time everything down to 2 small bags ing like we do. Our last chance just after 9/11. My mission had viable option. At some point, I in over 40 fire stations across the on the back of my bike. Occasion- to razz our friend before he goes. already began without me, I just realized that I was not alone so nation that we must preserve our ally, firemen would ride along and Then out of nowhere this lady had to catch up. far away from home. I was being way of life. We are on the verge they would provide a day of SAG that no one seems to know takes The next morning we had 6 cared for by my brothers. I was in of a new era in emergency ser- support. Most days, I was on my the podium. She is old enough to firefighters show up at 0430 hours their hands now. They would take vices. To remain the front run- own and it was very long between be his daughter, but we all know to ride with us 100 miles in 100 me in, make sure I was housed, ners, we must be united. From the stops. On Sundays, most business his family and we don’t know degree weather. A fireman’s son cleaned and fed, then they would Fire Chief on down we must look were closed, so these days proved her. Firemen are protective of drove a pick up truck filled with gently hand me off to the next to the future and focus on what to be somewhat trying. On one their brothers and no one knows cold water and snacks, flying an family member. At one point, my made us what we are today. Our occasion, I had to ride 2 days out this women. Suddenly the whole American flag. At one point when brother Firefighter Ceaser Garcia, commitment to providing service of my way to fix a wheel. For the room is watching this lady like the sun, or fireball as they refer to FS 66, shipped me a new replace- to the citizens of the city. most part the self-reliance just a hawk. She starts talking about it in Nevada, came out, the rid- ment wheel set. The Nolen fam- added to the adventure. what a great guy the Captain is ing really became tough. The kid ily provided tires for the wheels. http://tetering.wordpress- As I embarked on this epic and what a great paramedic he asked all the riders, “Does anyone Now I was literally riding on the com/author/teterjason/ adventure, I had no idea what to is, now we are really suspicious. want to ride in the truck?” His generosity of my brothers.

Photo by Haylee Solomon Scott Smith, John Marsco, Jason Teter in NYC Photo by Haylee Solomon Page 8 Los Angeles Firefighter November / December 2011

in countless ways. Immediately, daunting task, let alone crossing hands, just happy to get a wave or as he talked about that day. We I wanted in and I remembered it during the summer. As the de- look from one of the riders. then headed to NYC with one back to September 11th 2001 like parture date neared, fund raising There I met a father of an Army thing on our minds, getting to a vivid dream. I was attached to events, work and life seemed to sniper that was killed in action the memorial. As I crossed the the Marine Expeditionary Unit always get into the way of train- in Iraq. I was brought nearly to George Washington Bridge, I on a port visit in Australia. We ing for the ride. There was a lot tears as he thanked me for what knew I was minutes from getting had heard the Twin Towers were to do and little time to do it. we were doing and how he re- off the bike. The Fire Hogs met hit, no one knew how bad. The The first day on the ride was members his son by giving back. us as we crossed and lead us with Skipper recalled Liberty and we over a 130 miles long into the Then we road into Pittsburgh, a NYFD fire truck to the memo- sent sail immediately. The next 7 desert. We left FS 27 with a he- where we were led in by a group rial. Reaching the Firefighter months of my life would be flying ro’s departure, as the Fire chiefs’ motorcycle cops. We picked memorial in New York was amaz- around the clock helicopter mis- of LA city and LA County, LA up another Fullerton Firefighter ing. Friends, family and New By John Marasco, sions in the invasion of a country city councilman Tom LaBonge Mike Meacham. The guys knew York Firefighters waited. Fire Station 66 I knew nothing about. I grew up and a crowd of friends and family we were getting close to reaching On September 11, 2011, 2 days July 24, 2011... Almost 10 years in New Jersey seeing the towers watched us depart. We quickly our goal. Before we knew it, we after we road into New York, my- since the day that our generation as a regular part of the skyline of learned that maps, GPS, and bi- were in Shanksville, PA visiting self, the riders and other Firefight- lived through a day we would Manhattan, while now all I have cycle computer programs aren’t the Flight 93 memorial. Then ers attended the 10-year memo- never forget. A group of Fire- to remember them is by videos of always perfect. to DC at the Pentagon memorial rial of 9/11. As we stood in ranks fighters, from LA City Fire, LA how they fell. To this day, I have The first week we faced brutal- talking to a firefighter that fought in our dress uniform and listen to County Fire and Fullerton Fire always felt that I wish I could ly hot temperatures as we crossed the fire at the Pentagon. all of the 343 names read aloud, I embarked on a journey across have done more. Loeser flew the California desert. Tem- We road off to New Jersey gazed at the 343 American flags America. Most had met a few out after 9/11 to help at ground peratures above 115 marred the through Philly, I had reached my that stood across from me and the times before the ride had started, zero, known as the pile, right af- ride. Too hot and dry to even old stopping ground. In Philly giant American flag where Jason some were experienced cyclists, ter the attack. Meacham flew out sweat or breathe and the knowl- we picked up a retired Fireman Teter stood as a flag bearer. He and others were ammeters, but had cycled his road bike across all had a common goal of riding the US unsupported in remem- for honor and never forgetting the brance of 9/11. There were days 343 firemen and the military men when an injury sidelined me after and women that have given their only half the mileage of that day lives since 9/11. and I could jump in the RV to re- One day I received a call from cover. Jason had no such luxury a good friend of mine Scott Smith as he crossed the US. I couldn’t who was an LA County firefighter even begin to imagine the trials asking me for help. He was cy- he faced by himself. cling across America for the 10- As they read through the 343 year anniversary of 9/11. Him- names at the memorial, it finally self being a former Marine and dawned on me how big 343 re- a 10-year veteran of LA County ally is. In this world, we throw fire, assigned to LA County 16s, numbers around like million and he expressed a strong desire to billion like they are small, so pedal every mile across our great anything in the hundreds sounds nation to remember that day. He insignificant. But, it must have had teamed up with Marv Wil- taken well over an hour to read liams FS 4, Warren Sutton of all the names, 343 is not a small OCD, Jorge Ostrovsky of FS 69, number by any means. Scott Hambly and Jim Prabhu of to NYC and attended firefighter edge of cycling over 100 miles named Joe from NYFD who I thought back to the Riders FS 37, Randall Wright LA County funerals in his dress uniform, be- made it seem an impossible task had lost many of his brethren on like Marv Williams, Scott Smith, 54 to cycle the whole way across cause the FDNY didn’t have the to cross the nation. But like ev- 9/11. He was riding with us the Scott Hambly and Jorge Ostro- the US. Adam Loeser and Mike personnel to attend funerals of erything in life, if you just keep last day to NYC, to the NYFDs vsky who pedaled every mile Meacham of Fullerton Fire sta- their fallen brethren. Everyone in moving or in our case, if you Fireman’s memorial on 100th across this great nation, and even tion 1 and myself planned cycle the ride knew where they were on just keep pedaling we would get and Riverside Drive, but we had a few more down wrong roads about half the country. Rob Scott that day and had a personal con- through it. I went the first week a stop to make first. We were cy- only having to pedal back to get of FS 27, Mike Ketaily and Doke nection to the towers. The Ride with the ride to just outside Pay- cling to Nottingham High School on the right one. The rest of us Smith of FS 69 planned drive the For 9-11 was another chance for son, AZ. in Hamilton, NJ. My brother is a suffered through injuries that RV and help with support and lo- me to help and I wasn’t going to I flew back into Chicago along gym teacher and my sister a coun- sidelined us or couldn’t get the gistics. pass it up. with Warren Sutton and Adam selor at the high school. We ar- full time off from work. The Ride For 9-11 would be I had never cycled more than 60 Loeser to finish the ride. rived to meet the faculty and talk Many people ask me why I raising money for The Leary miles at a time, let alone in con- We were in Ohio before we to the history classes that were did it and what I remember most Firefighter Foundation, which secutive days. The riders would knew it, surrounded by corn- in session. It was September about the ride. I think back to raises money for firefight- be expected to cycle approxi- fields.... lots of cornfields. Randy 9th and they were talking about some of the guys I road with, the ing equipment, as well as, The mately 100 miles a day, through entertained all of us with another 9/11. The students in the classes people I met along the way, and Wounded Warrior Project, which rain or shine, heat, humidity and one of his crashes on a country were about 6 or 7 years old when the country I finally got to see that helps military men and women mountains. Crossing the US is a road in the middle of nowhere. the towers were hit, most don’t I served and fought for. I did it In a few days we cycled into even remember that day or what so we will never forget the 343 Kent, Ohio, the childhood home America was like before 9/11. I Firefighters, the men and women of Adam Loeser. We received a did my best to impress upon them fighting everyday in Afghanistan hero’s welcome. As we rounded how America had changed and and Iraq, and all the people that the corner to the main street led everyone was affected that day died in the Pentagon, Flight 93 in by a Kent Fire engine, the and how our lives have changed and the twin towers. crowd was 4 deep on the sidewalk since. It seemed to have the most with streets lined with American effect when Joe, the retired New www.ridefor9-11.org flags. People waving flags and York Fireman, welled up in tears

Photos By Adam VanGerpen November / December 2011 Los Angeles Firefighter Page 9

Dedication, Sacrifice, and and follow the riders as they Commitment, are just a few made there journey across the words that describe the firefight- United States. A video crew also ers who took part in the journey travelled with our firefighters and from LA to NYC. captured some amazing footage. Nearly a year of preparation This was a journey that the fire- went into putting the Ride For fighters will never forget. These 9-11 together. There were nu- riders touched countless lives and merous fund raisers, community they will remember the ride for events, sponsorship meetings, the rest of there lives. and phone calls that went into the While they were facing 120 de- ride. There were countless hours gree heat in the desert and mon- of time and energy put into the soon rain and wind they kept the planning and logics prior to the number 343 on their minds. event. I am honored to be friends with A website was built at no cost these riders. so people could make donations By Adam VanGerpen, Editor US Marine Corps Memorial Warren Sutton

Notre Dame Pentagon

(Continued from Page 1) a lot of men .” Finally the names heavens, and then the Chaplain stop. I take a deep breath, are the prayed. They presented a wreath From where I am standing I names going to start again? There as the Bag Pipes played. Voices can see my wife and her two sis- is silence for a moment and an from the past chanting through ters. I think about how they have Angel begins to sing Amazing the sound of the pipes, the voices signed up for this also. I am happy Grace. I can not see her, yet I that say “Don’t Forget Me.” Taps that they are here participating in know she is an Angel, I can hear played as a reminder of what this. It’s good to know your fam- it in her voice. She sings it from we are willing to do for others. ily is behind you when the time her heart, from her soul. Then “Company, DISMISSED.” And comes to go to work. her voice begins to fade a little, just like that we were dismissed Its good to know they under- then a crack, the Angel begins to to return to our duty, our duty to stand what they are a part off. Ni- weep. I hear men clearing their serve. We turn and embrace the cole is a nurse in the hospital. We throats, trying to stop their noses flag. We fold her up and replace both know what we signed up for from running, trying not to cry her in her home. We pray she may .We know that if something while standing tall. It’s no use, rest in peace. We hope that she big happens in Los Angeles that we have all been touched by this will never again see the things she we may not talk for days. We Angel. The Angel weeps until the has seen. We hope that her only know that we are a part of some- crowd begins to thank her for her job will be to make sure we honor thing bigger. Fireman Gerald T. generosity with applause. Then what we have sworn to our fallen. Atwood, Ladder 21, I just want she begins to sing with tears in the names to stop. Almost like if her voice. Her song was unlike “We Shall Never Forget!” I can stop the names, that many any I have ever heard. It was pure Firemen won’t really have to die. goodness cutting through me like By Jason Teter, LAFD They don’t stop, the names con- a knife. I’m not sure what you be- tinue on, and on. The lady on the lieve in, this was undeniable, this street in front of me must be re- was pure. We were in the presence lated to a Fireman she is visibly of an Angel and she was singing crying in pain. There is a lady for us. She opened the gates of consoling her. Fireman Gerard heaven for us. For a brief moment Baptise, Ladder 9, “Dang, this is we were allowed to look into the

Photos By Adam VanGerpen Page 10 Los Angeles Firefighter November / December 2011

LAFD hosted the “9/11 Re- Hahn and Former Governor Gray titled “Towering Memories.” The membrance Ceremony” dedicat- Davis. “Towering Memories” memorial ed to those who perished on Sep- The ceremony site near Elysian consists of two shapes similar to tember 11, 2001 at Frank Hotch- Park is especially noteworthy, the silhouette of the Twin Tow- kin Memorial Training Center due to the presence of two me- ers of the World Trade Center. Speakers included Mayor An- morials dedicated to the events Included on the memorial is a list tonio Villaraigosa, Fire Chief of of September 11, 2001. The first of those who lost their lives at the the Los Angeles Fire Department, memorial is dedicated to the World Trade Center, the Pentagon Brian L. Cummings, Fire Chief of World Trade Center and consists and the Pennsylvania plane crash the Los Angeles County Fire De- of a 23-ton, 22-foot tall steel col- site. partment, Daryl L. Osby, Los An- umn that was originally part of geles Police Chief, Charlie Beck, the lobby structure. This column Los Angeles County Assistant is believed to be the largest rem- Sheriff, Marvin O. Cavanaugh, nant of the World Trade Center on United States Coast Guard Cap- the West Coast. The second me- tain of the Port, Roger LaFerri- morial is located in the lobby of ere, U.S. Congresswoman Janice the adjacent training center and is Scan to watch 9/11 video

Photos By Mike Meadows, EPN Patriot Flag

Photo By Shawn Kaye, EPN

Photo By Adam VanGerpen, Editor

www.thepatriotflag.us November / December 2011 Los Angeles Firefighter Page 11

By Rick McClure By Mike Meadows

By Mike Meadows

By Mike Meadows

By Bernie Deyo

By Ryan Ling By Juan Guerra

By Ryan Ling By MIke Meadows By Ryan Babroff Page 12 Los Angeles Firefighter November / December 2011

Passionately Pink for the Cure The Passionately Pink for the filiates can register using “IAFF” the official launch of this newly Cure campaign helps IAFF af- in their campaign name to create restructured organization that ex- filiates participate in National a personalized fundraising web pands the scope of its charitable Breast Cancer Awareness Month page for secure online donations funds to better support and meet by providing tools and resources and access to free tools and re- the ongoing needs of IAFF mem- to use in their own communi- sources - including educational bers and their families. For more ties and events. All donations materials, fundraising ideas, information about the IAFF Char- collected online in connection downloadable posters and flyers. itable Foundation, go to: with the IAFF Passionately Pink IAFF affiliates that join the campaign will be shared equally IAFF Passionately Pink campaign www.iaff.org by the IAFF Charitable Founda- team will receive a fundraising tion and Susan G. Komen for the kit with breast health informa- This year UFLAC went Pas- Cure. tion, promo posters, donation re- sionately Pink For the Cure. We This exciting new program ply forms and return envelopes ordered pink UFLAC t-shirts is designed to complement the and 25 lapel pins. Additional la- and handed them out at the Rati- IAFF resolution passed at the pel pins and other breast cancer fication Meeting. We also set 2010 Convention that supports awareness items are available up a personal page for UFLAC and encourages IAFF members to through the IAFF Online Store. through a Susan G. Komen web- participate in campaigns to help Funds raised during the Octo- site to try and raise some money fight cancer. Susan G. Komen ber campaign will be split equally for finding the cure to cancer. Passionately Pink for the Cure of- between the IAFF Charitable http://www.info-komen.org/ fers a great way for IAFF mem- Foundation and Susan G. Komen goto/local112 bers to contribute to the cause. for the Cure. We hope to make this an annual To join the IAFF Passionately The IAFF Charitable Founda- event and do more and more ev- Pink campaign team, click here. tion Inaugural Gala, held August ery year. Thank you to those who Through this web site, IAFF af- 16 in New York City, celebrated participated and wore Pink.

Firefighter of The Year Nominations On November 30, 2011, the ciation. Please attend the Los Angeles be announced prior to the start of Facebook Page. You can also Los Angeles City Firefighter’s Candidates will be judged on City Firefighter’s Association the November 30, 2011 member- contact members of the Nomina- Association will vote on this an overall career and life that meeting on November 30, 2011. ship meeting and will be strictly tion Committee. year’s “2011 exemplifies the best qualities of The meeting will take place at enforced. The nominee cannot be Firefighter of the Year”. This those who are honored to be part 0830 in the Fire Station 59 Train- present during the meeting. 2011 FIREFIGHTER OF honor of distinction and recogni- of the fire service. ing classroom, Show up at 11505 The election will be held in THE YEAR COMMITTEE tion is given to a member of any If you know of such a person, Olympic Blvd. and present your closed executive session follow- George James, (661) 433-4679 rank, who, not by any single act, and would like to nominate him/ nomination IN PERSON. ing the nominations, and only James S. Dolan, (562) 400-1298 has distinguished him/herself her for this prestigious award, All Los Angeles City Fire- members of the Los Angeles City Adam VanGerpen (818)486-9939 as one of outstanding character, submit your application NO LAT- fighter’s Association members Firefighter’s Association Board dedication, and loyalty to the De- ER than November 28, 2011, to are welcome, and encouraged to will vote. partment, the Fire Service, and to any one of the nominating com- attend the meeting and presenta- Following personal notification the citizens of the community. mittee members listed below. tions, and to show support for the of the winner by the Vice Presi- Nominations Due To be eligible for consider- The nomination must include the individuals being nominated. dent, a public announcement will ation, nominees must have been nominees name, rank, assignment Presentations may be subject be made by Department teletype. November 28th an active LAFD member for at and a statement of why the mem- to time limits depending on the For additional information on least one day during the nominat- ber should receive the award. number of nominations received how to nominate somebody for ing year, and a member of the Los Photos and other documentation in order to provide fairness to all Firefighter of the Year please go Angeles City Firefighters Asso- may also be submitted. nominees. These time limits will to the LAFFA website or LAFFA www.laffa.org USMC Birthday Celebration - November 10th November 10, 2011 marks The celebration of history, fellow Marines who have never the 20th Annual USMC Birth- pride, and tradition will take place been to this great event. It’s a day Celebration at LAFD. All at the LAFD Museum at Old Fire great time to swap stories and Marines (past and present) and Station 27. meet new people. Raffle prizes friends of the Corps are invited. We will have a traditional cake will be available for those of you The Marine Corps in com- cutting ceremony with the old- who no longer go to the exchange. memorating 236 years of service est and youngest Marines pres- Come and see who this years to the United States of America. ent. The Commandant message guest speaker will be. Last year Marines all over the world gather will be played and Marine Corps we had a Marine who was on Iwo in celebration no matter where items will be on display. Jima. they are. You are encouraged to invite Semper Fi November / December 2011 Los Angeles Firefighter Page 13

Uniformed firefighters, fam- not be forgotten.” fessional Firefighters. “In adding job-related cancer. which the names of 1,206 fallen ily members and dignitaries from Eighteen firefighters who died their names to this proud Memo- “The men and women whose firefighters are engraved. The throughout California gathered from traumatic injuries or job- rial, we pay tribute to their honor names are on this wall traded Memorial was created without Saturday to pay tribute to those related illnesses in the past 12 and sense of duty, and we commit every tomorrow they would ever any state funding through pri- who gave their lives to protect months were honored at the Oc- to their loved ones that we will know to do a job most would not vate contributions to the Califor- the lives and property of Califor- tober 1, 2011 ceremony, as well always remember what they gave be able to do,” said Smith. “That nia Fire Foundation. Most of the nians. as 12 others from earlier years for our state.” is dedication. That is honorable. more than $2 million was raised Continuing a solemn and so- that were brought to the Califor- That is how we should remember to build and maintain the Me- bering autumn tradition, the nia Fire Foundation’s attention in them.” morial was raised directly from California Firefighters Memorial 2011. The centerpiece of the annual firefighters through the purchase added the names of 30 California Among the names added to firefighters memorial ceremony of firefighter license plates and a firefighters who fell in the line of the Memorial Saturday were San is the presentation of flags to the state tax check-off. duty. Located in historic Capitol Francisco Lieutenant Vincent families, friends and representa- The California Fire Founda- Park, adjoining the California Perez and San Francisco Fire- tives of every one of the individu- tion is a non-profit charitable or- State Capitol in Sacramento, the fighter Anthony Valerio. Both als being honored. The tribute ganization created by California Memorial carries the names of men died battling a June 2, 2011 also features a solemn uniformed Professional Firefighters in 1987 more than 1,200 firefighters who structure fire in San Francisco’s firefighter procession and the tra- whose mandate includes an array died in service since California first multiple line-of-duty death ditional “Last Alarm” ceremony, of public education and victim as- became a state in 1850. in 60 years. in which a fire bell is rung to sig- sistance projects. California Pro- “Today, we honor 30 firefight- “The 30 individuals whose Saturday’s Memorial ceremo- nify a fallen firefighter’s final call fessional Firefighters (CPF) rep- ers who gave their lives in ser- names we add to it today repre- ny also included a moving tribute to duty. resents 30,000 career firefighters vice to our state and their com- sent the best of our state and its by Vallejo firefighter Brett Smith, Unveiled in April of 2002, the and paramedics. It has over 170 munities,” Governor Edmund G. people,” said Lou Paulson, Chair whose friend and colleague – Al- California Firefighters Memo- affiliated local unions, and is the Brown Jr. said. “Their bravery, of the California Fire Foundation ameda City firefighter Scott Car- rial features two stunning statues State Council for the Internation- commitment and sacrifice will and President of California Pro- nevale -- died earlier this year of and a dramatic Memorial Wall on al Association of Fire Fighters.

On October 8, 2011 Los Ange- The Fallen Firefighters Memo- les Fire Chief Brian Cummings rial is situated in the heart of Hol- and members of the Los Angeles lywood, just outside Old Fire Sta- Fire Department past and present tion 27 on Cahuenga Blvd. The were joined by civic and com- dramatic plaza is home to a me- munity leaders as well as friends morial wall, listing the names of of the LAFD, at the 2011 Fallen every known department member Firefighter Memorial Ceremony who died while at an incident or in Hollywood . as a result of a duty-related cause. The Fallen Firefighters Memo- Pictured to the right is the fam- rial is situated in the heart of Hol- ily of Glenn Allen and crew. lywood, just outside Old Fire Sta- tion 27 on Cahuenga Blvd. The dramatic plaza is home to a me- morial wall, listing the names of every known department member who died while at an incident or as a result of a duty-related cause. Photo By Mike Meadows, EPN

up their Union Hall to us and 30 there would be a pause and then waving at us, giving us thumbs on the ladder and the one of the or so riders from another District they would wish us well on our up and clapping as we rode past. I firefighter resting are an inspira- heading for NY. They had pizzas, ride and thank us for what we do spoke with several FDNY Broth- tion to us all and a reminder of the and beverages for us to enjoy and as well as paying us condolences ers who were amazed that we had job we do and why we do it. The their bag-pipers performed a few for losing our Brothers that day. ridden in from all over the coun- granite wall with the names of our numbers for us. The display of When we finally arrived in try and Canada and were very members is a stark realization of Brotherhood in our fire service Newbaugh, N.Y., home of Or- grateful for us doing that. the hazards we all face each and was absolutely incredible there. ange County Choppers, we were After an invocation by a Chap- every time the alarm goes off. The next morning we picked up met by an overwhelming sight lain from the FDNY, President Among the names that were two of the Nebraska firefighters of motorcycles from all over the Schaitberger gave a very nice added to the wall this year were as we continued on our journey country and Canada. and fairly short speech. When the two of our very own, Gary Clark east. On the morning of the 11th, proceedings were over with ev- and Glenn Allen. Our next stop was the Harley- we all rode to the motorcycle eryone left to go and explore the It matters not what dept, or By Rudy Santiago, Davidson dealership in Ottawa, museum in Newbaugh were we city or back to Newbaugh. I had even what country the firefighter Apparatus Operator, (Retired) IL were the local there arranged all formed up in our respective made plans to stay in the city for is from, we were all there to hon- to host a BBQ for us and another Districts to make our way to New a couple of nights before heading or each one of them. On Sept. 3 I headed out to group of union riders going to NY. York City. First we drove past the west to Colorado for the annual Local 5 of Colorado Springs Flagstaff, AZ to meet with other I believe it was there District rid- Newbaugh Fallen Firefighter Me- IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial maintains the memorial and for IAFF/MG riders to NYC for the ers from the Illinois area because morial before returning to OCC. in Colorado Springs, CO. them it was especially hard this 10th Memorial service of our there were about 20 or more bikes The ride down to NYC was If you have never been to Colo- year because they had one of their 343 fallen Brothers. These were that came in after we did. The police escorted all of the way. rado Springs for the IAFF Memo- own added to the wall. District 10 members of the M.G. steaks and the extras were deli- All of the on-ramps on the New rial there then you are missing out When the bag-pipers and drum- from Long Beach Fire, Cal Fire, cious to say the least. Again the York Thruway were closed by the on one of the most heart warming mers come marching out and they Anaheim Fire and Flagstaff Fire hospitality was unbelievable. police and the toll booths were experiences of being a firefighter start playing Amazing Grace, I Depts. As we rode along the interstates open for us to drive through. Any and a union member. It is unfortu- have said this before, even the From Flagstaff we headed up to NY I had my C.B. radio on and vehicles that were on the thruway nate that we have to have this me- most harden of us will not have a to Glenwood Springs, CO where tuned into the truckers channel. It as the procession pasted were morial because it means we have dry eye. It’s about paying respect, we met with other M.G. riders was very interesting to hear their stopped at the toll booths. lost a Brother or Sister firefighter. honor and a tribute to those that from District 9. They rode their comments about us as we rode As we made our way into the But it brings us all together to paid the ultimate price in the line own route to NYC but we did past some of them. For some rea- city and the memorial the streets honor their memory and life. of work we have chosen. spend the evening together talk- son a lot of them thought we were near the memorial were lined, As a firefighter and a union Rest well my Brothers and Sis- ing about our different depts. and bikers coming home for the Stur- unofficial, with members of the member I urge each and every ters; you have answered your last sharing stories. gis Rally until I would tell them FDNY and the EMS service as one of you to go and see the wall. alarm. Our next stop was in Lincoln, what we were riding for. Usually well as the NYPD. They were The sculpture of the firefighter NE were the Local there opened Page 14 Los Angeles Firefighter November / December 2011 Legislative AB-678 Medi-Cal Ground Emergency Medical Transport CPF-sponsored legislation al- Richard Pan (D - Sacramento), . lion transports this year. Nearly Health Care Services has identi- sembly Appropriations Commit- lowing local fire departments to As California’s health system 300,000 of those will be Medi- fied an existing federal program tee where it was approved unani- be reimbursed by the federal gov- continues to deteriorate, the lo- Cal patients, and up to half of that provides a 50% match of mously on May 27, 2011. AB 678 ernment for Medi-Cal emergency cal fire department in its first re- whom will be transported by fire unreimbursed expenses to local was approved on the Assembly transport services is on its way to sponse capacity participates in departments. Depending on the agencies who provide Medi-Cal Floor 76-1 on June 2, 2011. It Governor Brown. transporting Medi-Cal patients demographics the percentage of ground emergency medical trans- was then referred to the Senate AB 678 would allow local fire at an ever increasing rate. Spe- those patients can range from portation services. Health Committee where it was departments to submit certified cifically, ambulance transports 10% to 35% of a fire department’s approved unanimously on June public expenditures for unreim- have increased 13% from 1997 to total transport volume. Federal money is being left on 22, 2011. The measure won final bursed Medi-Cal ground emer- 2006 and ambulance transports of Historically, Medi-Cal has not the table. The sooner this volun- approval in the Senate on Sep- gency medical transportation ser- Medi-Cal beneficiaries increased kept up with the cost of inflation tary program is up and running, tember 2nd, and On October 2nd, vices to the Department of Health 19% from 2006 to 2009. Further, or healthcare and current Medi- the sooner local fire departments 2011 Governor Brown proudly Care Services (DHCS) for reim- Medicare rates in California were Cal rates do not cover the oper- can access much needed fiscal re- signed this bill into law effective bursement by the federal gov- reduced 10% in 2010, represent- ating cost of a typical ambulance lief and continue providing these immediately. ernment. This bill would further ing a reduction of $35 million transport. These non-reimbursed critical safety net services. require participating agencies to statewide, thereby straining fire costs are subsequently absorbed AB 678 was approved unani- reimburse DHCS for related ad- department budgets even more. into a fire department’s General mously by the Assembly Health ministrative expenses. The bill California’s ambulances will Fund and paid for by the taxpay- Committee on April 5, 2011. This is authored by Assembly Member provide approximately 3.1 mil- ers. The California Department of bill was then referred to the As- IAFF Political Training Academy IAFF Endorsements The 2012 Political Training nance laws. from his or her local president. Once your local has made an then over-promise and under-de- Academy application period is IAFF members or family mem- Letters of recommendation can endorsement of a candidate, there liver. now open. bers who are running for public be faxed to (202) 783-4570, are numerous ways in which you No matter what your resource Developed through FIREPAC, office, managing a campaign or emailed to [email protected], or can assist that candidate and his limitations, there are a variety the IAFF Political Training implementing a political program mailed to the IAFF Political or her campaign to be victorious of ways to make a contribution Academy educates and assists for an IAFF local should consider Department at: 1750 New York on election day. It is important to to a campaign. Each method of campaign veterans and political applying for the IAFF Political Avenue NW, Washington, DC, consider these options within the activism varies as it relates to newcomers alike on how to run Training Academy. The skills 20006. framework of your budget and cost, time commitment, number for elected office, manage a po- learned at the Academy are in- Due to the intensive, interac- available resources. In addition, of volunteers and other factors. litical campaign or direct an af- valuable for all political activists tive nature of the Political Train- it is critical to honestly assess It is important to consider all of filiate’s political action program. at all levels. ing Academy, class size is limited your resources and capabilities these factors and how they will More than 700 IAFF members Regular past instructors at the to 50 participants per year. Ac- in order to ensure you are an as- affect your overall plan when have graduated from the Politi- Political Training Academy in- cordingly, the IAFF requests that set to your candidate. Remember, deciding the best course of ac- cal Training Academy, and over clude many former senior staff each local recommend only one it is better to under-promise and tion. 300 IAFF members and their from the Democratic National applicant per year. over-deliver on your ability to relatives currently hold elective Committee (DNC) and the Dem- The IAFF and FIREPAC pay contribute to the campaign, rather www.iaff.org office. ocratic Congressional Campaign for the cost of all housing, food Held once a year, the Political Committee (DCCC), a former di- and training materials for attend- Training Academy is a week- rector of the AFL-CIO’s National ees of the Academy. Attendees long, hands-on political training Labor Political Training Center, are only responsible for the cost course taught by outside cam- and nationally renowned polling of their transportation to and paign experts and IAFF staff. expert Celinda Lake. from the Academy. Seminars focus on issues of Acceptance into the Political concern to politically active fire How do I apply to the Political Training Academy is based on the fighters, such as developing an Training Academy? applicant’s reason for attending, effective campaign plan; target- All applicants for the IAFF the number of previous attendees ing voters; recruiting volunteers; Political Training Academy must from a given local, geographic mastering polling, fundraising complete and submit the online diversity considerations, and the and budgeting; developing an ef- Political Training Academy ap- history of FIREPAC contribu- fective message; working with plication. tions by the applicant and his or the press; getting out the vote; Each applicant must also sub- her local. and complying with campaign fi- mit a letter of recommendation www.iaff.org.

By Mike Hall AFL-CIO greedy. They’reAmerica not willing to can get Wantsmore people to join to in theWork city’s the financial district. thousands of families out on the Union members joined Oc- pay their taxes or give poor solidarity and get the attention of Click here for a photo slide street, do you see the inside of a cupy St. Louis protestors and people and the middle class a Washington, D.C. The message show. jail cell? No. You get a bonus and community activists for a more chance. needs to get through that the rich Union members and Occupy a bail out for making thousands than 1,000- strong march and Minnesota unions, along with should pay their fair share and Louisville [Ky.] supporters held a of people homeless. That’s the rally through downtown as part other groups, held more than a that you can’t balance the budget joint rally where Bryan O’Neill, way our economy is working. of the AFL-CIO’s America Wants dozen actions across the state. on the backs of working men and Secretary Treasurer of Fire Fight- That’s what we see the corpo- to Work National Week of Ac- Barb Kucera, Workday Minne- women. ers (IAFF) Local 345, told the rate and financial powers doing tion. sota editor reports: “We need jobs, not cuts,” Loui- crowd, “Over 10 million jobs in to us. Across the nation, union mem- Six hundred Minnesotans siana AFL-CIO Secretary Trea- our economy have been shed. bers held more than 200 events marched in downtown Minneapo- surer Julie Cherry told a big rally Corporate profits since 2008 are demanding Congress focus on lis on Friday to the offices of US- on the steps of the state capitol in up 44 percent while we lose jobs, a real jobs creation agenda and Bank and Wells Fargo to demand Baton Rouge, La. The group be- we lose homes. Bonuses since the speaking out—often in conjunc- that the big banks pay their fair gan a chant aimed at Big Banks financial bailout of 2008 are over tion with the Occupy Wall Street share, invest in good jobs and fix and corporations that dodge $30 billion.” actions in cities around the na- the foreclosure crisis. their taxes, “One, two, three If an arsonist were to go out to- tion—against Big Banks and In Vermont Saturday, hun- four, play your taxes a like the night and burn down somebody’s Wall Street greed. dreds of union members joined poor.” home and leave that one family In St. Louis UAW member in four rallies. Vermont AFL- In Chicago, hundreds of union homeless—if they catch that per- Linda Alford told the St. Louis CIO Political Director Dennis members from the Chicago son they are going to jail–as they Beacon, “Our wages are going LaBounty told the Burlington Federation of Labor (CFL) ral- should. down,” and corporate profits are Free Press: lied in Federal Plaza calling for However, if you were a banker, going up. By having events like these “Jobs, not Cuts” before marching and you leveraged some faulty These corporations are so across the country, hopefully we with Occupy Chicago through mortgage swaps, and you put November / December 2011 Los Angeles Firefighter Page 15

2011-2012 UFLAC Services Directory General Membership Meeting Department of Fire and (2nd Pay Period of Every Month) Executive Board Police Pensions PRESIDENT 9:00 a.m., November 16 , 2011, Wednesday, Pat McOsker, Engineer...... Fire Station 101-A 360 East Second Street, “B” Shift Working Suite 400 9:00 a.m., December 28, 2011, Wednesday, FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Los Angeles, CA 90012 “C” Shift Working Jeff Dapper, Captain I...... Fire Station 95-B (213) 978-4545 www.lacity.org/pen Location – James A. Perry Labor Center SECOND VICE PRESIDENT 1571 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026 ACTIVE MEMBERS Frank Lima, Captain II...... UFLAC Office Refreshments and Free Parking Available TREASURER Applying for a Brian Hishinuma, Captain II...... Fire Station 49-A Service Pension (213) 978-4575 Station Stewards SECRETARY Applying for a November / December 2011 Adam Knabe, Firefighter/Paramedic...... Fire Station 87-A Disability Pension 001 A Mark B. Stafford (213) 978-4500 001 B David Braun DIRECTORS 002 A Michael Seiser Freddy Escobar, Apparatus Operator...... Fire Staion 26-C Applying for 002 A Edward Larini Mike Tobey, Captain/Paramedic...... EMS 1-C DROP participation 004 B Charles Garcia Chuong Ho, Firefighter...... Fire Station 105-C 005 A Mario A. Garcia (213) 978-4568 007 A Nicholas Gonzales Tony Gamboa, Apparatus Operator...... UFLAC Office 008 C Mark Kleckner Ted Nonini, Firefighter/Staff Assistant...... Fire Station 42-B Buying Back Time 009 C Felipe Villegas (Academy Time, Bad Time, 009 C Adrian Vasquez BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE Prior Service) 010 C Kevin Willis Mike McOsker, ...... UFLAC Office (213) 978-4522 011 C Gregory C. Malais 014 B Ryan Jacob EAP DIRECTOR Contribution Statements 015 A Cameron R. Kennedy 015 C Harold Raphael Nancy Mraz, CEAP...... UFLAC Office (For Divorce, Loans, Verification of Contribution) 021 C Hector Hernandez 027 C Ted Nonini EDITOR (213) 978-4522 033 A Craig Poulson Adam VanGerpen, Firefighter / Paramedic..Fire Station 75-A 035 C Daniel Foote Pre-Retirement Planning 037 C Christopher Martinez Seminars 038 C Rigo Arellano In Memory Of... (213) 978-4522 038 C Richard Shortle 042 C Ruben Terrazas Refund of Contributions 043 B John Balich (213) 978-4522 044 A Charles Garcia James A. Perry 044 B David Raya Domestic Partner Information 047 B Chris Stellern 048 A Hector M. Hernandez Editor from 1969-2009 (213) 978-4522 049 C Stephen Meiche 056 C Oliver Fry RETIRED MEMBERS 058 B Jose Holguin 058 B Christopher Bustamante Name, Address & Telephone 059 A Ryan Howes Number Changes 064 A Ed Campos (213) 978-4575 066 A John Marasco 066 C Anthony R. Temple Cost of Living 069 A Marc Samama (213) 978-4495 069 B Raymond Cuevas This emblem on the masthead of any labor publication certifies that the publica- 071 B Shawn Connolly tion is a member in good standing of the International Labor Communications 075 A Adam M. VanGerpen Association and is bound to observe the ILCA Code of Ethics. Direct Deposit 075 C Daniel Castillo (213) 978-4495 076 C Francisco “Frank” Hurtado 077 C M. Benjamin J. Rossell IAFF and AFL-CIO affiliates have prior approval to reprint or excerpt articles in Tax Withholding 079 A Scott Carter the Los Angeles Firefighter — Please include credit line. (213) 978-4495 080 C Brendan O’Connor Note: Photos and cartoons may not be reprinted without the expressed written 083 C Benjamin R. Guzman permission of the photographer or artist. 1099Rs 084 A Thomas G. Chamberlin (Year-End Tax Statements) 085 B John Maestri The Los Angeles Firefighter (213) 978-4420 085 C Charles Herrera (ISSN #0190-7573) 087 B Jeff Rickey Local 112, IAFF, AFL-CIO-CLC 090 C Daniel Mattera Official Publication of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City is Health/Dental Subsidy 092 A Christopher Contreras Published Bi-Monthly (213) 978-4560 094 A John Cardenas Periodical Postage paid at Los Angeles, CA 096 A Alicia Mathis Known Office of Publication is Health/Dental Plans: 096 B James Krebs United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, Fire Relief (Health Only) 098 A Dario Reyes 1571 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, (800) 244-3439 101 A Pat McOsker California 90026-5798 102 C George James POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to The Los Angeles Firefighter UFLAC 103 C Robergt Perez 1571 Beverly Blvd. (800) 252-8352 104 B Glen A. Kratkin Los Angeles, CA 90026-5798 105 B Keith Massey 111 B Harold Hix 112 C John Donato Union Office Phone Numbers If You See An Error… The Los Angeles Fire- DTFH S Jacob Ryan Administration: VFP S Scott Miller fighter strives to maintain ac- (213) 895-4006 - (213) 485-2091 - Toll Free (800) 252-8352 VPP S Russell K. Rawls curacy and fairness in all sto- Benefits: ries, graphics, photographs (213) 895-4990 and other copy that appears in Station Stewards Meetings FAX: (213) 250-5678 our union newspaper. It is our Time: 7:30 a.m. Website: www.uflac.org practice to correct errors in the Prior to Monthly Membership Meetings (Same location as the Membership Meeting) EAP Office: (213) 895-0910 or (800) 252-8352 issue immediately following their discovery. EAP FAX: (213) 481-1038 If you have a correction or EAP 24 Hr. Help Line clarification request, please Answering Service: (213) 250-1212 call the UFLAC office at Union Stewards Needed (800) 252-8352 or email us at We are in the process of reorganizing and updating our Union [email protected]. Stewards Program. It is our goal to have a Union Steward Affiliations International Assn. of Fire Fighters, AFL-CIO-CLC at every work location. Current and prospective Stewards California Professional Fire Fighters, AFL-CIO are requested to contact the James A. Perry Labor Center at L.A. County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO (800) 252-8352. California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO Follow Us American Federation of Labor International Labor Communications Association, AFL-CIO-CLC /LOCAL112 Newspaper Mailing List Contributing Photographers If you are receiving this newspaper and have a change Mike Meadows, Juan Guerra, Adam VanGerpen, Shawn Kaye,Yvonne Griffin, of address or would like to be removed from our mail- Jeff Zimmerman, Reuben Chan, David DeMulle, Rick McClure, John Conkle, Ryan Babroff, Ryan Ling, Bernie Deyo, Haylee Solomon, Cheryl Goddard, EPN ing list, please call the union office at (800) 252-8352, This union newspaper is printed by a union printer on union-made recycled paper. @UFLAC Ext. 208 or email Maria Riggs at [email protected] Page 16 Los Angeles Firefighter November / December 2011

about his journey across the US tion for iPhone and Droid. This that renewed his faith in the Fire is a free application that you can Service and the fact that America download from the www.uflac. has Not Forgotten. org. If you have a scanner app The Fire Hogs rode their Har- on your phone scan the QR Code ley’s across the US in a Ride to below: Remember tribute. Not only did they honor those lost on 9/11 but they honored a retired LAFD member and Fire Hog Gary “Stamy” Stameisen . His un- timely passing did not allow him to make the ride but his memory, his Harley, and his wife Lori make By Adam VanGerpen, the ride in his honor. Editor Passionately Pink 9/11 Tributes This year UFLAC teamed up This issue of the Los Angles with IAFF and Susan G. Komen Scan QR Code or go to: Firefighter has been dedicated and went Passionately Pink for http://wbxapp.com/uflac to memories of those who paid the Cure. Pink Local 112 t-shirts the ultimate sacrifice and those were handed out for donations UFLAC Website whose lives were innocently lost during the Ratification Meetings. If you have not been to the on 9-11-11. UFLAC now has 1000 members UFLAC website lately log in right Numerous firefighters from who Care Enough to Wear Pink. now and see the complete over- Los Angeles participated in trib- If you would like to make a do- haul we gave it. We now have a utes to 9/11. We tried to highlight nation to the Local-112 Passion- more modern website with up to a few of the tributes in this edi- ately Pink Team you can still do date information. The website tion. so by logging in at: is integrated with Facebook and I am good friends with several http://www.info-komen.org/ Twitter. We are constantly updat- of the members of Ride For 9-11 goto/local112 ing it and looking for new ways and was witness to the extreme to improve it. We welcome sug- amount of dedication that went Social Media gestions and have several plans in into planning the ride and com- We have made drastic improve- place to make it better. pleting the 3300 mile journey ments during the last few months from Los Angeles to New York in our communications. I would City. like to encourage all members to Getting Involved I also followed Jason Teter’s follow UFLAC on Facebook and We recently had a UFLAC blog as he cycled in his solo Trib- Twitter. meeting at FS-87 in the valley. ute to Brotherhood. He blogged In an effort to keep the mem- Having the General Membership bership informed with real time meeting in a different location got information please “LIKE” the members to go who have never UFLAC Facebook page. We post been to a meeting. There are plans daily updates on issues effect- for additional locations for meet- ing our firefighters and firefight- ings in order to get even more members involved. ers across the country. We also We have all been effected on his bike he mostly stayed at This years Ratification Vote encourage you to post comments by the current economy and Firehouses. In many parts of the had more membership involve- on our Facebook page so we may many of you were recently dis- country fire fighting is not just a ment than ever before. We re- better assist you. placed with the new deployment job but it is a way of life. Many alize many members have other By following @UFLAC on plan. firefighters across the country are commitments and family obliga- twitter you can get updates di- We still have the greatest job paid little to nothing for there tions that to not allow them to rectly to you phone usually with in the world and are very fortu- services and are true public ser- be as involved as they may like. hyperlinks. If the topic interests nate in comparison to other fire vants. Following UFLAC on Facebook, you simply click on the link to find departments across the country. We sometimes forget how it Twitter, and the website will help out more information. We have not had to lay any- felt the day we put on our badges. you to stay involved. Talk to your One of our newest tools to body off and recently ratified We forget how hard we worked to Station Stewards and communi- keep members informed is the a contract with a no furlough get hired. We forget how much VanGerpen Family cate with your Board members. UFLAC Smart Phone Applica- clause. the Fire Service has given to us They cannot address you con- LAFD Firefighter Jason Teter and our families. cerns if they do not know what wrote about his journey across your concerns are. the country and seemed to put WE MUST NEVER FORGET

everything into perspective. As Morale Jason traveled across the country

LAFD Blog Receives Top Honors The IAFF received 234 entries taining public safety through on medical and dental open en- in the 2011 Media Awards Con- awareness. rollment plans available to Lo- test - all of which reflect the ex- The LAFD News & Informa- cal 112 members is a useful re- panding role fire fighters play in tion is the creation of Brian Hum- source that explains union ben- communities across North Amer- phrey and is currently being be efits. ica. maintained with the outstanding Adam VanGerpen, Editor of This competition pays tribute assistance of Erik Scott, and Matt The Los Angeles Firefighter also Paul Carroll Photo By Jim Perry to those who, in the public me- Spence. received an Honorable Mention dia and through their affiliates, UFLAC Received Honorable in the category, “Affiliate Pub- document the great and the small Mention for “Your Union Ben- lication – Over 1,000 Circula- With Best Wishes for a Happy and Fire-Safe in the life of fire fighters every- efits” This detailed brochure tion.” Holiday Season and Throughout the New Year where. LAFD News and Information IAFF - BEST BLOG Award Winners From United Firefighters of Los Angeles City produced by Erik Scott and Local 112, IAFF, AFL-CIO-CLC Brian Humphrey took 1st place in the new category of BEST Please join us at the James A. Perry Labor BLOG. Center for a Holiday Party. The LAFD Blog Spot provides news and updates from the Los Angeles Fire Department. This easily accessible and organized December 2, 2011 blog allows the public and fire (4:30 to 8:30) fighters to stay on the same page with the common goal of main- Erik Scott Brian Humphrey