On September 21, 2015 the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association put on its LAFD Invitational Golf Tournament. This year the event took place at the Mountain Gate Country Club. What a great venue.
I didn’t pick up or swing any golf clubs, but instead I was chauffeured around the 18-hole course by Rick Chew, in a golf cart. We were kind of a hinder to many of the retired players, like Ken Buzzell. Ken takes his golf game fairly seriously and when I loudly predicted he would slice his shot to the right, well, let’s say we made a hasty exit.
Actually, Ken wasn’t that upset, although he did tell me I might not get a pension check next month. It was a great event and bein’ able to drive around the course not only allowed me to visit with guys I hadn’t seen in years, it also sort of made me feel like a chief. You know, pointin’ my finger and givin’ directions to Rick every two minutes!
This was the first time I’ve ever been involved with this event, but I was extremely impressed by how well it was organized and the number of volunteers givin’ their time to make this a great success. Lunch was provided by ‘In-N-Out Burger. Some of the other sponsors included Vista Ford of Granada Hills and Harley Davidson of Glendale. Vista Ford and Glendale Harley were givin’ away their new vehicles, but unfortunately, you had to get a hole-in-one to claim your prize. Also on the course were stands servin’ Hula Girl rum, Fireman’s Brew and Bowen’s whiskey. Believe it or not, there was also a stand, at or about the 6th hole, with two lovely Galaxy Girls. You know, the Galaxy soccer team? I’m pretty sure they don’t play soccer, but their stand became kind of a hang out. And it must have been a coincidence, but for some strange reason Bill Bamatree, Ralph Terrazzas and Joe Castro were all in the vicinity of the Galaxy Girls. I guess chiefs meetin’s are all about Location, Location, Location.
In case you’re not aware of it, this golf event raises money for our Widow, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund. All of the individuals swingin’ a club, as well as the many sponsors on hand, helped to insure that this fund continues to provide support and help for those in need.
I know most of those attendin’ this event were retired guys, but don’t forget you active guys can join in on the fun and camaraderie too. I know you active guys have tons of SOD, as well as coded “Workin’ Responsibility” days that come first, but if you have the chance, think about joinin’ in on the good times and the benefits that this event provides.
I don’t remember what hole it was, other than it was on the “Lake” side of the course, but there was an LA County female fire lady (Sheila Keliher) that, judgin’ by her swing, had to have been the sister of Happy Gilmore. This lady had a swing second to no one. I watched her hit a couple of balls that I know landed on the 405 freeway.
Which made me immediately think about Dave Lowe’s wimpy swing. Dave, after watchin’ you swing, I was goin’ to suggest that you put your clubs in storage, but I just didn’t have the nerve to tell you in person!
By the way, when Dave Lowe was the LAFRA president, back in the early 90’s, it was his idea that the Relief Association have this charity golf tournament. Thanks Dave.
Anyway, a great event, good times, great prizes and tons of camaraderie. Thanks to Juan Albarran, all the volunteers and all our Relief Trustees for your commitment and hard work. For those that didn’t make it to this year’s event, check your Grapevine magazine or the Relief’s web site for next year’s tournament.
By Mark Khitikian