Los Angeles City Firefighters Association (LAFFA) had been the local representative to the California State Firefighters Association (CSFA) for over 98 years. Their mission since 1924 has been dedicated to the personal and professional success of its members and to improve the quality of their lives and that of future generations.
In 1967, the Association instituted the “Annual Firefighter of The Year” luncheon. This annual event recognizes members of the Association that have gone above and beyond the call of duty for our members. Over a half a century has now past, and since then, over 50 well deserving members have been chosen for this prestigious award.
On April 21, 2022 at the downtown Double Tree Inn, friends, family, and colleagues gathered to celebrate the 2021 recipient—Deputy Chief Armando Hogan.
Chief Hogan has been a proud member of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) for the past 39 years. He was recently promoted to the rank of Chief Deputy where he is charge of all LAFD Administrative Operations. Prior to his promotion, he was assigned to Operations West Bureau, where he served as the Bureau Commander in the rank of Deputy Chief. Chief Hogan has held the ranks of Inspector I, Captain I, Captain II, Battalion Chief, Assistant Chief and Deputy Chief. His previous areas of service included the Los Angeles World Airport, the LAX coastal communities, Hollywood including Griffith Park, Silver Lake, the hillsides and canyon communities that border Hollywood, Pacific Palisades, Bel Air and West Los Angeles including UCLA.
Additionally, Chief Hogan has served the LAFD as the Chief Training Officer at LAX as well as Community Liaison Officer where he represented the Fire Chief as his spokesperson. His education consists of a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Services Management from the Union Institute and University along with a Master’s Degree in Leadership from the University of Southern California (USC).
He has also attended the John F. Kennedy, School of Government on the campus of Harvard University where he received an Executive certificate for his participation in the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative.
At noon, a large crowd began gathering in the upper lobby of the downtown establishment. From the Fire Chief to a group of members from crew 3, handshakes and hugs were exchanged as a call to take seats was announced. It took several minutes to quiet the exuberant gathering of people but after a few minutes of controlled chaos, the people in attendance began to quiet just as the LAFD Bagpipes and Drums team entered the ballroom. Professionally dressed, the members of the group marched into the room, the colors proudly displayed and accompanying music in tune with their cadence. Once in position, the colors were struck, and Stacey Johnson sang a heart-felt rendition of the National Anthem followed by LAFD Chaplin Kevin Smith praying the invocation over the crowd. President of the Association, George James then announced lunch. During the pleasing feast, Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez from the 7th District spoke of admiration for both Chief Hogan and all the Firefighters in attendance. Fire Commissioner Jimmy Hara honored the event once again, presenting Chief Hogan with a beautiful plaque. Jana Charles from California Casualty also spoke kind words and praise for the Chief, presenting him with an elegant plaque as well.
After Lunch was over, Jim Dolan spoke. He began introducing high ranking chiefs and then past recipients of the award that were in attendance that day, including LAFRA’s own, Steve Ruda and Rick Godinez. Jim next introduced LAFD Fire Chief Kristen Crowley. The Chief spoke on the importance of the award and of the dedication of Chief Hogan. It was an elegant speech and brought honor to the name of LAFD. Jim next introduced the 55th recipient of the award—Deputy Chief Armando Hogan.
With a huge smile on his face, The Chief began his acceptance speech by thanking the Association for the honor of the award and for all those who took the time to attend the event. He singled out Roy Harvey, calling him a mentor and a friend. Chief Hogan next spoke of his children Justin & Lauren and other friends in attendance. Not kinder words could have been spoken of his children who is so proud of. He next spoke of a bouquet of flowers situated next to an empty seat near him. The flowers and vacant seat were in remembrance of his wife Marcia who he had just recently lost after 28 years of marriage. The speech was an unselfish one. Chief Hogan spoke more of others than himself and his message was of wanting to make sure to make the most of life and to be kind and caring for others. I have had the honor to witnessed this first hand as a new recruit in the drill tower yard at Fire Station 89 in the 1980’s, and I’m proud to see those words of wisdom spoken then are just as true and practiced today as they were then.
After the Chief was done and the applause calmed down, Chaplin Kevin Smith took the podium again and spoke the benediction. Jim Dolan next closed the proceedings thanking everyone once more for attending and congratulating Chief Armando Hogan on his accomplishments. The Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association would like to congratulates Deputy Chief Armando Hogan on his lifetime of accomplishments and wish him renewed happiness in his personal life and further success in his career.
