In 2023, the prestigious LAFD Invitational charity golf tournament was once again orchestrated by the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association. This wonderful event took place once again at the beautiful Woodland Hills Country Club, nestled within the northern boundaries of Fire Station 84’s jurisdiction. Under the canopy of a crisp morning sky, an assembly of golfers, dedicated volunteers, and Relief staff gathered to partake in this extraordinary fundraising event. The unwavering support of all in attendance resonated, underscoring their commitment to the worthy cause of the LAFRA and the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighters’ Fund.
This year’s event carried a more subdued ambiance due to a smaller yet equally passionate turnout. With her customary dedication and composed approach, event coordinator Juliet Brandolino orchestrated the fine details of the event, ensuring another successful year for the Relief Association. As the morning advanced, individuals assumed their designated roles, preparing for the commencement of the day’s festivities, and dedicated volunteers meticulously arranged every detail, weaving a tapestry of controlled chaos. Remarkably, even Larry Hoerner, who has since left the Golden State for greener pastures, returned to grace the occasion. Larry, alongside LAFRA Executive Director Todd Layfer, tirelessly moved from hole to hole, ensuring the well-being of all participants.
Noel Murchet represented the LAFD Golf Club, collaborating with Relief’s development and marketing director, Marlene Casillas, and April Hood, ensuring the smooth check-in process for all participants. Our heartfelt gratitude extends to Noel for his invaluable support. As golfers checked in, they were also reminded of the ongoing online auction, offering the chance to bid on and secure splendid gifts generously donated by our sponsors.
Other dedicated volunteers maintained booths at the heart of the event. Rose Franco’s team made sure all was running smooth with the renowned Golf Ball Drop. Valerie Lawrence and Diane Vigil also were present helping in orchestrating this well-coordinated endeavor. A remarkable addition to the team this year was Rubi Overby from our vision provider, VSP. Her tireless efforts and warm smile brightened the morning as she assisted wherever needed. Continuing last year’s tradition, Light Force 105 made a memorable appearance, providing the aerial platform for the much-anticipated ball drop. With their aerial ladder extended over the golf course’s putting green, they affixed a large bag at the end, filled with numbered golf balls purchased by generous golfers and tournament supporters.
As the day progressed, more golf enthusiasts converged, renewing old acquaintances and fostering new friendships. Fire Chief Kristin Crowley graced the event with her warm presence, extending heartfelt greetings and camaraderie to all attendees. A little earlier than planned, the Master of Ceremonies, Mike Sailhamer, approached the podium, offering a sweeping view of the magnificent course and inaugurating the day’s celebrations.
In keeping with tradition, the LAFD Color Guard commenced the event with the presentation of the nation’s flag, accompanied by a lone bagpiper whose stirring melodies filled the morning air. The recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance was followed by a moment of silence to honor our fallen comrades. Mike then expounded upon the mission of the Relief Association and its unwavering dedication to the Widows, Orphans, and Disabled Firefighters Fund. Mike also extended his gratitude to those who attended and volunteered their time and culinary expertise, providing delicious snacks for the golfers.
Those recognized for their contributions included:
• KATE MUNOZ – HERE IN MEMORY OF FIREFIGHTER III HENRY MUNOZ
• LORRAINE MAYO – HERE IN MEMORY OF LAFD ENGINEER RAY MAYO
• HEIDI PEREZ – IN MEMORY OF LAFD FIREFIGHTER PARAMEDIC JOSE PEREZ
• LISA JAMES – HERE IN MEMORY OF LAFD CAPTAIN WILLIAM ‘WILD BILL’ JAMES
• AND VALERIE LAWRENCE – HERE IN MEMORY OF LAFD CAPTAIN JOHN LAWRENCE
Acknowledgment was also given to distinguished sponsors, including our Title Sponsor, Healthcomp, and the steadfast Gold Sponsor, Lewis, Marenstein, Wicke, Sherwin & Lee, LLP. Another Gold Sponsor, Fire Safety Service Inc., joined the event this year, founded by LAFD Firefighter Joseph Young, now helmed by his son, Steve Young, and his wife, Sherri. Silver Sponsor, the Ben B. and Joyce E. Eisenberg Foundation, graciously contributed to support the Relief, along with the generous Kevin Wright of Wells Fargo Advisors, recognized for his exclusive support as the Strike Team Shirt Sponsor. Each of our donors and sponsors exemplifies dedication to providing invaluable, personalized services to our firefighters and their families. We also extend our gratitude to the following businesses, including Express Scripts, the presenting Bronze Sponsor, Beacon Pointe Advisors, Fiduciary Management, Inc., United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, and the Los Angeles City Firefighters Association. Through their unwavering generosity, they empower the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association to fulfill its mission of supporting firefighters and their families in times of need.
Chief Crowley then took the podium, expressing her gratitude towards LAFRA. She selflessly invited the LAFD widows in attendance to stand beside her, where she articulated their sacrifices for the Department, showering them with well-deserved praise. It was a heartfelt moment that exemplified her exceptional leadership.
Rabbi Joshua Knobel delivered the morning invocation, accompanied by a thought-provoking sermon that emphasized our responsibility as caretakers of the world. He emphasized that we must not shirk this vital role, and I encourage you to read his entire message below…
“In its very first chapters, the Hebrew Bible tells us the tale of two different worlds. In the first tale, God creates paradise – a world teeming with abundance – and, in search of a custodian to safeguard it, chooses to create us – humans. God then invests humanity with responsibility for preserving all life, from the fish of the sea to the birds of the sky to all living things that walk upon the earth. In the second tale, God creates man, then woman, who quickly violate the sole rule of this world by eating from the tree of knowledge. God confronts the man, who blames the woman, who blames the serpent, and all three are banished from paradise. Both of these worlds – paradise and paradise lost – are described within our Bible as the handiwork of the living God… because both of these worlds are available to us. To live in paradise, it seems, we must accept our responsibilities as caretakers, investing our days in safeguarding the world God has fashioned. But, as our second tale so clearly illustrates, this cannot be done by those who shirk their responsibilities, who hide their misdeeds, who blame others for their mistakes. No, this work can only be done by those select few who fully embrace the ideas of obligation, of integrity, and of accountability. This morning, we come together in honor of those who have done exactly that… men and women who pledge their days, and too often, their lives, to protect us, our homes, and our world. We humbly pray for Your blessing upon them as they strive to safeguard Your creations, and for those who have lost their lives, we pray that they may finally know paradise through Your eternal embrace. And together we say, Amen.“
Next, Mark Sadoff, the club’s resident Golf Pro, expressed his gratitude to LAFD members for their service and provided insights into the day’s play. Making a slightly early but highly anticipated entrance, a single airship from the LAFD descended from the sky, executing not one but two impressive flybys.
Continuing from the earlier mention of the golf ball drop, the large container of purchased golf balls was elevated high into the sky by Truck 105 and then released, showering them down onto the putting green below. Richard Fox claimed 4th Place and won a $100.00 Target gift card. Third place went to Bruce Dodd, who took home a pair of Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones. Second place was secured by Ronald Lew, who was awarded a Go Pro Max. The grand prize went to Howard Korman, who will hopefully enjoy his brand new 65” UHD television just in time for the holidays.
With all the official proceedings completed, golfers headed for their assigned golf carts, ready for a shotgun start on the course. Despite the warm day, ample ice and cool drinks kept the golfers refreshed, and snacks sustained their appetites until noon, when the delightful sight of two “In-N-Out” trucks rolled into the parking lot. Workers promptly set up the grills, providing delicious burgers, chips, and drinks to ensure that no one went hungry.
The event did not conclude there. After a day of exhilarating golf, participants were ushered into the country club’s banquet facilities to relish an evening of delectable food and engaging entertainment. The winners of the day’s events were announced, and as this was a fundraising event, the ongoing Salute to Firefighters Online Auction was highlighted once more.
The champions of the year were the exceptional foursome of Ramirez, Koffler, Walker, and Pak. Second place was claimed by George Wasserman, Blaise Dolcemachio, Nick Davidson, and Nick Chilov. Third place honors were awarded to Kelly Faulkner, Kevin Rennie, John McCarthy, and Roger Camunas. The team of Chris Vilaubi, Frank Cornejo, Kyle Cawdrey, and Mr. Barnes rounded out the top four, earning well-deserved recognition for their performance.
The putting contest was triumphantly won by Chris Wayne, with Peter Pak claiming the Longest Drive (men). Janet Young secured the Longest Drive (women), while the closest to the pins were achieved by Jeff Halloran (Hole #2 at 4’1″), Jeff Gainer (Hole #7 at 8″), and Steve Robinson (Hole #15 at 2’11”).
The Los Angeles Relief Association extends its heartfelt appreciation to all the volunteers, whether their names were mentioned or not. Without their unwavering dedication, an event of this magnitude would not have been possible. As is customary, we extend a special thanks to our Relief’s event coordinator, Juliet Brandolino, whose meticulous planning ensured the event ran seamlessly. A special thank you also goes out to our development and marketing director, Marlene Casillas, and her team, April Hood, and Juan Carlos Sanchez. Marlene’s tireless efforts secured valuable sponsorships and funds for the event, while April Hood raised additional funds through the online auction. Juan Carlos worked diligently behind the scenes, handling the graphic art department, in concert with the rest of LAFRA’s staff and the dedicated army of volunteers who paved the way for a memorable day of golf.
We extend our gratitude to everyone who participated in the event and hope to see you and more next year!
By John Hicks