Recruit Classes of 1978
One day last September, I was at home doing absolutely nothing, as most retirees do – watching the news, having another cup of coffee, when my phone rang. Should I even answer it?
“Hello,” I said, somewhat annoyed at the disturbance to my perfect morning.
“Hey bud, it’s Wag.”
What could Dave Wagner want I wondered? So I asked, “What’s up?”
“I’m thinking about a 40th reunion party for our recruit classes of 1978,” he quickly replied.
“What? Are you nuts? Who do you think is going to show up for THAT?”
“Buddy, we should do it!”
“We? We? What do you mean, WE??
Little did I know that he had already decided that I was to be involved. Dave is the editor of the Firemen’s Grapevine magazine and I felt that when he asks for something, this guy isn’t kidding.
“What do you want me to do, and why are you asking me?”
“Let’s meet and have lunch and I’ll tell you,” he said.
So, after a few meetings, and lunches, I relented and decided to come on board and test the waters.
So, on April 14, 2018, nearly 100 people actually showed up at the Pickwick Gardens in Burbank for the Classes of ’78 40th Reunion celebration. I was blown away. He did it. He had a vision and I was along for the ride. We were in a fairly large room, with a bar and buffet dinner, a DJ, and a video stream of images of us guys from 1978 through the 2000’s. Dave was also able to convince his beautiful wife, Stacy, to decorate the tables with center pieces and balloons, with the assistance of Mandy Mijiddorj from Mongolia. That’s right, Mongolia!! This guy has some pull.
Juliet Brandolino from the Relief Association was also there to sign in the guests and greet them. There was a long table filled with nostalgia items including period Department bulletins, photos, and a heart-warming tribute to members of those two classes that have passed on. Dave had thought of everything.
The invite list included members of the January ‘78 and September ‘78 classes, as well as peer group Firefighters and Captains. The January class was the first ever to have peer-groupers. Steve Ruda (9-10-78) was the MC and delivered a great overview of those very intense rookie years. Robert Gladden (1-29-78) has become a very good photographer over the years and provided his talents as the official photographer for the evening.
Needless to say, I was stunned what this guy had managed to pull this off without the slightest hiccup, and classmates and wives or girlfriends and family were celebrating 40 years of memories and camaraderie.
Dave, I’ll never doubt you again, and I had drunk enough coffee anyway on that September morning. Thank you so much for doing this. Both classes salute you and the Relief Association for their assistance.
By Isaac Burks
Photos by Robert Gladden