It’s often said that a job well done is its own reward, but in the case of Ron Fenley, the stepson of Bob Berg, retired LAFD, a job well done is everyone’s reward. That’s what Ron discovered after accepting an assignment to create a video celebrating the life and accomplishments of the late Howard West, one of the most influential and highly respected talent managers in Hollywood as well as a producer of the hit TV Show “Seinfeld.” And, everyone Widows & Orphans charity couldn’t be more grateful for Ron’s artistry, his father’s kindness and the West family’s generosity.
Ron may have been born into a family of firefighters, but it was the world of tech and entertainment that kept calling his name. From camera operation to production management to film direction, Ron’s company, TurnKey MultiMedia, has taken him from coast to coast, capturing the lives and adventures of Average Joes and marquee celebs alike. He even produced a powerful documentary titled 200 American Voices, about the concept of freedom and patriotism in a post-9/11 world. In the film, he made sure to include FDNY first responders who answered the call on September 11th, 2001.
“My cousin, Stephen Fenley, was awarded the James Gordon Bennett Medal a few years ago out in New York. My stepdad was a captain here in LA at Station 14 when I was growing up. And I have a lot of family who are firefighters on the East coast. I didn’t go down that path, but they’ve been a very big part of my life,” Ron explains. And that proud connection to the firefighting family follows him wherever he seems to go.
At Sony Pictures’ Cary Grant Theatre, family, friends and notable clients of Howard West gathered together to commemorate the life and career of this one-of-a-kind producer and legend. One of his most appreciative clients, Jerry Seinfeld, was even in attendance to share stories about Howard’s unique approach to the business. Ron was hired to film the event, as well as create a memoriam with some of their favorite anecdotes and stolen moments as told by Howard’s closest friends.
The West family was so impressed by the final production; they wanted to show their appreciation to Ron for a job well done. “I didn’t do anything special. It was a fantastic event and I wanted to make sure I captured the spirit and energy of the day, but I wasn’t expecting them to do what they did.”
When the West family made a donation to his late mother’s much-beloved church, Ron was appreciative. But when the Wests found out that Ron’s stepfather, Bob Berg, used to work for Fire Station 14 and graciously offered to make a similar donation, Ron was beyond surprised. But there was one small change. Retired from the LAFD for 35 years, Bob asked that their kind gift go to the Widows & Orphans charity instead, where he believed it could help the most. “The West’s are incredibly generous people. For them to make a donation simply because they liked my work? What else can I say?” Ron shares still astounded.
At age 85, Bob may have left his LAFD uniform behind, but his memories of working beside some of the bravest firefighters in the nation have not faded. “I worked at 6 or 7 different stations over the years. I started in 1955, and spent the next 21 years of my life working with some of the best men in the department,” Bob says proudly. Ron was not only taken back by the West family’s generosity, but also by his stepfather’s commitment to the charity. Bob reveals, “Ever since I’ve been on the job, I’ve donated something every month since.” That’s right! He’s donated to the Widows & Orphans every month for more than 60 years. And you don’t need to dig too deep to understand why.
“The men under me were the finest I could ask for…loyalty and dedication and their abilities in every respect were the absolute best. I can’t say enough good things about them,” Bob continues. “I haven’t known any men who needed the charity personally, but I have tremendous respect for the Widows & Orphans. Ron asked me who I would suggest to donate to, and I told them Widows & Orphans. You can’t do better than that.”
Thanks to Ron and Bob’s recommendation, the West family’s donation will go on to help countless members in the Los Angeles firefighting family. What started out as a simple assignment for a veteran filmmaker and artist blossomed into a selfless contribution to aid those in need. And it wouldn’t have been possible without a kind nudge from Bob.
“It’s a magnificent organization and it does a lot for underprivileged people because of illness and financial troubles,” Bob says. “Every year, they get bigger and bigger in helping people. And I’m happy to help them in any way I can, because they do so much.”
Ron Fenley’s documentary, 200 American Voices, aired for the first time nationally on the 4th of July.
By Candace Nicholson