Dear LA Firemen’s Relief Association:
Please accept this donation to the “Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund” in memory of James A. Sanders who just passed away a few days ago, and Michael P. Celentano, who passed away last month.
Jim Sanders was a captain and Drill Tower instructor when I first met him as a recruit in the class of April, 1968 at 89’s. Having just served two years in the Army and as my career with the LAFD was partly in his hands, I was somewhat in awe of his power over me. Over the following years, I’m sure that our paths crossed a few times, and I never heard anyone say anything but good things about him.
Mike Celentano was a fireman at “Old 22’s” when I was a third house “rookie” on the Truck. I remember that Mike was quite a “character,” and being of ltalian decent, ended up with a colorful nickname. Of course those were different times without today’s “Political Correctness.” I remember that Mike ended up as a Chief’s Aide (or whatever it was called back then) and drove Chief Weber for some time.
Richard Watters, LAFD Retired
Agoura Hills, CA
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Dear Juliet [Brandolino],
Last night at the Holiday Dinner Dance we marveled at the backdrop of this event and were impressed by how well it was orchestrated. Becky and our group had a wonderful time and a large part of it was because of you. You not only looked fabulous, as Becky would say, but handled this event in a way that allowed guests to have a very special night. Merry Christmas and Thank-you for your efforts.
Gib and Becky Martin
Granada Hills, CA
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LARFA-
First met Chief Sanders when he was one of the DT instructors at 89’s. A few years later I had the pleasure of working for him at FS 9 where he was the Captain I. The other two Captains on our shift were Pete Lucarelli (C II) and Dick Alder (C O) Tough group to work for . . . NOT! If you were looking for the three of them mid-day, you’d find them drilling on the handball court. Jim was a great officer and I will always remember that great smile and laugh of his. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Roger Gillis
Lake Arrowhead, CA
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LAFRA-
Worked with Mike [Reddy] on many a SOD day and while on a five month detail to FS 59. Mike was a Captain’s delight. He was an excellent Firefighter/Paramedic and an absolute pleasure to work with due to his easy going style.
One night Mike’s mother came in to visit and we caught a run. I asked her to come along and it turned out the run was a full arrest. I looked over at one point and she was crying watching her son save a man’s life. I am so glad she got to see that.
God bless you Mike,
Kevin Kearns
Thousand Oaks, CA
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Mr. Bob Steinbacher
Each year the LARFPA executive board exchange small gifts during our December board meeting in the spirit of the holidays and camaraderie. As in past years, in lieu of that donation, I have made a donation to the Relief Association’s Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund. This year I will continue my tradition. Enclosed is my small gift to the Widows and Orphans Fund.
Sincerely,
Don Forrest
LAFD retired – Director LARFPA
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Dear Relief Family,
Thank you for all the work you do and time you give in serving the members and families of the Association. The help and comfort you offer to all of us who have gone through a loss of a loved one is priceless. Your caring is very much appreciated.
I am sending this gift in memory of my cousin Norman Beneke who retired from FS 97 in 1987. Sounds like a long time ago but being on pension makes the time go fast, but fun.
Again, Annette and I thank you so very much for your help in Norman’s (Tex) memorial. Please accept this gift in his name for the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
Bill and Annette Beneke
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Dear Andy,
Please accept this donation for my friend Earl Masoner. In the Drill Tower us younger guys looked up to him because he was a World War II Navy veteran and a journeyman electrician. After graduation, he was assigned to Boat 2 – how lucky! But he stayed there for twenty years. I was then fortunate to spend my last years on the job working with him. After retirement, Earl and his high school sweetheart moved to Oregon. He will be missed by all.
Harry Morck
Helendale, CA
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To all of you,
Thank you so much for your wonderful present. It is so appreciated and useful! You’ll never know how much I need this. I can’t say thank you enough.
As always,
Linda McClung
Amber, OK
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Dear LAFRA,
Please accept the enclosed donation and our sincere thanks for all your help and concern when we lost my husband, Robert Looney. A special thanks to Jim Dolan for making the trip to our home to deliver the precious flag encased in the beautiful oak cabinet. It will always have a prominent place in our home.
Bob would be touched to know he was remembered with such a wonderful tribute. Bob loved the fire department, loved fighting fire, the camaraderie, all of it. He was proud to be a part of a great profession.
Our grandson Steven joined LA City ten years ago. He was determined to work for LA like his Grandpa Bob. He was proud to wear his dress uniform to Bob’s funeral Mass and recite one of the readings.
We also want to convey our deepest thanks to Chaplain Craig Poulson for his compassion and support, and for performing Bob’s funeral service in San Diego. I t was a long drive for him and he never complained. He is a patient man and an asset to the fire family. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Celes Looney and family