Assistant Chief – Training Division
Deceased:
January 23, 2023
Appointed:
11/01/1956
Pensioned:
08/27/1988 – Training Division
Services:
PRIVATE
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
I first met Chief Vega when I was appointed chaplain in 1980. I had the honor of celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary with his dear wife, Elise, after he retired. Was able to reconnect with the two of them during the last 2 years when they moved to a care facility in Dana Point. Visited with him almost every week, sharing many old fire stories and walking with the two of them the journey of faith as their health began to fail. Elise died about 6 months ago and I continued to visit Al and spend time in prayer together. Another legend of our department has gone. He was devoted to his family, his faith, and his fellow firefighters. He leaves an incredible legacy of devotion and service to God, his family and the community. “Well done, good and faithful servant. Come now into the place I have prepared for you.””
In the late 80s and early 90s, Al and I worked together in recruit training at DT 89. He was a fun guy to work with, as it was very easy to fire him up. Once between classes, he took a trip up to the wine country, and when he pulled into the parking lot of a winery, a guy approached him to ask if he was there looking for a job picking grapes. I can’t repeat what he told the guy, but it made for a few good stories.
RIP Al