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
Fr. Chris Van Liefde (retired chaplain) says
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.””
Rudy L. McTee says
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
Ed Tapia says
So sorry to hear of the passing of Chief Vega. We first met in Drill Tower 89 and he was the drill master. He along with Regan, Cornwell, Gamarat, McTee and Nunally was the time of my life being `inaugurated too the L.A.F.D. Then Captain Vega took me under his wing and showed me a few things to help me, I never forgot that. I got to work under him after the drill tower and drove him one day when he made chief we ended up at his mom’s house for breakfast since she was in the district. After that I would see him when he retired and was living up in Pismo Beach hew would walk the beach just about everyday. He was a great influence on me in my career and will miss him greatly. My condolences to his family. RIP Chief…
Bob Munoa says
Chief Vega was one of the captains, along with John Smith, Mike Ambarian , Gary Cramer and Westly Cox in my Drill Tower class. We crossed paths during our careers. 14’s was in Batt. 7 for a couple years and he was one of the Chiefs. I always had respect for him. One story we used to kid him about, his son was on the LAPD and in the heat of a foot chase ended up on a roof, 14 was dispatched to get the PD officers off the roof. Rest In Peace you will be remembered.