Engineer – Fire Station 27
Deceased:
January 1, 2023
Appointed:
11/24/1962
Pensioned:
03/21/1993 – FS27
Details for the memorial service
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Among my fondest memories of working at Fire Station 27 (new and old) – besides Al’s faux chocolate chip cookies made with refried beans, left conveniently on the kitchen table as the aroma from the real ones filled the firehouse – – will be the mornings spent drinking the day’s first cup of coffee and learning from Al. Others who entered the kitchen at 5 AM may have thought we were merely talking, but to spend just five minutes alongside Al meant you were being educated, mentored and inspired in ways that were not limited to the fire service, nor always immediately apparent.
Thank you Al, for not only making me a better member of the Department, but a far better person. You are missed. Please rest in peace.
Thank you for the special memory. You have no idea how much it means to me
Julie Waloch (daughter)
Al Waloch and Bob Testerman what a team they were my reliefs at old 27s talk about being intimidated to work with such great Engineers. Al was a lot of of fun to work with and a great individual he will truly be missed R.I.P. my friend. My condolences to his family
Thank you Robert, they sure were awesome men
Julie Waloch
So sorry DeDe – not many men I enjoyed working with more than Al. He is the one that tagged me with the Rhino nickname. You guys were great boat partners and I will never forget our times at the lake with you two and the kids. Diane and I send our condolences and please know that you and the family will be in our prayers.. Love and Blessing, Jim and Diane
Thank you Jim. It was so wonderful to see you and Diane at the service today. So many childhood memories of those fantastic summers
Julie Waloch
The legendary Barney Nipp transferred to FS10 from FS27 in the early ’80s after having spent more than a decade there working alongside Al Waloch and a host of other celebrated characters. Barney seldom spoke highly of or praised many firemen, so when he did you took note as it was a resounding testament to their intelligence, skill set, firemanship, and character. Al Waloch was one of those men.
Although I knew Al by reputation only, it wasn’t until several years after he had retired that we eventually met. While attending one of my daughter’s volleyball games, I noticed a distinguished-looking older gentleman wearing an LAFD ball cap. In time I approached him and introduced myself; low and behold it was Al Waloch. My daughter and his granddaughter played on the same volleyball team. Over the course of the season, we spoke several times and I found him to be a “Man’s man.” Admittedly, I would come to enjoy our little talks as much as watching my daughter’s game.
It’s hard to fully encapsulate who Al was based on our minimal interactions other than to say, he was one of those guys you meet once and from that moment on you wanted to be his friend. I remember asking him why he retired so young as he appeared to be in great shape; at the time he was still playing competitive handball. His response was typical of a man of character; paraphrasing he said: “Jer, when Testerman retired I moved from the E27 to E227 to allow the new engineer to ride E27. At the time we’d been going to a number of fires as a Light Force and as such, I felt I was a bit of a hindrance to T27’s ventilation and Inside Truckwork assignments as I wasn’t quite the young man I once was.”
Al would go on to say that, he knew he could do “the work,” but not at the standard he placed upon himself and others his entire career. In essence, because he wasn’t what he once was, he took that as a sign to pass the torch to the younger guys and walk away in good health.
RIP Al Waloch, and Godspeed to your beautiful family.
Thank you Jerry, suchI great tribute to my dad. He definitely was a man’s man!
Julie Waloch
As a young boot Fireman I was ordered to exercise and play racquetball (because I cant play handball) against Al, so me in my workout gear all properly PPE’d and Al in turnout boots and equipped with the latest dust pan (Al did have goggles, of course they were on his forehead) proceeded to: I’ll stop there and just say our next stop was me standing in line at the nearest B&R.
As Rosie stated, working along/For Al Waloch and Bob Testerman was intimidating and I wish I had realized then how much of an Honor it was to work with the BULLS.
All my condolences to his family.
Thank you Al for teaching me.
R.I.P. Sir
Thanks for sharing your memories Michael. It is very special to me
Julie Waloch
One of the great privileges of being a member of the Los Angeles city fire department was the opportunity to work with Al Waloch
Thanks Bob! Hope you’re doing well. Miss those Thanksgivings at 27’s!
Julie Waloch
One of the great privileges of being a member of the Los Angeles city fire department was the opportunity to work with Al Wallach?
Growing up as a firefighter’s kid meant a lot of days without your dad around. I know he was having the time of his life hanging out and working with all you guys-his brothers. We love our LAFD peeps and have so many fond memories of times spent with you awesome people. Thank you for your memories of my dad. I will cherish them all.
Julie Waloch Campbell (daughter)
My first assignment out of the Drill Tower was FS 27. Al and I were on different platoons but I did get a chance to work with him on several occasions. Needless to say he was a person who immediately stood out from the crowd. There was something about him that made you want to be around him more. There was a lot to learn about the department and he was there to help you learn the job. Rest in His Peace!