The LAFD’s annual Falle
n Firefighters Memorial service was held on October 11th, 2014. Family, friends, and fellow firefighters gathered to pay tribute to the 264 members who have given their lives serving the community over the years. While many from Los Angeles attended the Annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony held in Sacramento the same day, there was still a significant crowd who gathered at the memorial on Saturday morning in remembrance.
LAFD Chaplain Rick Godinez, the organizer of this year’s ceremony, has seen how the annual tradition has grown over the years. “It originally started downtown at the cenotaph right at City Hall. Since we developed and built our own memorial, we’ve been having the annual service at Fire Station 27’s museum. Over the years, we’ve gained more support, both from active members and retired. It’s just our way to recognize our own people and our own family members.”
The keynote speaker for the ceremony is usually a family member of a fallen firefighter, and this year was no exception. Nicole Pinel lost her father, Benjamin Pinel of Fire Station 54, thirty years ago when she was still an infant. She gave a moving speech about what the LAFD family has meant to her. “From Cabbage Patch dolls to scholarships to a college education, this department has always been there to help this little girl realize that her dreams and ambitions are always a reality. They’ve helped me grow into a woman that I know my dad is proud of.”
LAFD Deputy Chief Mario Rueda also spoke about the loss of Ben Pinel. “It was really the first time, as a 23-year-old firefighter. I loved the job but it was the first time I really became aware of the heavy toll that firefighters have to pay when they put on the badge. Each morning, I honor Ben when I put on my uniform shirt and badge.”
LAFD Chaplain Danny Leon gave the memorial prayer and spoke about the important role that the memorial wall itself plays for those who are coping with or remembering a loss. “Almost everybody in this audience is affected or touched by somebody on this wall. It shows me that you guys have a place to come to honor and to remember and to cherish your loved one.”
There was a reading of the names on the memorial, as well as the names of those firefighters who have passed on since last year’s memorial ceremony. Many family members and friends went up when the name of their loved one was called in order to place a single red rose at the memorial wall. It was a very moving moment.
After the conclusion of the ceremony, many of those who had gathered stayed to chat with friends or to join in the lunch that was held upstairs in the museum. It was clear how important it was to many of the attendees to have the chance to be among others who have faced the same kind of loss. For many, the memorial ceremony is an event they attend every year because of that important connection. As LAFD Chaplain Craig Poulson said before he gave the benediction, “To the families that are grieving . . . you’re not going to close a hole in your heart, but [I hope we’re] able to maybe help you get through today, and just be around some people that are also walking the same road.”
By Jody Houser, LAFRA staff
Photos by Yvonne Griffin
