Deputy Chief – Operations
Deceased:
May 3, 2022
Appointed:
12/14/1948
Pensioned:
06/30/1977 – Operations
Services:
PRIVATE
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Chief Giordano had a well-lived life. He was an all-state gymnist and served in the Navy during WWII. A quality human being, a great athlete and Fireman. Almost 30 years on the job and close to 45 in retirement. He also had a second career in real-estate for another 30 years. A great family man who has 2 sons and a daughter. He always gave you his full attention and listened intently. On the job, I remember him in the Bureau of Fire Suppression and Rescue. He had the ability to handle any incident or disciplinary manner with competence. If a verbal lashing was warranted, you came out better and thanked him for the insight. He will be missed. My condolences to the family. RIP Tony.
Chief Giordano was a standup guy both professionally and personally. A problem solver who sought input from members prior to crafting a workable solution for the betterment of the City, the LAFD, and the membership.
I had occasion to have office hours with the Chief over some infraction that I stupidly committed. He did in fact “get my mind right” but also openly discussed a plan for improvement that he wished me to follow. In 1975, you did not argue with a Deputy Chief.
Two weeks after my audience, with him, he presented me with my paramedic pin at graduation and said “well done..”
Thank you for your leadership.
If you did not know Chief Giordano, you missed knowing a great man and fine leader who cared for his troops.
I first met him when working in Battalion 1 as a new captain. We had a basement fire and I was directed to secure the power. I reported back to him, “the power is secured from here to the corner”. To which he replied, “Mac than why does this light switch still work”? with that special smile on his face.
Later on I was working in Planning and called back from a meeting in Riverside to report to his office. We had been planning a big drill at LAX with other Departments and the official from LAX was in his office. Things were not going well and they were not ready for the Drill. I was asked what could we do to delay the drill. I thought for a moment and said, “you have taxiway construction taking place” postpone the Drill because of the construction. I was the “hero” of day and the drill was postponed.
I am sure there is a special place in Heaven for people like him. May he rest in peace my friend.
A real gentleman. Rest in peace
I first met Chief Giordano as a young 4-year Fireman assigned to Medical Liaison at old Headquarters. Don’t ask me how or why I got there with so little time on the job, but my one saving grace was having the Operations Chief just down the hall. Having to deal with Chief Giordano on a regular basis made my first tour on Special Duty truly SPECIAL! He truly was the GENTLEMAN everyone refers to and whenever I went to him with a problem or was heading in the wrong direction, he calmly smiled and steered me straight! Without question, he was one of the finest Chief Officer and friend I had the pleasure of knowing both on and off the job throughout my career. My condolences to the Giordano family and RIP boss.