Dear Juliet,
Today a little boy’s dream came true (and his mommy’s secret dream too)! Hamburgers and tater tots surrounded by a ton of firefighters and then taking a ride in the fire truck around the block in Westwood. Captain Mandelbaum made a delicious meal in which Jay exclaimed “mmmmmmm” when he took a bite of his cheeseburger. The firefighters were such gentlemen and super fun. Jay even danced Zumba with one of the guys and swung around the pole. The ride along with Captain Bactat was a super special treat and Jay even wore the headphones. You can only imagine the fun that Rhonda, Ashley (her daughter) and I had too. Here are some of my favorite photos of the day (see photos in this month’s Battalion One News)
Best,
Suzanne Asherson
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LA Widows and Orphans Fund,
Please accept this donation in memory of Les Hawkes, retired B/C. Les and I have been friends since our teenage years. Pasadena was our hangout. A great friend and a fantastic firefighter – they come any better.
Rest in Peace,
Richard Rush
Dana Point, CA
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Gentlemen,
Please accept the enclosed donation in memory of our friend Dudley E. Sorenson.
As you go through life there are certain people that are there to help you along the way with your career. To me, Dudley was one of these special people. I first met him when I was appointed captain and assigned to Engine 33. Dudley was the captain of Truck 64. This was before the use of fire hoods and I can recall he and his crew wore bright red scarfs with their turnout costs at night. It was quite a sight.
As time passed I was working in battalion 14 and was acting chief for the bteer part of a year under Dudley’s command. Daily and at large incidents he was there to advise and support you in your command operations.
After being appointed to B/C and again working under his command, I was recommended by Dudley to be appointed as the Director of the LAFD in the Southern California Forester and Fire Wardens Association.
During this same time, I was part of his department budget committee which handled all phases of the yearly budget. Once again Dudley, although in command, was there to advise and support the members of his committee.
Although many of today’s firefighters didn’t know Dudley, the fire stations they are working in today are the result of many, many hours of work he put into the building committee to develop these stations.
It was with great sadness when my wife and I learned of his recent passing. He was an excellent firefighter and command officer, but most of all a good friend during our time together on the fire department.
Sincerely,
Bob Mac Millan, Batt 14 retired
Lake Havasu City, AZ
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Attention Andy:
Remembering Dudley – a neighbor, a friend, a man of integrity, a father figure, a hero.
I remember Teri’s dad, Dudley Sorenson. He seemed always studying, to better himself and reach the next goal he set for himself. He was a dedicated family man, husband, father and Fireman. Sometimes on his day off, he and my mother Virginia, would have bake-offs to see who could create the best apple turnover, lemon meringue pie, oatmeal cookies or a chocolate cake. Looking back, there was no clear winner, just two families coming together to share the common love of dessert and friendship.
Dudley was a fireman, strong and dedicated to the service of others, but when our families were together, he struck me as a humble, considerate and respectful man. I like to think of our lives as a quilt. The people who share our lives are the threads of our quilt, they keep it together, and the memories of them are brightly colored and repeat a pattern of love. When you turn it over only the brightest seem to catch your eye. They are the ones who leave an imprint of love on your heart. Because of them you area better person and are able to be a part of another’s quilt.
I will always remember his smiling face and the love he shared with our family. Dudley Sorenson will be remembered in my quilt as one of my heroes.
Joyce Cicogna L’Heureux
Canyon Country, CA
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LAFRA:
Enclosed is a donation for the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund to help those in need as you helped me and my family when my husband, Capt Fredrick C. Martin, passed away on February 16, 2011. Thank you for all you do.
Viola Marin and family
San Clemente, CA
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LA Firemen’s Relief Assoc>
I would like to thank you for sending David Quiroy and his medical supplies when we needed equipment. He delivered the equipment the same day it was ordered. Then he set everything up and instructed us on how to use it correctly which made the whole experience more positive. He offered several options for making the recovery more comfortable. His kit even included gel for a stiff neck!
When it was time to return the equipment, again it was picked up on the same day we called. Thank you for an outstanding experience.
John Gamrat
Castaic, CA
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Dear Andy Kuljis,
I want to thank you for your phone call after Fred passed. That was very thoughtful in sharing some stories you remember about Fred.
I have always been in awe of the fire department. When I was a child, we lived a few doors down from Fire Station 44. I was over there a lot with my brother. I even mopped a floor or two. Those guys back then will always have a special place in my heart.
The department really comes through when one of their own passes. I can’t say thank you enough to everyone for all their help in the time of need. Everyone made things easier for me.
Fred’s service was special. The fire truck, the bag piper playing “Amazing Grace,” active and retired firemen carrying the casket, all followed by a military service and the folding of the flag. The minister shared wonderful stories of Fred – they had known each other for 20 years. Then my son Dan, Fire Chief of Sutter County, spoke of his and Fred’s relationship. It was a perfect day to say the least.
I’m doing okay – just a big change and a different way of life. Thank you for all you did for me and my family.
Sincerely,
Sandy Yager
Sutter, CA
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LAFRA:
I rarely comment publically about men that had a profound influence on my life, but Bob Aaron is the exception. Bob was my first captain at Fire Station 3 when I joined the LAFD in 1976. He was my Task Force Commander at Fire Station 27 when I was a newly promoted captain in 1984. Captain Aaron always adhered to the rules and regulations of the LAFD. He always ran a tight ship. His knowledge and experience of firefighting principles were never questioned. We always marched into hell together.
He was never considered as a man among men, even though he was a monument among stones. When we went into battle together, we went because we knew it was the right thing to do…
Bob and I never rode motorcycles together, we never skied together, nor did much together off duty, but we were joined at the hip when we were in combat fighting fire.
Most firemen are rarely remembered for their accomplishments as firefighters. I would like to acknowledge that Chief Aaron was a brave and tenacious firefighter who was dedicated to preserving and protecting the lives of everyone who lived and worked in the City of Los Angeles.
My family sends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the Aaron Family.
Millage Peaks