Captain II – Fire Station 28
Deceased:
07/09/2021
Appointed:
04/01/1957
Pensioned:
04/01/2007 – FS28
Details about the Memorial Service
Additional Information:
Charley Casper worked 50 years active duty. He was also a consistent medal winner at the Firefighters’ olympics.
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
John F Potter says
I remember as a young captain working around Charlie Casper over the years was always a learning experiences not because he necessarily intended to teach something, but instead he would share his experiences that related to the situation or the environment. I always felt more knowledgeable after the conversation. He was wise, calm and kind, and a very strong example of the importance for a fire officer to have experience.
Ed Sandell says
Charlie came to FS 96 many times to work SOD or a trade day. If you never sat through one of Charlie’s lineups…you really missed out. It was a “ten pieces of toast” affair. Many station toasters were worn out during his shifts in Chatsworth. But, that didn’t matter…because everybody loved Charlie. He simply was one of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet. Young guys who did not know Charlie…would always try to help complete his sentences for him. Let’s just say he was as cool as a cucumber….and in no hurry. Charlie was a christian brother, and a man of great faith. It was my pleasure to share time with him. “Ed” Sandell – Somis, Ca
Raul Miranda says
I worked with Captain Casper at 73’s during the mid-1990’s. He was on the other shift with a cast of fun characters. As many have said, he had a “heart of gold”. He was a man of faith that would do anything for you. He knew so much about LAFD history, and yes he shared it often. He was a truly a conversationalist to put it mildly (“..…grapevine”). Although his line-ups were often beyond thorough, he was always able to keep the crew smiling. Charley was a dedicated officer that always tried hard to do his best for his crews. You can’t help but smile when you hear his name. It was a pleasure to know him. Rest in Peace Cap.
Robert Rosario says
I worked with Charlie at 27’s great guy easy going very soft spoken a pleasure to work with R.I.P. Charlie.
Gib Martin says
I loved playing Wally Ball at FS 73 and working SOD there. I always looked forward to seeing and working around him and his crew. He was one of those guys with faith that all things would work out. Laughing with all the wonderful memories and remembering Wally Ball.
Lauren deRosier says
Charlie worked with my dad (Lionel) in the early 1960’s, and I had the pleasure of working with him in the early 80’s.
Many people mistook his calm demeanor and gentle mannerisms for shortcomings. They were not.
He was one of the nicest and most knowledgeable gentlemen I have been blessed to have known… even if he DID “take longer than average” to make his point, or tell his story.
I realize the clock eventually winds down for every one of us… but hearing that your time ran out, saddens me (and many others I am sure).. Rest in peace Charlie…. you are missed.
Robert McMaster says
Charlie Caspar’s morning line ups were epic. He is the only officer that I ever worked for where the crew had to often ask for an intermission depending of course on how much coffee we drank before line up. After intermission was over Charlie would pick up right where he had left off. Charlie loved the L.A.F.D. as evidenced by his 50 years of service. He was a great family man, a kind man, and most importantly a man of great faith. My condolences to Charlie’s family. Thanks for the memories Cap. Rest in peace.
Mike Littleton says
Charlie was the Station Commander at FS 73 during the time I was assigned to Batt.17-B. He loved his crew and was very protective of them. He gave 50 years of his life to the LAFD and was on pension for only 14 years…I don’t think he’d have it any other way. Charlie was a Man of God who knew where he was going to spend eternity when he was finally called home. My condolences to Mila, his children and grandchildren. Rest in peace my friend.
Dale Bayless says
I worked with Charlie Casper at 73’s. Absolutely the nicest man I ever met. He did so many nice things for people and is a true brother in the Lord. I watched him one day with a firefighter having some trouble pull out a wad of one hundred dollar bills. A wad ! he offered whatever the firefighter needed. I asked Charlie later wasn’t that a lot of money to carry around ? He said I suppose so but I always keep it on me to help someone. RIP Sir.
Patrick Pope says
I am not a firefighter. I was on the Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council when Captain Casper was at FS28.. Captain Casper was a great community member. He brought 28’s to our meetings, and always participated. We live in a high fire risk neighborhood, and he helped advise the community. He helped us with snakes and flooding issues too..
When Charlie retired after 50 years at LAFD, we coordinated a huge community event at FS28. Our congressman’s office was able to procure the flag that flew over the US Capitol on September 11, 2006, the five year anniversary of 9/11 .We presented Captain Casper and his wife, that flag along with a letter from President Bush.
He was respected and will be missed.
Larry Hoerner says
At 28’s, Charlie was the last Captain I worked for before I became “The Traitor”. Peterman, Conwell, the whole crew at 28’s, and Charlie knew I was taking time off to be in the County tower, and no one said a word to the “brass” about it!! Thank you all!!
Real early one morning we were moved into a fire in 73’s. Ready for battle, we were in T/O’s, with tools, waiting for an assignment. None came, so first the tools got put down; the coats came off; we started to lean on the apparatus; then we all just got back on the rigs, sat down; and waited. Well pretty soon, Thee Chief, Bamattre shows up on scene.. He walked up to T28, saw me and asked if Charlie was working. I said, “He sure is. He’s right next to you, Chief.” Bamattre looks up to the Captain’s seat, and there was Charlie…fast asleep!! Ya shoulda seen his face when he realized Chief Bill was waking him up!! Classic.
I was visiting stations, and requesting donations for the LANE stickers, when he was beginning to fade. Charlie pulled out that beforementioned wad of C-notes out, threw one on the table, and calmly, not smart-alecky, said, “How many does that get me?” I was shocked! What a guy!!
At his retirement dinner he stood up to give his final farewell. It was going on, and on, and on. So I got up, grabbed a rolling bus tray, and started picking up plates off the tables. Charlie stopped, and from the podium asked what I was doing. I said, “The waiters and bus boys want to go home already. Cut it short, Charlie.” The room exploded with laughter. I don’t know if he shortened speech, or not, but it was good for a laugh.
A true gentleman. I’d like to say I’ll see you soon, my friend, but im not so sure I’m headed for the same place you are. With all the work you did for your family, your friends, your community, and the fire service; God has a place, and a plan for you.