LAFRA
What a beautiful flower arrangement and lovely mounted flag our Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association family sent for Jack Chell’s memorial after his passing on September 8th, 2019. Our family thanks you.
Sincerely,
The Jack Chell Family
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In Memory of Eugene E. Tolman—Fireman
Gene was a classmate of ours. Quiet, happy, extremely competent and a pleasure to work with. We never crossed paths during our careers but I still have very good thoughts of him. May he rest peacefully.
Dave Murray
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In Memory of Jack D. Chell—Captain
In the early 1960’s, a decision was made to open Truck 89. One of the captains was Jack Chell, a tall, slender, easy going guy. His method of management was that you worked with him, not for him. I was privileged to be part of that young new crew as our relationship would continue thru many years. Truck 89 was a good truck to work on, as we had many interesting fires and emergencies, and Jack developed a great crew. We worked together and partied together off duty too. Every one of the original crew members would promote up in rank with his guidance. Jack and Barbara were excellent snow skiers and we shared many trips to Mammoth together over the years. As he aged his mannerism never changed, smooth and calm. It was always fun to be with him and Barbara.
It was my pleasure knowing him and I am sure he will be missed by his family and friends, but we know he is now in a special place with the Lord.
Bob Mac Millan, B-14C Retired
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Family Support Group
My husband, Mike Brumbaugh was so active on his time off. He was also a cook. I have so many pictures of him and his friends in the parades in Los Angeles, etc. They lead the parades of Post 102 and the fellows and him had dinners for the Firemen’s Fund. They also attended many functions. He was twice the Commander in the American Legion. Our daughters were young when they put the wreath at our Fallen Firefighter’s graves in front of City Hall. I have so many memories! You are all special. I keep in touch with our old friends Thank you for being there!
Christine Brumbaugh
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In Memory of Jack D. Chell—Captain
I worked at 2s as Jacks Captain I for a short time and never knew a nicer guy. He was not only smart and fair, but had a great sense of what fireman were all about. On my first day while eating lunch, a bit of a commotion broke out at the second table and with a quiet word, Jack said to me that there was some business for us to take care of in the office. I followed him out the door just as the 2nd table was turned over and the yelling really got loud.
Jack explained that this was a set up for me to see how I would handle it. I was sure glad I didn’t have to get involved.
RIP my friend.
Rudy McTee
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In Memory of Robert G. Gabel—Fireman
Sorry to hear of Buffalo Bob’s passing. I went to FS80 as a young Engineer and “Buffy” took me under his wing and helped me learn the ropes! A memory I share often is something I learned from Bob. I found him in FS 80’s work shop one day, he was having trouble installing a CB type radio in his vehicle, and he had a very sad look on his face. When asked if he was ok, he responded with, “Rhino, there are just some things a man don’t know.” RIP BUFFY – and know you will be missed
Jim “Rhino” Holland
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Family Support Group
Thank you for all the help and concern you have shown me during the loss of my home in the Paradise Fire. It meant a lot.
Sheila J. Ritsch
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In Memory of Kenneth Evanoff—Apparatus Operator
I first met Kenny officially when I was assigned to Rescue Maintenance. He was one of the list of characters assigned there. All the guys assigned there took their jobs seriously. That being said, they all shared in their own opinion in how to improve the overall operations of Rescue Maintenance. Sometimes things would get a little heated. I would have to don my referee shirt and try and keep the conversations constructive. I notice when Kenny was on a roll, his face would turn red and his eyes would bulge out of his face and then the yelling would start! Nak called it “B-L-E-V-A-N-O-F-F”. Kenny was very proud of being part of the LAFD. Part of his personality was to raise his voice. You couldn’t take it personal. He was passionate to make things better for everyone. I am happy to report the last few years of Kenny’s life was calm as an early morning lake. He fought a courageous battle and never complained. During my visits with him, he always had a positive attitude of getting better and getting back on the shooting range. Rest in Peace my friend and shoot straight!
Al Barrios
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In Memory of Kenneth Evanoff—Apparatus Operator
I worked at 88’s as a rookie on the opposite shift but worked around him often. Mr. Skull had a hard bitten exterior, but if you showed that you wanted to work and learn, Kenny was a fun, loving Teddy Bear on the inside. Ken always had a quick wit and ready smile, sometimes preceded with a Growl, but always betrayed by the gleam in his eye. I learned much from Kenny.
Rest Well, Mr. Skull
Rick Erquiaga