Firefighter III – Fire Station 79
Deceased:
02/25/2022
Appointed:
12/21/1989
Pensioned:
03/31/2020 – FS79
Details about the memorial service
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
African American Firefighter’s Museum
1401 Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90021
Cecco Secci says
Dexter was a very special individual, one of those really really good guys that the LAFD family is fortunate enough to have among its ranks every once in a while. More than anything I would like to recognize how much and for how long he wholeheartedly gave of himself to help and inspire young men and women who showed interest in becoming L.A. City firefighters. He held court and often had that kitchen at Fire Station 79 packed with wide-eyed and soon-to-be-inspired young faces. He helped hundreds of young people, whether they became firefighters or not, and this force-multiplying good he planted will continue to reap rewards for many and for many years to come. Thank you Dexter. Know that you will be missed and that you definitely did your share in striving to leave this world a better place than you found it.
Bob Munoa says
Dex and I worked together at 14s, he was one of those guys you enjoyed seeing and being around. every shift. He was a great Paramedic and you could always depend on him. Dex’s wife Judy would send some awesome cakes to work with him now and then, we told him that’s why we keep you around. Selwyn brought Dex to the 14’s Reunion last September and it was a pleasure to see him and reminisce about those old days.. The Munoa family sends out condolences to Judy and family. His passing is definitely a loss of one of the good ones..
terry tuzzolino says
Im so sorry to hear of Dexters passing. He was always upbeat and shared his welcome smile evertime we saw each other. The LAFD lost another one of the truly good guys way too soon. RIP my friend.
Ciro Di Scala says
What a sad day, and loss for the LAFD. Sometimes life is not fair, and this is one of those times. I spoke to Dex five days prior to his passing, and he never mentioned how much his health was declining. He was a true warrior, with unbelievable courage as he faced this terrible disease. I was working when we got the word that he had passed, and you could feel the mood in the fire station change dramatically. It affected everyone, as Dex was a friend to us all. As Cecco stated, Dex was truly a great guy who was always willing to help.. When I asked for help to get my nephew up to speed for an interview, he agreed without hesitation. Dex, you will be missed. Rest in peace my brother!
Lauren deRosier says
We are ALL better for having known Dexter, and that will never change.
We will never forget his ever present smile, his “glass is half full” approach to life, the skills and work ethic he had that inspired the rest of us to be better., and the love of his family at home, and love for his brothers and sisters everywhere he went… especially his Fire Family.
Yes, we will ALWAYS have our memories of Dexter in our hearts, because he was a great man, a force of nature if you will, and that is indelibly etched in our minds, because he was “that” kind of guy. I will not mourn him, as much as I will celebrate having been blessed to have known him.
Yet, I can’t help but feel sad… for those who never got to meet him, for those who will only have stories that we the fortunate ones will inevitably share from time to time. I hope we do justice when sharing with others, the “experience” that was Dexter.
God bless you and your family… RIP Dex
Tom Ottman says
Lauren deRosier and others, what a beautiful tribute to Dexter. You eloquently expressed the wonderful Man that Dexter was and the pain we all feel from his passing. I would like to add that Dexter like myself, loved to decorate our houses for Christmas. Clark Griswold himself, would have been envious of the lights and displays at the McDaniel household. Dexter had interactive displays and most nights during the Christmas season, he would be in his yard entertaining children and adults and spreading Holiday cheer. We are all better people for knowing Dexter. He loved his family so much and I send my sincere condolences to them.
Robert Rosario says
Dex it was always a pleasure working around you. A true gentleman and always smiling R.I.P. my friend.
Jerry Bedoya says
As all the fellas have said, Dex was an absolute peach of a guy. So friendly, personable and willing to help anyone in need. Ironically, when we first met things didn’t go so well; Dex was a young FF at 57’s and I was a young AO at 33’s. One night we caught a well-involved structure in 57’s district. Shortly after knockdown, his rookie did what rookies do and I had to “bite him” a little. From afar, Dex heard me chewing on his rookie and immediately came to his defense as if a lion protecting his cub. Dex was wound up, I was wound up and the rookie stood by shaking in his boots, but pulling his senior fireman, Dex. Harsh words were exchanged and guys had to break us up. Later on, as I’m cleaning tools by the side of T33 and still fuming from the earlier encounter, I hear a, “Hey Jerry … Jerry.” I turned to look and it was Dex. As I stood up he reached out to shake my hand then pulled me in and gave me a hug. Dex went on to apologize and said nothing like that would ever happen again. As I stood listening to Dex I thought to myself, wow, I’m such a knucklehead — here I am still fuming and Dex is as calm as the day is long trying to make things right. Without question, Dex was the “bigger” man that day and because of that, I’m a better man. Not only did Dex teach me a valuable lesson that night, but we ended up becoming good friends who worked around one another for the next ten years in Batt 3 and 13. My condolences to the entire McDaniel family, and may God be with our beloved friend, Dex.