Engineer, Fire Station 23-B
Deceased:
July 1, 2019
Appointed:
11/24/1988
Pensioned:
01/29/2019 – FS 23B
Details about the celebration of life
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Charles Butler says
Don was a good firefighter and friend. He was also quite the practical joker. I remember leaving my cell phone on the kitchen table at FS 27 and Don changed the language setting to Spanish. It took me awhile to figure out how to fix it and I never left my phone laying around again. We had great times together at FS 27 and FS 33. Don always encouraged me in my walk with the Lord. I know that he is resting with the angels now.
Sandy Welcker says
I don’t have your contact info and would like to send you an Evite to Don’s Celebration of Life on the 27th. Could you text me your contact info 805 587 3989?
George James says
Rest in peace my friend, I know you will always be with us.
Don said I was responsible for getting him on the job. I thought it was because I was a pretty good firefighter and a good role model, years later as we were talking, he told me I was the reason he came on… always out water skiing, off roading, surfing, and having a great time, what other Job would allow you to do all those things why others are busy at work!
Kevin Kearns says
Don was in the first class I taught in The Drill Tower. We kept in contact throughout his career. I am so deeply saddened by his passing. I will remember I got to work with him on a occasion where we would catch up with all that was going on in his life.
God Bless you Don, you will not be forgotten.
Kevin Kearns
Paul Nelson says
Don always had a smile, great mustache, and great love for his family. I worked with Don at FS-60 and 33. He was a
Hard worker and had a passion for the job. I gave him the nickname “The Poodle” and Don said it would never stick.
Don, you are missed, may you Rest In Peace, and God Bless you and yours. 🙏🙏
Paul Steffen says
So sad to hear this news. I had to check the relief website to confirm because I just couldn’t believe it was true. He was a great Engineer, Husband and Father. He always spoke highly and lovingly about his family. I never had to worry if he was working with me. He knew his job and I benefited greatly from his knowledge, experience and advice. It was always a safe and secure fire scene when Don was working. RIP Don and prayers to your family.
Paul and Stephani Steffen
Rick Ramirez says
I just came came on here to check the “10 Bells” section…because that’s what old retired guys do…and was shocked and saddened to see that Don had passed. Although we were never assigned together, we worked many fires together in Battalion 13. Never any worries when Don was pumping to me or vice versa. His strong firefighting skills and work ethic when the fire was out made him a real pleasure to work with. What a shame he did not get to enjoy this retirement that he worked so hard for. My condolences to his family.
Mike Castillo says
Worked with Don at 27’s and although I was on another shift I enjoyed talking to him about his family and the daily things in our lifes. He would bring in eggs from his chickens and talk about his kids who he was extremely proud of. My sincere condolences to Dons family. He will certainly be missed.
Jody (Ewert) Wolfe says
We were so saddened to hear of Don’s passing. We had the privilege of being neighbors of Don and Sandy Welcker’s, in Simi Valley. This was before Don was on the job. Don was always willing to help anyone who needed it. It didn’t matter if he was in the middle of something- he would drop what he was doing to help you out. He was one of the most genuine, gracious people I have ever met. When he started talking about the fire department we were excited because we knew he would make an excellent firefighter. We know Don is in the presence of Jesus, his Savior, which brings great comfort. We are praying that God will continue to uplift and comfort Sandy and the girls, today and in the days ahead.
With much love, Jim and Jody Wolfe
Raul Miranda says
Don was a solid Engineer, and highly respected all-around good guy. Though I was never assigned with him, I knew of his fine reputation, and had the pleasure to work with Don for a short time at the US&R Unit in 2011. He was one of my best “Light-duty Guys” to come through there. Very reliable and conscientious. My sincerest condolences to his family. Rest in Peace Don, you will not be forgotten.
Mark A Gozawa says
Don was not only one of nicest guys at 23’s but also one the hardest working. He always made it pleasure to come to work. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Rest in peace my friend. Vaya con dios.
Robert Rosario says
Don was my relief at 27’s funny guy with a mustache that entered the room before he did a great relief and a pleasure to work with. Don had a heart of gold when I had my triple bypass he was one of the first to check up on me.
Don had a great love for his family and friends. Don you will be missed my friend gone way to soon,R.I.P. my friend.
Neal Jones says
I was deeply saddened to hear of Don’s passing. We always had a good time working together and could count on him to know his stuff on any type of incident. He is definitely gone too soon. Rest In Peace Don
hank murakami says
I was surprised to see Don’s name on the Death Notices. I worked in Payroll and handled his time keeping when he was at FS 23. I always emailed his paycheck stub when he was out on IOD. I also talked with him occasionally for approx 2 yrs before he retired regarding his timekeeping. I will always remember his pleasant voice. Rest in Peace.
John Hicks says
I worked with Don for a few years. He always wore a smile on his face and was quick to lend a hand when needed. It saddens me to know that he is gone but encourages me that I know he was a man of faith. Surf the clouds for us, Don. You will be missed.
LON F ROBERTS says
I worked with Don at FS 39. I always had a good time with him when came into the office complaining that his pay check was short. It didn’t matter if it was $150 or $1.50 short his concern was the same. I am also grateful to Don for not complaining about my snoring when we went to Wisconsin to pick-up the new 1999 Pierce Engines.
Rest Easy Don
Rick Erquiaga says
Don and I both served on The LAFD for 31 years.
We were never assigned together but worked in the same battalion for several years. In those early days we worked many SOD days around each other. Don was always professional and a tireless worker. Don lived his Faith daily with humor and spirit. Don walked his talk. We were both kindred spirits, perhaps because we were both vertically challenged.
I am privileged to have known and served with Don.
My Condolences to Sandy and the Welcker Family.
Tremendous Love & Respect,
Rick Erquiaga
Jerry Horwedel says
I was lucky to work with Don at 39’s. We had a lot of fun together. Don had a legendary mustache and I had a pretty good one myself. One day after standing Battalion Inspection I was ordered by our Battalion Chief to have Engineer Welcker bring his mustache into compliance with Department regulations.
As I thought about this and keeping in mind my own mustache, I came up with a plan to get Don to comply without hurting his pride in that extensive facial hair. I told him I would cut off mine if he would cut off his. This quickly turned into about six of us going upstairs to the crew’s head and all shaving off our long – time growths.
I don’t remember what Don’s experience was when he got home the next morning but my wife and daughter (who had never seen me without a mustache in her sixteen years) both ran away screaming and hid under a blanket on the sofa!
I was so sorry to hear of Don’s passing at such an early point of his and his family’s life. He was very proud of them and spoke about them often.It was a great honor working with Don who took so much pride and responsibility at being good at what he did. Thanks Don!
Jerry