Captain II – Fire Station 49
Deceased:
04/17/2021
Appointed:
05/19/1958
Pensioned:
10/19/1986 – FS 49
Services:
PRIVATE
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Earl was my first TFC at FS5A once leaving the Drill Tower (4/1978). Two incidents come to mind when working with him. First was the Light Force going shopping and while two of our members were in the store Capt Seddon chatted with me about FIre Fighting. During our training talk there was a channel change from OCD and shortly after we got assigned to an incident. We waited and the two members did not come out of the store. I mentioned to Cap that they might not have gotten the Channel Change and Cap made a decision…we’re going without them…only one problem…I wasn’t certified to tiller. So Cap gave the order, “John you’re Acting Captain and I’ll Tiller. Do you know how to work the horn and siren buttons that are on the floorboard?” I replied, “YES SIR! One button says, ‘HORN’ and the other button says, ‘SIREN”‘ Earl looked at me and AO Sullivan and said, “Well that explains my job!” The next incident was at the local Massage Parlor on Sepulveda Blvd, that offered more than massages. I was carrying the 173 cards (these have the information on the business, owner and last inspections for those who don’t know). We had to knock at the rear door of the business to make entrance and when the door opened there stood a tall well figured blonde in tall clog shoes, very small hot pants and a tube top. I could see that Cap was a little nervous as he informed the young lady that we were there to do our annual inspection. She said, “COME ON IN!” We went inside and walked a narrow hallway that was lined with curtained off cubicles with cap following this lady really strutting her stuff and showing more than the Captain wanted to see, Cap turned to me and asked, “Do we have a card for this place?” and me being me answered, “YES SIR! Master Card, American Express and Visa!” RIP Boss…you gave me the baby steps I needed to be the Firefighter I became!
When I was assigned to F.S. 38 as a new A/O, Earl was my first captain. An extremely patient and tolerant gentleman that helped a very young fireman blend in with a much older crew. One afternoon, a call to a fire in 85’s first in, had a speedy response up Avalon and left on PCH.. As we approached the intersection, definitely going faster than I should have. The turn proved to be a challenge, With the duals losing all traction, the rig starts sliding sideways towards the curb. No headsets in those days so communication between members was a bit limited. With the rig bouncing it’s way about to hit the curb, traction was regained at the last second and the rig stops an inch short of the curb. We immediately continued our response. Everyone knew how close we came to a possible disaster. Earl never said a word, not during the run, on the way back or after returning to the station. Nothing!. He knew he did not have to and that I had learned a big lesson. What I really learned was more about leadership and trusting your crew. You do not need to be critical to teach someone. I thank him for his understanding and the example as an officer that he set. He will be missed but not forgotten