Assistant Chief – Training Division
Deceased:
04/09/2021
Appointed:
11/07/1959
Pensioned:
01/07/1996 – Training Division
Details of the Celebration of Life
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society
1355 Cahuenga Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Frank was a super guy and was heavily involved with new programs in US&R, Training Division, Community Emergency Response Program, and FIRESCOPE. Frank did so much for the LAFD that he was always put in lead positions when establishing Department programs. Frank gave his life to the LAFD and even in retirement with all he has done for the Historical Society and the preservation of old Fire Boat 2. Frank was an amazing person and he always gave credit where credit was due. I wish his family my condolences and especially Raquel and little Frankie. Looking back in Frank’s career I remember an interesting event. One day while I was assigned to Division I, FS-3 had a non-issued flashlight explode in a turnout coat in the jump seat while in quarters. It literally blew the coat apart. I called the LAPD bomb squad who came by and said they were familiar with the specific brand of flashlights which were being purchased by individual members. The flashlight did not have a relief valve to allow any build up of hydrogen gas from the batteries to escape. If the coat had been on a member it could have caused serious injury or possible death of a member. This occurred on a Saturday and I could not get a return call from the DDC on-call. So I sent out a teletype to have this brand of flashlight removed from City property until we could see if the manufacture could rectify the problem. On Monday morning, Chief Anthony called at 0530 hrs. and wanted a meeting at HQ at 0630 hrs. Frank was at the meeting. I took the coat to the meeting in his office which was full other staff members. When they saw the turnout coat they agreed we did the right thing. Frank was in the process of purchasing US&R equipment and cancelled orders for all lights made by this manufacturer and distributed a memo regarding the problem to the network of US&R Task Force in the US. The company filed a lawsuit against Frank and the City attorney was assigned to represented him during the pending lawsuit. The result was the manufacturer installed a relief valve to release the buildup of gas. The company agreed to drop the lawsuit against Frank on the condition that he had to put out a letter telling all the US&R Task Forces in the country that there lights were safe. I would always kid Frank about being sued because of this issue. He was such a nice person and always did the right thing to please everyone. I felt bad for him regarding the lawsuit. I will miss Frank, his smiling face, and all the email cards he would send out on all holidays. Rest in peace Frank, you did so much for the LAFD and your family should be proud.
One of my favorite memories was when i was driving him to an annual inspection at Fire Station 61. I called ahead to let them know that Frank had had a small cancer removed from the tip of his nose and that he had to have a small round band aid on the tip of his nose so please don’t laugh. When we arrived every member of the Task Force had a ban aid on their nose. It must have been fifteen minutes before we could start the inspection because everyone was laughing so hard. Most of all, Frank.
I met Frank, when I was a rookie, in battalion two, I was working at 12,s, he is going to missed a great deal. We became friends over the years, I will never forget how nice he was.
I met Frank in the early 80’s at 33′. Frank showed a lot of compassion to everyone. If the world had more people like Frank we all would be in better place. Frank will be missed by everyone. RIP Frank we all love you.
I first met Frank in the early 80’s when I was appointed department chaplain. He was always very kind and cordial. He began to call me whenever there was a major incident, asking for my help in dealing with families who had suffered a tragic fire. He called on me to brainstorm with him as he was developing the CERT program. After his retirement, we kept in touch with events at the museum; he was always very supportive of SERTOMA and our efforts to assist with the toy program. He was a man of deep and quiet faith, trusting that God would guide and strengthen him. He gave so much of himself to our department and cared so much for the well-being of the men and women in his command. I will always treasure the memories of this good man.
I pray that God will embrace him in His eternal peace and give Raquel and the family the strength and courage they need at this difficult time. “WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT. COME NOW INTO THE PLACE I HAVE PREPARED FOR YOU.”
Chris I have thought of you so often, this is retired chaplain Victor Hart, I live in Idaho, enjoyed working with you and knowing you. E-mail is vh35mam@q.com if you would like to communicate with me. I went to seminary and graduated in June 92 just before retiring. Frank Borden was one of many good men on the Dept. After 29 years I hope that nothing has changed.
Thomas “tom” Guzman April 13, 2021
A poet I am not. But if I were, I would surely describe Chief Borden as a man of great compassion.
First of all, to his Family. His association and employment with the LAFD. His un-mistaken and never
ending compassion for his fellow workmates no matter what rank, from rookie to Chief Engineer,
to the civilian staff wherever or whom he encountered. He greeted everyone with a smile first, then with
plain good ole American language.
I was a twenty seven year old rookie (1975) in Batt. 2, A shift. Besides Chief Borden’s smile, he also had that serious look that said to me, listen closely, intently. So as a rookie, I received from him, the best training I could possibly have gotten in the fire service. I knew then that my safety and other members safety was the utmost concern. In the late 1980’s, I called a new unit referred to as the “Disaster Preparedness Unit”, I did so because it was headed by Chief Borden, the unmistaken one that loved challenges.. I spoke to the late Mike Burns, another of those rare finds in the human population. Well it was not long thereafter that I was told to pack my bags and head on down. I later realized this special duty that I volunteered for was a most gratifying and learning experience on the job. I say this because of Chief Borden and all the members that were selected, took the Chiefs leadership and and started to train the Cities communities as Community Emergency Response Teams. Of coarse I can’t forget the the staff, they were awesome too.. I thanked the Chief for allowing to me to serve with him once more. I thank you Chief. My heartfelt condolences to the family. They that are lively and spirited will never die.
Frank Borden was one of the nicest people who ever walked planet earth.His leadership advanced Nott only the Los Angeles Fire Department, but also left his imprint ion the state, the nation and the entire world stage.
Frank’s dedication was instrumental in the establishment of the Incident Command System (ICS) now a national standard, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) now an international program, MySafeLA with a focus upon young children and senior citizens, as well as the LAFD Historical Society. I’m sure there is much more that I’m not aware of.
It was through the CERT Program that I came to know him. This great program engages communities world wide to prepare for disasters and train it’s members on how to assist their neighbors until the First Responders arrive. His approachable, compassionate manner is what impressed me most. He attended allWe were invited to present at the CERT conference in Chile, but neither of us were able to make the trip. So we sent a video about the Los Angeles CERT Program instead.
Chief Borden has earned hi Angel’s wings. What a legacy he has left for us to carry on! Rest easy. We will take it from here.
My deepest condolences to Frank’s family. May God bless and comfort you.❤️🙏🏽❤️
Frank was the BC at my first house, FS 50. When he found out I was a mechanic before I came on, he asked advice about a boat he had with twin Ford engines. Off duty I went and help try to get it operational. That was 1975 and we have been friends ever since. Frank was a gentleman, he cared for and about the people he worked with. He was a dedicated member of the LAFD. We worked around each other during our careers. After we retired we would see each other at different events, always a pleasure to see him. A few years ago he was in Temecula picking up a cash register to add to his collection and stopped by my shop, we had a great visit, around that same time John White stopped by to pick up some leaf springs to make sheet metal cutters for FD’s in Mexico. What a great pleasure to have both these men visit and talk old times, great memories. Frank’s dedication to our history and Museum will be missed for sure. Rest In Peace my Friend you will be remembered and missed.
I first met Chief Borden while working at Fire Station 33 when he was Division II in 1980. He was professional and did a fine job in whatever he was involved with. That included a myriad of different projects throughout his long and distinguished career. Whether it was CERT, US&R, or as a field Division Commander, Chief Borden put his heart and soul into doing a good job. One need only to look at his involvement in the LAFD Museum to know the depth of his love and admiration for the LAFD. He was a true gentleman and a gentle man as well.
The pain of loss and grief can be overwhelming and my condolences go to his wife, Raquel, and his family.
Thankfully, memories last a lifetime and likely forever and Frank Borden will be remembered for all he did and so much he accomplished. Resquiescat in pace Chief Borden
As noted from the comment listed above, it is extremely clear that Frank Borden was truly one of ‘THE GOOD GUYS”. He did so much for the LAFD. I first met Frank thru his dad, who was a BC on the job. Although I never had the pleasure of working for Frank, I was always aware of his presents. Rest in peace, my friend.
I was at Fire Station 33 in the early 1980’s and Frank was Division II. The guys loved him, he was great to have around. In later years I worked around him at “Franks” place and other assignments. After he retired he continued to give his best in so many ways to the LAFD and historical society. I don’t have any funny stories about Frank. Simply put he was a class act, he will be missed by many. RIP.
I first met Chief Borden at fire station 20. I still have the picture of him presenting me with my Engineer’s badge – boy, where did all the time go! Eventually as a department chaplain due to his tireless – years long service at the LAFD Museum / Educational Center / Memorial and 9/11 Remembrances I was able to interact with him quite often. I wholeheartedly agree with the tributes already posted. The Chief was always smiling, kind, supportive and interested in what the chaplains had been doing. Surely, Frank Borden was a very special man. Many years ago he took me aside to share his personal faith in the Lord with me. I’m so thankful God led him to the LAFD, we benefited more than we will ever know. Raquel, you have my condolences, you have also been a priceless addition to the LAFD family, I’m sure the Chief would want you to hear that. Frankie, the bible says that being respected and having a good reputation is worth more than having great wealth. You might not be able to understand and or appreciate this fully but your father was very well respected and through years of hard work he earned a good reputation, I wish you the same.
I am one of many people thankful for the life, service, talent, leadership and friendship of Frank Borden,
Proverbs 22:1
A good reputation and respect
are worth much more
than silver and gold.
Thank you so much George for you message and I agree with you. Frank took me to Easter Service at his church on our first date. I knew then that he was a keeper. I wanted to marry a nice guy and God sent me Frank. We were married over 20 years. Time flies when you live with someone who smiles all the time. – Raquel
Very touching. I was with him at USAR and loved to hear his story about the big earthquake when he was in in Japan.. Talk about a 1st hand experience! Such a true humble guy, a chief who acted like one of us. I promoted because of guys like him that loved the people and the job.. but most of all thinking of our people. God Bless him.
I met Chief Borden in 1978 when I was assigned to Training. He tasked me and Steve Bascom t o present a new program named FIRESCOPE to the senior staff. Steve and I were apprehensive about Silver instructing Gold ( we thought our careers were on the line) but with his support and Chief Evanson talking to Staff) we were succesful. But that was Frank. He smiled a lot, but underneath he was a bulldog. As a result the Fire Service worldwide was introduced to USAR ,CERT and many other cutting edge programs.
Over the next 30 years we worked on many different projects and went to a lot of fires. He was a calm, cool and collected Fire Ground Commander. We worked together when I was the Training Section Commander and he was Training Division Commander. Always supportive and helpful for Department training programs.
I was honored to replace him as Training Division Commander when he retired.
The last project we worked on was the Museum. He talked me into becoming President of the LAFD Historical Society. One year later, with the support of many dedicated members, active and retired we opened the Museum in Old Fire Station 27.. I could go on and on about his dedication to the LAFD, but you only need to visit the Museums in Hollywood and San Pedro to see the results of his love for the LAFD and it’s history.
RIP Frank and my condolences to Raquel and Frankie.
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Chief Frank W. Borden was many things to a variety of people both professionally and personally. His leadership style was definitely transformational with an occasional dash of transactional on the fire ground, as a leader, and as an instructor. If I was a betting man, which I am, there are many who would say Chief Borden did not posses the coveted LAFD “CORK”.
One day while working for Chief Borden in Division II he asked me to find his (Aide, SA, Adjutant-ad infinitum) and advise him that Chief Albert L. Schultz, the BFS&R Commander, wanted him to come on up to the 10TH FLOOR, NOW. His Aide was a bicycle nut, who trained in the dormitory at 33’s.I delivered the “suit up message, but alas he did not come downstairs to begin the trip up to 200 North Main Street because he just needed to pick up his cadence just a bit more. After advising Chief Borden of his response, the never to be seen cork launched from the Division II Office, up the pole holes and landed you know where. You were never late for an audience with Chief Schultz and certainly not account of bicycle training.
Lots of cremates or cream in 33″s freezer that night.
Raquel and Frankie, we his colleagues and friends miss him terribly and will always be there for you.
A wonderful man who gave his heart and soul to the LAFD. We are forever grateful. Raquel, I am so sorry for your loss.
Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to share great stories about Frank. It warms my heart to know that I was right about him. I haven’t lost Frank. He will always be in my heart. I have Frankie who will always be a reminder of the great gift he left me. I know he is in a better place and in good company. Not a moment goes by that he is not in my mind. I am still in shock for not having here anymore but I am also in awe for the wonderful things he did. I am proud of myself for giving him the love and respect he deserved. With gratitude and love to all …
Raquel
Dear Raquel,
Please accept our families deepest condolences on you husband’s passing and know how much I enjoyed working with you at headquarters. As a young paramedic and throughout my career, I was always impressed how innovative, energetic and nice Chief Borden was, and continued to be. His demeanor was truly an example for all to follow. I had the privilege of working around Chief Borden as part of our US&R Team and saw what an innovator and thinker he was. He always thought outside of the box and selflessly served, and was a true example to all to that he worked with while active and especially when “retired”. He always seemed genuinely interested in what we were working on in the US&R Communications discipline . I don’t think he ever retired, but he “reassigned” himself to the Historical Society. We all joined the LAFD to make a difference and save lives and property. I saved a few and helped many, but he through his work he advocated for programs to educate hundreds of thousands if not millions of people and his work will continue to save lives past his lifetime. What an incredible legacy, a legacy I know you are proud of and one that Frankie will continue to learn about as he continues to grow up and stay connected with the LAFD and the Historical Society. God bless you, Frankie, and the rest of the Borden Family and know that we all mourn your loss, and look forward to seeing him again.
Frank, Cathy & I, frst met at Canoga Park High, through out the next 70 plus years our friendship & careers coincided. He was my classmate, friend, co-worker, & boss.
We will miss his friendship always, our condolences to Raquel, Frankie and family, GO HUNTERS!
He was a true professional. As well as a kind, considerate, and thoughtful man. Whenever he came by the station, (61s) the vibe was always relaxed.
He was my chief in Batt 13 and later
Batt 5. A real gentleman. When he talked to you rank didn’t matter.
He was kind to all.
I can add to the ‘bandaid to the nose’ story.
When he showed up at 27s for an inspection, we were told
‘Do not mention the bandaid on his nose’. That’s all
Dave Lowe needed. He rushed right up to Ch Borden and said,
‘Give me that thing and let me fix the cancer right here and now!’
The entire task force grabbed Dave and pulled him back.
Nobody laughed harder than Frank.
I am proud to say we were on the board for the museum together.
His love for the LAFD had no limits.
a good man
I was lucky enough to drive Chief Borden a few times in Division. He was really a Class Act. Chief Borden gave 100% to the LAFD during his career and after. My condolences to all the Borden’s.