Helicopter Pilot/ Firefighter III
Active Duty
Born: May 24, 1965
Appointed LAFD: October 2 , 1986
L.O.D.D: August 9, 2015
Steven was born in 1965 in Santa Monica to Janet and Dennis Robinson. It was just a few years later at Palisades Elementary when the pranks began. A note sent home to be signed by his parents went back to school signed MOM. He was not good at forging parent signatures.
At six, Steve learned how to water ski. There were bets he couldn’t get up, but he did. He became a very good skier doing all kind of tricks. Later, a minor ski accident caused a rope burn on his neck. The next day his teacher asked about the injury. “My parents tried to hang me,” he said.
Following in his father’s and brother’s footsteps, Steven joined the LAFD in 1986. He soon promoted to engineer and after ten years he earned the job of is life – Helicopter Pilot.
Steven married Jennifer Melling and they gave us two wonderful grandchildren, Brandon and Kyle. Steve was a wonderful father involved with his kids in every way. Steven, Brandon and Kyle all achieved various levels of competence in martial arts.
In March of 1998, the Fire 3 event changed the lives of our family forever. There were many years of recovery and periods of severe stress and hardship. We have had 17 additional years and many wonderful times with Steve. It was after the accident that Kyle was conceived.
We enjoyed golfing with Steve, he loved the game. He could hit the ball further than anyone I know, sometimes even straight. Steve’s mom almost always shot a lower score than him. Steve, we want one more round!
The whole family loved the times in our Lake Tahoe house. Boating, skiing, hiking and many other sports were the highlights, however, Steve liked to spend a lot of time on the couch. Building this house was a family project. After we bought the property Steve, his brother Richard (also a firefighter) and I set out with chainsaws, axe and shovels to remove seven large pine trees. Soon construction began. Just try to build a house with your son who worked construction for a few years! Arguments were daily and intense. Looking back at the construction and the times we had together in Tahoe, I know Steve would agree, were the best days of our lives.
Steve, it’s not goodbye – it is until we see you again.
Dennis and Janet Robinson
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Eulogy for Steve Robinson
My name is Lance Messner. I am a pilot at Fire Station 114/Air Operations and Steve Robinson was my friend.
Steve was inspiring:
Steve’s uniquely determined spirit brought him success at an early age, as he became one of the youngest firefighters ever to become a pilot at Air Operations. But the beautiful thing about Steve was that he encouraged so many others to follow the same path and join him at Air Ops.
Steve was tenacious and passionate:
When I arrived at Air Ops as a new pilot and discovered that Steve was going to be my primary instructor, you can only imagine my relief. I knew the training would be hard, but what could be a better situation than having your best buddy as your trainer. I soon realized that this was the furthest thing from Steve’s mind. My training lessons with Steve were FAR more difficult than my check rides. My daily grade sheets were littered with red pen comments . . . NEEDS IMPROVEMENT. This was Steve’s way of insuring I would pass. He left no stone unturned and would not compromise.
Steve was a good listener:
He had those intense blue eyes cradled by his indelible smile.
Steve was always willing to help:
When my wife was involved in a freeway accident, Steve happened upon the scene and stopped to help her, driving her into Air Operations.
Thank you, Dennis and Janet, for raising a son with these qualities. The ripple effect of Steve’s character will live on in the difference he made in all of our lives.
Brandon and Kyle, although your time with your father was too short, your Dad’s passion, his vision to set and accomplish goals, his leadership, and his fervent desire to help others are attributes that all of us fathers only hope to pass on to our sons. These gifts DEFINED every single day of your Dad’s life, and they will no doubt LIVE ON IN YOU.
Jen, remember you have an extended family within the fire service. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for support . . . even if nothing more than just to talk or help with “the boys” (as Steve always called Brandon and Kyle).
And Steve, as you take this final walk with God, I would like to say, “Aviator to Aviator”: May you always have calm winds . . . keep your wings level with the horizon . . . and we’ll see you at your final destination someday . . . Roger that.