Assistant Chief
Deceased:
May 20, 2015
Appointed:
06/16/1955
Pensioned:
Service 07/20/1986 – FS 88
Details about the memorial service
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Jack Bennett was a “firefighters fire chief”. I have known him since the mid 50’s and through out his career as he promoted through the ranks he was interested in making the fire service a better place for fellow firefighters.
He was one of the first”heavy duty” task force commanders under Chief Raymond Hill’s start of the task force concept. He worked in the Planning Section as the Disaster Planning Officer (DPO). He worked at
S&M developing changes in breathing apparatus and turnouts.
He attempted to promote to Chief Engineer but was defeated by Chief Kenny Long in his attempt. He was assigned the difficult task of starting Prescription Burning operations in the Santa Monica Mountains with Captain Scott Franklin of the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
This later on would be the start of a bond working hand in hand with hand crews and the County Department during wild land fires.
He retired to take the position of Fire Chief in Menlo Park, California, located in the Bay Area. Working there 5 years he was a leader in developing mutual aid and wild land operations in the Bay Area. He was looked up to by other fire chief’s of the area.
Retiring from Menlo Park, Jack moved to Bluffton,South Carolina and was involved in the formation of a C.E.R.T. team. for the town of Bluffton.
It was my pleasure to know and work with Jack over this long period of time, working with him you were working with the “best”.
Bob Mac Millan, Battalion 14 Retired.
Bob; thank you for posting a wonderful tribute to Jack. He was indeed everything you mentioned.
I remember the Chief Engineer’s list of 1983 following Jack Gerard’s retirement with the top three candidates:
1. Al Schultz
2. Jack Bennett
3. Don Manning
Chief Bennett not only cast a huge shadow in Los Angeles and across The Golden State as a Fire Officer, but was also well received in literary circles by penning a 1996 semi-autobiographical novel entitled “Firemen Games”.
I remain honored to have received a signed copy, and can suggest no better way to honor Jack then curling up by the fire to enjoy the firehouse exploits of his lead character Jack “Curly” Allen:
http://www.amazon.com/Firemen-Games-Jack-Bennett/dp/0806253959
After an exceptional life of serving others, may he rest in peace.
Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,
Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
Thank you, Bob Mc Millan, for your tribute to Jack Bennett. I have nothing but respect for him. He set a high standard and encouraged other to follow his lead. I recall him coming in second to Don Manning for the Chief Engineer’s position in 1983.
Jim Kinninger, Captain, Retired 1988
Well played Chief !…..
should have been Chief Engineer !!!!!
Gross, fireman / House dues/Tractor co / in the 80s.. @ 88’s .
I think U paid your phone bill ! 🙂
I worked with Jack as a Sr. Inspector, Captain, Captain II, BC and AC and Fire Chief and he was outstanding in every role. My first memory of Jack was as the ultimate professional plan checker for the LAFD. He not only knew what was required by Code, he knew and demanded what was needed to provide adequate fire protection.
As a company officer he was a role model, doing not only what was expected of an LAFD officer, but doing it the “right way”. As a Chief Officer he exemplified what that position should be, respected by suborinates, peers and those of greater rank.
When we both served as Chief of Department in the Bay Area, he was the model of an effective, efficient fire officer improving the level of protection and service to the citizens and the safety of his Firefighters.
We celebrated our AC pro motions together at his home in the Valley with Bill Blair and Frank Borden. Jack was without a doubt the best Incident Commander I ever witnessed and I feel blessed to have had him as my colleague and friend. I’ll miss him.
Jack was my first captain on the LAFD in 1969 at F.S. 3. He was a great guy. I wonder where the LAFD would be today if he would been appointed Chief Engineer. Thank you for your help along the way. Rest in peace.
Duane Warth
Reno, Nevada
I remember Jack Bennett from S&M then at Division 3, Gary Clinite was his Driver/Aide and on occasion I was detailed from 88’s to drive Division 3…prior to the 1984 Los Angeles summer Olympics (and during the Olympics) I worked closely with Chief Bennett on training and implementation of the LAFD Airborne Fire/Rescue rappelling teams, Chief Bennett had given us a tremendous amount of support when the Department was hesitant on this training using our Helicopters. This was the beginning of Airborne Engine and High Rise firefighting & rescue from the roof of high rise buildings using helicopters, Chief Bennett was an acclaimed author and writer for Firehouse and Fire Engineering magazines.
Like Don Anthony, Jack Bennetts contributions to the fire service, training and safety will be remembered for many years to come…
God bless Assistant Chief Jack Bennett and his family
Phil Weireter, Chief Officers driver/aide, Adutant, Staff Assistant and that new name S/A’s have now.