Captain – Fire Station 96
Deceased:
07/21/2021
Appointed:
02/04/1961
Pensioned:
02/11/1990 – FS96
Details about the Memorial Service
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Capt Jim Craig grab the reins of Squad 39 back in the late 70’s. We had a group of young firefighters that wanted go cut roofs and fight fire. I am sure he wondered at first if it was a good decision. He was even tempered and was able to control the wild bunch. I still remember he had a facial expression when things weren’t going exactly as planned, it would have been right out of a sitcom. We got dispatched to a greater early in the morning. This was before teletype had to write it down. I was driving and we both heard Ventura cross of Coldwater. As we approached the radio was jammed we are not see anything no smoke no fire no fire trucks. We had already been given an assignment, we looked at each other, he had that look. The guys riding on the tailboard were doing everything to get our attention to no avail. Just as Capt Craig was going to ask OCD for help the dispatcher was repeating the address and pronounced the street…VICTOREE Bl. New dispatcher that didn’t know the valley. Victory cross of Coldwater. About face head north at a high rate of speed and he never said slow it down. Great guy to work for not flashy but good at his job.
Rest in Peace James
Worked with Jim at FS 39 (old 39’s) 1981-1984. As a Task Force we attended EMT training and Hazmat training. Capt. Craig was assigned to Squad 39, the firefighters rotated squad, engine and truck and firefighters drove the squad back then. One cold winter day after a big bowl of chili I was driving the squad returning from a call and had a bout with flatulence, of course the windows were up and the heater was on! Capt. Craig looked over at me and said if you do that again you won’t be driving the squad. Well, who can resist a challenge like that, so a few minutes later I let another one fly. From then on I rode the tailboard.
Captain Craig was an excellent cabinet maker and a great guy to work around.. He also had the talent of getting a quart of ice cream to balance on a tablespoon, and while doing so he would say, you know there is no calories in a spoonful.
Back in those days many of the members C-shifted for some extra income. As I started to do so, Captain Craig said to me remember C-shifting is for now, promotions are for a lifetime. Thanks for the great advice Cap. I’m glad I listened.
Condolences to your family, RIP
Bob Mihlhauser, A.K.A. Moose