Assistant Chief, S&M
Deceased:
July 20, 2018
Appointed:
04/20/1963
Pensioned:
01/20/1996 – S&M
Services:
TBA
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Tony Hidalgo says
I work for Chief O Neill in Battalion 5 as a young A/O. He took me under his wing and mentored me in my preparation for Captain. For this I am truly grateful.
Chief, Thank you for everything. Just one more thing, say hi to Kurt, I miss him too.
Dennis Gildehaus. ( Mouse ) says
Not only was Chief O Niel one of the best fireman on the LAFD, He also was one of the greatest Chiefs.
Dennis Gildehaus says
Rip Chief O Neil, not only were you one of the best fireman on the LAFD, YOU WERE ONE OF GREATEST LEADERS, MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. Mouse
Larry Mayer says
Worked with Chief O’Neil as an EMS officer when he was at Battalion 5. Not only a true gentleman, but a great leader who was well respected by the firefighters who worked for him. RIP Chief.
Sonny Garrido says
One of the most respected Chief’s ever on the LAFD.
R.I.P. Chief O’Neil and thank you.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Tom Vigar says
Jim & I were young firemen @ 15s.
In the 60s. I later worked for him @29s along with Don Wilde, 2 great captains good times & memories. He was my AC while @ 93s and often came by the station to visit. We were long time friends &. I will miss him. RIP Jim
robert defeo says
Jim O’Neill, a friend, mentor and an outstanding Fire Ground Commander.
A Marine who fought his way from the Yalu River to safety as part of one of the Marine Corps greatest battles, “The Frozen Chosin”. He carried that courage to fight and win throughout out his Fire Department career, h at emergencies, special duty and as a negotiator. His word was his bond.
I had the good fortune to work in Battalion 11 as a rookie BC. Oniell in Battalion 5 and another, Marine Glenn Dinger in Battalion 1. They showed me the way and kept me out of trouble. Jim,Guns up, God bless and Semper Fi.
Ron Leydecker says
An outstanding Fire Officer and leader. A treasure. RIP Chief.
jim langsfeld says
He took me under his wing both at Training and in the field. His calm way and mannerisms kept me calm in difficult circumstances. He was a Fine Man and a great leader. RIP Chief
Larry Metz says
RIP Chief.
The times with you, Glenn Dinger, Bob Ewert and Bob Defoe were the best. You were great to work with and fun on the golf course.
Dana Larsen says
People spend a life-time wondering if they made a difference,
Marines do not have that problem.
For my time on the LAFD it was the people that had such a huge impact on my life. It was a privilege and honor for me to work with Chief Oneill during my time at the shops. His support and leadership encouraged his subordinates to excel further beyond what they thought was possible. I am very thankful for that time in my career and look back favorably because of the leadership and integrity that Chief Oneill demonstrated – along with stories he shared at the end of the day. The fire family has lost another great leader and a chief officer that made such a positive impact on those around him.
May the Lord comfort the Oneill family and bless the LAFD.
Thanks for the memories Chief
John Scherrei says
Chief O’Neill will never die as long as firefighters do the right thing, as long as firefighters maintain the public trust, as long as one stands in the same corner and supports another firefighter in a jam, as long as chief officers lead by example.
We all admire his courage.
Mike Lehr says
I worked for Chief O’Neil when he was a B.C. in Batt. 5. Respect ran both ways with him- he for the troops and the troops for him. He knew how to administer his battalion. He would spend time with the troops enjoying a cup of coffee with the boys. That’s how he’d keep his finger on the pulse- first hand personal contact with his subordinates. And the troops enjoyed chewing the fat with the boss too as many stories were shared.
Jim was a firefighter’s firefighter. His command presence at emergencies was to be admired and emulated. Every company on the fireground was knew exactly what their assignment was. The Chief didn’t accept the term “Roger” as an acknowledgement of his orders. He said “Roger” only meant that his message was received, not necessarily understood. So he’d give an order followed by “OK?” If the order was understood, the reply was “OK!”
I was an engineer, FS 35A. We had a barn burner fire in a commercial building on Hollywood Blvd. I’m at my pump panel in front of the fire when a call from inside asked for a pike pole. Everyone was busy- I hear “Mike”. I look around, what the?……… Again- “Mike!”- it’s Chief O’Neil on the buggy’s P.A….. “Mike, bring them a pike pole……… I’ll watch your rig!
If you knew him you had to love him. Chief, God Bless you, God Bless your family. I hope we meet again so we can share more stories around the coffee table.
Mike Hilliger says
Chief O’Neill, one of many that was called a “legend” on the LAFD. He truly was, as a man , a firefighter, a leader, a fire ground commander. A “gold badge” that truly cared for the troups. JJ made everyone feel comfortable when just hanging around the kitchen table, or training us on
how to be the best fire department in the world. Chief O’Neill will be missed by all who knew him. May our God and Savior be a comfort to his family!!!!
Rick Watters says
I met Jim when I was a 1st house rookie at 14’s (then a 2 piece engine High Pressure Co.) Jim was the senior Fireman, with another Rookie from the previous class also under his wing. He was next to me on the first hoseline on a second floor fire, (the first real fire I went to) at the “Elk’s Lodge” just down the street, with the fire in the bar area quickly extending into the ballroom. Later as he promoted thru Captain and B/C. I always heard good things about what a great leader and trainer he was, and I couldn’t agree more.
RIP, Jim
R. Bruce Teasdale says
I can’t add anything more than what has been shared. Chief O’Neill was the most incredible officer I had the privilege to work for in my career.
He cared for his men and commanded them in such a manner that they did not want to disappoint him.
His fire ground tactics gave you the confidence to carry out your assignment as directed with no reservation at all.
May God grant him eternal peace.