Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund
Please accept my donation in honor of my dad who passed away on March 31, 2012. I wanted to say “Thank You” to the LAFD for all the help you have given us since Dad died. You have been there for us so many times this past year and a half. You were at Dad’s funeral to give us a flag; and I’ll never forget the bagpipe solo at his graveside service.
In no time at all you sent us new insurance cards, which proved to be a God-send. When I was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma in January 2013, you were there for us again. Because of your medical insurance I feel I got the best cancer treatment and care. After chemotherapy and radiation treatments, I was declared cancer free this past July. I recently volunteered to work at a blood drive to raise money for cancer patients who don’t have enough to afford good cancer care. It made me realize what a wonderful gift you gave me with your insurance.
And in June 2013 I turned 18 years old. Once again you were there for me. I received a pension check for my dad’s service time. Mom and I immediately put the entire amount in a CD at your credit union to help pay my college expenses.
This is a special “Thank You” for all that you have done for us this past year and a half. You are our heroes.
Sincerely,
Kalyn D. Boukather
Irvine, CA
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Dear Editor:
In going through my October Auto Club magazine I came across a photo (“A Big Bang” – the 1947 explosion at the O’Connor Electro-Plating Co. plant on Pico Blvd) that was so special to me.
My husband went on the fire dept in June of 1947. They hired a lot of men after the war. When I met him in 1950 he was working at Station 15 on Bunker Hill, which is long gone of course. They had a lot of fires because the houses were ancient. They still had the old fire trucks, even the brackets that held the horse’s reins were still up there. They did not build cars during WWII or fire trucks either I guess. They did have a nice handball court though, and they were in great shape.
Don’t know how many guys left would remember that explosion, but I wanted to send the picture because it brought back interesting memories.
Sincerely,
Clarice Tuck, widow of Capt Joseph Tuck
Vista, CA
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Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association,
We would like to thank all of you at the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association for the memorial flag and beautiful flower arrangement. Michael had a wonderful career with the Los Angeles City Fire Department and had an enduring affection for his Fire Department family.
The Ambarian Family
Ojai, CA
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Dear Mr. Jacobsen,
We wanted to let you know how appreciative we are in regards to the efforts of Andy Kuljis in honoring the life of Joseph O. Michell.
Andy was amazing from the moment Patrick, Joe’s oldest son, called him on the day of Joe’s passing. He was so helpful and supportive, especially in securing Boat 2 for Joe’s final voyage and our goodbyes. This meant so much to Marie, Joe’s wife, as well as his children and grandchildren. Andy is a true “Keeper of the Flame” for LA’s firefighters and their families.
Sincerely,
The Michell Family – Marie, Patrick, Monica, Dean, Tim and spouses and grandchildren
Los Angeles, CA
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Dear Editor:
About a year ago, at the LAFRA Open House, I spoke with John Jacobsen. I told him how happy I was to read the Chaplain’s Column in the recent Grapevine.
I remember in the “olden days’ a chaplain’s column was in every month of the Grapevine. Today there are 11 chaplains, so each one would have to write an article only once a year and Fowble (since he did such a great job in this month’s – October – Grapevine . . . and he is the most recently appointed chaplain) could write two articles a year!! Is it a deal?
Please accept this gift to the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund to honor our chaplains, and my husband Gene Fairrington (LAFD 1959 -89).
Sincerely,
Ruth Fairrington
Los Angeles, CA
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LA Firemen’s Relief Assn,
We wish to extend our sincerest gratitude for all the help you have given to our family during this very difficult time losing my husband, Hans R. Wolf. The Relief Assn was so kind and helpful whenever our family called. They sent us all the medical equipment we needed within a days notice.
Andy Kuljis, a big thank you for all your help – attending the memorial service and presenting the beautiful floral bouquet. Also for the nice speech when presenting the flag case containing the flag which had been flown over his old fire station 45’s. It will be displayed with honor in our home. We have always been so proud being part of the Los Angeles fire family. Please accept this donation to the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund in the memory of Captain Hans R. Wolf.
Anne Wolf and the Wolf family
Canyon Country, CA
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WODFF
Please accept this donation in honor and memory of the wonderful lady that shared 70 of her 90 years with me – Carol (Christmas baby 1922) Van Valkenburg – Van Eaton. Thank you for your help during her down time.
Sincerely,
Jack Van Eaton, LAFD retired (in 1975)
Bothell, WA
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LA Firemen’s Relief Assn,
Thank you so much for the flag you sent me in honor of my husband Gerald Lehmann’s memory. I will always treasure it. He was such a great guy and I miss him so much.
Grethe Lehmann
Las Vegas, NV
