Firefighter III – Fire Safety Education Unit
Deceased:
05/23/2021
Appointed:
12/18/1983
Pensioned:
05/04/2002 – Fire Safety Education Unit
Details about the Celebration of Life
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
I worked with Joanne at F.S. 88 in the eighties. She was a wonderful person and I am so sad about her. About a year ago my wife and I were in Bishop and ran into her at the Highland campground. We spent a while talking about old times.
James please consider joining us for her Celebration of Life event Aug. 7th. Call or text 805-501-1886 for details. -Jenny & Meegan Cameron.
Joanne was ga great person I had the pleasure of having her work for me when she was a rookie. We connected after retirement I was hoping we could get together. She went to high school with my wife
Joanne finished her probation at FS 64’s “C.” John Squire was the TFC and Richar Olson was the Engine Captain. I was assigned to the “B” shift. I was always very impressed with Joanne. Her true desire was to be Los Angeles City Firefighter. She was all business and as tough as needed when duty called. She dispelled my every doubt about female firefighters. I truly admired her commitment to her chosen profession. It was my great pleasure to know her and work with her during her early years on the job.
I am saddened to learn of her passing..
Leonard please consider joining us for her Celebration of Life event Aug. 7th. Call or text 805-501-1886 for details. -Jenny & Meegan Cameron.
I lost one of the dearest friends I have ever had. It is tough because we have had so many years together in a very special relationship. One that has been a gift from God and given me what I needed in life and not what I wanted. Joanne Bausmith was her name when I met her in Junior High School. We had a open friendship at Granada Hills High School and then, amazingly, she became one of the first females to make it into the ranks of the Los Angeles City Fire Department. We were brother and sister in Christ as well as on the Department…all this just heightened our friendship. Joanne was just one week older than me so we referred to each other as, “The Older” and “The Younger”. Now Joanne was born on May 4th so you now she got the Star Wars hit every year, “May the Fourth be with you!” I asked her to marry me but she said no…reason…”You need to have kids and I can’t give them to you!” and she was right. Gene’ and I married and we have two boys. When Mikki was born I called Joanne and said, “You were right!” I always considered Joanne and Gene’ my Angel Wings always flying high in our relationships. Now I have to fly cautiously because I am not sure how I’ll be if I lost Gene’. I am a blessed man to have such a great amount of love in my life. I ask that you pray for Joanne’s family and ask that you pray for me and mine…it hurts!
Joanne was a trailblazing legend on the LAFD. She was one of the Department’s first female firefighters to pass probation. I knew Joanne before she came on the job and worked with her when she was a rookie at FS 64 in the mid 80’s. She had the heart of a lion and impressed everyone with her hard work and determination. She overcame obstacles with grace and dignity that today would not be tolerated. She maintained that same grace and dignity as she battled the illness that finally took her life. We all owe Joanne a “Tip of the Hat,” for being a role model for young woman and showing them a career in the fire service could be a reality. The LAFD is a better Department today because of Joanne Cameron.
Joanne Cameron was a class act. She and Julie Bender were the first female Firefighters to hit the field in early 1984. I was her Captain I on Engine 33. She adapted well to all the adolescent craziness at 33’s. After all the concern over how to handle female Firefighter’s at “fire city” she made it easy as possible around the station and at incidents. Around that time she and several LAFD guys went to a vehicle extrication seminar in Corona. I wasn’t there but she won $50 arm wrestling other Firefighters at 1$ each, WOW! She was in excellent physical condition which she demonstrated when she , as the rookie, had to lead us guys at 33’s in P.T. In later years I ran into her a few times and caught up on things. I met her one more time last year and had a good conversation once again. Vaya con Dios Joanne, you did good.
Pat please consider joining us for her Celebration of Life event Aug. 7th. Call or text 805-501-1886 for details. -Jenny & Meegan Cameron.
Joanne Cameron & Julie Bender were the trail blazers. Many women on the job today have no idea what they went through in the Academy, Probation, and even after they got their shield.
Joanne was a Class act who never complained and just won people over with her hard work and competence.
My condolences to the Cameron family.
Kevin please consider joining us for her Celebration of Life event Aug. 7th. Call or text 805-501-1886 for details. -Jenny & Meegan Cameron.
She was a true pioneer. Not into it for an agenda, just wanted to serve. Great attitude and did the work. Like Jim Murad said loved working with her at 88’s. Remember her rollerbading around the 13 acres ( Gross, Shields, Chris Ennis, and Beverino estimated their domain). She would finish at the helipad and do her post workout. LAPD and the news birds would come out of Van Nuys and circle around 9AM sharp. Missing you and all that have gone recently. God Bless.
Dave please consider joining us for her Celebration of Life event Aug. 7th. Call or text 805-501-1886 for details. -Jenny & Meegan Cameron.
What a shock to hear of her passing. Like the others at 88’s, I admired her great attitude, great smile, and eagerness to work. I was going up on the forklift basket to repair one of the drop cord reels and she quickly hopped in the basket to help and see what I was up to. Always ready to learn, her arm-wrestling strength was a help also, bringing down the reel. Never had anything but a smile on her face (that’s not always easy at the squirrel cage). She had a strong Christian faith that I am sure helped her these last few years. Thanks for helping me grow, Joanne.
Tom, thank you! Please consider joining us for her Celebration of Life event Aug. 7th. Call or text 805-501-1886 for details. -Jenny & Meegan Cameron.
I am a classmate of Joanne’s in the LAFD 12-18-1983 class. Without a doubt, Joanne demonstrated a servant’s heart and a Warrior Spirit. We were contemporaries on the job and neighbors in Ventura County. Joanne served with Competence, Honor, and a Great sense of Humor. I am Grateful Joanne is Resting with The Lord.
My Condolences to the Cameron Family.
Rick Erquiaga
Rick, please consider joining us for her Celebration of Life event Aug. 7th. Call or text 805-501-1886 for details. -Jenny & Meegan Cameron.
Jenny: I am so sorry to miss your kind invitation and the Celebration of Life for your mom, Joanne on 8-7-21, I did not see this until 9-17-21. I recall Joanne speaking so highly of “Her Girls” early in our careers, even as my 3 kids were growing up in NP. I am so grateful you Ladies are reflecting Joanne’s Love to others,
Tremendous Love and Respect,
Rick Erquiaga
Miss y0u my friend !!!! …….
don … tractor co , @ 88’s
……back in ….. “the day” …!!!….
…. volley ball , 0800 hrs !!!……
Donny!!!!!! Life goes so fast doesn’t it! Volleyball and “Soda Pop” and all those cut gallons of ice cream mom bought at Baskin Robbins for her rookie fails. She loved it and it was such a great experience to watch our mom handle it all with excitement and grace. So much love to you Donny. Please consider joining us for her Celebration of Life event Aug. 7th. Call or text 805-501-1886 for details. -Jenny & Meegan Cameron.
There are many things I remember of Joanne. Filling bottles, shagging V-balls, loading hose (Pink Pig was going for Engineer) at the Squirrel Cage, then at Our Lady of Training: haircuts on the top floor, setting off the burglar alarm, movie time with a VAT of Joe Longon’s famous popcorn; but the most memorable thing about Joanne was her unshakable faith in God.
She has fought the good fight,She has finished the race, she has kept the faith. Joanne a crown of righteousness awaits you.
Rest in peace.
Tiula please consider joining us for her Celebration of Life event Aug. 7th. Call or text 805-501-1886 for details. -Jenny & Meegan Cameron.
Jenny/Meegan,
I just heard about your mother’s passing.
You mother was an incredibly kind person and show me kindness at a time when it really mattered.
So many positive memories. You are both in my thoughts. Best to you.
Tom
Hi Tom,
Thank you so much!
Mom was a gem!
Kindly,
Jenny
Oct 25 ……
My dear friend JoAnne ………..:)
life is all about choices …ehhh ?
I sure miss you Joanne my friend …….
……….. don in gezzerville , AZ