Fire Inspector, FPB Underground Tanks
Deceased:
August 11, 2020
Appointed:
02/09/1963
Pensioned:
04/08/1990 – FPB Underground Tanks
Services:
Private
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
John is the reason that LAFD started New Construction Inspections. His dedication and attention to detail were like no other. He established testing protocols that are used today. He was a true professional and a person I was proud to work next to. Rest In Peace.
One of the most intelligent and unique men in the history of the LAFD. A true original. RIP John “Foxe”
John was a great help to us in the field. Whenever any of us in the field had difficult situations with getting compliance in our fire prevention duties, he was always promptly available for guidance and direction to get results. When he was assigned to the high rise unit, he worked tirelessly with Chief Dinger and Capt. Nipp to make many changes that not only helped our operations but provided added safety to us as firemen. He was a very dedicated and unique man. May God bless you in eternity with Him.
What a sweetheart! Fireman, inspector, mountaineer. Only a few can say they’ve been to base camp at Mount Everest numerous times. He and his wife tried to save a climber in full arrest on a trip there. He had Sherpa kids live with him to better their lives. When he brought them back to their families. They were shocked at how big their children had grown, from eating, breathing, and living life in the U.S. He took Lane, Manzo, Ruda, and me spelunkering (cave exploring) at Cave of the Winding Stair. What an adventure! Sorry we all lost track of each other over all these years…rest in peace, my friend.
Unique is a good description of John. Beside being all the above mentioned John was a hell of an athlete on the court. He would come by 10’s and school us young guys He didn’t look like an athlete but was a good one. Yes spelunking was also my greatest memory with my best time buddy Lane Larry Ruda and couple John’s friends. John we put our life’s in his hands repelling up to 350’ underground then jewmarring up the rope took us almost 24 hrs to do. John godspeed my friend
I rode out with him one day while trying to go for inspector. we went to the top
of the biggest high rise in LA (at the time). he had a meeting with some wealthy
building owners downtown. in 5 minutes they were all eating out of his hand.
I had never see power and knowledge used like that. before the meeting he said
‘shut up and listen’. he introduced me as an equal but I had borrowed a white shirt
& tie one hour before.
over the years he had a rep but he was always kind & helpful to me.
I will miss him.