On the evening of February 28, 2019, over 100 family members, friends and co-workers gathered at The Oaks Club in Valencia to honor Firefighter Julio Maldonado. Julio completed over 34 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Los Angeles, 27 of those at OCD/Metro.
The dinner started off with an invocation by Pastor Fernando Villicana, a long-time friend of Julio. Dinner was buffet style with all the fixings. The cake that was truly a work of art, succumbed to the traditional center core job by a couple of unnamed members. The stand in MC for the night, Dennis Garza, also a long-time member of OCD/Metro, did an outstanding job keeping the show going.
The first presentation of the evening was by Captain Jorge Perez, handing over the Personal Record Book, followed by Captain Sean Hughes who talked about Julio’s dedication to his family and the Department. Sean also presented Julio with his Certificate of Retirement, signed by Fire Chief Terrazas.
Assistant Chief Carlos Calvillo gave the 30-year pin, one diamond for each 10 years of service. Presenting the Retirement badge from the Relief Association was Battalion Chief Gene Bednarchik, who mentioned how he had known but not known Julio in their high school days. Next presentation was from UFLAC, the traditional “axe” given by Captain “Alby” Albarran. A few other items, such as a bag of Fritos was passed on and Ed Mena (ret) presented Julio with a number of items such as hair spray for Julio’s full head of hair. A group from the Fire Hogs Motorcycle Group presented Julio with a Medieval looking style axe, and for the main gift, Captain Tom Sammartano (ret) gave Julio a replica fire truck which Tom dolls up and makes for retiring members. Then a group photo signed by some of Julio’s closest friends on a trip to Las Vegas was presented by the MC, Dennis Garza.
In all it was a fabulous send off to one of the most knowledgeable resource controllers this department has ever had. Julio, I speak for all those members past and present that worked with you, a long, healthy and happy retirement. Good luck and may the Lord be with you.