Dear Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund
Please accept this donation in memory of Willis A. (Willie) Friend. I worked with Willie twice early in my career. The first time was at “old – long since closed – 22’s” where he was an auto fireman on the “A” platoon and I was a rookie on the “C” platoon.
A few years later I was promoted to auto fireman and again had the opportunity to work with Willie at “old – now demolished – 4’s, where he was a captain II for part of my stay there. One thing I remember is that he preferred not to wear a seatbelt and even with the poor brakes on the Thibault truck I could levitate him off his seat for a few seconds, at least for the first two stops – after which the brakes faded.
I seem to remember that he promoted to B/C and was assigned to a battalion in the Valley where he wasn’t like too well (for what reason I have no idea). In his defense, I always got along just fine with him and have nothing but good memories about him.
May he rest in peace,
Richard Watters, LAFD retired
Agoura Hills, CA
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To WODFF:
Please accept the enclosed donation in memory of Willis A. “Willie” Friend. I had the pleasure of working with him at FS 4 in the early 70’s. He was a fine captain and eventual chief officer. A true gentleman.
John C. Ware, LAFD retired
Westminster, CA
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Attention Andrew Kuljis:
First, I want to thank you for the flag and the fact that FS 18 firefighters assembled in front of the station and stood at attention. Frank would have appreciated that as he took his job seriously and told me many stories of his time in the service of the fire department.
We had 25 wonderful years of marriage, and he was both a great person, aloving husband and my best friend. I know he is no longer suffering and is in the care of our Almighty. He went through a terrible time in the hospital and the worst part was he went to have a knee replacement and was in good physical condition. He contracted sepsis, then pneumonia, then c-diff and went downhill fast. I felt he was trying to stay alive for me, so I took his face in both my hands, kissed him and told him I would be able to take care of myself, to just let go. The most beautiful expression came over him and I knew he would be gone soon. A few days later he was.
If there would be more people in the world like Frank, what a better place it would be. My thanks to all who knew him and cared for him. A special thanks to FS 18. He is missed.
Sincerely,
Janice Wommack, wife of Capt. Francis L. Wommack
Sun City, AZ
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Dear Widows and Orphans Fund –
I have very fond memories of Joe Lockwood, both as a really good friend and as one of the most effective A/C’s on the job. We shared our problems and expectations about what was happening in the Department. If you were looking for an answer to a problem, Joe had it. Please accept this donation in memory of a really close friend.
Jack Bennett
Bluffton, SC
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To LAFRA:
Please accept this donation to the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund in memory of retired Assistant Chief Joseph Lockwood. Joe was a fireman for the city of Norfolk and later was a captain on the New Orleans Naval Air Station Fire Department. I had the good fortune to work with Joe several times starting as rookies at FS 2 and then we worked in battalion 1 – Joe at Truck 28 and me at Squad 23. While studying for our first promotional exams, for engineer and then captain, Joe was looked upon as the guy to beat.
After appointment to engineer, Joe and I were assigned to the one year job of redesigning and revising the LAFD Manual of Operations into five volumes (that was 50 years ago). As we were finishing the revision, we both received appointment to captain on the same day. Several years later we worked together at Truck and Engine 15-B. After that Joe made more promotions, finally retiring as an assistant chief of Division I.
Joe had very high standards and spent a lot of time training. Members of his command were always very knowledgeable, hardworking and aggressive firefighters.
My wife Girlen and I were privileged to spend time with Joe and Jeane a month before he passed away. We talked for hours about what a great job we had and the many wonderful longtime friends we knew over the years.
I am sure that Joe and Jeane would join us in expressing how fortunate we were to be part of such a great group of past and present friends on the LAFD, and to be members of the best fire department anywhere.
Sincerely,
Gerry and Girlen McClanahan
Fremont, MO
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LA Firemen’s Relief Assn,
Please accept this donation in memory of Mate Ron Smith from Boat 2. He was a good friend and a good mate.
Thank you,
Donald Spreeman
Huntington Beach, CA
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To the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association;
I would like to thank you for all the help that you gave my sister Pat Baker during her illness. Pat was the widow of Fireman Joseph Baker. There are two checks enclosed for donation to the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
Thanks so very much,
Mary Kebler
Torrance, CA
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Gentlemen:
Our mother, Della Crenshaw passed away on August 5, 2013. In lieu of flowers in our mother’s memory, we asked that donations could be sent for a Memorial bench to be placed on Euclid Avenue in Upland or to the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
Many friends and relatives have lovingly donated. We are able to order the memorial Bench and the balance of the monies sent are enclosed as a donation to the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
Thank you,
Bonnie Ipsen, Pattie Crenshaw, Elaine Helm and families
Upland, CA
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Andy Kuljis,
Please accept this donation to the Widows and Orphans Fund for my friend Vern Begley. He was a really funny guy to be around.
Thank you,
Harry Morck
Helendale, CA
