Dear Andy,
I am sending this donation in honor of Billie Strickland. He loved the fire service and it gave us a wonderful life. Bill devoted 40 years to the fire service and was grateful for the opportunity. We were proud to be a part of it.
Sincerely,
Donna Strickland
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Dear LAFRA,
Please accept this donation to the WODFF in memory of John (Jack) Harrington, who passed away in March. I first met Jack in early February of 1973 when I was promoted to Auto Fireman, assigned to Old Fire Station 17. Their regular truck was a 1962 Seagrave, but it was in the shops, and the relief apparatus was the 1943 Kenworth tractor with a 1938 Seagrave 100 ft. aerial. In doing the Monday checks, I was unable to determine if it had a full tank of fuel, as there was no gauge on the dash, and no apparent fuel fill. I finally asked Jack (who was a probationary Engineer at the time) if he could help me locate the fuel tank. After what seemed at the time like forever, we located the fuel tank under the Captain’s seat, along with a short piece of lathe tied to some salvage cord for a dipstick! Paso Robles is where I saw Jack for the last time, although I did talk to him after his move to Bullhead City, on the Colorado River. Another one of the “Good Guys” gone too soon.
Richard Watters, LAFD retired
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Dear LAFRA,
The Firemen’s Relief Fund helped with my father-in-law, William C. Wakeland, and his wife in the last years of their lives. After William passed away, you continued to help his wife, Laura, until her death. I cannot begin to tell you how this helped them and our family. Laura had ALS and needed 24-hour care. Your help allowed her to live in her own home and not be institutionalized. ALS is a terrible disease, taking the body but not the mind. You made it possible for her to have a life instead of just being alive. How can I repay that! We have been blessed recently and would like to contribute back to the fund so you may continue to help others.
With sincere thanks,
Amy Wakeland
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I James O’Kray make this donation in memory of two Firemen I worked with, L.C. Shuler and Boyd Chapman
Thank you,
JJ O’Kray
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LAFRA,
Please accept this donation to the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund in memory of Doris Baker, wife of Frank Baker.
Thank you,
Delbert C. Thompson and Jo-Ann Thompson
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LA Firemen’s Relief Assn:
While at the Hook & Ladder Enduro, on Friday March 16th, one of our friends was noticeably showing signs of a stroke. We were able to get him from Randsburg to the pit area where paramedics and a doctor (Capt/PM Mike Reitmayer and Dr Jeff Nordella, extended family member of Greg Peters) determined he needed to be airlifted by Mercy Air to Antelope Valley Hospital in Lancaster. Due to the professionalism received from everyone who helped Bob, he is doing fine. We are all grateful to each and everyone of you.
Kay Hopkins
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Dear LAFRA,
Please accept this donation in memory of Thomas Rix, Gene Taylor and Patricia Smith, wife of Richard Smith.
Thank you,
John W. Potter
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LAFRA,
On behalf of my three sisters: Karen, Susan, and Joann, I would like to express our extreme gratitude for all that LAFRA does, and in participating in the ‘Celebration of Life’ for our father, Leroy Lilly. All of us were very much pleased with the way that the whole event transpired. In particular, I would like our thanks and gratitude passed on to Andy Kuljis for spending the time to come down to canyon Lake and make the presentation of the flag and the 10 bells ceremony. Thanks also go out to James Dolan for the beautiful American Flag Case. I don’t know who actually builds these things but they are a work of art. Please accept this donation to the WOFFD in honor and memory of our father, LeRoy M. Lilly.
Again, Thank you so much!
David L. Lilly
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Dear Andy,
The kids and I want to thank you so much for all your help dealing with Glenn’s affairs and for attending his ‘Celebration of Life,’ not only representing LAFRA but as a dear friend. I have enclosed a check to the Widows, Orphan’s and Disabled Firemen’s Fund on behalf of our ‘special son,’ Don Giancursio, who was so impressed by the dignity and sincerity of your presentation. He felt compelled to help. Please convey to John Keys our gratitude for a very moving performance and warm acceptance of our family and friends gathered to send Glenn on his way. The Fire family has always been there for us throughout Glenn’s service and we will forever be grateful for knowing it will continue to do so in the future.
Sincerely,
Vicki Dinger and Family
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Dear Bob,
Please accept this donation to the Widow, Orphan, and Disabled Firemen’s Fund in memory of our dear friend, Barney Nipp. Barney was instrumental in transforming old Fire Station 27 into our Hollywood Museum. His work continues to show in the building and the portable grill in which he coordinated the constriction of (Barney’s Grill). In addition to his work on behalf of the museum, Barney was an outstanding fire officer and even though his legacy will live on, he will certainly be missed.
James R. Finn, President
Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society