Firefighter III – Fire Station 88
Deceased:
November 9, 2022
Appointed:
09/01/2007
Status:
Active
Assignment:
Fire Station 88
Details about the memorial service
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Patrick Butler says
Kenny was a giant of a man. One of the best firefighters of today’s generation. Rich in tradition with an old soul. You would have thought he was born and raised during the greatest generation. He had a deep respect for our job, never shirked responsibility and did his job silently. I remember working with him at Fire Station 88 – he would get to work early and get his workout in. He was 6’2″, 220 and physically fit without a stitch of fat.
What I remember most was his love of Brit, his wife, they were newlywed and were a great couple. He hand crafted the table ornaments and other artifacts for their wedding. For a tough guy he was a puppy and always talked about his love of Brit and their future together.
He was an avid surfer and they would camp in his Ford E350 surf van. He will be sorely missed and I will always remember our time together at FS88-B.
Godspeed Kenny – you made me a better man.
Laurie M says
Beautiful tribute to Ken. Thank you. 💔💔💔
Jim Stiglich says
Ken Brink was a first house rookie assigned to Truck 72. I was a an aging fireman near the end of my usefulness on a truck at my last Task Force assignment. Ken was fine man, a gentle soul and one of the best rookies I ever had the pleasure to help train. Open eyes and ears, eager to learn and tons of physical strength. I knew right off he was going to be a winner for the LAFD…especially on the truck side. He inspired me to bring everything I ever learned as a fireman to the training table to share with him. It was only for a few short months but Ken was a quick learner. We were on Truck 72 at a fire in a large under construction apartment complex that turned out to be the best save I was ever on. We were on the roof doing what trucks do while monitors and 2 1/2’s were blasting away at ground level. While Ken was working with the A/O cutting defensive strip ventilation I went over to the street side parapet and threw down my drop bag for a hand line. Five stories…glad it wasn’t six…and we had a line on the roof. I handed it to the rookie…Ken Brink…so he could squirt water at the big one. I left him to get another line aloft hoping I wouldn’t break trying it alone. After maybe three floors I was done. About the time I thought I would lose my grip Ken tapped me on the shoulder and said ‘need a hand?’ He yanked the last few floors, advanced the line to the courtyard parapet while I caught my breath and we spent the next few hours helping hold extension of the fire from the roof, saving a majority of the structure. Just one moment in his early career, maybe his first to be Johnny on the spot at a big fire. I’m sure he has stepped up many times in his 15 years, honing his skills and becoming a valued journeyman firefighter in the highest LAFD tradition. It pains my heart to see the tragic end to such a promising career and a fine man’s life. I am sorry for his loss but proud to have known him. He did it right, he made a difference and he will not be forgotten. My deepest condolences to his wife and family.
Laurie M says
Such a touching tribute. Thank you. Kenny will missed 💔💔💔💔
Michael Mac Innes says
Godspeed my friend
Bob Mihlhauser says
Ken’s passing is obviously shocking and unexpected news. My most sincere condolences go out to Ken’s wife, the entire Brink family and their friends, additionally, to the members of USAR 88, FS 88 and the LAFD men and women that new Ken.
I had the pleasure of working with Ken at Fire Station 72-B during his probationary rotation, I was his Capt. II. Ken was assigned to the Truck, he was eager to learn and easy to teach. Ken demonstrated the ability to remember our company operations, learn the tools and equipment we carried and fit in with the crew on all 3 shifts. Ken learned the mechanics of tillering the truck as easy as anyone I ever worked with. In fact he did so well at the driving portion of tillering that Mark Curry and I certified Ken to tiller Truck 72. Of course Ken still had a lot to learn about the fireground responsibilities of tillering, but he could tiller the truck to any location.
Ken being eager to learn took the dispatches for Truck 72 and Engine 72. During his 4 months he demonstrated the willingness and ability to ride in any seat on the task force. I was certain that, as Ken gained time and experience on the job, he would be an asset to any command! I looked forward to seeing Ken every shift at FS 72.
Ken had a group of talented mentors at FS 72-B. The following members helped Ken get a good start to his career, Capt. I, – M. Curry (now Chief Curry), A/O – Kleiser, Eng’s – Bringas & Zeiger, F/F’s – Ulmer, Jepsen, Stiglich & FFP – D. Finger.
To Ken’s Family and friends, I will keep you in my thoughts and Prayers. Ken R.I.P.
Bob Mihlhauser, A.K.A. Moose
Rick Ramirez says
I had the good fortune to briefly work with Kenny early in his career. During the brownouts of 2010 I worked several shifts with him at 11s. Later in 2011 after the closures I was assigned there for a few months. Kenny would have had 3 or 4 years on the job. The notification of his death left me profoundly saddened and also compelled to comment on him. He made an impression on me.
Considering his short time on, Kenny was already a very good firefighter. From fire ground ops to apparatus certification to bedside manor with patients, Kenny was well on his way to being an absolutely stellar firefighter. His work ethic was great, but I think what impressed me most was his personality.
In an assignment with some very…and I’ll be kind…strong personalities, Kenny seemed to pick up on the positive traits and not so much the others. He was a gentle giant with a sweet disposition and a quiet confidence.
At a time in my career when my health was in the crapper and frankly I wasn’t up to the pace at 11s, Kenny, along with other young guys there, made my short stay a pleasure. He was always eager to help me do my work, on top of all his duties as a firefighter.
I’d like to offer my condolences to all who loved Kenny. He was a peach and I can only imagine the weight of his loss.
Night Stalker
Carlos says
Good dude, I remember him well. it was a light force run in 3’$ 1st In. At the standard, off of I believe Flower l sum body got stuck in the elevator.. an so there I was an as usual I had a cup with a cold beverage in my hand….an he ( brink) walked out grabbing his left arm….in pain I asked him are you ok … He winked an nodded in pain as he wentwalking off towards the pump…the Capt 2 an sum body else we’re just looking at him…. nonetheless Mr Brink sucked it up… May he rest in peace….Borracho