Built in 1912, Engine Co. No. 28 was the most expensive firehouse of its time. When the Figueroa Street station’s active service ended, it became the home of the Los Angeles Firemen’s Credit Union. In 1983, a preservation effort transformed the building into what is now the home of a popular restaurant, Engine Co. No. 28.
On April 25, 2015, Engine Co. No. 28 served as an apropos location for the recognition of the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association’s cadre of volunteers. Recipients who were present to receive the 2014 Outstanding Volunteer awards were: Monica Regal, Emily Pizinger, Douglas Collins, and the Volunteer of the Year – Lydia Andrews. Other recipients who were not present include: Melissa Romas, Judy van Puyvelde, Irma Delgado and Firefighter Paul Reyes.
LAFRA volunteers (our Boot Brigade) are dedicated to helping raise money for the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund. These amazing people help make all of our events possible. They help out in the office with mail-outs or basket decorating, and you can see them at events, with their sleeves rolled-up, making sure everything is running smoothly.
To “break the ice” guests played Boot Brigade Bingo. Everyone received a bingo card which had squares that had be signed by someone present who fit a description. For example: “Find someone at the luncheon who collects firefighter memorabilia (answer: Juan Albarran). Find someone who surfs: (Captain Doug Collins). Find someone who has had their photo in the newspaper and why (volunteer Sheri Jones for her paintings), etc. Volunteer Maria Riley filled in the most squares first and won the game.
Engine Co. No. 28, the restaurant, is known for their bold innovations of firehouse comfort food. They served up a choice of grilled rosemary salmon, southern style pan fried chicken and grilled vegetables rigatoni, topped off with a chocolate layer-cake for dessert. After lunch LAFRA President Juan Albarran and V.P. Bob Steinbacher thanked all the volunteers for their hard work and handed out the awards.
Your Relief Association is always looking for a few good men and women to join the Boot Brigade. For more info or to sign up to volunteer, go to www.wodff.org/volunteer/
Story by Juliet Brandolino
