Kenneth Breskin
Engineer Kenneth Breskin has been a fixture at “new” 87’s since it opened in 2008. He’s one of the Haz Mat guys that came over with the Task Force from 70’s.
But you probably know Kenny better for all the car shows and pancake breakfasts that he has put on at 87’s over the years. If there is a firefighter in need, he is your go-to guy. Just say the word and Breskin will plan and execute a fundraising event that will be fun, memorable and above all else . . . raise money for a worthy cause.
Ken is also the FDUL, that’s the Food Unit Leader, for Federal Management Team 4. Obviously, that makes him the most important guy on the team! Delivering water, Gatorade, ice and tons (literally) of fresh, healthy grub to crews working major incidents is all his responsibility. He just recently returned from the Thomas Fire and has many other campaign fires under his belt.
With the blessings of Monique, his wife of 17 years, and their blended family of three kids, Kenny has joined on to be a LAFRA Trustee. “I’ve been doing fundraising for the Widows and Orphans Fund for many years,” relates Breskin, “and now I want to be just a phone call away from helping any of our members and their families in need.”
Richard Moody
While Captain Richard Moody doesn’t exactly walk the red carpet at the Academy Awards, his work is critical to the success of the show. You’ll find him with the CIPTS team (Critical Incident Planning and Training Section) at the command post, helping to ensure that the event goes off safely. You’ll also find Moody and the team at other big events like the World Series, the LA Marathon, as well as large incidents like brush fires.
Before he joined the LAFD, Rich was a volunteer for nine years with Orange County Fire Authority. “We had 30 engines that were paid call and I was working as much as I wanted,” he recalls. “I really didn’t even want to be a professional firefighter. I was having a great time as a volunteer.”
That was 18 years ago and things have definitely changed for the Moody family which includes wife Erin and daughter Mara. Rich has worked at great spots like 41’s and 11’s, and spent ten years as an A/O. He also earned a BS in Marketing from SDSU along the way.
Moody says he is very glad to be involved with LAFRA, and is already having lots of fun working with his fellow Trustees. But the impetus for his LAFRA involvement is a little more serious. Rich has been involved on the logistics end of LAFD funerals and has worked alongside LAFRA helping the families of the deceased. “Everyone comes together in these times of need,” said Moody. “It’s been a real learning experience and now I want to work with the Relief and share what I have learned.”
Henry Gasbarri
Henry Gasbarri remembers his assignments before promoting to engineer very well. “9’s and 81’s were great stations,” he remembers. “We were busy but had lots of fun. There were some really great guys in both spots.”
After promoting in 2004, Henry spent nine years at 72’s and then moved over to 73’s. On his way to work one morning, he was T-boned on the driver’s side by a car that investigators said was traveling at 110 MPH. The accident occurred in the first-in at Roscoe and Reseda Blvds, and the crew from 73’s responded and extricated their comrade from the wreckage. He was in a coma for a month and was off-duty for 13 more.
“The Relief Association was literally a life saver,” recalls Gasbarri. “They looked after my family (Carrie, his wife of 25 years, and their four kids) when I could not. I was very impressed by LAFRA’s focus on helping families.”
Henry has joined the Board of Trustees in an effort to repay that generosity. “I want to be part of what the Relief Association offers. I want to give back in the same way that my family and I were given,” he said.