Dear Captain [Wendell] Smith,
I want to take this opportunity to formally and sincerely thank you and all the members of FS 87-C for hosting the 100th birthday party for my father, retired Captain Jack Rein on January 24, 2014.
I had expected a nice affair, but what we were all treated to was beyond my hopes and expectations. I can tell you that my dad was, and still is, beside himself knowing what a fantastic event you and your crew put on. I also want to send my heartfelt thanks to Chief Steve Ruda and Captain David Wagner for all the preparations and arrangements that went into making this all happen. And a special thanks to Captain Dennis Mendenhall, a neighbor of mine. I mentioned to him that my dad was nearing 100 years old and Dennis made the first phone calls and started the process that culminated in yesterday’s event. All three of these gentlemen truly went “above and beyond.”
As with most children of firefighters, I grew up with the LAFD culture and soon learned about the bond that exists among the members of the LAFD. However, never in my life had I seen this demonstrated more clearly than at my dad’s party. The crowd included all ranks and included active and retired members. Only a few people actually knew my dad, yet everyone showed him an incredible degree of not only respect, but also admiration. I believe this is the result of the strong sense of brotherhood and department pride that are hallmarks of the LAFD.
I am of course very proud of my dad. He loved his job and he loved the LAFD. I am also proud to be his son and grateful to have had the opportunity to witness the wonderful camaraderie among current and retired members of the LAFD. It is said that the LAFD takes care of their own and does not forget those who are sick, injured, or no longer active members. I can attest that to be 100% true.
Most Sincerely,
Neal Rein
Westlake Village, CA
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Dear Andy, Board Members and Officers,
How do I begin to thank each of you for the beautiful gift you sent to me in memory of my late father, Charles (Charley) Zuber? Words alone cannot begin to express my deep appreciation for your thoughtfulness! Charley’s entire family is touched by this tribute to his service.
Dad was certainly a legend for his longevity at Station 82. His further legions I didn’t learn about until my husband, Gerry, joined the LAFD . . . then the stories about Dad began to reveal themselves. It was hard for his family to believe that this casual, non-pressured man at home was known as the “Green Hornet” at work for his speed in getting out of bed, into his rig and starting the engine before the doors on the apparatus floor were open! And who NEVER drove above the speed limit off duty. Who would have thought?
Dad was a member of the “Dynamite 82’s” crew housed at Station 27 until Station 82 opened on Bronson. He had some great stories and made some life-long friendships from that crew. He wasn’t a man who liked change so he remained at 82’s for the remainder of his service, thus to have the flag that flew at 82’s is very meaningful to us. I can feel Dad smiling with pride at this wonderful tribute to him.
Again, on behalf of myself and my husband Gerry, sister Pam and her husband Cliff, Charley’s six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, we thank you for this great honor. This flag in its beautiful case will be displayed with pride on our fireplace mantel.
Very truly yours,
Patricia (Zuber) Linneweh
Hamilton, MT
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Dear Andy and LAFRA,
My family and I would like to sincerely thank you for all your help and support during my wife’s terminal illness. When we needed direction you immediately returned calls and gave valuable advice and guidance in her last days. This was a difficult time for us and your kindness went way beyond the call of duty and we will forever be grateful. Please accept the enclosed donation in memory of my wife, Anna Marie (Annie) Bauman, who passed away January 3, 2014.
The enclosed donation is partially on behalf of my daughter’s friends at Spicers Paper: Lisa Camarillo, Dawn Velzy, Yolie Guerrero and Claudia Oscar. I’m confident the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund will put this to valuable use.
In loving memory,
George A. Bauman
Norwalk, CA
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Dear John,
Please find two donations to the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund. The first is in memory of my father, retired Engineer John E. Holland, Class of May, 1950.
The second is in honor of the living . . . a man that someday you will have trouble replacing. A man that is a true champion of the men and women of the LAFD. A man that not only showed up to my dad’s service to present a flag to the family and be a part of the service – he is a man that I am proud to call a friend. You may have guessed by now . . . please accept the donation in honor of Andy Kuljis.
I was able to spend a short time with Andy at my father’s reception and thank him, but please thank him once again from myself and the entire Holland family. He helped make the memorial service very special with his spoken words.
Thank you for your service to LAFRA,
Jim Holland, retired engineer
And the entire Holland family
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Dear Juan;
Congratulations on the presidency! Having served on the Board in the mid-70’s I am aware of the sacrifice necessary and I thank you for being willing.
This letter is to tell you of an experience visiting Fire Boat 2, “B” platoon on January 25, 2014.
Having worked on the previous Boat 2 in the early 1960’s I was asked to take two friends to visit our largest fireboat. Arriving unannounced we were fortunate to be able to join another group and experience a harbor cruise. I do have to say the visit was extraordinary but the comments by my friends as to the friendliness and professionalism of the crew made me very proud of the LAFD.
Because of the hospitality given to us, I am enclosing a donation to the Widows & Orphans Fund which you in turn can give to a needy person in the future!
Hank you to the entire Board for all that you do!
Sincerely yours,
Lyle W. Marvin, Jr., Capt retired 1979
Highland, CA
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Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
Please accept this donation in honor of my friend Jerry Andrew who passed away tragically this past December. I’ve known Jerry and his late wife Betty Lu since our Jr. High days in the late 30’s. They were school sweethearts throughout their school days.
Jerry excelled in sports, i.e. basketball, gymnastics and track as a pole-vaulter. Jerry also was a class A handballer on the LAFD. He retired from Ten’s as a captain. I shall miss him.
Sincerely,
Hank Huizinga
Reedley, CA
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LAFRA,
Please accept my thanks for the honor and tribute you accorded my father, Capt Robert Wooden, who retired in 1972 and died on Christmas Eve. I received the beautifully displayed U.S. flag which had been flown over his last station. It moved everyone at the service. Please also accept this contribution in his memory and honor.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Wooden
St Paul, MN