LA Firemen’s Relief Assn,
My family and I would like to thank the Relief Association for the beautiful flower arrangement delivered to the Celebration of Life for my husband, Francis “Gary” Clinite. Also, the presentation of the flag by Battalion Chief Gene Bednarchik was especially touching. Our firefighter son, Capt. Mike Clinite with San Luis Obispo Fire Dept. and grandson, Firefighter Jake Clinite with Ceres Fire Dept. were deeply moved also. Chief Bednarchik “caught” the light-hearted mood we wanted to convey at the Celebration . . . that of celebrating the wonderful life of 89 years Gary had, thirty of those with LAFD.
Thank you again
Carolyn Clinite
Paso Robles, CA
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Dear Jim & Fire Family,
Thank you very much for all the support and compassion you showed us after our father’s [Jere Souter] passing. You provided much needed care and advice during a very difficult time for us. Your kindness showed us how truly special the Los Angeles Fireman’s Relief Association and the Los Angeles Fire Department are and what a blessing it is to have these organizations available to us. Our father was honored to be a member of this fire family. Thank you for the beautiful plant that was delivered to our mom and for the shadow box with the flag that was flown over Fire Station 51.
Please accept the donation we made to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund in honor of Jere Souter.
Sincerely,
Joan Souter and her children Kim, Shawn, Misty, Rodd and Scott
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LA Firemen’s Relief Association;
I worked with Ted (Bunky) Jimenez at old 17’s from early 1973 until he transferred. I don’t know for sure where he got his nickname, but many of us in Batt. 7 had them, most courtesy of Tony DiDomenico. Since Ted and I both lived in Canoga Park, we carpooled for quite a while. The last time I saw Ted was at a F.S 39 reunion, and I sat with Ted, his wife, and Ron (Food Giant) Myers. We had a lot of fun at 17’s, and a few Large Fires while at “The Eastside Sensitivity Training Center.”
Rick Watters
Agoura Hills. CA
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LAFRA –
Scottie [Harold L. Scott] and I were in the same LAFD class of 10/18/1969. We worked together at Engine 22 in 1976-77 and went to many fires together. He was an excellent firefighter and I have many good memories of him and Engine 22.
John Ware
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Dear Andy,
Please accept this donation for the WODFF in memory of my husband, Joseph O. Michell. His birthday would have been February 18th and our family always used to get together to celebrate this special and momentous event.
We still get together (there are 20 of us now) and our kids still like to reminisce about the fun times they had at the annual firemen’s BBQ in San Pedro, the exciting evenings at Dsineyland when the park was reserved as a private party for LAFD and guests, and the delicious Christmas turkey dinners that were prepared by the crew of Fireboat #1, A shift.
The LAFD family played a significant part in the lives of our four children and continues to do so in the lives of our grandchildren and great grandchildren (still counting!)
Sincerely,
Marie Michell
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
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LAFRA –
Dennis [Mendenhall], you will be missed. You were a very generous and unselfish individual. Your family and friends came first. Your tireless work at the Relief Association will and has benefited the Association and will for years to come. You left this world a better place. Thank you for all the years you were my friend. You fought a brave and hard battle with more courage and attitude then anyone would have expected. Go in peace my friend, go in peace.
Dave Lowe
Newbury Park, CA
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LAFRA –
Dennis [Mendenhall] was my neighbor and friend. My father was on the LAFD from 1940 to 1970 as soon as Dennis and I met, we always talked about the LAFD. Dennis’ dad was on the LAFD too, so he and I traded stories of being sons of a fireman. As it turned out, Dennis’ son and my son are both military helicopter pilots. Dennis’s son is Navy and mine Air Force. Well, it turned out that our sons knew each other and worked together. Small world. Dennis would often stop by my house when I was in the garage working on my hot rod. He was a car guy and had a very pristine Porsche that I always wanted to buy. I am a retired cop and Dennis and I would often talk of how it was in the “old days.” Each generation has its old days and talking about ours was a real treat. Dennis fought cancer for several years and I have never known anyone who faced adversity with the courage and positive spirit of Dennis. I not only really liked the guy, I had a tremendous amount of respect for him. I could easily see what a strong leader he must have been.
RIP my friend.
Neal Rein
Westlake Village, CA