Fire Inspector – Legal Liaison
Deceased:
October 6, 2022
Appointed:
02/16/1975
Pensioned:
04/28/2012 – Legal Liaison
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
Brian Humphrey says
Martin was always so helpful to those of us who needed (sometimes many times daily) to take advantage of his encyclopedic knowledge of Fire Code and legal matters related to our LAFD mission. No matter how inane the question, he never allowed the person making the query (whether a Department member or civilian) feel foolish, but rather enlightened and empowered by the expert insight that he so humbly shared.
Rest in Peace, Martin. I am one of many who is grateful for your service.
Rick Erquiaga says
Marty was a Great Mentor to me as a Fire Inspector in the LAFD Fire Prevention Bureau from 2005 to 2012. Marty had a great sense of humor and could always bring fun into any situation no matter how serious. Martin will be missed. My condolences to the Garza family. Rest Well in the Lord, Sir
Larry Hoerner says
I remember being a rookie in Battalion 6. Martin was a fireman assigned there with a few years on the job already. He was always helpful in assisting the rookies to complete probation. He was one of those knowledgeable quiet guys who didn’t say much, but when he spoke you knew you’d better listen. Rest in Peace.
Larry Hoerner says
Oops, Battalion 7!
Terry Waters says
Martin came on the job a couple months ahead of me and we went through the same 3 house rotation on probation. He, along with John Quintanar (sp?), showed me how to be a good rookie. Martin was patient, knowledgeable, funny and well liked by all. When our paths crossed throughout our careers, he was always a pleasure to visit with. The tips that he and John shared stuck with me. Later in my career, I was able to share those tips with hundreds of rookies when I was assigned to the Drll Tower.
Thanks Martin
Phillip J. Weireter says
I new Marty back in the early 90’s when I was a PIO on the 9th Floor, Next Door to Legal Liaison , Marty was a Very Dedicated & Experienced Fire Inspector, Wich it was easier to stay in touch with So many Brothers after we Retire,
Resting Peacefully now !
Nicholas Garcia says
Marty and I had the Late Chief Cate as our Drill Master. Feb.16, 75.
He had his _hit together. Batt. 7. Excellent Rookie, Firefighter, and friend.
He was a quiet and gentle man. Excellent listener. gave his opinion only if you asked.
Accepted all challenges thrown his way.
Chief Dick Baker, Captain 2 at the time was very impressed with him. He helped allot of rookies that followed him, before he went into the FPB.
Nicholas Garcia says
Marty and I had the late Chief Don Cate as our Drill master 2/16/75.
Being in the first 160 members class, mostly Minorites.
When our names were called out for a specific hose lay,
We were looked upon as the EAST L.A. Fire Dept.
Martin had his _hit together. Chief Baker at that time was his TFC. Batt 7B
was impressed with his performance, and continued to excel as a mentor for Rookies that followed.
He spent most of his years in the FPB. a great representative of the LAFD.
Another good man to leave us early.
Terrence O'Connell says
Marty was conscientious, knowledgeable and always willing to help anyone who ask for his assistance. What I’ll always remember most about Marty was his wonderful sly sense of humor. Always guaranteed to have many laughs when we got together after work to throw a few back. I can never forget the card games, 24 hour Vegas turnaround trip and one epic night of dart playing at the old “Short Stop” with Frank and Ben! Rest In Peace Marty. You will be truly missed!!
Ed Tapia says
I just finished probation in Batt. 7 at Fire Station 17, Martin was there and as we rode the tail board of big Bertha he would ask me question after question. I learned allot from him. Sorry to hear of his passing. Rest In Peace
Frank Cordova says
Marty was a trailblazer during his career in the LAFD. I first crossed paths with Marty in the late eighties when he was newly assigned to the Legal Liaison Unit. During his early tenure in the Unit we attended many enforcement seminars on our own time and self funded. After the Burlington fire the Legal Liaison Unit was tasked with formulating an enforcement program to deal with issues associated with the existing fire prevention practices within the LAFD.
Our collective seminar experiences provided a framework to make cogent recommendations to fire department administration in an effort to beef up enforcement of the fire code. The results were the adoption of the following databases: Lexis/Nexis, Accurint, property records, access to DVV records, DWP confidential records, City Tax and Permit, and other pertinent databases. This was a massive paradigm change to the existing fire prevention enforcement model.
The following is a partial list of programs that were established as a result of the above recommendations: Slum Housing Task Force, Inter-Agency Housing Task Force, Franchise Tax Board Housing Enforcement, Environmental Strike Force, Public Assemblage Night Club Enforcement, LAPD Commission Investigation referrals , Rave Party Task Force, and City Attorney Hearing Program.
Martin was also a past president of Los Bomberos, LAFD’s latino fire department association. Under his leadership Los Bomberos with other stakeholders: Stentorians, Women in the Fire Service, and LACECA (Los Angeles City Employees Chicano Association), ushered in monumental structural human resource changes within the LAFD. Issues addressed were diversity within the upper management ranks, recruitment and hiring of underrepresented groups, disciplinary procedures, diversity training, and sexual harassment protocols.
Los Bomberos under Martin’s leadership in conjunction with the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) introduced the first bilingual (Spanish) “ Learn Not To Burn “, fire prevention program to local area schools in Los Angeles City. Other community based programs included: entry level firefighter mentoring, elementary school literacy program, annual Christmas pancake breakfast and toy give-away, and Los Bomberos Golf scholarship Tournament. Los Bomberos participated in civic community events and worked with local, state, and federal entities on issues that were fire department related.
On a personal note Marty was a mentor and a friend. We spent countless hours on and off the job brainstorming and talking story. Marty even though you are not with us now, your energy and spirit is with your family and all the countless people you touched throughout your life. You made a difference.
A Ken Krupnik says
Frank you nailed your tribute to Martin Garza. Absolutely true, and well said!
Frank Cordova says
Thanks Ken, it was a pleasure working withou and Marty!
A. Ken Krupnik says
I cannot say enough good things about Inspector Martin Garza. He spent much time training and mentoring me as a member of Legal Liaison’s Slumlord Housing Task Force. I learned so well from Inspector Garza and Inspector Cordova, that I earned the nickname of “Sniper” for finding slumlords hiding within out of state corporations. Martin, I remain in awe of you, especially your knowledge, skills, and personality. Rest in peace my special friend.
Carlos Gallegos says
Frank, right on. It was a privilege and a pleasure to know Martin, I spent some time in the Legal Unit and learned a great deal from these guys. Frank and the “Sniper” said it all. Go rest my amigo.
Ve Con Dios, go with god.
john kitchens says
My first assignment as a Captain was to the Legal Liaison Unit, as I was recovering from an Achilles tendon tear. There I was able to learn from Martin, and others in the Unit; Luis Jaramillo, Frank Cordova and Monte Moore. To learn about the intricacies of prosecuting recalcitrant fire code violators, but also about a different view of life. Thank you for the legislative lobbying trips to Sacramento, across the street to City Hall, and the Fire Chief’s office. My condolences to the family, and those little girls who have grown up.
Sheldon McKowan says
Such a shock, too young to be gone. I first met Martin when I promoted to Inspector. Always a very helpful man and very helpful for my interview for Inspector II. I never did take the promotion as I went a different direction with my career, but I know his assistance helped me place at the top of the list. My condolences to his family. Rest in peace Martin