Dear LAFRA:
Bob [Patterson] was an icon of the LAFD. My dad Stan was his friend from way back and I met Bob as a young boy. His cartoons in the many years of Firemen’s Grapevines are legendary. We have some of his original artwork in both the Hollywood and Harbor Fire Museums for all to enjoy. We also have all those old Grapevines in our archives. He made many people happy and served our country and our city with honor.
Frank Borden
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LA Firemen’s Relief Association,
I was an Auto Fireman at FS 17-A and Bob [Patterson] was our Truck Capt. Bob was instrumental in the making of the film “Our Obligation” and was the most famous Fire Dept cartoonist ever. Most of Bob’s cartoons were the result of real happenings! Bob understood the character of firemen which resulted in him being a great leader.
Larry Schneider
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Relief Association:
I rarely comment publically about men that had a profound influence on my life, but Bob Aaron is the exception. Bob was my first Captain at Fire Station 3 when I joined the LAFD in 1976. He was my Task Force Commander at Fire Station 27 when I was a newly promoted Captain in 1984. Captain Aaron always adhered to the rules and regulations of the LAFD. He always ran a tight ship. His knowledge and experience of Firefighting Principles were never questioned. We always marched into hell together.
He was never considered as a man among men, even though he was a monument among stones. When we went into battle together, we went because we knew it was the right thing to do.
Bob and I never rode motorcycles together, we never skied together, nor did much together off duty, but we were joined at the hip when we were in combat fighting fire.
Most Firemen are rarely remembered for their accomplishments as firefighters. I would like to acknowledge that Chief Aaron was a brave and tenacious firefighter who was dedicated to preserving and protecting the lives of everyone who lived and worked in the City of Los Angeles.
My family sends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the Aaron Family.
Millage Peaks
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Juan,
This donation to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund was collected from retired LA City firemen who meet once a month up here in Tehachapi. We are known as the Retired LA City Fire of Kern County. We are hopeful this will be a recurring donation to our great organization.
Sincerely,
Robert Klopfenstein
Tehachapi, CA
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Dear Andy,
Please accept this donation in memory of my dearest husband, Robert M Brewis – Capt II. Bob always considered it an honor and privilege to be a member of the LA City Fire Department. He thought the world of LAFRA and all the good work that you do. You were certainly there for me in my time of need four years ago. I am so grateful.
Sincerely,
Patricia Brewis
Irvine, CA
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LA Firemen’s Relief Association
Your Relief Association has been a big help to us, with the recent loss of my father-in-law Ross Stevens.
We enjoy going through the Grapevine when visiting my mother-in-law and understand an article is being written about Ross. We would like to be added to the subscription list so we may receive the Grapevine monthly.
Thank you,
Debbie Stevens
Thousand Oaks, CA
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Dear LAFRA,
The support of this organization has been so important to our family. Please accept my thanks to each and every one who played any role in providing assistance. This is a very difficult time and your help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Paula Ward (widow of Harold Ward)
Atlanta, GA
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Dear Andy,
Thank you for all the support you gave me during his passing away. Knowing you were there gave me the strength I needed to put on a celebration that paid tribute to Les. Thank you also for the plant and the American flag. It was an honor to have you there.
Sincerely,
Christine Hawkes
Los Alamitos, CA
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Dear Pauline,
Thanks to you for all your help and to all of those men and women who helped me throughout my working years as an L.A. Times news photographer. I always enjoy the Grapevine.
George Fry
Eugene OR
