Dear Relief Association:
Please accept this donation to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund in memory of Thomas Laski, Inspector II retired. I worked with Tom for ten years in the Fire Prevention Bureau, Legal Unit. It was a pleasure! He had great stories to tell. He also completely restored a Model “T” fire truck that had been owned by the County Fire Dept. God bless his wife Irene and sons Carl and Mark.
Ruth and Gene Fairrington
Los Angeles, CA
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LAFRA –
Chief Rey Rojo was a kind gentleman and also a gentle man. He gave to the City and Department his best years and served Sertoma wholeheartedly and without reservation. I got to know him well and worked on numerous projects with him. His wisdom and advice was always welcome and he frequently thought out of the box. Whenever a difficult issue was before us, he was honest and straight forward in his thinking. As a college professor, he excelled in teaching future firefighters and was adept at telling stories far better than most.
He had an excellent reputation and backed it up with an excellent work product. I learned a ton of information from Rey, not only concerning the fire service but about human nature, for which I will always be thankful and grateful.
Rest in Peace
Alan R. Cowen
Newbury Park, CA
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Andy,
Please accept the enclosed donation in memory of the passing of Darrayle Prosser. The fire department family and my family lost a true friend in his passing and loss due to cancer.
My family has known Darrayle and his family since he first came on the LAFD. Karen, his wife and my daughter attended school together at Newbury Park High School.
I first met Darrayle when he was first assigned to battalion 14 as a rookie. Over the years our families have skied together and traveled together. When our son became ill, he and his family were always there to assist Bob as his illness became serious.
Darrayle was my staff assistant for a year and handled his duties in an excellent manner. He was well liked by everyone that knew him, as was the testament of the number of people that attended his retirement dinner.
My wife, daughter and I had the privilege of visiting with him and his family shortly before the hour of his passing. We all had a fun time remembering all the funny things that had happened in our relationship over the years. It was a shock, to say the least, when we were contacted later that night.
Darrayle will be missed by all who knew him and respected him. Our deepest thoughts are with Karen and his family and his sister Debbie.
Sincerely,
Bob MacMillan
Lake Havasu City, AZ
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Hi Andy –
The enclosed donation is made in memory of Warren Glenn and my late husband Larry Miller. Together they were the “Glenn Miller” Construction Company, working on their off days doing bricks and concrete for many years. It never stopped catching me by surprise when someone would call and ask to speak to Glenn Miller!
Thanks so much for everything you do.
Donna Miller
Valencia, CA
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LAFRA –
I had the pleasure of working with and for Bob “Fuzzy” Furr! I never called him Fuzzy to his face, as I would have got a punch in the face from a once expert boxer. I worked with him at old 61’s with the “best truck company on the department,” according to Bob. Then he asked me to drive him upon his promotion to battalion chief. We played many enjoyable rounds of golf together over the years. He shall be missed.
God bless you.
Gary Klasse
San Clemente, CA
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Dear Andy,
Please accept this donation in memory of my dear husband Robert M. Brewis, Captain II retired. It’s hard to believe that this month marks five years since his passing, but I still vividly recall all the concern and support I received from LAFRA. You were truly there for me. Bob was a valiant firefighter who loved and cherished the department for 30 years and always put LAFRA on a pedestal. Please continue your fine work!
Sincerely,
Patricia Brewis
Irvine, CA
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LAFRA-
My first assignment as a new caption was to FS 103 and Clarence [Kleidosty] was the engineer. A wonderful man, and an outstanding engineer, who took me under his wing.
Rest in peace my friend.
Rudy McTee
Sioux Falls, SD
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LAFRA –
I remember working on the A shift at F.S. 53 in early 1970. When we got a run to Terminal Island and coming down the island side of the Vincent Thomas Bridge we could see the toll collectors running from their collection booths to curb. I don’t remember them doing this on the other shifts. The must have had a calendar just with the days that Clair Buskirk was working. Driving between the collection booths at 60 MPH I learned what it felt like to be a bowling ball. Thanks for the great memories Clair.
Rest in peace my friend.
Duane Warth LAFD Ret.
Reno, NV
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LAFRA –
I had the pleasure to work with Tom [Smith] for a short time at “Old” 87’s in the early 70’s. We became friends through our love of “Off Roading.” He and his wife Louise were members of a dune buggy club, and I had a dirt bike. We made trips to Pismo Beach, The Devil’s Playground and Glamis. Although I haven’t seen Tom for years, I will always remember the good times at the Dunes and the fellowship and camaraderie at the fire station.
Richard Watters
Agoura Hills, CA
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LAFRA –
Like many, I first met Gene [Mahoney] as his student at Harbor College. Then we rode together to Headquarters from the Harbor area. He was a tremendous motivator as well as teacher for me. I never met anyone else like him – what a life: fire service chief officer, municipal administrator, fire service educator, public school teacher, test book author, Navy pilot, and farmer. A truly accomplished and unique man who gave so much to so many.
Bill Neville
Grass Valley, CA