Captain – FS 102
Deceased:
September 13, 2020
Appointed:
07/02/1956
Pensioned:
07/18/1974 – FS 102
Services:
Private
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Growing up, in a LAFD family. My Uncle Mel held a special place, in my heart. For “Old Timers”, he was the guy, who was shot, in the “Shoot out at the Okay Corral” (Incident at old FS 45). Later, as I served the department, as well, I would hear, others, tell the story, with new enhancements. That, would always, bring a smile, to my face. I had heard it first, as a kid sitting, at family events. Mel served the department with pride and I was proud of the heritage, Mel and my Dad Bill, had left me. I know, Mel had faith, in Christ and is now, before His throne! As a family, his love and humor, will be missed! Thanks, Aunt Linda, you have been, such a loving wife, and for all your care of Mel, during his illness! We love you! Finally, “Well done!” Captain Melvin Marion!
Retired Firefighter Robert Marion, FS28
In late 1962 I was transferred to my last house on probation, FS45B. Mel worked on the C shift but everyone on all 3 shifts knew each other well. I arrived one segment following the infamous “shootout” talked about by Robert Marion in his above tribute to his uncle. The talk at the kitchen table when I arrived was still mainly about the shootout so I heard first hand from the participants what had happened. One detail left out in the many retellings of the story involved the homemade ketchup packet that Mel had made and put under his shirt. When Mowry shot Mel he was supposed to slap the ketchup packet with his hand so ketchup would ooze out through his v-neck t-shirt. The “wad” from the blank bullet hit Mel in the opposite side of his chest from the ketchup packet so momentarily Mel thought that he had actually been shot for real!! Hearing Mel talk about the incident never got old. Mel was a true gentleman and a good friend. He helped me get through my last house on probation with lots of friendly advice. I haven’t spoken with him in many years but have always remembered him fondly.
Rest in peace, old friend.
Bill Robinson
Retired Engineer, LAFD
I first met Mel when I climbed over the wall into FS 45’s backyard. I was 18 and lived behind FS45 on Bronson Ave. Mel and the rest of the crew took me under their wing and it was those interactions with him, Bill Neville, Jim Costello, Jay Harris, Jim Norman, Bill Robinson and others that lead me to join the LAFD in ’68. Years later, I met his nephew, Robert, when he was a rookie.
The famous ‘shootout’ happened in the kitchen. One door in and out, windows were not an escape option. With the ‘gunman’ standing in the doorway, you were sitting ducks. The story says that after Mel was ‘shot’ one guy picked up the kitchen table to hide behind. Some else tried to squeeze between the wall and the stove while the Captain had a heart attack!
I had the opportunity to work with Mel at Fire station 68 in 1967. I also heard the story many times straight from the horses mouth as people would come from other stations and want to hear it. Mel and his Captain Dave Sloan were studying for various promotions and they encouraged me to start studying also. Mel was always a great help. I spoke to him by phone about two years ago while he was living in Missouri and he said he was feeling great, In his mid-80s and still lifting weights.
I remember him saying at the time that the participants in the incident, he and Bill Mowry each got two days off.
Rest In Peace Mel