Helicopter Pilot, Active
Born – May 16, 1967
Appointed LAFD – February 3, 1989
Died – June 9, 2014
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Eulogy by Chaplain Tim Werle
Native Californian Brian Michael Lee was born May 16th, 1967 in Reseda to Clayton and Patty Lee. He grew up there and attended Reseda High School where he played basketball. It was in 11th grade that he became interested in firefighting. He told his stepfather Ron, who worked for LAPD at the time, of this interest. Ron thought that would be a great and encouraged him to stand in the “correct” line.
After graduating from Reseda High in 1985, Brian attended Valley College and studied Fire Science. It was October 6, 1988 that Brian realized his dream when he was hired by the LAFD. Brian started his 25 year career at Drill Tower 89. After graduation he was assigned to FS 86 in Toluca Lake, FS 89 in North Hollywood, and FS 60 just around the corner.
On January 17, 1994 the City experienced a 6.7 earthquake centered in Northridge. Brian, with his company, responded to a house that had slide off of its foundation and down a 100 foot hillside. With the possibility of two trapped occupants, Brian selflessly climbed down the hill, made entry to the house, and rescued two people. Our Risk Management Policy states “Risk a little to save a little, and risk a lot to save a lot.” Brian risked life and limb as he accessed that house amid the continuing aftershocks. For this valiant and selfless effort he was awarded the Medal of Valor.
Later that year, seeing the need to become more valuable and to help more people, Brian entered paramedic school. After finishing paramedic training, Brain was transferred to FS 21 were he refined his skills with a heavy call load and lots of complicated medical and trauma runs. After five years, Brian transferred a bit closer to home and served the Northridge area at FS 103.
As a pilot and a certified flight instructor, Brian was interested in becoming a fire department pilot and joining the LAFD Air Operations Section. Brain’s determination proved worthy when all his hard work and effort earned him a promotion to pilot in 2010. Brian joined an elite team and found a new side of the fire department that responded in the sky. He earned the certification of Helitac Level 1, which is the highest rating one can achieve and began instructing others to reach the same level. Brian trained in water dropping operations, air rescue hoist lifts, air ambulance transports, and most recently he completed his training with night vision goggle, which is extremely rare for aviation pilots.
Brian took pride in everything he did. He maintained his paramedic license and worked as a paramedic when needed. Recently Air Ops underwent a detailed audit by LA County DHS on their paramedic equipment. With no one else available to prepare and stand inspection, Brian stepped in and prepared for the audit and passed with “flying colors.” This was Brian’s character. He worked hard, was detailed oriented, and had great situational awareness. He was just about to advance to Pilot 3 because of his display in proficient operations, attentiveness to details, and tenacious work in completing tasks.
Brian enjoyed many things: Fast dirt bikes, fast desert cars, and fast boats. It must have been this need to accomplish things and get from place to place quick that inspired one of his most practical purchases. You see, Brain had a house with a small front yard. But apparently it was too much to mow with a push mower, so Brian purchased a ride-on mower to expedite this weekly task. That was Brain, always looking to be more efficient.
Brian loved his family. He and Cheryl met about 10 years ago. Cheryl would drop off Dakota at a baby sitter’s house near Brian’s rental. She would drive by and wonder who the handsome guy was working on his house. Her babysitter encouraged her to go tell him she was interested in renting the house. Cheryl rang to doorbell and no one answered. She heard a noise on the side yard and peeked over the fence. Brain was spraying for ants with a big pump sprayer. She said hello and Brain grunted a response, “What do you want.” She said she was interested in renting the house. He put the sprayer down, went through the house, and when he came outside and could see more than just half her face, he suddenly became very nice. He thought it might be a good idea that they talk about it over a drink – and that is how they met.
Cheryl has two daughters, Samantha and Dakota, that Brian treated as his own. Four years ago, Brian and Cheryl gave birth to twins of their own, Chloe and Avarie. Brian loved his family and loved his girls. He would bring in pictures and video just about every shift of their escapades and play them on the big screen for everyone to see. Brian and his family enjoyed spending time at the river house in Topak, boating, camping, and riding.
Brian, as you sit with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ I am reminded of the lyrics – “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.”
Brian you will be missed. Rest in peace brother.