Active Duty – Metro Fire Communications
Born – February 18, 1971
Appointed LAFD – September 2, 2003
Died – December 1, 2014
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Reiner Montiel was born on February 18, 1971 in Glendale, California. He grew up in Granada Hills, California and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1989.
The majority of his adulthood and professional life was motivated by his desire to serve and help others. In his early adult years, he served in the Air National Guard as a flight engineer and was eventually deployed to the Middle East. He served one year in the Los Angeles Police Department, but found his true calling as a firefighter/paramedic. He joined the Los Angeles Fire Department in 2004 and was certified as a paramedic in 2007. He was a valued member of several fire houses before eventually working as an emergency medical dispatcher.
His passion for travel led him to many adventures domestically and abroad. His love of history made Washington DC a favorite place to visit. He had a lifelong passion for learning, and his interests and hobbies were many. He was a history buff, an avid reader of autobiographies, a self- taught master of home renovation projects, devoted fitness/nutrition enthusiast and collector of fast and fun vehicles.
Reiner will be remembered as a kind, confident man with a good heart and a quick wit. Intelligent yet humble, he was well-liked and exuded a strong but gentle presence.
Reiner is survived by his mother, Gloria Caracas; sisters, Gloria Vialpando and Gina Hallinan; grandmother, Gloria Gonzalez; aunts, uncles, nephews, niece and a multitude of friends. His passing leaves a huge void but also unparalleled inspiration among those fortunate to have known him.
Eulogy by Chaplain Danny Leon
Photos by Rick McClure, EPN and Adam Van Gerpen
