Battalion Chief – Battalion 12
Deceased:
May 13, 2023
Appointed:
06/10/1961
Pensioned:
10/13/1998 – Batt 12
Details about the Vigil Service or Funeral Mass
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Additional Information:
| When Chieff Perez was a Auto Fireman on January 28,1971 his performance at a physical rescue of victims trapped in a collapsed trench earned him a Medal of Valor for his bravery. Chief Perez’s son Stephen Perez followed in his Fathers footsteps and served as a Firefighter, Apparatus Operator and a Captain I and retired as a Captain II. Chief Perez’s Grandson, Michael is a third generation member of the Fire Servcie and is an Engineer with the Los Angeles County Fire Department |
My condolences to Steve and the Perez family.
Rest in peace Mike.
I worked with Mike Perez when he was a Captain II at FS 10 back in 1984. I was an Engineer at the time. He was always good to me. Most of all, he was a real gentleman and a pleasure to work with.
Not long after I was appointed a department chaplain, I met Mike Perez. We’d share a cup of coffee at the station and talk about the stress that a career in the fire department had on marriage and family life.
Mike and his wife, Margie, had a deep faith in God and relied on his graces to guide them through the rough times. Faith and family were paramount values in their life. For many years, they were a leadership couple in Marriage Encounter presenting weekend retreats for married couples to strengthen their faith and their relationship.
Mike was also devoted the the fire department. The physical, emotional and spiritual welfare of those under his command fueled that incredible commitment. As a BC, with Ray Walker as his aide, they were constantly on the lookout for the welfare of their fellow firefighters.
His life of service and caring for others continued after his retirement. Mike underwent several years of training and spiritual discernment, and was ordained a deacon in the Catholic Church, where he served until his health began to fail.
He and Margie were a true blessing to me personally. I had the gift of visiting with them a few days before Mike went home to the Lord. He smiled and squeezed my hand as I prayed with Margie and the family at his bedside.
The department has lost another giant, a man of deep faith and service to others.
“Well done, good and faithful servant. Come now into the place I have prepared for you.”
I was a new Captain II assigned to 74s. My reliefs were Ted Menold and Bob Nicolau. My BC was Chief Perez. How lucky was I? I think that Chief Anthony and Louis Chastain were looking out for me.
They all taught me life lessons…and L. A. FIre Department lessons.
I’m so grateful for those experiences.
Chief Perez was always a calming and supportive part of my growth.
We would sit in the front office and visit, laugh, talk about family, and so much more.
As we progress in the LAFD, many people have an effect on our growth. Chief Perez was one of those for me.
Thanks Chief
As others have said above, Mike Perez made a positive difference in the lives of many people on the LAFD, and beyond. He certainly that did that for me as a young LAFD member and family friend. Mike was a well liked and well respected officer of the LAFD. His smile always seemed to put you at ease before a conversation. Mike was certainly a dedicated man of faith and family, and set a great example for others to follow. My sincerest condolences to Steve and the entire Perez family. Thank you for sharing Mike with the LAFD, and may he Rest in Peace.
I am very saddened to hear of Mike’s passing.. What I remember most about Mike is his potently disarming demeanor. He was perhaps the most calming personality in my experience. He was able to handle difficult situations always with a warm smile. I last saw Mike on his home golf course at Pine Mountain Vally wearing that smile. Fond memories and sadness.
Mike Perez represented all that is good with the LAFD. He treated everyone with dignity and respect and was truly, a gentleman. The best way I can describe him, is that he cared about the people he worked with. Mike will forever be associated with one of the most famous photographs in LAFD history, where he, John Jacobsen, Vince Monzo and Lane Kemper are seen escaping death, as they are sprinting away from a collapsing wall in Downtown LA, sometime in the 1980’s. The video of the wall collapse can be viewed on YOUTUBE, by typing in “Emergency Call: LAFD Auto Body Shop Fire.”
My condolences to Steve Perez, Mike’s son, who I had the pleasure of working with for four years at FS 26, his Mother Margie and the entire Perez Family. I know that Lane Kemper was waiting at Saint Peter’s Gates with a cup of coffee, to greet Mike and catch up on old times, even though Chiefs were not Lane’s most favorite people.
My deepest condolences to Steve and the whole Perez Family. I’m forever grateful for Chief Perez’s influence on me as a young explorer. The impact he made on me and the many young Angelenos that learned department trained CPR provided by In Service Training will with out a doubt ensure his legacy lives on.. His goal was to teach 100,000 students the life saving skill through his training program called the HART program. (Heart Attack Rescue Training). Mission accomplished sir.
Rest Easy Sir. I’m forever grateful to have known you.
I recall Chief Perez as a Calm, Friendly, Competent, Gentleman with an ever present smile on his face. I served with Steve as we were rookies in the class of 12-18-1983. I am sure that same Calm, Friendly, Competent, and Gentlemanly demeanor is reflected in Grandson Michael as in son Steve and Father Mike. My Condolences to the Entire Perez Family.
Rest Well in The Lord Sir!
Rick Erquiaga