Dear Relief Association:
I first met Wally Berger when I was assigned to FS 1. The days I worked SOD on the A shift, he and his partner Bruce would eat dinner with the guys. He had such a quirky personality along with his German accent. He was one of those guys that had a great BARK with NO BITE. I really got to know this about Wally when I was assigned to Rescue Maintenance.
Wally was very passionate and proud of his work. His work ethic (the Bark) was second to none. No matter how much he BARKED at you, you always left the with the problem solved or the equipment you needed. And most of the time with no paperwork (NO BITE). You guys out there no what I mean.
Wally was a true gentleman. I am glad I was able to maintain a continued friendship with Wally way after I left the shops. Gonna miss you Wally. Our condolences to the family and his friends.
Sincerely,
Al and Pam Barrios
Moorpark, CA
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LAFRA –
Harry Peters was a great man, serving in the South Pacific on a US Coast Guard patrol gunboat and then coming on the LAFD. He served at FS 27 as a Fireman, Auto- Fireman and Captain II, where he received the LAFD Medal of Valor for a rescue from the top of the KTLA Tower. In his late 80’s and 90’s he volunteered on Saturdays at the LAFD Historical Society Hollywood Museum (Old 27’s). We will miss him.
Frank W. Borden
San Pedro, CA
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LAFRA –
Jim Miller was truly a gentleman in all respects! I met him when I worked at FS 95 and he became a sort of mentor to me. Eventually he talked me into running for his position for the Batt. 4 Trustee at LAFRA when he was ready to step down. I’m really glad he did, and I spent nine years on the board after that. There never was a kinder man,
Vance Boos
Carlsbad, CA
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LAFRA –
Wally Berger was truly all those nice things every one has said and more. He also served our country as a U.S. Marine. He was a good dad and friend. I’ll miss his words of wisdom during those weekends repairing rigs at the shops.
You will be missed Brother,
Mike Porper
Temecula, CA
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Hello Bob:
The Simi Valley breakfast gang got together at again [on the third Thursday of each month] and a good time was had by all. We collected donations from the guys this month for the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund. Thank you so much for putting the notice in the Grapevine. Thanks for all you do and all the folks who make LAFRA so great.
Happy motoring,
Jim Gillum
Newbury Park, CA
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LA Firemen’s Relief Assn,
Please accept this donation in memory of Jere D. Souter. One of the best captains I ever worked for. We worked at 51’s for 14 ½ years, his last assignment. He was a great person to be around, on duty and off. We had some good times together. My best wishes to his family. If they need anything they can call me.
Wayne R. Langner
Palmdale, CA
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Dear Andy:
Words can’t express the amazement I felt last Friday when I opened the box containing the wonderful gift from the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association. The oak case is so nice and it is proudly displayed in our home.
Lee would be so honored and grateful for this beautiful expression of the Los Angeles Fire Department’s appreciation for his service. Lee was very proud of his service in the L.A. Fire Department. He always spoke fondly of his experiences and the friends he made while he was a firefighter, fire inspector and public relations officer.
Please accept my thanks for this lovely tribute to a fine man and extend my personal thanks to all the members of Fire Station 3.
Andy, you have been so very kind and helpful during this difficult month. You have my lasting thanks.
Sincerely,
Susan Radcliffe
Henderson, NV