Engineer – Fire Station 3
Deceased:
November 3, 2022
Appointed:
02/03/1958
Pensioned:
07/31/1988 – FS3
Services:
PRIVATE
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
In the mid-seventies I worked with “Pumper Paul” and his Water Brother Dick Gault at old 3’s. Where do the accolades begin. Paul was first a true gentleman, a very knowledgeable and smooth Engineer. I rode with him on Eng-3. He ran the mess fund like a Goldman Sacks investment fund and Gault was our cook. What meals we had If you had an issue or problem Paul always had the just right solution.
Every once-in-awhile someone would walk into the kitchen with their hair parted and dripping wet. Paul had a famous saying, “The wheels of justice turn slowly but exceedingly fine”.
To Nancy and the Fulton family our sincerest condolences.
Paul was one of a kind engineer. He would take young fireman and show him the proper way to do things. His knowledge of the Snorkel operation was excellent and he always spotted perfect. He will be missed and rest in peace.
“Pumper” was a marvelous mentor and he “set the tone” for the rest of TF 3-B. I always will owe him a debt of gratitude.
I never saw him get rattled over anything. He was always calm and well-organized.
One of his little-recognized skills was his amazing ability to get others to carry out covert missions. Some called him “the puppeteer,” others “Gepetto.” He was very clever with his “why don’t you statements.” I have long suspected that Jim Chatterton may have parted Kenny Long’s hair due to one of Paul’s prompts, but there could not possibly be any truth to my suspicions, or maybe.
I have fond memories but sadness at his passing.
Pumper Paul was the unsung leader of the locker room. He was a great asset to any command. Rest in peace Pumps.
pumper Paul was a real gentleman worked with him at old 3s when i was a rookie R.I.P. my friend
Pumper Paul was a great guy. A truly fine engineer! Paul always had a friendly, but sometimes mischievous smile. He was at 3’s and I was at 4’s but enjoyed the many SOD days working and learning from him. My condolences to his family. Rest in peace Paul!
Saddened to hear of Pumper Paul’s passing. I arrived at old FS 3 in July of 1978. Had the great pleasure of working with Pumper Paul for the next few years. He was a gentleman and an excellent Engineer. He taught me so much about fire ground operations and taking extreme pride in maintaining an LAFD apparatus. One of my fondest memories of Paul, was his coffee can full of sticks. Each one was of a different length and they all had different bends and curves. When I asked what the can of sticks were for, he said “here kid, let me show you my little secret”. Then proceeded to show me that each stick was use to reach into a certain area of the Crown’s engine compartment when cleaning and preparing the Engine for battalion inspections. Made quite an impression on a young “boot” fireman. Thoughts and prayers to his family. Rest in peace Pumper Paul.