Engineer – Metro Fire Dispatch
Deceased:
05/07/2021
Appointed:
04/12/1981
Pensioned:
10/31/2014 – Metro Fire Dispatch
Details about the Ray Mayo Memorial and Paddle Out
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
When I promoted to Captain and assigned to 64’s Ray was my engineer. I told Ray he had one job to do, and that was to keep me out of trouble. Rays answer was “oh cappy I’m the wrong guy to do that”. Later that first day the engine is out having lunch and I look at the street signs and they are green so I ask Ray where are we and he says “oh cappy just a little bit into Gardena” I learned a lot from Ray
A positive force of nature. Great person, great LAFD member. “ What man would give his life for another man? A fireMan” . Favorite Ray quote.
What a Loss. We had just spoken a few weeks back and was praying he would recover. I knew of Boom, Ray, for many years before we got to work with one another at 14’s. He was the Engineer there. The best moment I can remember was when he first showed up at 14’s and we went out drilling one weekend. Capt. Ott found a private hydrant but it showed up in the map as a public one. Ray was going to show his stuff and impress us all. The thing is, Ray did not know we could shut down the hydrant down at another location. As Ray went through his routine, lines going, wagon battery, ladder pipe, all of a sudden there was no water? Ray looked and looked but couldn’t figure out why.
Capt. Ott asked me if I wanted to try it and see if I could do it better. I said sure I’ll give it a try. Well as you can figure it out everything was flowing, never ran out of water. Ray was dumb founded. How did you do that he asked. I replied, Capt. Ott taught me to dial in everything by using, just rpms. He looked at me and said teach me, I want to see how it works. So he tried again and again ran out of water. In the end Ray felt defeated, couldn’t figure out what was going on. Captain Ott, in the end, in front of everyone said , Tapia you’ve got the pump. Ray was down even more. Not until we turned the corner and he witnessed us picking up Mark Martinez with the hyrdrant spanner. He looked at me then saw Pete Xenios laughing hysterically in the tiller bucket and put it all together. He never lived that one down. I will miss my friend. We kept saying we would meet camping and sad to say, it never happened. I know I will see him again. May the LORD bless him and his family during this time. RIP my friend I will miss you..
Ray you will be missed. Heart of gold and a smile that was the best. Rest In Peace brudda!
An LAFD Icon!!!! I had the good fortune to be assigned with Ray at 64 C, we were both Firefighters I was the “boot” of the shift with a pretty young crew and we had a GREAT time mostly because of Ray, he was always smiling, laughing and just a great guy!
I would love it when he’d start screaming and laughing “we got a LOOM UP bro!!!!”
I still remember our “after midnight” burritos we would have while getting our butts kicked on Engine 64!!!
Years later we saw each other at a fire when he was an Engineer, Ray was cracking up, he looked at us then pointed to his suction at the hydrant, it had the biggest kink you’ll ever see!!! still laughing he says ” gotta work on my spots bro”
A great loss to the LAFD family, RIP Boomtown…
First met Ray in 1984 working the Brush Task Force. I had a year and a day on and was extremely wet behind the ears. At the end of the detail, we were suppose to service and wash the vehicle and return them to the appropriate stations. Ray decided that he and his “udder brudda” should go diving off Point Fermin. Unfortunately my gear was in Santa Clarita, and back in the day firemen didn’t take City vehicles out of City limits. Pointing this out to Ray earned me a “Don’t worry brudda, your with me.” Well, I did worry, but everything went off without a hitch: gear picked up, buggies returned, and a great under water sight seeing tour off the point. Back ashore Ray asked how it was, “Great” I replied, “saw a couple of octopus.”
“Where are they?” I just shrugged (I didn’t even try to catch ’em).
“Awww, bro! they’re good eatin'”
I’d rather be caught by a Chief cruising Valencia in a Plug Buggy then endure that look of disappointment from a legend of the Job.
There are many stories of Ray, but they all have a common element: His bonhomie way that had you feel special and in his inner circle.
My prayers peace and understanding go out to all who will miss Ray, especially his family who endured the pain through out his illness.
Ray a very “HAFA AIDA”, the Chamorro brothers of GUAM have really lost a great one. It was a pleasure to share that greeting with someone that knew what it meant. Always a smile and a friendly greeting for everybody. Remember the saying “Guam is Good”, , you made it Great. God Bless You Brudda.
Sorry Ray mispelled “DAY” Adai
Where do you start, so many stories. One of my first memories of Ray was at a fire in the county. A lumber yard extended into a second commercial and motel. Ray was a young FF at 64’s I was the A/O at 14’s, he stepped in a water filled pot hole and broke his ankle. Mike Profit and I looked at him and said “don’t know if that can be fixed, maybe we should just shoot him. Ray became a good friend, always loved the Mayo Classic. Years later Ray came to 14’C as an Engineer. I remember the hydrant story Ed told above. I remember being on a roof and saw Ray chasing a guy down the street that stole the rotary saw. The guy couldn’t believe Ray was gaining on him and tossed the saw. We had a box at the rear of 14’s called Mayo’s lost and found, Ray was always losing something. His old Chevy Suburban’s rear window quit working and when we took it apart it was glued open from all the surfboard wax. He would hang the surfboards out the back window and I guess the wax melted in the sun. A Chief doing an inspection was going to write Ray up for destroying city property because his T/O boots were cut down the back, the Captain explained his calf’s wouldn’t fit in the boots. Ray had to go down town to see Chief Anthony and the dress shoes he borrowed looked good but were real old and fell apart, there wasn’t much left by the time he got there. This is a story you had to hear Ray tell. When I was the Captain I on the B shift my Engineer was Rick Massey. Besides being an outstanding Engineer he took pride in his rig . We came back from a 4 day and as Rick was doing his inventory he found one of Rays snacks, a piece of fruit in the map box that already had fuzz growing. Rick looked at me and said “he drives me crazy, but I love him”. That was Ray, forgetting a trade, late ( he was late to his own wedding), losing his gear, but you couldn’t help but love the guy. When ever we moved up to 85’s we would go by and say hello to “Pops” Ray’s Dad. So many more stories, strike teams, Mayo Classics it’s never ending. This loss hurts. A tough week for all that knew Ray and Mark Martinez. The Munoa family sends our condolences to Loraine and the Mayo family. Last words I heard from Ray “10 Bears luv ya Bro”.
I showed up at 14’s one day in the early 90’s for a trade payback and found the station empty. I was a rookie there years before so I knew how to get in without a house key. I was about to pick up the phone to call OCD for direction when I heard the sound of screeching tires in front of the station. Who’s there but Ray “Boomtown” Mayo in the plug buggy. He hollers “throw your trash in the back, bro, and hop in!” He belly laughed and told stories as I held on for dear life. We screamed across town, never more than three wheels contacting the pavement. We ended up on scene of the infamous Metro Rail tunnel fire where Task Force 14 was on fire watch. We joined up with Captain Jim Ott and the boys. Needless to say it was a great day…and Ray Mayo was icing on the cake. Truly, a glimpse for me into the old fire department. Though we never worked together after that day our paths did cross many times…usually at charity events like his Longboard Classic. Ray was a big man with a big heart. I certainly will never forget his smile and positive energy. I offer sincere condolences to his family.
I remember Ray from 64’s and 14’s. At 64’s Ray was Engineer Harry Carrol’s top guy. He took care of Harry while Harry was sick. Harry didn’t want be at home while he had cancer, so Ray took care of him. Chief Roy Harvey who was the Captain at 64’s at the time let him stay there with the C shift until he got too weak. I thought that was so great what they all did for Engineer Carrol. Then at 14’s everytime he would see me, he would say ” hey T Bone give me some skin man”. We would give each other five. Gonna miss you Ray. RIP brudda.
I will always cherish memories of road trips with Ray and Johnny Ojeda. Always an adventure with those two! Even simple things like a day at the beach or making pancakes while camping at the river were made memorable by Ray. Always with that big smile and “Dats Right Bro!” I will miss you Ray, and I will hold on to those memories forever.
Rest in peace my friend.
I love you Big Brother, Now rest.
For Lorraine, Kimo and the family:
“He will be missed” does not even come close to the legacy that he leaves behind.
Ray was larger than life, he had a smile that made you laugh, and it was always a good time with Ray. I met Ray-Ray at Firefighter orientation, got to know him in the tower, and loved being around him on duty or off duty.
The Mayo Classic, what an incredible event. Ray was known by people all over the world. You paddle out in Mexico, and there is a guy that knows Boomtown. I loved San O trips with Ray and Lorraine. Surf all day, great food, and treasure hunting at night.
Ray, there is great love for you, you had an incredible impact on so many people. No more pain now, just smile and know your loved by many. Rest In Peace my friend. God Bless you and your family.
Luv ya,
Pink Pig
I first met Ray in the early eighties at Fire Station 64. We immediately bonded over our love for the University of Notre Dame and Notre Dame football. Ray, his late father, Ray Sr. (Pops), myself and many other LAFD members, have attended Notre Dame football games together at the Coliseum and also in South Bend, IN, for almost 40 years. Don Reyes, stated it perfectly when he said simple life experiences were better when you were with Ray. I have never met a more lovable, universally liked person than Ray. He was just a “Big Kid.” Ray was always smiling. laughing, caring for others and gave a whole new meaning to “Island Time.” I was assigned to Drill Tower 40 sometime in the 90’s. Ray had gotten hurt and was assigned “light Duty” at Drill Tower 40. Many days he would show up late or not at all. I would call him up and ask him where he was and he would respond, “Tomas, I was on my way to the Drill Tower this morning and I thought I would drive by the beach to check out the waves and they started calling my name.” I would tell Ray he could not do that and he would respond, “Tomas, Bro, I am so sorry, that will not happen again. Of course, we both knew it would not happen again until the next time the waves started talking to him. Bob Munoa had mentioned the story when Ray had made a visit Downtown to see Chief Anthony. The story bears repeating and is a glimpse of the man we knew and loved. During this time that Ray was working “light Duty” at Drill Tower 40, he had a scheduled interview with Chief Anthony at Headquarters. This interview was the result of Ray being in the “Fat Man’s Club” and the visit with Chief Anthony was part of the progressive disciplinary process. The day before the interview, Chief Anthony’s secretary called me and instructed me to tell Ray, that Chief Anthony had a busy schedule the day of the interview and for him to please be on time. I sat down with Ray and told him not to check out the waves the next day, instilled upon him the importance of being on time and I wanted to go over his dress uniform with him, to make sure it was complete. He did not have his dress uniform with him but said he would stop by his fire station that evening and get it. He assured me it was clean and complete. The next morning he showed up at the Drill Tower with only his dress pants. He said he had stopped by the station and he could only find his dress pants. I immediately got on the PA at Fire Station 40 and explained Ray’s predicament. Bill Breham, a long time firefighter at FS 40, volunteered his dress shirt, dress tie and dress shoes for Ray to wear for his visit to see Chief Anthony. Bill was the only person who had a dress shirt large enough for Ray and it fit like a tent with the exception of the neck, which was tight and the dress shoes, were low bid Army/Navy surplus specials, that were at least 30 years old and turning to saw dust. The only problem was that Ray had a EEE shoe size. He was barely able to squeeze his club into Bill’s shoes. The distraction of trying to get Ray a uniform that morning, ensured he was going to be late for his interview with Chief Anthony. The traffic from the Harbor in the morning and for a firefighter trying to park in the unfamiliar P2, underground parking at City Hall, did help his punctuality issues. I got a phone call from Chief Anthony’s secretary asking me where was Ray and when did he leave Drill tower 40? I tried to fudge the numbers the best I could but she said Chief Anthony was not happy waiting for Ray to arrive. Once Ray got to Headquarters, he had to take the elevator to the tenth floor. The problem was that in the morning, the elevators at City Hall can be very slow. Ray, recognizing that he was late, decided to abort the elevators and take the stairs. On about the fourth floor, the shoes Ray was wearing could no longer take the stress and abuse inflicted upon them and Ray’s feet exploded out of each side of the shoes. To make matters worse, I don’t think Ray has ever owned a pair of socks in his life. Ray, being the warrior that he was continued on up the stairs. On about the seventh floor, the top button of the dress shirt, pops off. The only problem was Ray was wearing a clip-on tie and there was no way the shirt could be closed. Ray finally arrived on the tenth floor, sweating profusely and looking like a train wreck. He was ready to face the music with Chief Anthony, when Mike Carter, whom we both worked with at FS 64, years before, sees Ray and pulls him into the Medical Liaison Office were Mike was assigned. Mike got a safety pin and pinned the top of Ray’s shirt so the clip-on tie would at least look somewhat appropriate and he toweled down the sweat on Ray. I can not verify this part of the story but I heard Mike put shoe polish on the sides of Ray’s feet, that were sticking out of Bill Breham’s shoes. Ray arrived at Chief Anthony’s office late, dripping wet in sweat, his feet sticking out the sides of his shoes, his dress shirt looks like a tent on him and he has a safety pin holding the top of his shirt closed. Chief Anthony takes one look at Ray, simply smiles, shakes his head and says, “Ray, what are we going to do with you?” Even Chief Anthony could not get mad at Ray. A side note, the look on Bill Breham’s face when Ray returned the torn shoes and the dress shirt missing a button with a simple, “Sorry Bro,” was priceless. Ray will be missed by all but I know he and “Pops” are enjoying their time together with Ray’s Mom in the “Golden Dome” in the sky. I Love you, Brother, Tomas
After reading all these comments I’ve got tears rolling down my face…not sure if they are more from grief or these hilarious stories. I’ll leave the story telling to the better writers, but will say that we were blessed. Blessed to have Ray in our lives…even if it didn’t always feel like a blessing!
So many memories and great laughs we all shared with the one and only Ray “Boomtown” Mayo. To those of us that knew Ray his passing is crushing. Starting out the day at the Fire Station and to see Ray with his broad smile and a sincere “Good Morning Bro!” was always a good start of the day.
I was assigned to FS 64 two times working with Ray, Harry Correll, and an incredible cast of characters. I can still hear him saying “DIG BABE!!! DIG, DIG, DIG!” Weather performing a traditional Polynesian dance on the kitchen table in full garb or Tilting his head back and rolling dice from his eye sockets, Ray made every day special Everyone and I mean everyone loved Ray. Looking back on days working with Ray leaves memories that still make me laugh. The stories about Ray could fill a book, maybe two.
I returned to FS 64 a second time as a Captain I. When I showed up Boom told me that he did not want to rotate on to the pump because he was helping out Harry B. This selfless act for a friend in need was no surprise to those of us that knew and lived with Boom. He was an original one of a kind person never to be replaced.
Loved by all, you will be missed.
To Lorraine and the Mayo family we send our deepest sympathy.
RIP Boomtown, my friend
I am reading all of these comments and they bring a smile to my face as I was also a young firefighter assigned to FS 64 with Tommy Ottman on the B platoon. I remember being at the fire when Ray broke his ankle and if memory serves Manny Hernandez and Tom Ottman took each side of him and hopped him to the RA. I was assigned to FCCS II when he was assigned to MFC and remember spending many hours with Ray during lunch in the kitchen at FS 4 reminiscing our days at 64’s and how he talked me into getting into his rowing club in the harbor, he always laughed and said ” thats one long commute from the valley bro” . What I remember most is that he was as strong as an Army Mule and as gentle as a lamb, he had this amazing ability to bring about a sense of calm and happiness to any situation with his wit and charm, and many times with just a smile and a laugh.
John
Boom Town – the biggest heart and the kindest man I have ever met. Just a few stories. Surfing at K-38 in Baja with Ray, Lorraine, and Tony Gamboa. The day started out at 5:30 am at Gardena Bowl for Portuguese Sausage and eggs and we were supposed to be in baja by 11am – but then Ray made like 18 other stops on the way to San Diego before crossing the border to baja, to visit his friends and eat at every stop. I swear he had a cousin or auntie about every 10 miles down the 5 freeway, which he wanted to visit for “10 minutes”. It was fun, we finally made it to K-38 by 4pm and after our surf session we went to Puerto Nuevo where Ray had the hook up on Lobsters. We had a great dinner, laughed the whole time and made it home by midnight. 18 hours of driving and laughs, and good eats and 2 hours of surfing. Totally worth it!
I could go on and on about these great stories – but mostly what I will miss was the impact and influence he had on the LAFD.
May you rest in eternal peace – godspeed!
Pat
I truly lost a brother when Ray passed. Reading everyone’s stories conjure up such wonderful memories of Ray. I would like to share a few more stories about this wonderful and unique man. Ray had many talents and one of them was his ability to snore when sleeping. I would say he was a close second to the “King of all LAFD Snorers,” John Cano. When we were all assigned to FS 64 in the early eighties, taking a minimum of 4 rolls of toilet paper to bed with you was an absolute must, if you wanted to get some sleep. Ray could blow the doors off of their hinges, with his snoring. The dorm at FS 64 was the scene of some epic “Toilet Paper Wars,” and if the truth could be told, resulted in some injuries and broken windows. One morning, past relief, Ray was still in bed, snoring away. The oncoming shift wanted to start exercising and play pool in the dorm. Mike Proffit could take it no longer and went to Truck 64 and grabbed the chain saw. Mike took the chain saw to the work room, removed the chain, started up the chain saw, entered the dorm and ran towards a sleeping Ray. Ray was suddenly awakened by the sound of the chain saw but did not have his wits about him. Proffit proceeded to bury the bar of the chain saw into Ray’s side and chest, as Ray let out a bloodcurdling scream. It is a wonder Ray did not die that morning of a heart attack. Another great story was when Ray was in the “Fat Man’s Club,” (when was he not) and gained 15 pounds in one month. Ray was a master at rigging the old fire station Detecto Physician Scale, by using magnets to counterbalance the sliding scale. Ray knew the exact size of magnet to make sure it registered that he was losing two pounds a month, even though he was not. In those days, the Chief would normally let the Captain know that he was coming by for a member “weigh in.” On this particular day, the Chief was in the area of the station and stopped by unannounced. Ray was not prepared for the Chief’s visit and did not have time to grab his magnets, to manipulate the scale. Holy moly, the look on the Chief’s face when the scale said Ray had gained fifteen pounds was a classic. Obviously, the weight gain was on paper only because of Ray’s manipulation of the scale. Ray was later counseled on this failed weight gain. I talked to him after the counseling session and asked him how it went. He told me that he two choices on explaining how he gained the phantom 15 pounds, choice 1 was to admit to rigging the scales or choice 2, chalk up the phantom weight gain to an undisciplined month of eating. He elected choice 2 because he did not want to admit to wrongdoing and the chief could easily believe he had a month of undisciplined eating. LOL. A wonderful man and the stories are endless. My condolences to the best thing that ever happen to Ray. Lorraine
I met Ray at Sano. I had gotten out of the water at old mans and there was this group setting up a barbeque at the palapa
The fearsome foursome, Ray, Juan, Dave, and Pete were celebrating the anniversary of Rays time off for weight control issues. That was the first Mayo classic. “Ride to live, live to Ride.” It was a little barbeque and was sitting at a tilt in the sand. I convinced them that it had to be level to be effective. From then on I was the official barbeque leveler. Things grew from there. Later on Pops wangled the tow along barbeque and the rest is history. Sad times for all of us. that knew him. RIP BRO
I first met Ray in mid 1981. I was assigned to 85s and was a 1 month seasoned first house rookie when Ray arrived fresh out of the tower. One evening at dinner the grapevine rings and Ray is up like a shot and answers it before my butt ever left the bench. I knew right then that I was in trouble. I learned so much from Ray through the years. Ray and I became great friends and spent time together on and off the job. Remember the black hole bronco? Thats another story. We studied together at 64s for engineer with Wizkid. I think Ray was the only reason I passed the test. Some of my best years were there at 64s with Boom Town, Wizkid, Horsehead, Fredbone, Vinne, Billy, Tom, Big John, The weasel Harry B. and the rest of our friends. Ray named them all. I will miss you Ray. We lost a great man but heaven got a great man..See you.
I met Ray in Battalion 13, and from day one he was and is my brutha for Life. From 1983 and on Ray was his true self. He did everything big,
…..Heart, Laugh, Play and Dance. Yes Ray could dance. I will miss you but your memories will last forever. Thank you for embracing me. Until we meet again, Island time my brutha.
Big Ray, You will be missed my brother. I will cherish the great memories I have had with you. Notre Dame football, the Mayo Classic working with you at 48s. and coaching the D line with you at Glendale College. We mentored some fine young football players who got to play that D 1 football. I have many memorys with Ray. My prayers go out to the Mayo family and especially Lorraine who went above and beyond taking care of Ray during his tough times. RIP brother Hutt Hutt DAAAMEEETEEE> One love bro. Jim
He had a heart of gold… a smile that could brighten the darkest of days… and he genuinely cared about others. The stories involving Ray are many, and often legendary. He was loved by anyone who new him, and is certainly missed by all. You will live forever live in our breaking hearts…. RIP Ray
Ray was such a great guy. He would bend over backwards to give you the shirt off his back. He was so helpful to my family when my father passed away in 2007. He invited me to the Mayo Classic and I was lucky enough to go to the last one and stay with his family in a trailer at Camp Pendleton. I have been to football games with Lorraine and Ray. Chinese in Torrance was a favorite after my doctor appointments. We actually called each other bro and sis. I knew he was not going good when I talked to Lorraine but as my dad used to say Ray is Ray so I honestly thought he would pull through as usual. I was so sad that he did not make it. We lost a great guy but as their former Captain Harvey said his two engineers are now together. Waiting to see if they start playing pranks to the firefighters working at station 64. This is such a great loss. Hopefully he is off having fun doing whatever on the other side.
# RIP my brother, Ray Mayo.
Boomtown: I miss your Gracious and sweet Warrior Spirit.
My Condolences to the Mayo Family.
Rest Well In The Lord, Ray!
Rick Erquiaga
Miss, you like O2.
JJ
I was blessed with the privilege of working with Ray when I was a FFPM at Fire Station 14 and then again as a new Captain at Fire Station 64. Being a new Captain, having Ray as an Engineer was the absolute gift as I knew his instincts could be trusted unconditionally.
Even more than his fire ground expertise, Ray was the perpetual mentor and motivator who would always make himself available to a rookie Firefighter or to anyone who sought to share his wisdom. Whenever he started with “gather around” you knew you were in for something insightful. Ray also epitomized selflessness as he insisted on riding the engine to let Harry Correll stay on the pump while battling his illness.
Ray spent countless hours year after year organizing his annual Mayo Classic beach and surfing party. This fund raiser brought hundreds of members from numerous agencies together for shared fun and fellowship that took camaraderie to a new level.
Ray’s inspiration never looked at the clock. No matter how many times we would stagger to the rig after midnight, Ray would let out a booming, “Gimme a Hut Hut!” which is probably what led to his nickname, Boomtown. His tireless motivation would bolster everyone with a renewed surge of energy which got us through another response. With that, nobody could say no when Ray wanted to make a quick pit stop at an all-night taco stand on the way back. And of course (as givers ourselves) we could not let him eat alone. I never would have known that they could taste so good so I also let him introduce me to another Ray favorite, Spam. Not as good as the tacos but better than I expected.
Ray was so unique in his expressions that mere English words did not always suffice. When something was worthy of extra Mayo recognition, a booming, “Damaté “ (dam-a-té) would often be heard. Or, if the recognition was noteworthy on a lesser scale, a shorter, “Dama” would take its place. Sixteen years later, I find myself still using both and when I do it is not unusual to be asked, “So where did you work with Ray?”
In my heart, soul and mind, it feels like I still do.