Captain II – Fire Station 26
Deceased:
11/05/2021
Appointed:
09/01/1962
Pensioned:
06/28/1995 – FS26
Services:
PRIVATE
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Terry Tuzzolino says
Another one of the great ones had to leave us. I worked with Captain Smith at 15’s when he was an engine Captain. Some of the best times in my career. He was the best firefighten engine skipper I ever worked with. Everyone was proud to try to live up to Smittys standards, great man. My condolences to his family..RIP
Bud Molle says
I was fortunate to have had Cap Smith work a number of SOD days with us at 33’s. Tuz summed up his abilities quite well. We learned so much from him. Talking with him at the kitchen table, he asked me if I knew where I was going to order lumber from in the house I was in the beginning stages of. I said not yet. He gave me the phone number of his son who was in sales at Terry Lumber. That worked out well, and I thanked Cap at a later time. I also got to work with another of his sons, Gary, at 10’s. He is a fine young man and was an exceptional rookie. May you rest in peace Cap, and may GOD bless your family
Bob Munoa says
Terry is spot on about Dick’s abilities as a Captain. 14’s and 15’s went to many fires together and I was always impressed with Dick’s leadership and the performance of his crew. Over the years we became friends and had mutual interest in classic cars. Dick built one of the finest Street Rods I have ever seen. Always enjoyed seeing Dick and Gary at car shows. The Munoa family sends our condolences to Gary and the Smith family. Rest In Peace my friend you will be remembered.
Tom Ottman says
Truly one of the “Greats.” We affectionally referred to Captain Smith as the “Mean Captain” but in reality he was a big Teddy Bear. Captain Smith was not from the touchy, feely generation. He was a great role model on and off the job who expected you to give your best each and everyday. He was forever loyal to his crews as they were to him. I also benefitted from one of his sons working for a lumber company. My sincere condolences to his son Gary (LAFD Retired), his wife Laura and the entire Smith Family.
Jerry Bedoya says
I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Capt Smith and would like to express my heartfelt condolences to the entire Smith family. I never had the fortune of working for Dick, but I certainly admired him from afar while at Ten’s when he was a CI at FS15 and then a CII at FS26. As a young FF, I was always intrigued by who my hero’s admired so when I asked Capt. Nipp this he emphatically replied, Dick Smith. If that doesn’t speak volumes for the man, the fireman, I don’t know what does. Years later when I moved to Fallbrook my wife and I saw him at a local eatery and Dick could not have been more gracious and engaging. RIP Capt. Smith.
Chuck Butler says
I had the good fortune to work at Fire Station 15- B for my first house probationary assignment. I was a young, backwards kid and struggled my first month on Engine 15. Capt. Smith was tough but fair. It was his example and guidance that got me through. I remember him calling me and the third house rookie up to his dorm in the evening to answer questions from the Volumes. I was used to the multiple-choice format of drill tower tests, but he would simply open the book and ask us questions. I dreaded those sessions, but it motivated me to study harder. I also remember coming head-to-head with Engine 14 one night on a fire. I fumbled to pull a handline and the rookie from Engine 14 got first water on the fire. As we were putting our gear back on the engine Capt. Smith walked up to me and calmly said “You’ve got to be faster.” I was blessed to work with some amazing men at that time and Dick Smith was one of the best. My condolences to his family.
Bob Mihlhauser says
Captain Smith was without a doubt one of the best fire officers I had the opportunity to work with. He was fair, direct and stern. There was no guessing where you stood. I believe that is what, we as a crew, admired most about the “Mean Captain”. This nick name came from an old time firefighter “Smiley Wallace” while detailed to FS 15, After a morning of fire prevention and whatever else, Smiley walked into the kitchen and stated “man that’s the meanest ol’ Captain I ever have seen”. From that day on with respect and admiration Captain Smith was called the “Mean Captain”. Captain Smith expected you to know your job and he impressed that by setting the example, beginning with himself. Every time a question was asked about the fire department, without fail, Capt. Smith either knew the answer or researched the topic and provided the answer at our next line up! Thanks for the lessons Capt. Smith. My condolences to his family
Moose
Jim Stiglich says
Funny thing happens in retirement. Rust, or something like it, eats away at most of those days as as firefighter that seemed so important at the time. Those days are reduced to memories now. Many are treasured, some hurt, most fade to dust…as they should. One memory for me stands the test of time. I was a second house rookie at 15B when the “Mean” Captain Smith was there. I was assigned to Truck 15 but had my share of “engine only” runs and plenty of drill days with Captain Smith in charge. It was clear from the start that he controlled the pace at the station. At exactly 0800 he made one and only one “line up” announcement on the PA and by the time he hung up the mic all were seated and quiet for the proceedings. As others have stated, he had a command of all things fire department and willingness to share. Most will agree “mean” was just a style of leadership that left little room for misinterpretation. I made my share of rookie blunders during my time at 15’s but I don’t think any of them made the “secret journal” he kept on the side. I never worked with him again but whenever our paths crossed he had that subtle smile of approval I so treasured and there was always mutual respect even if it wasn’t a long conversation. Thanks Captain Smith for doing it right. My condolences to the family.
Allen Skier says
I had the fortune to work for Captain Smith, The Mean Captain at FS 26. A strong stern man that lead by example. He took great pride in his crew with very high standards. You knew that you met his expectations when he called you Buster. When you came to work you were expected to do your job the community and the Department came first no sniveling allowed. That said until the third shift of the segment when the Mean Captain would conveine Snivel Session. You just had to stand up in front of the entire crew and snivel. Quite often snivel session would last well over an hour leaving all of us laughing hysterically. Thanks for showing us what Right Looks Like!
To Gary and the Smith Family our heart felt condolences.
Rest In Peace Buster