Firefighter III – Fire Station 4
Deceased:
September 05, 2022
Appointed:
06/28/1969
Pensioned:
07/14/1990 – FS4
Services:
PRIVATE
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Mike McMaster says
I worked with Ron for many years at old Fire Station #4. He was our permanent cook on the B Platoon and he taught me that chicken could be prepared in a least one thousand different ways. One of Ron’s most remembered little mistakes was when he was cooking pork meat in vegetable oil. As luck would have it the flame was left on while the Taskforce and squad got a run. When we all returned to quarters Taskforce 1 was just starting the overhaul. The kitchen was a total loss. We got takeout that night for dinner. It was amazing how little sleep Ron needed. Every time that I got up in the middle of the night to use the restroom, there was Ron in the locker room smoking a cigarette and reading a book. He could get by with just 2 or 3 hours per night. Ron like most of us back in the day had several nicknames most of which were not too flattering. I remember some of our co-workers calling him “Doctor Iodine” and “Doctor death” although most of his meals were quite good, but probably his most common nickname was snorkelbeak. Ron was a hard worker both on and off the job. Off duty he cut firewood for some extra cash. He was a natural with a chainsaw. I enjoyed working with Ron. I trust that he now resides with the savior of us all. Jesus Christ.
Kevin Kearns says
I worked many a SOD day on the “B” shift. They had a Great shift and a permanent cook, Ron. How lucky is that? I remember Ron as a nice guy always willing to help. I felt so sorry for Ron when the kitchen caught fire 🔥, My condolences to all the Rogers.
Sheldon McKowan says
Ron was a great guy! Good cook but as PC’s often have happen, there meals seem to repeat no matter how different you make things. The first Kiwi I ever had was thanks to Ron. What a great little fruit! Another one of the guys who made 4’s at that time one of the best stations to ever work at. Condolences to all of the Rogers.
Duane Warth says
Ron and I were 3 rd house rookies at F.S. 4 in the 1970’s. Ron was a good guy to work with and 4’s was a good place to work for a lot of reasons. One morning when we were training the Brown Bomders, RA 4 was a 16 hour ambulance, at 8:00 AM the RA got a run and no RA personal were in the station. Captain Kirkman said grab two white shirts to me and Ron and be on your way. But capt. I said. He said get goooing. And we did and every thing worked after a couple phone calls to Headquarters. Ron’s claim to fame will alway be starting the fire that burned up the station kitchen at F. S. 4. Rest in peace my friend as your work is done.
Duane Warth, lafd, ret.
ED Tapia says
Sorry to hear the loss of Ron, He was on the “B” Shift with a few characters on that shift but Ron fit in nicely. If I remember correctly Ron could make a casserole out just about anything. Loved working with him. Rest in Peace.
Bernard S. Salazar says
I had the pleasure of working with Ron back when at Fire Station 4. He was one of the outstanding cast of ‘characters’ who made the house a great place to work. We can still smile at the memories and the good times of which Ron was a big part. Thank you old friend for being who you were and what you brought to the fire house. Now, may you rest in peace and enjoy your eternal cigarettes and cups of coffee, with your feet propped up, and taking it all in.
george webster says
worked with Ron at old 4s was a great cook and quite a nice guy as a wood cutter he took down a giant pine tree in my front yard and we partied the rest of the night was a fun night rest in piece my friend and brother.
Kevin Rogers says
Some of my most vivid memories are of my father at 4’s. For me, this was the Golden Age of memories as it found my dad in an environment he enjoyed and thrived in. I read through a few of the comments already left here and you all have my undying thanks and gratitude for keeping him safe and remembering him the way I do. You all were a fraternal group that was an extended family for us. There was some mention of his cooking. Just know he experimented on us quite often before you got the finished product. The times I remember the most are the Holiday dinners. It was a time I got to watch my dad cook and interact with the guys in the station and Norman Rockwell has nothing compared to the long table that went the length of the kitchen and into the media room. It was awesome looking down that table and seeing the camaraderie which was an inspiration. I loved crawling all over the engines and sliding down the old brass poles and poking my head into places it didn’t belong. As I got older, I learned how to play racquetball in the back court. We had several of you visit over the years in Big Bear. To me, you were all like uncles. And them memories are not just of the station. I remember ski trips with some of the guys and, of course, there was the Hook and Ladder Enduro. Some of you made it to Big Bear for the 4th of July pig roasts too. All in all, I am grateful he had you as friends and family. You made is life glow. My brother and I Thank you all.