Captain, Fire Station 50-A
Deceased:
July 3, 2020
Appointed:
04/30/1960
Pensioned:
11/19/1985 – FS 50A
Services:
PRIVATE
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Bob Neamy says
Sam Serra was a good friend over the years. We would meet in Telegraph Cove in Canada to fish every year. His close friend Dick Balazano along with Bruce Froude and numerous others would spend 2-4 weeks in a campground fishing the inland passage. Sam was very unique in that when he would ask you a question, you learned you would never finish an answer before he would be off walking around the campground. His attention span was short. Sam beat the battle with throat cancer over 15 yrs. ago, and then had it reoccur about a year ago. I will miss his emails that sometimes started at 0300 hrs. in the morning. Sam was a good guy and meant well. Sam I know your suffering is over and I hope you rest in peace. bob neamy
Tony Hidalgo says
My condolences to Sam’s family.
I worked with Sam at 50’s in the early 80’s. A fine officer and a better man. He will be missed. Rest in peace ‘Cap’.
James Kinninger says
I worked under Sam at FS 3 and later we were relief officers at FS 1. I saw him at the last Grass Valley reunion and had to pleasure of listening to many of his stories! A character and a Gentleman! My thoughts are with his family. Jim Kinninger
rick koppos says
Sam Serra was a great TFC at 50’s
Had a lot of fun working with him.
He never got mad getting put in the suds
I will miss you cap
wayne wiesehan says
Sam was my captain as a rookie. We had many great talks about life in general. He was a great mentor and the world is a little less for his departure. God bles you Sam!
len cole says
I worked with Sam on the opposite shift at 3’s. Sam was the Captain on Engine 3. He had a way of being a ‘Cautioning Angel.’ He would ask me a question about something I said or done that made me stop to think about how my actions affected others or how my actions shape my reputation and if I could have done better. It was like I had disappointed him by exercising less than the best judgment. He didn’t criticize, he just questioned. In that way, he seemed to be priest-like. I have the fondest memories of Sam. I am saddened to know that he has passed.
Leonard cole says
I want to add to my earlier comments only to note that Sam was awarded the Toll of Merit for meritorious action above and beyond the call of duty on November 8th, 1967. That was before my hire date and I don’t know the details.