Dear Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund:
Please accept this donation in memory of Steward E. Premmer. Stu was a third house rookie at old 4’s on the “C” platoon around 1975. He was a bit on the short side but had a big heart, a great work ethic and an engaging personality.
A couple of stories from “the old days” when life (on the LAFD) was simpler:
Stu had been at 4’s for a while but was still on probation when we got the word that two trainees were coming down to see the station they would be assigned to after graduation. One was Andres “Andy” Valencia, and the other’s name escapes me. Stu put on his blues and somehow a captain’s badge and horns, and found a big cigar. When the doorbell rang and the soon to be probationary firemen came in, they were introduced to “Captain Premmer.” In whispers, they were told that Captain Premmer had little use for rookies and made life hard on them. They proceeded to get a tour with Captain Premmer blowing cigar smoke at them and in general telling them they had better work hard and make few mistakes. Of course when their tour was over and they were heading for home, they encountered a local “downpour.”
If I remember correctly, the day Stu got off probation, he took over the cooking full time and either started or continued the tradition of the “Three O’clock Cake’ which took place every afternoon. Unless we were at an incident, we took a break for cake and coffee. Once, we were conducting Battalion Driver Training in the parking lot at Dodger Stadium with 3’s. At 3:00 pm, Stu drove up in the plug buggy with cake and coffee – and enough for 3’s to enjoy also.
Last year on a rainy day in December, a pancake breakfast was held at Fire Station 43 honoring Stu and supporting him in his fight with cancer. It was packed with friends and former co-workers as a testament to a good guy whose life would be cut far too short.
Richard Watters, LAFD retired
Agoura Hills, CA
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The Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Assn,
Enclosed is a check in memory of Steward E. Premmer who was one of my reliefs at Fire Station 58 in the mid-80’s. I was on the “B” shift and Stew was on the “A” shift. He was one of the better cooks. He could whip up a meal, with ease, that would have you going back for seconds.
Robert L. Kilpatrick
Simi Valley, CA
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Dear Andy,
Please accept the enclosed check in honor of Steward Premmer. Stu was a fine engineer and an even finer man. I feel honored to have worked with Stu for four years at 58’s early in my career. He was a gentle soul who led by example in a world full of push and shove. He was also one of the best firehouse cooks I ever knew.
Respectfully,
Jim Stiglich
Van Nuys, CA
P.S. Thank you for your tireless efforts at LAFRA!
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Widows and Orphans Fund:
Please accept this donation for your worthy cause in gratitude for the excellent, professional services rendered to me on July 20, 2014, at the above address by the outstanding emergency personnel at Fire Station 5.
I can specifically commend Steven Addleman and his co-worker Kevin (last name unknown) for their efforts. However, all the people from Fire Station 5 involved were appreciated.
Thank you,
Robert T. Jacobs
Playa Del Rey, CA
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To the Editor:
Please accept this donation to the Widows and Orphans Fund in the memory of Tim Walgren.
I spent 2 ½ years of my career at 70’s and many years after I retired in the company of “Timmy.” Being around him and having him for a friend made you better for it. On and off the job was filled with laughter and good times. We lost him too soon but those who [had] his company now are reaping the benefits of what we had – lucky them!!
Norm Stephens
Lake Havasu City, AZ
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Andy Kuljis,
Our family would like to thank you for your help and kindness after Tim’s death. Tim loved his fire family so much. Enclosed is a check in Tim’s memory to the Widows, Orphans and Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
Sincerely,
The Walgren family
Simi Valley, CA
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Dear Pauline,
Thank you so much for arranging the fabulous group of firefighters attend our end of year assembly in June. They spoke a little about the LAFD Widows and Orphans Fund, accepted our donation, and even managed to stay for much of the morning, warmly greeted our students and allowing some of them to personally thank them for their service. I must say their presence was a highlight of the day, if not the year! We absolutely understand what a busy time of year it is and are so appreciative that the firefighters could join us.
We enjoy our partnership with the Firemen’s relief Association and would love to expand the connection if ever possible.
Best regards,
Paula Riley, Elementary School Director
Heschel Day School, Northridge
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L.A. Firemen’s Relief Association:
Please accept this donation in memory of our Zuliani comrades: Aldo, Reno, Angelo and Paul. What great times we all had together.
[Also,] Please accept this donation in memory of Hallack Robb, Larry Korchak and Forrest Taylor, the first A shift scuba team (1960-61), and Fireboat Mate Ron Smith. All are missed.
William Dahlquist
Laguna Niguel, CA
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Dear Andy –
It is with a heavy heart that Mary and I are sending this donation to the Widows and Orphans Fund in memory of a great friend Don Beaver. He will be remembered for the fire department and the many other associations he was involved with, and organizing several golf and travel trips. May God bless his family and the Relief Association.
Thanks,
Gary Klasse
San Clemente, CA
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LAFRA:
Please accept the enclosed donation in memory of Karin Bassett-Williams, daughter of retired engineer Bob Bassett and his wife Jeanette. Death may have taken Karin, but it can’t take our sweet memories of her.
Sincerely,
Bill Judi, Mark Robinson and Jilanne Robinson-Breen, LAFD retired
Newbury Park, CA