LAFRA:
I had the honor of working with Monty [Majesky] and Bill Whitcher at old 27’s. I remember my classmates that were rookies in Battalion 13 always talking about this Majesky character, an awesome hard-charging A/O. Well I never met Majesky until I promoted to engineer in 1984. By now my vision of Majesky was that of Paul Bunyan, a giant of a man! Much to my surprise, at my first structure fire with 33’s, out steps the A/O out of Truck 33. I asked Captain Mackey, “Who is that?” He chuckled and said that’s Majesky.
Needless to say that vision of Paul Bunyan went right out the window. What he lacked in stature and brawn he made up for it with knowledge and experience that he passed on to all of us.
REST IN PEACE MONTY, you will be missed
Bob Rosario
Santa Rosa Valley, CA
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LAFRA,
Monty to me was an inspiration/mentor/friend. He encouraged me to certify on the Heavy U for a back-up operator and then I became his relief at 27’s and 56’s. He taught me how to command the Heavy U and not take guff from anybody while performing my job. People have told me I was a Majesky Jr. on the Hook, and I always took that as a compliment. The kindness and generosity he showed towards me and my family will always be remembered and forever cherished. R.I.P. my friend!
Dane Jackson
Simi Valley, CA
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Dear Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund:
Please accept this donation in memory of Wendy A. Cummings and John S. (Sparky) Holloway, both of whom passed away during June.
I worked at 10’s for a short time in the mid-80’s when Wendy was there and although I was on a different shift, I remember Wendy as a very competent paramedic and a very pleasant person who got along well with everyone. My son is a firefighter in Santa Barbara City and occasionally went on calls with the Harbor patrol, where Wendy worked for a time (sailing and the ocean were two of Wendy’s passions). On one of these calls, Wendy recognized his name and asked if he and I were related.
Although I never worked with Sparky, I talked to him countless times during his assignment at OCD, and saw him on occasion after he retired. If memory serves, one of the last times I saw him was at Ken Clore’s funeral service where he spoke at length about their time together at OCD.
Richard Watters, LAFD retired
Agoura Hills, CA
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Dear Andy,
I was very saddened to hear of Jack Bennett’s passing. Jack was in the same tower class as my husband Captain Hans R. Wolf, June 1955. Please use the enclosed check in memory of: Jack A. Bennett Assistant Chief.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Hans R. Wolf
P.S. Andy, we will never forget the beautiful presentation you did at my husband’s services two years ago.
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Dear Andy,
Please accept this donation to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund in memory of Edward T. Fox. I first met Eddie at Fire Station 89 in the early 1960’s. Eddie had just made engineer and I was a rookie a year off probation. We were friends for over 50 years and I have so many fun and happy memories of our times together. He always had a smile for everyone and I will miss him greatly.
Sincerely,
Robert K. Young
Clarkdale, AZ
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Dear Andy,
Please accept this donation to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund in the name of my father, Edward T. Fox. Thank you for all the support you give the members and their families, it makes me proud to be a member of the LAFD family. I received a heart-warming surprise, the encased flag honoring my father. He loved the LAFD and enjoyed reflecting back on his career and the members he worked with.
Thank you again,
Rick Fox, engineer retired
Quartz Hill, CA
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Widows & Orphans Fund
Please accept this contribution on behalf of Pilot Craig Fujimoto, retiring on 7/25/2015 from Fire Station 49. I spent many years working alongside Craig. He was a great member of the LAFD. He will be missed.
Richard F. Rush, FS 111 retired
Dana Point, CA
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To the Los Angeles Firemen’s Relief Association
Please accept this donation to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund in memory of Captain jack Fitzgerald. We had some exciting and fun times working together. Jack was a fine captain and tough golf competitor.
Donald & Marilyn Spreeman
Huntington Beach, CA
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LAFD Relief Association
I haven’t written or sent you all any donation in a long time, and this month is Pat’s birthday, so you are getting his birthday present from me.
I am so grateful for the service that you all do for all of us retired people, and especially retired widows. I am so happy that when I married Pat in 1981 that I got to be a member of this organization. I feel protected and taken care of, and that is what Pat would want.
Pat was a 30 year engineer and when I met him he was at 4’s. We met in the Grand Canyon when he was a boatman for Georgie Clark. I never dreamed that when we came together that I would have a family forever. I still miss him so much and miss being close to the LAFD and in Los Angeles, but I think about you all and about the wonderful organization you are trying to keep going.
Pat loved being a fireman and he worked hard and was a wonderful man that I will love and admire forever. That affection carries to all firemen, especially those in the LAFD.
Take care of yourselves and stay safe.
Mary Jean Murphy Tierney
Albuquerque, NM
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LAFRA:
I met Frank [Gritt] in 1979 when the Dept. sent me out to FS 63 after probation. What a great guy! He was probably the easiest going engineer on the job but always helpful to us. He will be remembered mostly for being a beach rat and for his famous dog Panda that rode on the pump with him. RIP Frank.
Vance Boos
Carlsbad, CA