A Final Call for Celebration
On Thursday, June 27, 2019 more than 125 family members, co-workers and friends gathered at the San Antonio Winery in honor of Inspector II Terrence O’Connell who retired after 38 years of dedicated service to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The lunch started off with an invocation by Inspector II John Conneally, a co-worker of Terry’s, who kept the mood light with his comedic version of the Firefighter’s Prayer. Captain Chris Mittino was the Master of Ceremonies who did an outstanding job keeping the event moving.
The first presentation was given by Jim Dolan from LAFRA who presented Terry with his Gold Retirement Badg,e followed by Captain David Sifuentes on behalf of UFLAC who presented Terry with his Retirement Ring. Sifuentes spoke of the close relationship they shared in the Hydrants and Access Unit. Hani Malki, Senior Fire Protection Engineer from FDS presented Terry with his 35 Year Pin, one diamond for each 10 years of service, followed by Captain Dwayne Laurent from FDS who presented Terry with his Certificate of Retirement, signed by Fire Chief Terrazas. Chief Pat Hayden presented Terry with a Retirement Certificate and a Personalized Glass Flame Keepsake on behalf of the Fire Marshal’s Office. Chief Hayden spoke on the time that he and Terry shared working together. Terry was the Peer Group Instructor for Chief Hayden’s class as well as a personal mentor when he went through the Drill Tower. Things got a little emotional when Chief Hayden said if it had not been for Terry, he did not know if he could have made it through the Drill Tower.
A few of the gifts that were presented by Inspector II Robert Duff & Inspector II John Conneally were an old 1935 blueprint of a Double 4×4 Fire Hydrant that was etched onto metal and framed, an old Spanner and a new EZ Spanner which is the brainchild of 18 year LAFD veteran Engineer Dennis Garrison. There were two beautiful cakes, one of which read “Trash out & Terry Who.” There were numerous other gifts both heartfelt and extremely funny.
It was a fabulous event for one who is well-respected, liked and loved for his knowledge, experience and sense of humor. For all the members past and present that worked with you Terry, we wish you a long, healthy and happy retirement. Good luck and God bless you and your family.