Battalion Chief, Disaster Preparedness Section
Deceased:
January 25, 2020
Appointed:
02/20/1971
Pensioned:
01/08/2005 – Disaster Preparedness Section
Details about the memorial service
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
Bill Cass says
I had the pleasure of going through the Tower with Tom. We worked around one another for a long time. He came to the Arson Section where he was my Captain. Great guy to work for and a great friend. Dependable, generous and fair. You couldn’t ask for more. Made a lot of our Section reunions. He will be missed. So Long My Brother.
Mark Akahoshi says
I was fortunate to work with and around Tom throughout my career. He was a man of integrity and dedication when performing his job and taking care of his personnel. He was well respected by all. He taught me how to be a good firefighter and inspired me pass on those traits and skills to others. He really inspired me to join the Urban Search & Rescue program. Later, I had the opportunity to lead the Federal US&R Program and tried to run it like Tom did. (Not even close to his level) Tom will be missed. My condolences to the Burau Family.
Al Hernandez says
Tom was my relief at Fire Station 46, he was a great guy, can’t believe he is gone we last met in retirement for lunch, life is short it’s time to spend as much time with the people you love and respect because you will never know when the last time will come.
Brian Humphrey says
Tom gave so much to all of us over the years at a variety of assignments, and I’m certainly among the many who will always cherish his hearty laugh and warm smile. I am a better man for having known him. Rest in Peace.
Kevin Kearns says
I worked with Tom in Recruit Training at DT 89, he was the Recruit Training Officer. He was a pleasure to work for. Being in Training could be very frustrating at times yet Tom always had our backs on any decision we made regarding recruits. I always respected him for that.
My condolences to the family..RIP Tom
Gary Hight says
I worked with Tom at Old 27’s in Hollywood. One early morning fire we responded to a liquor store on Sunset. We found the place full of smoke. When we finally knocked the fire down and over hauled the place we both smelled like drunken bums. We laughed about that for many years. Rest in peace Tom, you were always a great friend. You will be missed!
Robert McMaster says
I first met Tom my very first day at Fire Station 27 after graduating from the drill tower in April 1975. Fire Station 27 was a Heavy Duty Task Force in those days and there were many talented firemen assigned to that fire station, but Tom stood out. By lunch time that first shift I knew that if I stayed close to Tom Burau some of his talent would rub off on me. For the remainder of my rookie assignment at Fire Station 27 he was my mentor and I shadowed him everywhere learning everything I could. Thanks Tom for taking me under your wing. My sincere condolences to Tom’s family. Rest in peace my friend.
Robert Rosario says
I met Tom at old 29’s he was an Engineer there and worked around him over the years. I lost track of Tom over the years, one day I’m on my way to Mammoth and ran into Tom at McDonalds in Mohave. Tom was on his way to do some work on his place in Reno .Little did I know it would be the last time I saw him. R.I.P my friend, My condolences to Maria Luisa and your family.
Terry Depackh says
I first met Tom when he came into the Arson Section. I still say he was one of the best captains we ever had in Arson in my 34 years in the unit. Became good friends with him off the job as we both lived in Thousand Oaks. He was always conscious of keeping our personal and professional relationship separate. Made a lot of camping trips with him and his family as our kids at the time were approximately the same age. Janet and I send our prayers to Mary, Michael, and Melissa. Tom was truly one of the “Good Guys”. RIP my friend. You will be missed.
Jerry Horwedel says
I was assigned as a second house rookie with Tom as Engineer at old 82’s on Bronson. That guy could make a ’60 Crown move through the Hollywood hills like a sports car.
What a wonderful mentor and example, God Bless you and your family Tom.
Jerry