Captain – Fire Station 47
Deceased:
05/22/2021
Appointed:
11/07/1959
Pensioned:
01/31/1992 – FS 47
Services:
PRIVATE
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
robert gladden says
simply the best man to ever wear that badge.
period.
ED Tapia says
What a great loss to us all that knew him. I worked with Captain Rohrback at Fire Station 92. what a man to watch on the court. I had the pleasure to be able to watch and learn from some of the best Handball players on the job, Rohrback, Pasos, Irons, Christman all on my shift,. Tom though was the a real studier of the game. As far as a Captain he was outstanding. As he would say, we are professionals and we need to act it. I teach that now at the fire academy, where I teach now. We kept in touch through out the years and was grateful that he attended my retirement dinner, which he never attended any after he retired. The one story I will always remember was when he was in the tower back in 1977. As he took the recruits around to show how to clean the facility he would gather them all around the toilet and with a bare hand scrub it clean and say this is how to clean this. Another story is when some of us would go off duty to Sierra’s Mexican restaurant. Carol his wife, just got a new Mercedes and as the night went on Jess Passos and I kept buying Tom Margarita after Margarita. Well in the end, Tom threw up in Carols nice new Mercedes and she wasn’t to happy with Jess and I. I will miss my friend and our talks every few months. My heart goes out to Carol and the family during this time. May he Rest In Peace…
George Negrete says
Compelled to comment…..I was just about to step out the door when I noticed the passing of Captain Rohrback. In 1977 Tom Rohrback was part of the legendary training cadre at Drill Tower 89. Captains; Ray Olsen, John Gamrat, Gil Maga, Mike Reagan, Steve Bascom and Robert Smith were members of a legendary – all star line up! After graduation I had the good fortune to work a few days with Captain Rohrback. He made every shift an extension of the drill tower and truth be told, I needed everything he had to offer! After graduation I was able to witness his skill on the hand ball court. Whenever he was on the court at 92’s I’d make sure to be watching the action from up in the gallery. Maga, Fregoso, Chrissman, ….in those days it was the “whose who” of LAFD handball. I can’t say that I’ve ever seen a more physically fit individual – he’d chase down every ball, while wearing his opponent down and often he’d wear them completely out. I’m thankful to have known Captain Rohrback. I am sure that I am one of many who benefited from his commitment to share his knowledge and experience via teaching and hands on training. It’s clear to me that Tom Rohrback is one of the men I owe the privilege I’ve had and still enjoy as a member of the Los Angeles City Fire Department family. May the Lord comfort the Rohrback family and bless them with a supernatural peace. LAFD Chaplain George Negrete
Rudy McTee says
While I never worked in a station with Tom, I did know him from the days we were both assigned to training as captains.
As George says above, he was one of the best. His passing will be missed by many.
Sonny Garrido says
One of the best to ever wear the LAFD badge. I worked with Tom at 92’s and 2’s.
A gentleman and great leader with a sense of humor. R.I.P. Tom. Condolences to your family.
Richard Chrisman says
I had the pleasure of meeting Tom in 1960. We became handball partners for 25 years. We won many A doubles and singles championships. We enjoyed each other’s company on and off the job and with families. He made me a better player and he was always a teacher of the game. He was a great leader as captain at 92s. He always had his crew trained to be the best they could be. He also had the best and most supportive wife in Carol. We travel around the country a lot playing in tournaments and he continued on after he retired and on many championships in open tournaments. He was a great father and had four very supportive children but I got to watch grow up from babies to adulthood. He was my friend for 61 years I’ll never forget you Tom. I know you’ll be playing in heaven so I have been your partner again. My prayers will be with you and your family. Thanks for all the memories Tom
This is my first time I have sent a message but you are the best of the best and you also made me the best that I could be on the court. Richard ( Dick ) Chrisman
Patty Hayden says
Thank Dick for the comments. I spent a lot of time around firefighters and especially you. Lots of fun-great stories. Dad will be missed!
Patty Rohrback Hayden
Edmund gomez says
I had the fortune to work with tom on three occasions the first at 30s although he was on another shift like a lot of stations it was all one shift he was such a wealth of knowledge that he was willing to share prior to that time I had the opportunity to watch him play my uncle Pete fregoso in the masters finals at fs95 there was hardly an open seat for due to all the gold badges in attendance who won you will have to look up I then worked with him at 20s with capt Pete then when he came back as a capt 2 we had great repour in the cab he gave me respect in the manner in which I did my job as with so many mentors that guided myself and others I thank you and wish your family well thank you tom
Chad Spargo says
I worked with Captain Rohrback at FS20 and to me he was everything a Fire Captain and leader should be and, a good, good man. Rest In Peace.
Edmund gomez says
ps I will not forget the the the night I slept next to big dog after a night of margaritas
Kevin Kearns says
I was a Captain for 25 years and worked with a lot of different people. Tom Rohrback was the finest officer I Ever worked with. His knowledge, attention to detail were second to none. Captain Rohrback would come back from a run and pull out a yellow tablet to jog down how his crew did on the run. When he wrote an evaluation on someone he wanted to make sure it had specific details of their abilities.
I was new to the battalion and I was assigned to do a Battalion drill on brush. Captain Rohrback brought in books, periodicals, & pictures for me to use. I put on the drill and many people approached me to say how well the drill went. It was all because of Captain Rohrback.
I was in staging with Captain Rohrback at the First Interstate Fire. We had just come down to get a bottle change and he told me he was really worried. I asked why? He said no building has ever been tested with fire like this. He said there was no way to be sure the coating sprayed on the metal would keep the metal from failing. Up to this point, I was having the best time of my life. Ignorance is bliss.
It was because of Captain Rohrback I went to CSULA to get a degree in Fire Technology like he had.
This man had a big impact on not only my career, but also my personal life. My wife had just given birth to my oldest son and the doctor knows I’m a fireman and asks if I know Tom Rohrback? I acknowledge I do. This doctor then says my practice is closed here but I’ll take your son as a patient. I later find out this particular doctor had a waiting list a mile long. He went on to teach Pediatric Medicine at UCLA.
Best Post here by far was by Robert Gladden..well said Robert.
My condolences to all the Rohrbacks
Tim Larson says
I worked with Tom at 10’s in the early 80’s. Simply put he was one of the finest officers I ever worked with. A true gentleman..
Tom Ottman says
I can only echo what everyone has said about Tom Rohrback, especially Robert Gladden’s comments. I had the pleasure to work with Tom at FS 20. Tom was the Captain II and Bill Zaring was the Captain I. They both loved to drill and were affectionally known as, “Black and Decker.” As a young Engineer, I marveled at Tom’s discipline, fairness, integrity and attention to detail. He lead by example. He had a tremendous reputation as a handball player but prided himself that while on duty, his number one priority was to the Fire Department. He was a very unique and special man.
Jeneal Rohrback says
Thank you so much for all your heartfelt comments and beautiful stories about dad.
I knew what a great man he was and your words have just confirmed this ten-fold.
One thing you may not have known about dad was that he was crazy about animals.
So much so that he worked at the Santa Barbara County Animal Shelter three days a week for over ten years.
We thought it would be fitting for donations to go to Santa Barbara County Animal Shelter
5473 Overpass Road, Goleta,CA 93111
Online donations:
https://licensepet.com/wl3/don/snbrwd/436
Thank you for making my hero yours too.
Jeneal Rohrback
Neil (Moxy) says
Some really nice heartfelt comments about your Dad Jeneal.
So sorry for your loss.
Sending love to you Carol and extended family.
Jeneal Rohrback says
Thanks for your kind words Moxy.
There will be a huge void in our lives without Dad.
But I know he’ll be looking over us with a margarita in hand.
Jeneal
Jim Polzer says
Tom was an inspiration for me to study for Capt. If I was half the Captain he was, I did a great job. Wonderful leader and one heck of a nice man.
Whenever we would move up, he would find a building and we would throw the 50’ Banger until our arms fell off.
God bless you Tom.
Mouse says
One of the best officers on the LAFD. Mouse
Chris Hare says
Just knowing this man was cause to step up my game, on the court and the fireground. Gladden’s comment made me think and I could not come up with a name to compare. Rest in peace champ.
Jack Kirkorn says
Tom had about 6 years on the job when I came on in 1965. Always loving to play sports, I of course immediately fell in love with handball. Tom had already established his reputation as being an outstanding handball player so he became an instant idol of mine. In later years I would compete against him but rarely ever won. On the court he was the best conditioned player I had ever seen, and just marveled on his focus and his tenacity he displayed the total length of a match. But most importantly, he was a total gentleman on, and off the court. As a fire officer, he was second to none. He always had my total respect. The LAFD, his family, and all who knew Tom have lost a true legend, a great family man, and a true friend. God speed Tom, Our prayers are with you and your family. Thanks for the memories.
Enrique Graciano says
A Man with a big heart & The Captain that we all would inspire to become indeed!
I had the opportunity to meet and work with Capt Tom Rohrback as a young kid growing up in Boyle
Heights, I joined the Fire Explorer program at FS 2 in the early 90’s. I was not able to afford a pair of work boots or white V neck shirts for my explorer uniform, So one day Capt Rohrback called Me into the front office and He gave Me his spare “Chipawa” leather work boots & a couple of White V neck shirts. I still remember how excited and proud that made Me feel. I polished those boots for years! I will never forget that ever!
Rest In Peace and thank you TOM
Raymond Cuevas says
May God Bless Capt Rohrback and his Family. I was truly very fortunate to have been trained and to have worked with Capt Rohrback at DT 89 and FS 20. He embodied the LAFD training Motto “Train as if your life depends on it, Because it does” he kept it simple and realistic with “patience “ and a sense of humor. He was in great shape and real competitor on the court and fire ground. A memory that I want to share about Capt. Rohrback is from D 89 we were doing hose lays. I was the nozzle man. The evolution started I took the line to the WRONG objective Capt. Rohrback stopped the lay threw his clipboard to the ground (in frustration) and ordered me to” grab the porters, cut a hole in that fence, and crawl back to the post office from where you came from” Man o man did that make an impression on me and the rest of the recruits, but he never gave up on us. At 20’s we would recount that event and get a good horse laugh about that incident. I Respected and truly Liked and Admired Capt Rohrback. Thank you Capt. RIP
Bob Munoa says
Worked around Tom for many years and then we were both assigned to FS 20.. A pleasure to work with and one of the most dedicated officers on the LAFD. Rest In Peace my friend.
Rick Erquiaga says
I was in class with Ray Cuevas under Tom Rohrback’s instruction and later at FS 20 on another shift. Tom always lead by example and worked along side his crew no matter what task was at hand. All of the previous comments are eloquent and accurate but only give us a brief glimpse of the Man. My Condolences to the Rhorback Family.
Rest Well, Sir!
Rick Erquiaga
Addison L Birdine says
As I reflect back on Captain Rhorback, I distinctly remember what a great teacher he was. Navigating through my Rookie year on the Department, I was assigned to FS 92 as my last rotation. Without question, he had to be one of the best Captains of my career. I certainly formed my opinions on the type of supervisor I wanted to be based on this man’s highly professional demeanor.
I often sit back and laugh at some of the training I received from him. It was intense, but was just what I needed.
As a drill instructor for the recruit classes, he honored me by pulling me down with him to training. Again assisting me in becoming the best I could be.
I could not have asked for a better person as a friend as well. Both he and Carol welcomed me into their home in Pasadena, as well as my visit with them in Santa Barbara.
You will be sorely missed Tom!! I know you’re up there training some rookie as I sit here, and they will be a better soul for it.
Rest in Heaven my Brother!!!
Mike Bell says
I only got to meet Tom and Carol for a few weeks in New Zealand a couple of years ago at Jeneal and David’s. An absolute gentleman. And a great Scrabble player too.
RIP Tom
my deepest condolences to all his family.
Jeneal Rohrback says
Dear Dad,
People say to me, “You act just like your Dad!”.
And I say, a big thank you back.
It’s a true honour to have some of your qualities and quirks.
For starters, we both love humour, a sense of humour, especially your prankster style. Remember when you cast everyone’s Christmas presents in concrete? That’s always been a favourite of mine. Or the time you filled the Captain Crunch cereal box with dog food?
Although we think we’re quick on the humour front, we’re both super slow readers and definitely prefer non-fiction books over novels, any day. Your war books and my true-crime books. But whatever book, it always comes with our odd little rule that forbids us to look at any of the photos first. No peeking.
And then there’s all the foodie stuff.
The shared sweet tooth factor. Our favs are Margaritas and dark chocolate See’s Candy (not eaten together, but an interesting thought). I now hear your new fix is three Cokes with a chocolate cake chaser.
We have no qualms about eating Mexican food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And then leftovers for the next two days.
Our love of animals is on par too. Growing up, I brought home every stray dog in the neighbourhood and the odd bird or three as well.
You showed your passion for pooches at the Goleta Animal Shelter three days a week. As well as enduring my fat cat, Littlies (aka Bigglies), sleeping on your face and Dexter’s rambunctious witching hour rampages every night at 8:00.
We both can’t help ourselves from helping others. You’ll mow a neighbour’s lawn at a drop of a hat and I’m in my element cleaning a friend’s house. Maybe it’s spilled over from our full-on careers. Tick the strong work ethic and nice guy boxes.
We’re both pretty staunch about good manners too. In the early days when David and I first met, do you remember David addressing you as ‘Sir’? That took manners a bit far, but it definitely showed huge respect.
And in the end, respect is what I have for you especially with the quirks, flaws and even demons. It’s what made you, and me.
I love the bits of you that are me.
Thank you, Jen Jen
Don Reyes says
As a young firefighter I had the great fortune of working around Captain Rohrback while he was at 92’s. He showed me how to become a student of the fire service and instilled in me a drive to become a truly “professional” firefighter. I am forever grateful for knowing Captain Rohrback and for all he taught me. Tom was absolutely the best officer I have ever know.
Heartfelt condolences to Rohrback family from the Reyes family. My mother was Tom’s cousin.
Don
Jeneal Rohrback says
Thanks Don for your kind words about Dad. I’m so happy he had an impact on your life too.
I’m curious to know your mother’s full name…I’m not sure I’ve met her.
Jeneal
Jeneal Rohrback says
Thanks Don for your kind words about Dad.
I’m so happy he had an impact on your life too.
I’m curious to know your mother’s full name…I’m not sure I’ve met her.
Jeneal
Don Reyes says
Jeneal, please email me at: donald.reyes@lacity.org
Don
Mike Bowers says
I met tom at the drill tower when we were instructors. He was truly a unique individual. He would play the rookie an follow the directions that we instructors gave while we were learning the various evolutions of ladders and hose lays. If we didn’t say “bend the knees” he would try to pick up the ladder bending over at the waist. If you didn’t say “take 3 or 4 steps” he would take as many as he could before we stopped him. He took me to 89’s court and I learned a new style of handball. It was called Mike Fetch. He was a great human.. I consider him one of my all time favorite persons. Tom RIP
James Triplett says
I was a fireman for the city of Pomona in the early 60’s and I remember playing doubles against Tom Rohrback and Dick Chrisman with my partner, Dennis Perryman, who was also a Pomona Fireman. We had some spirited games at the L.A. firehouses and Tom was a fierce competitor, but always a gentleman. I had not played Tom in singles until we met each other in the finals of the Southern California Handball Association’s Junior singles. I never ran so much in my life as I did in that match and Tom ran away with that title. In 1990, Tom called me to see if I wanted to play as his partner in the U.S.H.A. Nationals Masters Tournament. I told him that I was going to play singles, but I would like to play doubles with him too. Tom said that he would rather not play doubles with me if I was going to play singles too. I regret to this day that I didn’t drop my singles bid and play doubles with Tom. He was a smart, good man and I will miss him too. Rest in Peace Tom. My sincere condolences to his family.
Brian Sandwick says
On May 16, 1977 I assembled with my classmates at Drill tower 89 hoping I would make it through the program. Captain Rohrback was one of the instructors. It was an impressive group, we all quickly picked up on the fact that Capt Rohrback demonstrated all of the more challenging evolutions. He Demonstrated the Auditorium Raise 50″ Bangor, Life net etc. He made it clear what was expected and if you met the standard you were good to go. I am probably 1 of more then a couple hundred firefighters that Capt Rohrback impacted at recruit training. During my time I worked details and SOD with Captain Rohrback and confirmed my first impressions of the man and leader he was. My wife and I were at a First Communion of our friends twins. I was about to sit down and I felt a tug on my shirt and a hand on my shoulder, Tom was sitting behind me and just wanted to say Hi. It was a number of years ago, I still remember telling my wife how important it was that he said Hi, he was a legend. There are books, seminars, youtube channels dedicated to leadership. Captain Rohrback made it look easy. Thank you for the example and God bless you and your family, well done.
Joe Avalos says
I remember the first time I met Tom, it was at his front door. I was in high school at the time and had recently met his beautiful daughter Jeneal. Like the wise young man that I was, I made a huge impression on Tom by knocking on his door looking like a bum who had just crawled out from under a car ( which I had ), shirtless and covered in grease.
Tom looked at me a bit puzzled, but when I asked to see his daughter, the look in his eyes said it all ” I don’t think so “, which is how any good father would react. Well needless to say Tom saw through the facade of the street kid, took me under his wing so to speak, and along with Carol, they showed me respect and patience when none was due.
I learned many things from Tom over the next few years just by observing him and listening to the way he talked with his family and others. When I asked Tom about a subject he shared his knowledge freely, without reservation. When I became part of the LAFD I soon found out how much Tom was respected and admired by so many people, for so many reasons.
He was an outstanding athlete and leader; he was humble, and a true gentleman . The fact that he saw something in me and encouraged me to pursue a career as a fireman changed my life for the better. I am so grateful that God used Tom as positive influence in my life, as I am sure he was in the lives of many others.
There are many more things I could say, but will say this; The world needs more men like you Tom, Rest in Peace my friend.
Jeneal, I am so sorry for your loss. Please give my love to your family.
Jeneal Rohrback says
Dear Joe,
It makes my heart sing to hear that you held my dad in such high regard.
I know he thought very highly of you too- even with the street kid attitude. That’s what makes your story even sweeter.
He was proud of what you achieved and more than happy to bring you into our family fold.
Over the years he often wondered how you were doing so was hugely chuffed when you’d give him a ring to bring him up-to-date.
Thank you for sharing your special memories of my Dad. I’m sure he’s having a little chuckle about the greasy, shirtless episode.
Jeneal XX
Damien Shilo says
As a new recruit in the drill tower, Captain Rohrback was one of my instructors. He made me a bit nervous since he would watch (yell at) me from across the drill yard. I survived and I credit him for making me better. Later I realized how much I was learning from him. I had the privilege to work with him for several years. I always looked up to him and he would teach me something every time we worked together. A fine Officer and genuinely nice person. I will always have fond memories and good prayers to him and his family.
robert gladden says
as I read the comments I just have to say, men I knew and respected seem to agree. you will not find a comment that is less than outstanding.
I met him in my rookie orientation. as he fitted me for my turnout coat he very casually asked,
‘was your father on?’. I said yes. he said nothing else.
but….he watched me thru the tower. watched over a barely satisfactory rookie pull thru. one week before
graduation, I threw out my knee. they could have easily thrown me to the next class. he saved me.
once again, saying nothing. he watched over me and I won’t ever forget it.
Denny Strong says
My wife Donna and I had the pleasure of spending many wonderful times with Tom and Carol when we played together on an LAFD softball team. Lots of travels and great memories of a great couple. While I didn’t work with Tom on the job, I knew him as a very dedicated fireman and officer and all of the above comments are truly well deserved. May the Lord be with Carol and family in the time ahead and we are truly Blessed to have known Tom and Carol. May he rest in peace.