Captain
Deceased:
February 25, 2014
Appointed:
12/19/1973
Pensioned: Disability – 02/12/1987
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund
815 Colorado Blvd, 4th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90041
The Relief
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I count myself among many who have been blessed by Bill Burnidge’s devoted service to our nation, the LAFD and its affiliated organizations.
Having been raised during the great depression, he was obviously not a man to take things – least of all hard work – for granted. A proud member of the post WWII Naval Air Reserve, he later served in the Air Force for four years, including a 1 year during the Korean War, followed by a year at the Pentagon.
Were that not enough, he joining the LAFD in 1955, serving with distinction for 31 years. A 1961 recipient of the Medal of Valor, he retired at the rank of Captain II.
Most notably to myself and many others, Bill will be fondly remembered for generations to come for his selfless service as Vice President and later President of our beloved Firemen’s Relief Association prior to his LAFD retirement in 1987.
Quite a man – and quite an example for us to follow. May he rest in peace.
Respectfully and Fraternally,
Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,
Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer, ‘B’ Platoon
Los Angeles Fire Department
Saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a fine man. Was fortunate enough to work for him as a rookie and later at the Relief Association. One of the roughest days he had on the job was when he was tasked to find the remains of our fallen Firefighter Brother, Thomas Taylor, who perished at the Cugee’s Resturant fire. Bill was Tommy’s godfather.
Rest in Peace
I had the honor and privilege of serving with Bill at Fire Station 39 in the early 1980’s. I had a deep admiration for Bill and considered him a friend. Rest in peace my friend.
Michael R. Varney
Captain I, Retired
Port ludlow, Washington.
I met Bill as I was working to get on the job. He was always a gentleman, true supporter, hard worker, and always made time to give me advice. I enjoyed contacting him after I was hired, and he continued in the same giving way. You will not be forgotten, Bill, and I know you’re resting in peace.
Wendy Cummings
FF3/LPM, Retired
Laguna Niguel, CA
Bill was a good man, fireman and friend. As mentioned above Bill was given the Medal of Valor. The reason was not explained. In 1960 while Bill was a fireman he responded to a commercial building fire. Tom Morse, an Autofireman assigned to Truck 26 had gone to the roof of the building to ventilate the smoke from the lower floors. The roof gave in and Tom fell into the flames. He managed to hold on the roofing material and pulled himself out of the hole. He made it back the ladder and started down. His turnout clothing was on fire. Bill was on the ground and say Tom. He immediately started up the ladder and beat out the flamed with his bare (un-gloved) hands and smothered the fire as best as he could with his body while helping Tom down the ladder. Both men were taken to the Hospital. Bill suffered sever burns to his hands and body. Tom survived for a few days and then passed away from kidney failure due to his injuries. Tom’s picture graces the walls of new 26’s.
Bill acted as we all wish we would, without any hesitation, without any protection, without thinking of himself, without any fear, without concern for his own well being.
God bless you Bill.