Battalion Chief, OCD-B
Deceased:
December 29, 2019
Appointed:
11/02/1963
Pensioned:
11/24/1991 – OCD B
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
I had the privilege to work with Bill Cone in the late ’70s thru the mid ’80s at Fire Station 11. Bill was a excellent trainer of men on the fire ground and around the station as well. He was always able to recruit the “best of the best” to work with him and if you didn’t fit in with his style of firefighter you ended up with some “freeway therapy.”
There were so many fires in those days in the 2,3 and 4 story center hallway apartments (that did not have fire doors or any floor separation). It seemed that 11’s responded to “major emergencies” two or three times a month. It was truly a great experience fighting fire with Bill as our leader, as well as the very talented B/C’s back then.
Bill became a close friend during those days that carried thru to his passing. What impressed me most about this man was his faith in Jesus Christ, that seemed to grow immensely after he retired.
2 Corinthians 5:8 states “that to be absent from the body is to be at home with the Lord.” Because Bill had faith in Christ, he is with his Lord and Savior now and for all eternity. We Pray for God’s comfort to Molly and the rest of the Cone family. (2 Cor.1:3-5)
The crew at FS-10-A had the privilege of working for TFC Cone for a short time prior to his promotion to BC.He soon evaluated our skill levels and was very happy of our enthusiasm for continuous drilling. He was a firm officer, and he always had your backs. Thanks for the words from Mike Hilliger, I learned of Chief Cone’s faith in Christ. Enjoy eternity with Him.
I first met Chief Cone when I was a new captain at fire station 45, Chief Cone took me under his wing and tried to help me by getting me assigned to committees, detaining me to OCD. I liked 45’s I was just getting use to he crew and the district when one day Chief Cone came for his daily visit he came into the office and said that He need me to put in a transfer to Fire Station 46, of corse I told him about the progress I was making with my crew and that I didn’t want to leave. Chief Cone leaned over and said that the person that had in for the spot he didn’t want so he expected to see my transfer request next shift. Well 46’s was one of most enjoyable 4 years of my career lots of fires and lots of fun. 6 months after I left 46’s for 11’s I was transferred to training on Chief Anthony’s recommendation but the bird in his ear was Chief Cone. When I retired Chief Cone was their and it think he was proud to see that the three guys that he mentored were all chief officers (Chris Kawai, Joe Klein and myself) I will always be great full for he guidance and friendship. He will be missed.