FIREFIGHTERS OF THE MONTH
The Firefighter of the Month program is made possible thanks to the generosity of Marathon Los Angeles Refinery, which donates $750 to each Firefighter of the Month's fire station.
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
APRIL 2025
GEOFF BALCHOWSKY, FIREFIGHTER
FIRE STATION 44, CYPRESS PARK
A young Geoff Balchowsky, fresh out of high school, was working as a lifeguard when someone disappeared under the water in front of his eyes.
Without a second thought, Balchowsky was sprinting into the water. He grabbed the individual and brought him back to shore, only to realize that the man had gone into full cardiac arrest.
With only his basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification, Balchowsky successfully saved the man’s life. His boss at the time asked, “What’s next?”
For a 19-year-old Balchowsky, what came next was his emergency medical training (EMT) certification, and the subsequent pursuit of a career centered on saving lives. Balchowsky was ready to become a firefighter.
Balchowsky worked as a volunteer firefighter before joining the United States Navy in 1993, where he served for four years as a Navy fireman. After finishing his time with the Navy, Balchowsky left the service to pursue a lifelong career in firefighting, officially joining the LAFD in 1997.
It’s common to hear stories of generational firefighters – a son or daughter inspired by a parent or grandparent who dedicated their life to the fire service. But Balchowsky entered the fire service as a first-generation firefighter. His father was a contractor, and Balchowsky learned how to build, operate tools, and solve technical problems at a young age.
From the skills he developed from his father to the Hazardous Materials (HazMat) and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) courses he took in the Navy, Firefighter Balchowsky entered the fire service with a strong work ethic and a desire to be the best he could be at his craft.
“I didn’t realize the importance of all the classes I was taking until I started using them,” Firefighter Balchowsky reflected. As a member of the LAFD-sponsored California Task Force 1 (CA-TF1) FEMA USAR team, those skills were put to the test early in his career on his first deployment – September 11, 2001.
Firefighter Balchowsky recalls being asleep at the station when his wife, a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer, called to see if he had seen the news as the second plane hit. Two days later while on the road to start their vacation, Firefighter Balchowsky’s captain called and said they needed him.
For the next 10 days, Firefighter Balchowsky and the CA-TF1 team were embedded at ground zero to support a devastated city. He vividly remembers recognizing the rubble that he was sifting through from his contracting experience – plumbing, framework, steel, roofing. With this knowledge, he could understand what portion of the building he might be looking through, which helped inform recovery efforts and search strategy.
He had no idea that all those years working on projects with his dad, or his HazMat and USAR training in the Navy, would support his ability to lend a hand during the worst disaster in US history.
Every class, every course, every lesson has purpose, as far as Firefighter Balchowsky sees it. “Being a firefighter is a skill like anything else,” Firefighter Balchowsky shared, emphasizing the importance of constantly learning and working to improve oneself. “If you haven’t learned something new before you go to bed every night, you haven’t been fully engaged,” he added.
Being “fully engaged” has defined Firefighter Balchowsky’s career. He has never stopped looking for opportunities to advance himself as a firefighter. In his nearly 30 years with the LAFD, Firefighter Balchowsky has been a USAR member, served as a flight paramedic, and been deployed for mutual aid through the Swift Water Rescue team. He’s even a member of the LAFD’s Bicycle Medic Team.
“I don’t like to sit still,” he chuckled, and his “resume” reflects that attitude.
But beyond staying busy, being the person who made a difference in someone’s life is what makes Balchowsky proud every day to be a firefighter.
To firefighter hopefuls, he says it’s not necessarily about the skills you show up with, but rather how you show up and engage those skills.
“There are talented, successful people,” Firefighter Balchowsky said. “But when you meet someone who’s not as talented but extremely successful, you’ll find yourself a very tenacious individual.”
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
MARCH 2025
MATTHEW RIVEROS, FIREFIGHTER
METRO FIRE COMMUNICATIONS, DOWNTOWN
Matthew Riveros witnessed firsthand the expertise and compassion of Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) firefighters at 18 years old when his seven-year-old baby sister had a stroke stemming from a tumor rupturing in her brain. After she was transported to the hospital, doctors informed the family that surgery was required to remove the tumor and that a blood transfusion would be critical to save her life due to the risk of significant bleeding during the operation.
Riveros’s father, a well-respected Apparatus Operator for the LAFD, immediately called his fellow members. They woke up in the middle of the night, came to the hospital, and donated the blood that was needed for the transfusion. Six weeks later, when Riveros’s father suffered a heart attack while at his station, his crew saved his life.
“I remember the whole hospital surrounded by the fire department,” Riveros reflected.
Riveros’s baby sister is now a veterinarian, and his father went on to finish his career and retire from the fire service. Initially going to nursing school, the back-to-back traumatic experiences significantly impacted Riveros and catalyzed his pursuit of an LAFD career. He left nursing school and tested for fire departments across the country, determined to give back to the same people who saved his father and sister’s lives.
In 2008, he received an offer from the LAFD and took it without hesitation. He cited the captains and mentors he had along the way as the keys to his early growth and development as a firefighter.
Firefighter Riveros spent most of his time on the job at LAFD Fire Station 39 in the valley. But after 10 years there, he was ready for a new challenge. A position opened with LAFD Metropolitan Fire Communications (MFC), the facility responsible for processing the City’s 911 and non-emergency calls and dispatching LAFD resources. Firefighter Riveros applied, passed the test, and joined the MFC team in 2022.
“When I left the field, I thought I knew what I was taking on,” he shared. But his first year was tougher than he could have imagined. “The hardest part is the stress,” Firefighter Riveros added, citing that a single dispatcher could field more than 150 calls a day. He was recognized in 2024 for taking 17,187 calls in one year – about 47 per day for all 365 days of the year.
The lack of visualization presented another level of difficulty. “On scene, you get that gratification of putting the patient on the gurney and taking them to the hospital,” he shared. “Taking the hands-on aspect out of the equation changes a lot.”
Firefighter Riveros shared that in person, body language and facial expressions can indicate increased distress, whereas a phone call could go from “here’s my address” to an inability to articulate logistics that would better help direct the dispatcher.
The dynamic and ever-changing nature of MFC is what keeps Firefighter Riveros coming back. “Every day is a learning experience,” he said. “You never know what you’re going to walk into.”
That was certainly the case on January 7th, 2025. Firefighter Riveros worked for 23 days straight during the January 2025 wildfires. He was assigned to Interagency Resource Ordering Capability (IROC), an application that is engaged to order, track, and manage resources for significant incidents. His role was critical in maintaining operational efficiency during the crisis.
The MFC motto is “It all starts here,” and that’s exactly why Firefighter Riveros pursued the role of a dispatcher. He wanted to gain a broader perspective of LAFD operations and understand the value of citizens having a positive experience with the LAFD, from the moment they dial 911 to the conclusion of the incident.
When a woman called for her husband, who was in full cardiac arrest, Firefighter Riveros deployed resources immediately. When she shared that she couldn’t perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) due to her age, he saw an opportunity. Firefighter Riveros encouraged her to go to a neighbor’s house and guided the pair over the phone as they administered CPR, saving the man’s life.
“I always try to leave people with the best impression of the fire department,” Firefighter Riveros reflected. “Even if a situation doesn’t end positively, you want someone to look at your work and say, ‘they gave it their all.’”
Five years is the minimum requirement of field experience to apply for MFC, but Firefighter Riveros says the more time, the better. He believes that every LAFD member should spend at least a day at MFC to better understand the functions of this critical LAFD operation.
Though he doesn’t get the immediate satisfaction of helping others out in the field, Firefighter Riveros says there is a different kind of gratification to be had in providing help to those in need through MFC.
“I don’t know how to explain it quite yet,” Firefighter Riveros laughed. “Maybe when I’m done with my assignment here, I’ll understand.”
Through yoga, meditation, and consistent exercise, Firefighter Riveros keeps himself physically and mentally sharp – a routine that’s crucial to helping him manage the high emotions that come with a day in the life at MFC.
“It’s not a dream anymore,” Firefighter Riveros said when asked if being a firefighter is his dream job. “I’m living it.”
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
FEBRUARY 2025
MARK MCLEAN, HAZ MAT FIREFIGHTER
FIRE STATION 48, SAN PEDRO
When 18-year-old Mark McLean told his father he wanted to be a firefighter, he replied, “Come back to me when you’re ready.”
As a firefighter hopeful, with his father, uncle, and other firefighter family members as role models, McLean was taken back. Though his father never clarified what exactly he meant, as McLean grew older, he understood – firefighting was not a career to be taken lightly.
“There was no doubt in my mind this was the job I wanted,” said McLean, reflecting on his determination to pursue his dream career with the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
Every experience McLean had before joining the LAFD laid the framework for a job in the fire service. He played professional baseball on a minor league team and enjoyed the camaraderie that stemmed from strategizing on a shared goal. After securing his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, he began working for Hughes Electronics.
“Some of the things that I did in the commercial world prepped me for the fire service,” he said, having worked on military and commercial aircraft and other significant aerospace projects. “You learn something new every day, too.”
It wasn’t uncommon for McLean to work 22 or 23-hour shifts. During one period, he worked 160 days in a row. But this grind, or “crunch time” as it was called at his job, was akin to what the life of a firefighter had in store.
After 9/11 disrupted the aerospace industry, McLean became a "suitcase engineer," following projects across the country. While working in San Diego, he joined a private fire academy. He was then hired by the East County Fire Protection District in San Diego, his first step into the fire service.
McLean’s dream job came to fruition in 2004. After years of testing all over the county while building a career in engineering, McLean graduated from LAFD’s Drill Tower 40 and became a firefighter.
His last assignment as a new firefighter was Fire Station 9, the busiest station in the city, where he grew exponentially through each new challenge.
In 2006, McLean was transferred to LAFD Fire Station 66, where both his father and uncle had worked. “From 1973 to 2014, there was a McLean assigned to 66s,” he shared proudly, though he certainly felt the pressure of the big shoes he had to fill.
McLean’s engineering background merged with firefighting when he began Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) and hazardous materials (Haz Mat) training. Due to the classified nature of the projects McLean was working on with Hughes Electronics, he had to be trained on USAR and Haz Mat by the Department of Defense, which provided a catalyst for success in each LAFD specialty.
After working at Fire Stations 5 and 48, where he has been since 2021, McLean became a skilled member of the Haz Mat Task Force.
In his nearly 21 years with the LAFD, Firefighter McLean has seen his share of calls, everything from elevator rescues to train wrecks and structure fires. He was deployed to the Palisades Fire for nine days, which he described as the most significant of his career.
Firefighter McLean responded to the Alameda compressed natural gas (CNG) explosion in February 2024 in a Haz Mat capacity. When a semi-truck carrying lithium-ion batteries overturned near the Port of Los Angeles in September 2024, Firefighter McLean was part of the responding crew.
At every incident, Haz Mat’s priority is to isolate the area, block entry, identify the hazards and the risks, and deem the scene static or render it safe for clean-up companies to clear the area. “Every Haz Mat situation is unique,” Firefighter McLean shared. “It’s what you don’t know that could kill you.”
When Firefighter McLean reflects on his journey, from Haz Mat and USAR in his engineering career to teaching Haz Mat and USAR courses with the LAFD today, he is grateful for every step of his journey.
He noted that there’s a time, typically between five and seven years on the job, where firefighters feel like they’ve “got it” – they know what they’re doing and are confident in their jobs. But with more than two decades in the fire service, Firefighter McLean has no shortage of learning opportunities, whether through teaching or simply living out his dream job every day.
“This is the best job in the world,” Firefighter McLean said. “I’m not going to say it takes a different type of person to be a firefighter, but it does take a different mindset.”
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
JANUARY 2025
ROBBY JACKSON, APPARATUS OPERATOR
IN-SERVICE TRAINING, DOWNTOWN
On January 7, 2025, Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Apparatus Operator (AO) Robby Jackson was teaching an auto-extrication class in Sunland, Los Angeles, when he first heard over his radio that there was a fire in the Palisades.
“You could see the smoke in the distance and tell it was getting bigger,” he remembered. He heard more resources being called over the radio and knew quickly that this fire would be significant. But no one could have anticipated just how significant.
Shortly thereafter, AO Jackson received a call from the LAFD’s tactical planning division requesting help to move trailers, generators, and equipment and set up what became the incident command center, or “base camp,” at Will Rogers State Beach. AO Jackson cut the class short and pivoted to join the crew headed to the Pacific Palisades.
From where apparatus should park, to the best location to stage the operations trailer, to ensuring enough resources for the hundreds of personnel going in and out of base camp, AO Jackson played an integral role in organizing and establishing this vital element of a major incident response. He facilitated the deployment of tools, equipment, and fuel to firefighters on the fire line protecting homes and communities.
Though most of his time was spent at the Will Rogers base camp, AO Jackson traveled back and forth to the multiple other fires that threatened the city during the month of January. He ensured that those teams had the support and resources they needed.
Though the Palisades Fire was not AO Jackson’s first significant fire, it was his first time being involved with “ground support,” or the logistical side of the process. But his value of processes and strategies is part of what makes him such a well-rounded firefighter and critical member of the LAFD’s In-Service Training division. He has always wanted to understand the “why” behind how aspects of the Department work, and the various positions he has held during his 10 years on the job reflect that desire to learn.
Growing up in the LAFD world through his father, an LAFD firefighter, Jackson always knew what he wanted to do with his life. He grew up loving the outdoors and being active in sports like mountain and dirt biking. That, paired with his interest in and knack for mechanics, made a career in the fire service perfectly aligned.
Jackson went through the Explorer program, a Los Angeles County training program for youth aged 14-20, and became an LAFD Cadet in high school. He also joined LAFD’s Crew 3, a volunteer hand crew that provides those interested in the fire service with wildland classes and hands-on training. At every opportunity, Jackson was sharpening his skills, visiting stations, and gleaning as much as he could to prepare for his dream career.
Jackson graduated in 2015 at 20 years old as class leader, a title given to those who excel across every specialty in the drill tower. “It’s not about working for the title of being number one at what you’re doing,” he emphasized. “I wasn’t in pursuit of class leader, but I was in pursuit of doing my best.”
Firefighter Jackson carried this ethos throughout his time as a probationary firefighter and beyond. At LAFD Fire Station 3, his third and final station as a probationary firefighter, he began training in Urban Search & Rescue (USAR), taking every class available to grow in that expertise. This led him to join the LAFD’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) task force, which activates when multi-agency mutual aid is required.
His first FEMA task force deployment was to Florida when Hurricane Milton impacted the region. He and the LAFD’s FEMA crew drove across the country and assisted the local agencies with search and recovery efforts.
“Everything that you learn in a different specialty will make you a better firefighter down the road,” AO Jackson shared when considering how dynamic his experience in the fire service has been. It was for this reason that he promoted to engineer, and then to apparatus operator, his current role with the LAFD.
“The role that I have now as an AO, that is something I truly enjoy. It’s a good mixture of big responsibility and fulfillment,” he emphasized.
With plenty of time left in his firefighting career, the possibilities are endless for AO Jackson. He looks forward to promoting to captain one day, but for now, he is enjoying the ride.
“Nobody wants seventy percent of effort,” AO Jackson emphasized, reflecting on the desire to grow that has been the driving force behind his LAFD experience. To firefighter hopefuls, he says, “Have a good attitude, have a good work ethic, and give it one hundred percent. That’s going to take you a long way.”
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
DECEMBER 2024
MATTHEW THOMPSON, CAPTAIN I
FIRE STATION 12, HIGHLAND PARK
As a young child, Matthew Thompson loved spending time with his dad, a Los Angeles County firefighter. When he got older, he would join his father on “ride-alongs,” accompanying him to less significant calls. These trips never got old, and with an EMT certification under his belt, these rides took on new significance for Thompson.
This call was for a small brush fire, but when his dad handed him the nozzle of the hose, he was on cloud nine.
“That sold me on being a firefighter,” Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Captain Thompson reflected. With both his father and his grandfather in the fire service, Thompson knew he was destined for the same. But holding the hose for the first time sealed the deal.
His dad lovingly tried to talk him out of it, pointing out the long hours, the exhaustion, the trauma, and significant time away from family.
But Thompson’s mind was already made up. While his classmates from the prestigious private school he attended headed to Ivy League universities, Thompson started his fire education at Santa Ana College.
Even before he started testing for different departments, Thompson held auxiliary firefighter positions at five different departments simultaneously, working 24-hour shifts alongside the crews and contributing his own money for meals and house dues.
To afford this, Thompson took a job at In-N-Out, expecting to quickly rise to a management position. Instead, he found himself sweeping the parking lot and mopping floors.
Through this experience, Thompson learned a vital lesson in leadership: every manager had done the same grunt work before. True leadership, he realized, is about rolling up one’s sleeves and doing the same tasks one would ask of their team.
While at In-N-Out, Thompson met his now-wife, who supported his firefighting career goals from the beginning. Undeterred by his 24-hour shifts, she encouraged his success despite the inevitable demands of the job that were to come.
After testing everywhere, Thompson joined the LAFD in March of 2001 – almost two years to the day he graduated from Santa Ana College. He moved through Fire Stations 73, 34, and 25 as a probationary firefighter, staying long after his shifts to learn and assist his crew.
But Thompson emphasizes that his career really began when he got off probation and landed at Fire Station 64 in Watts.
“It finally clicked at 64s,” Thompson said. “It was a life-changing experience because it helped me grow up,” he said of his 12 total years there, and the captains and fellow firefighters-turned-mentors that encouraged his growth. He promoted to engineer after five years but returned for another seven years when an engineer position opened at Fire Station 64.
Thompson described everything he has gleaned during his career as a slideshow of lessons learned, special skills, and tools for his toolbox that he refers to daily.
When he had to take a special duty assignment for a while and leave the field, Thompson took on as much overtime as possible. He worked at some of the LAFD’s boat stations in the Harbor, and did stints in the San Fernando Valley and East Los Angeles to stay busy and continue honing his skills.
Encouraged by a fellow firefighter who had become a captain, Thompson took the test and became a captain himself. He’s been at his current station, Fire Station 12, as a captain for eight years.
Thompson deeply values moments where he can relate to and connect with a citizen in need, or a fellow member after a particularly challenging call. “Being a human is the best part of this job,” he said.
He adopted a mantra from a former captain at Fire Station 64: “My job is to make sure you’re trained, make sure you’re fed, and make sure you go home tomorrow.”
Captain Thompson emphasized that he would not be where he is in his career without the support of his family. “I consider myself fortunate that I got the job, that I’m here today,” he shared, reflecting on his journey.
“I was the kid that had the fire truck and fire engine toys, and now I get to play with them in real life,” he laughed.
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
NOVEMBER 2024
QUAN TRAN, FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC
FIRE STATION 81, PANORAMA CITY
With three years on the job, six months as a paramedic, and a 10-week-old baby girl, Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Firefighter/Paramedic Quan Tran is in a constant state of learning and growing.
He did not come from a generation of firefighters, and a career in firefighting had never crossed his mind. As a preteen, his passions were basketball, the LA Lakers, and Kobe Bryant.
A family friend took a young Tran to his first Lakers game, and he vividly remembers the moment he saw Kobe Bryant play in person. He was in awe that this family friend attended these games so often.
Tran asked his mom how this was possible. “Oh, he’s a fireman!” she said.
He was barely 13 when he decided that firefighting was the career for him – if nothing else, to go to Lakers games whenever he wanted.
“It was brought to my attention at a younger age, but I finally put it together when I was older,” FF/PM Tran reflected. “We work as a team, we work under a ‘coach’ or a captain, we take orders and execute them,” he said of the similarities between the fire service and basketball. He began correlating his passion with firefighting as he prepared to graduate from high school and pursue a career.
“I realized I wanted to live an impactful life. Firefighting is a job where you can positively impact your community every day,” FF/PM Tran said.
His journey into the fire service was neither easy nor fast. Despite passing his final interviews during his first two attempts to join the LAFD, he did not receive job offers and timed out of the process.
Tran lost steam after his second attempt and questioned if the fire service was really for him. He received his bachelor’s degree in business management from California State University in Riverside but knew deep down that he was not finished pursuing his dream.
“Third time’s the charm,” became true for Tran when he shifted his mindset and gave the LAFD one more try.
“I thought I was committed when I was younger,” he reflected, “but there’s an extra level I think we can all go to in order to reach our goals.”
Tran was on the freeway when he received an official job offer from the LAFD. After graduating from recruit training, he started his career at LAFD Fire Station 37. At his third station as a young firefighter, LAFD Fire Station 13 in Koreatown, Firefighter Tran was ready to take his career to a new level.
Encouraged by LAFD mentors who were also paramedics, Firefighter Tran decided to pursue his certification. He received a scholarship to participate in the University of California Los Angeles’s accelerated paramedic program. About five months later, he was giving the speech at his class’s graduation.
“Firefighters and paramedics make life-saving decisions on a daily basis,” FF/PM Tran emphasized. “As a paramedic, I wanted the responsibility of having to make those decisions from a medical standpoint.”
FF/PM Tran’s first call as a paramedic intern at LAFD Fire Station 81 was a pediatric, or child, seizure – one of the most nerve-wracking and challenging calls that firefighters receive. He can’t help but feel like that experience foreshadowed him becoming a father.
“She’s taught me more about my job when it comes to infants and children,” he said of his 10-week-old daughter. FF/PM Tran’s wife is a pediatric nurse at a children’s hospital, so he gleans that knowledge and insight from both her and their daughter.
A position opened up at Fire Station 81 after his internship, providing FF/PM Tran a unique opportunity to serve the Pacoima/Panorama City community where he grew up and where his grandparents and other family members still reside.
He deeply values the growth and learning opportunities that come with being a member of the LAFD. One of his favorite aspects of the job is the camaraderie between his fellow firefighters and the notion of working together to save lives and make an impact every day.
“Iron sharpens iron,” he said. “We keep each other accountable and help each other grow.”
For firefighter hopefuls, FF/PM Tran emphasizes that hard work and having a positive attitude are crucial tools for success. “If you can come in with a good attitude and good work ethic, you can fit in anywhere in this Department,” he emphasized.
“Even if it takes you a little bit longer than others, you’ll get to the finish line – whatever that may be for you in your career.”
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
OCTOBER 2024
TRAVIS HILL, APPARATUS OPERATOR
FIRE STATION 48, SAN PEDRO
Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Apparatus Operator (AO) Travis Hill’s father was a 36-year LAFD firefighter and engineer. AO Hill was no stranger to station life growing up and often got to experience what it was like to be a firefighter at a young age.
But one pivotal moment fueled his decision to take a career in firefighting seriously.
It was Christmastime at his father’s station, and Hill was among the family members who were visiting with their loved ones. A call for a structure fire came through, and before he knew it, Hill’s father had slid him a set of turnouts to put on.
He can still feel the wind on his face and hear the horn honking as they flew down the road to the incident. “It was so special because it was just me and him on the pump,” he reflected. “I remember it vividly. It felt like I was living every kid’s dream.”
Throughout school, Hill enjoyed the teamwork and camaraderie that came with playing basketball and baseball. But it wasn’t until high school that he knew for certain he wanted to pursue the fire service. After graduation, he went to El Camino Fire Academy and took fire science and behavior classes to sharpen his skills.
After the Academy, Hill got into paramedic school and simultaneously started testing for the LAFD. His hard work and dedication paid off three months after paramedic school when he got the call to join the Department at 20 years old.
“There were a lot of guys in my class who had more life experience, and had worked for other departments,” Hill shared, reflecting on his time in the drill tower. “They were bringing a lot more to the table than I was.”
He was both intimidated and inspired by this notion and channeled each emotion into studying and practicing, building his expertise and knowledge base. Before he knew it, he had graduated from the drill tower and landed at his first station as a probationary firefighter, LAFD Fire Station 11 in Downtown Los Angeles.
“The people I met there had the same mindset – they wanted to learn and better themselves,” he said of the crew at Fire Station 11. The station was always busy, with calls ranging from elevator malfunctions to multi-story structure fires and everything in between. But what stuck with Hill were the crew members-turned-mentors that helped develop him as a person and a firefighter.
After probation, he landed back at Fire Station 11 and remained there for five years, learning from his colleagues and leaping at every opportunity to learn something new about the job.
“When you’re vulnerable and open to learn and take advantage of opportunities to grow, it makes you a better firefighter,” Hill emphasized. One such opportunity came when a group of friends were studying to become Apparatus Operators. Hill jokes that he was like the “little brother,” wanting to follow in their footsteps and do something new.
Sure enough, he took the next available test and promoted to AO. After a brief stint at Fire Station 47, Hill once again returned to Fire Station 11 to begin his journey as the driver of the ladder truck.
“When you’re doing anything new, you want to prove yourself and not let the people down who have supported you. So yes, there were some nerves in that regard,” AO Hill said of his first time driving to a call. But with practice came progress, and AO Hill quickly became a trusted asset that would ensure his crew got to and from incidents safely and effectively.
After eight years total at Fire Station 11, AO Hill took an opportunity at Fire Station 48 in San Pedro where he has remained for the past seven years. While the call volume might have shifted slightly, the types of calls he and his crew respond to are dynamic. AO Hill went from high rises and commercial buildings to cliff jumpers, boat fires, and the occasional sinking vessel.
Like his crew at Fire Station 11, AO Hill attributes his success at Fire Station 48 to the crew and Captains that support him day in and day out. That camaraderie is what keeps him coming back to work every day.
AO Hill also emphasizes the support that his family provides him, believing in the work that he does even when it keeps him away from them.
“My wife is amazing,” he said. “She does an incredible job with all four of our kids. I can’t thank her enough.”
To firefighter hopefuls, he says, “Don’t let a lack of experience hold you back.”
“You might not have firefighting experience, but you might have some experience and expertise that turns out to be invaluable,” he said.
“Don’t underestimate the skills that you already have.”
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
SEPTEMBER 2024
IAN VANGERPEN, CAPTAIN
FIRE STATION 37, WESTWOOD
Ian VanGerpen was still a young Marine when he would take the train to Union Station in Los Angeles to visit his brother, a Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) firefighter.
“One night it just clicked,” he remembered, reflecting on the breeze coming through the windows of the ladder truck and the buzz of the City during a ride-along with his big brother. “The professionalism and the knowledge of the firefighters on the truck that night, their command presence, watching them work was inspiring to me.”
“Everyone had a task and mission and they all knew exactly what they were supposed to be doing,” he added. “It blew my mind. I thought, ‘This is it’.”
Although that moment played a significant part in VanGerpen becoming a Los Angeles City firefighter, he knew from a young age that firefighting was the goal.
VanGerpen’s father was a firefighter in Seattle, Washington for 38 years. He grew up watching his father be “the type of guy that could help everyone in the neighborhood.” The mechanical aptitude and diverse skillset his father gained from being a firefighter left an early impression on the VanGerpen boys.
As the 5th generation in a long line of military men, VanGerpen chose to join the Marines before becoming a firefighter, during which he served in Iraq as a Bomb Technician and Sergeant.
VanGerpen began the fire academy and took fire science classes to get his degree while still a Marine, wasting no time in his pursuit of the fire service.
Once he returned from the war, it was go-time. He joined the LAFD in 2005 and moved through several stations that helped him gain a fresh perspective on the breadth and scope of what the LAFD does – from Fire Station 72 in the Valley to Fire Station 88 with its Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) crew.
A full-circle moment occurred from his early days as a young Marine on that first ride-along with his brother when VanGerpen found himself back at LAFD Fire Station 3 in Downtown Los Angeles. While at Fire Station 3, he was reminded of the medical aspect of his father’s firefighting expertise and chose to go to paramedic school.
After passing the test, VanGerpen took a paramedic spot at LAFD Fire Station 70 in the valley and rode the rescue there for a few years, increasing his skill set and expertise even further.
Having run the gambit of different stations and communities across the City, and with paramedic and firefighting experience under his belt, VanGerpen promoted to captain. After promoting, he landed at LAFD Fire Station 37, where he finds deep value in creating the same camaraderie and connectedness that keeps him coming back every day.
He also now runs the LAFD Honor Guard and has been paying respects to fallen firefighters and supporting their families in their times of grief for the past 15 years.
“The type of bond you have at work carries you through traumatic experiences,” he reflected. When he was coming up in the fire service, talk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was taboo.
“Everyone has that one call,” he said, that is the one they will never forget. He was a young medic when that call came for him, which involved two innocent shooting victims, one of which was four years old. When he went to his captain for support afterward, he was not met with understanding and a desire to help.
Even his experiences in combat are hard to compare to what he has seen as a 20-year LAFD firefighter.
“It’s good that we’re more of a support group for each other, and that we do have resources,” he said. “When that happens today, you’re getting help, you’re getting support.”
Through the good times and the bad, Captain VanGerpen is proud to be a Los Angeles City firefighter. “I like to be there for people in their darkest hour,” he said. “I think all of us do. It’s a reward in itself when you help someone or get to bring someone back to life,” he added.
“If you call 9-1-1, it’s the biggest emergency of your life. And we get to be there for you.”
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
AUGUST 2024
CORY MEADOWS, FIREFIGHTER
FIRE STATION 4, ARTS DISTRICT
At the busy Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Fire Station 4 in downtown Los Angeles, located near the Los Angeles County jail, skid row, and five major freeway junctions, one never quite knows what a typical day could look like. Having a firefighter like Cory Meadows, whom his captain calls the station’s “Swiss Army knife,” is an invaluable asset for a station with such diverse incidents.
Meadows’s experience becomes even more important because Fire Station 4 is the “first-in”, or first response station, for the County jail. The high percentage of calls that the station receives from the jail can range from chest pain to injuries from brawls, making the Fire Station 4 crew an active healthcare resource for prisoners.
Firefighter Meadows’s EMT certification and prior ambulance experience make him a unique resource when it comes to addressing the myriad needs of the jail and the surrounding community.
Other calls ranging from freeway jumpers to grass fires, high-rise, and commercial structure fires are the norm to the crew at Fire Station 4, which keeps Firefighter Meadows constantly learning and on his toes.
He recalled the first incident that exemplified the seriousness of what he had signed up for when he joined the fire service. A textile company was ablaze, with fire bursting upwards through the roof. The crew’s initial strategy was to use the backdoor to gain access, but the wall and the door were glowing red from the intense heat. They pivoted quickly to find a new point of entry that better ensured the safety of everyone on the scene.
That moment was one of many that reminded Firefighter Meadows how important both training and gut instinct are to developing expertise on the job. As a newer firefighter with three and a half years on the job, the desire to learn as much as possible keeps him in constant search of better ways to glean information that will make him a better firefighter – on the scene and at the station.
Firefighter Meadows’s father was a Los Angeles County firefighter, and his youngest memories are backdropped by life in and around the fire station.
“You spend a third of your life at the station while you’re on the job, and probably even more than that,” said Firefighter Meadows. For most, this sentiment would be a deterrent. But for Firefighter Meadows, it made the desire to become a firefighter even stronger.
Starting early on the track to serve others, Firefighter Meadows worked at his local community pool as a lifeguard through high school. Immediately after, he received his emergency medical training (EMT) certification and began working for a private ambulance company while he applied to fire departments across California.
He continued to work at various private ambulance companies and picked up odd jobs to make ends meet while continuing to pursue the department where he would start his career.
Without classmates or friends that were pursuing the same goal, Firefighter Meadows functioned in a bit of a silo as he pursued his passion for the fire service. He also strategically applied everywhere but Los Angeles County, wanting to forge his own path and not follow in the direct footsteps of his father.
“I was beyond excited,” he said of receiving a job offer from the LAFD. After the drill tower, he moved through his probationary stations, LAFD Fire Station 12 in Central Los Angeles and Fire Station 64 in Watts. The range of incidents and pace of calls differed at each station, but both provided Firefighter Meadows with a wide spectrum of experiences that proved beneficial after his probationary period ended at Fire Station 4.
“There’s a lot of education to be had in being busy,” he chuckled.
“You’re walking around with a teacup that you need filled with information, and everyone you meet has gallons of water,” Firefighter Meadows often tells recruits who come through Fire Station 4. “You have to get as much [education] as you can.”
When he reflects on his journey and the time it took to be where he is today, Firefighter Meadows could not imagine himself doing any other job. To firefighter hopefuls who may be facing challenges with the process, he says, “Don’t expect it to happen tomorrow, and don’t get discouraged.” It may take more than one try, but Firefighter Meadows encourages those who are serious about a career with the LAFD to keep at it. “It’s good to have that drive early on because some days, it just doesn’t stop.”
After the tumultuous years of uncertainty, applying and interviewing, not knowing what the outcome would be, Firefighter Meadows remembered holding the weight of the badge in his hand on graduation day in 2021.
When he looks back on the path, he knows that it was all worth it to be where he is now, serving others and keeping the City of Los Angeles safe.
“Even after we get beat up by this work, day in and day out, I’m coming back tomorrow.”
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
JULY 2024
TRAVIS VALDEZ, FIREFIGHTER/ENGINEER
FIRE STATION 34, JEFFERSON PARK
A young Travis Valdez was riding with his dad heading to baseball practice. Suddenly and shockingly, they witnessed a young girl get hit by a car.
Valdez’s father, a Riverside County Firefighter, leaped into action. Off-duty, in a T-shirt and shorts, his dad positioned their truck to block oncoming traffic, what firefighters call “spotting,” and immediately jumped in to assist.
As the son of a firefighter, Valdez spent a lot of time at his father’s station and occasionally joined him for a ride-along. But watching his dad stop everything to ensure the young girl’s safety without hesitation is one of his most vivid childhood memories.
“My dad was my motivation to become a firefighter,” Valdez, now an Engineer at Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Fire Station 34, expressed. As early as middle school, he knew his calling was to become a firefighter.
Valdez wasted no time becoming an EMT after high school. He took fire courses at Riverside Community College, and after volunteering with Riverside County Fire, moved on to become an on-call firefighter for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).
During a state-wide hiring wave for seasonal firefighters, Valdez got a job working in San Diego for Cal Fire, where his wildland firefighting expertise was put to the test.
He recalled waiting with his strike team for fires to cross the U.S. border from Mexico, putting them out, and moving on that same day to the next fire, which could be more than 1,000 miles away on the Oregon border.
Even while traveling all over the state with Cal Fire, Valdez continued to apply to departments across California, hoping to find somewhere more permanent to grow in his career.
Finally, after a 14-day stint on the Harris Fire in San Diego County, Valdez got the call he had been waiting for – a job offer from the LAFD.
In December 2007, Valdez became an LAFD firefighter.
Despite joining with extensive firefighting experience, he faced new challenges that come with a city environment versus the more rural regions he was used to.
Valdez cites several colleagues and leaders who helped facilitate his growth in the department and significantly impacted his firefighting career. His first off-probation assignment was LAFD Fire Station 6 where he met now-retired LAFD Captain Matthew Ott, a positive role model and source of advice for Valdez. He also met Firefighters Shane Hirsch and Lou Aldana at Fire Station 6, both of whom supported him during his transition.
At LAFD Fire Station 1, Captain Eddie Marez saw potential in Valdez and encouraged him to move up in the Department. “He saw growth in me, and I’m glad he told me that,” he reflected. Kris Jorgensen was an Apparatus Operator at the time who also supported Valdez in his pursuit and is the reason Valdez assumed the title of Engineer in 2020.
“I enjoy that pressure of assessing the route, understanding it, and getting everyone there safely,” he said of driving the fire engine. He underscored that being a driver requires high-level attention to detail and precision, from pulling out of the station to positioning the engine safely on the scene – all in a matter of seconds.
“I would not be where I am today without them,” Engineer Valdez said of the individuals who impacted his career, including his current Captain at LAFD Fire Station 34, Cory D’Arrigo. The two worked together to improve the station, creating a warmer, more inviting space.
“I always want to make sure someone new feels welcomed at the fire station,” Engineer Valdez shared, remembering those who went the extra mile to make him feel welcomed as he moved from station to station as an early firefighter.
This desire to pass on the inspiration he’s received from others is reflected in the time he spends teaching at the Crafton Hills College Fire Academy. Since 2010, Engineer Valdez has spent his days off teaching fire courses to hopeful firefighters.
“I believe in fire academy, because these young folks are there on their own dime, putting in their personal time to learn more about the job,” Engineer Valdez emphasized. Just as he would tell recruits, he tells his students that they can never ask too many questions. “When you’re not afraid to make a mistake, that’s when you learn,” he added.
Engineer Valdez prefers to fly under the radar, but if he makes half of the positive impact that his colleagues and leaders made on him, he will be proud of his career as an LAFD Firefighter and Engineer.
“If people don’t know when I retire, I’m fine with that,” he said. “As long as I’ve made the place I worked better in some way.”
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
JUNE 2024
SCOTT HOBBS, FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC
FIRE STATION 20, ECHO PARK
For Firefighter/Paramedic (FF/PM) Scott Hobbs, joining the fire service was a childhood dream that never went away. He started kindergarten right next to his local fire station in Orange County and was enamored by the flashing lights and roaring sirens that would go back and forth throughout the day.
FF/PM Hobbs’s desire to be a firefighter was sealed the moment his kindergarten class visited the school’s neighboring fire station. He remembers the experience vividly – seeing the rigs that would fly by his classroom window up close, meeting the friendly firefighters that welcomed him in. FF/PM Hobbs knew exactly what he wanted to do, from that day at the station to high school.
As he started understanding the significance of having a career, he realized that his parameters for a job were simple – find something that he loves and do good work that positively impacts others.
Enter, the fire service.
FF/PM Hobbs began his journey as a reserve firefighter years later at the very same station that he visited as a kindergartener. After volunteering his time filling in as backup and assisting with calls, he went through the Orange County Fire Authority Reserve Academy to gain more experience and take courses he would need as he progressed in his career.
A relentless student of his craft, FF/PM Hobbs took an EMT course and worked for a local ambulance company during this time. His desire to learn about all aspects of firefighting mirrored his passion for the fire service. “I was always taking steps to build my resume while testing for different stations,” FF/PM Hobbs reflected.
He put himself through paramedic school and took his first job at 27 years old with a department in Arizona to get his foot in the door, but his sights were always set on the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD).
After the LAFD’s hiring freeze ended in 2014, FF/PM Hobbs’s breakthrough came, and he left the rural Arizona region he was in for the bustling metropolitan city of Los Angeles. FF/PM Hobbs became an LAFD firefighter in 2016 and has been on the job for eight years, five and a half of which have been at LAFD Fire Station 20.
Battalion 11, which includes Fire Station 20, is the sixth-busiest district for EMS calls. FF/PM Hobbs rarely experiences a dull moment, with medical incidents ranging from fentanyl overdoses to pedestrian-car collisions up and down Sunset Boulevard.
“Personally, the biggest challenge has been wanting to fully understand and learn every aspect of the job,” he emphasized. In his dual roles as paramedic and firefighter, he must be well-versed in both careers. “I can’t be better at one than the other,” he added.
Of equal importance to FF/PM Hobbs is ensuring that the next generation of firefighters and paramedics are well-equipped with the tools and knowledge they need to be successful. In addition to his standard duties, he works as a paramedic preceptor, training both LAFD paramedic school students and paramedic students who work for private ambulance companies.
LAFD Fire Station 20 has two rookie firefighters on shift, making it a positive learning environment for soon-to-be career firefighters just coming onto the job. The two rookies currently assigned to Fire Station 20 both noted how FF/PM Hobbs goes out of his way to ensure that they feel supported and seen, a stark difference from the isolation and disdain that some rookies experience from more senior firefighters.
“A lot of them don’t have that proficiency yet, so their proficiency comes from our knowledge and teaching and exposing them to the job,” FF/PM Hobbs shared. “I’ve always tried to open up different avenues for our young probationary members.”
Although his role as a paramedic keeps him busier than his role as a firefighter, FF/PM Hobbs recalls his first brush fire assignment, where he and his crew were out for 14 days. “It tries and tests you a little more than a 24 or 48-hour shift,” he chuckled.
But his favorite calls, medical or otherwise, are those where he walks away knowing his team gave the task at hand their all. “It’s not so much what was done on the scene, but how it was done,” he shared.
“I’m still in the early stages of my story, but fortunately being here with these guys, the first few chapters are starting off on the best foot possible,” he said of his crew at LAFD Fire Station 20.
Sometimes at 3 a.m., when he’s having trouble sleeping after a particularly tough call, he remembers the excitement that he felt as a young kindergartener, drawn back to the moment he first stepped foot into a fire station all those years ago. The reminder of the childhood dream that he worked hard to bring to fruition invigorates his love for the fire service all over again.
“Having the exposure to [the fire service], and knowing what this life is like, I couldn’t imagine myself trading it in for anything,” he said.
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
MAY 2024
SLATER DAVIES, FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC
FIRE STATION 64, WATTS
As a Firefighter/Paramedic (FF/PM) at Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Fire Station 64 in the heart of Watts, Los Angeles, Slater Davies has seen his share of incidents. FF/PM Davies has responded to calls ranging from people jumping off the 110 Freeway interchange, and surviving, to metro rail rescues, and everything in between.
“You’d be surprised at how resilient the human body can be,” he reflected.
But one incident that stands out in his mind occurred on the 4th of July in 2023. Fireworks had exploded in the hands of a six-year-old girl. Her hands were severely burned, and she was in complete shock as she sat on the gurney, tended to by FF/PM Davies and his fellow paramedics. The mom was understandably upset, and FF/PM Davies had to help redirect and de-escalate her panic all while doing his job to save the young girl.
After reminding her that what was most important at present was keeping her child calm and ensuring that she was going to be okay, the mother listened, and her daughter survived.
Firefighters often wear multiple hats when responding to calls, especially those for emergency medical services (EMS). FF/PM Davies emphasized that even with extensive and frequent training, they are guaranteed to find themselves in a situation where they must use their best judgment to deal with all aspects of the incident accordingly.
This ability to pivot and respond effectively to uniquely high-stress situations is reflective of the eight years that FF/PM Davies spent in the military. After a year of college at California State University, Fullerton, FF/PM Davies joined as a combat medic in 2013. He worked with a ground ambulance company and did humanitarian missions in El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, and beyond, providing medical support for engineers and at schools and clinics.
While in the army reserves, FF/PM Davies decided it was time to pursue the career he really wanted and began using his available time to prepare to join the LAFD. He worked with an emergency medical technician (EMT) company for a year, took several fire science classes, and trained physically to prepare to be a firefighter. In 2015, at 25 years old, FF/PM Davies passed the test and started his recruit journey at LAFD Drill Tower 81, all while still being in the reserves.
Never one to shy away from new things, in 2018, FF/PM Davies went to paramedic school and received his certification. He had a few friends in the fire service who were paramedics at LAFD Fire Station 64, and had done some overtime shifts there himself. Fellow paramedics advised him to go to a busy spot first to gain experience, learn quickly, and be better prepared to rotate to other stations.
FF/PM Davies volunteered to go to Fire Station 64, to the surprise of colleagues who had been assigned there without a choice. Four years later, having left the reserves in 2021, he is proud to work at his current station. The high volume of EMS calls and the perceived reputation of the Watts community make it one of the more challenging LAFD fire stations, but FF/PM Davies has a different perspective.
One of his favorite aspects of working at Fire Station 64 is the diversity of people, communities, and calls. “There are actually snakes in Watts,” FF/PM Davies laughed, reflecting on more than one call that he’s responded to involving the nefarious reptiles – both real and imagined.
The most rewarding calls, FF/PM Davies described, are those where the victim survives against all odds. He recalls having been in the ambulance with shooting victims, worried that they weren’t going to make it, doing everything possible to save their lives. There’s no greater validation than hearing from the hospital that their efforts were successful and that a life was saved.
When asked what keeps him coming back to work every day, FF/PM Davies says the variety and camaraderie. “Every day is different,” he shared. “You never know what your first call is going to be, you never know what your last call is going to be.”
FF/PM Davies attributes his ability to do his job to the best of his ability to his family. He describes his wife as his biggest fan and biggest supporter. “She’s one of a kind,” he added, emphasizing the hard work she does at home every day to give their one- and three-year-old girls the best life possible.
To those considering a career in the fire service, FF/PM Davies says, “just got for it. Believe in yourself, and anything is possible.”
“If you fail, you still learn,” he added.
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
APRIL 2024
JOSE RODRIGUEZ, APPARATUS OPERATOR
FIRE STATION 60, VALLEY BUREAU
Apparatus Operator (AO) Jose Rodriguez found his way to the fire service through the rough, wildfire-prone terrain of the Angeles National Forest. In 2000, he joined the U.S. Forest Service as part of the “Hotshot” crew, a team of elite firefighters who are trained to fight wildland fires and respond to forest emergencies.
Growing up surrounded by sports, AO Rodriguez knew that he wanted a career path rooted in teamwork and camaraderie. After his Hotshot days, he joined the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) in 2008 and later promoted to Apparatus Operator to expand his job knowledge and gain a unique perspective.
As an AO at Fire Station 60, Rodriguez plays a critical role in driving the hook and ladder truck, commonly known as the fire truck. However, his responsibilities extend far beyond driving. AOs like Rodriguez are the right-hand men to the captains, managing the crew and ensuring that operations run smoothly. He often works under conditions involving serious risks to personal safety, playing a frontline role during emergencies.
AO Rodriguez shared that one of the most rewarding aspects of his career is the opportunity to develop a team and mentor younger firefighters. He dedicates his time to training and leadership, reflected in his time as a Cadet Post Advisor, where he served as a counselor and role model to young men and women interested in pursuing a career in the fire service. He is currently involved in multiple LAFD training cadres, where he gets the opportunity to share his expertise in wildland firefighting and live fire training.
Rodriguez uses real-life experiences as teachable moments, even if those lessons come at his own expense. He shares first-hand accounts of harrowing situations to underscore the importance of attention to detail, and most importantly, teamwork.
“Training the next generation of LAFD firefighters isn't just about passing on knowledge; it's about instilling the values that make us a family bound by duty and service,” AO Rodriguez emphasized. Whether volunteering his free time to train the next generation or keeping morale high through his positive day-to-day interactions at the station, his commitment to building a strong, collaborative culture is evident in all aspects of his work and impact.
When asked about his favorite memory on the job, AO Rodriguez recalls the satisfaction of seeing former trainees excel in their careers and even become his colleagues. These full-circle moments are a testament to the lasting relationships he has built throughout his career.
As for advice to those interested in joining the fire service, AO Rodriguez emphasizes the importance of commitment and dedication. “I encourage aspiring firefighters to fully immerse themselves in the job and strive to be the best they can be,” he shared. “Know that your efforts will pay off when you’re faced with challenging situations.”
Outside of work, AO Rodriguez enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife and two children. Whether it's at the fire station with his LAFD family or at home with his loved ones, AO Rodriguez serves as a role model for the impact that commitment and service can make.
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
MARCH 2024
DAVID MACK, CAPTAIN I
FIRE STATION 66, SOUTH BUREAU
Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Captain I David Mack’s most memorable call, and the call he is most proud of, does not involve something that he did. Rather, it was what he witnessed from his fellow firefighters.
LAFD Fire Station 66 received a medical call, and Captain Mack and two other firefighters arrived to find a mother who had given birth to premature twins. They quickly discovered that the second twin was stuck with the umbilical cord wrapped around the infant’s neck.
Captain Mack assisted while his fellow firefighters led the mission to save the twins and the mother. “That’s true emergency medicine,” Captain Mack emphasized as he reflected on the horrifying incident.
Thanks to the quick thinking and swift actions of Captain Mack and his team, the twins and the mother survived. Captain Mack will never forget the crew fighting for the baby’s life, resuscitating the infant while tending to the mother and twin. To this day, watching his fellow LAFD members do the impossible was his proudest moment on the job.
Captain Mack’s interest in the fire service started shortly after high school when he got injured while playing baseball. He learned that his injury would prevent him from playing at the collegiate level, and was unsure what to do next.
His baseball coach and lifelong friend to this day had also been a firefighter but was injured while on probation and had to leave the service. “Once you get fixed up,” Captain Mack recalls his coach saying, “get into the fire service.”
Captain Mack worked for his coach in construction while he began his path to firefighting. He attended Rio Hondo Fire Academy, and after graduating and testing at different fire departments across the country, he joined the Montebello Fire Department as an auxiliary, or volunteer, firefighter. Captain Mack experienced fire station life firsthand as an auxiliary firefighter, went on calls, and learned how to engage positively with the community.
After testing for the LAFD in 1998, Captain Mack was hired in May 2001, a few short months before the unforgettable September 11th tragedy occurred, leaving the entire country in a state of shock and fear. He and other members of his class who had prior firefighting experience were called to staff an engine in preparation for a potential attack on Los Angeles.
Shortly after, Captain Mack went to his first house at LAFD Fire Station 74. He had the unique opportunity to stay on at his second house, LAFD Fire Station 66, and was promoted to Captain in 2014 while there. He spent two years at LAFD Fire Station 10, and trained new prospective firefighters at the drill tower.
“I enjoyed working with the new recruits and pouring into them,” he emphasized, knowing several who went on to be great firefighters, drivers, and captains. After two years on what’s called “special duty” at the drill tower, a position was opening up back at Fire Station 66. Captain Mack leaped at the opportunity to return to his roots and has been a captain there ever since.
“It still feels like home,” Captain Mack said of Fire Station 66. “This assignment is special because I’ve seen a lot of community growth outside the four walls of the fire station.” As one of the busiest stations in the City, he emphasized that the firefighters who come through its doors have a strong desire to grow and want to help make their community a better place.
“Most people only call us once in their lives,” Captain Mack shared, highlighting the importance of making a powerful, positive impression on members of the community. “You get to put your skillset to the test to make the situation better.”
For individuals hoping to pursue a career in firefighting, Captain Mack says “Be an owner, not a renter.” He added the importance of taking ownership of every aspect of the job, from taking a leadership role in improving station life to interacting with community members in need. “You need to have a servant attitude,” he emphasized, underscoring the importance of being a hero at home as well as in the field.
Although retirement is on the horizon, Captain Mack does not plan on slowing down any time soon. He loves working with his crew and continuing to learn after more than 20 years on the job.
“Every day, try and master your craft,” he shared. Just as he started working in construction before his firefighting career, Captain Mack emphasized that firefighters are jacks and janes of all trades. They are pseudo-mechanics, mathematicians, scientists, electricians, doctors, and so much more to ensure that they remain sharp and prepared for any scenario, whether fighting a fire that’s consuming an entire city block, or saving the lives of two infants and their mother.
“And they have to cook!” Captain Mack chuckled.
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
FEBRUARY 2024
RONALD TOMACRUZ, FIREFIGHTER/ENGINEER
FIRE STATION 80, LAX
It was Engineer Ronald Tomacruz’s first day at Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Fire Station 80, and he had just been cleared to drive the big rigs that are specially designed for serving the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
At about 3:50 A.M. on Wednesday, August 19, 2020, the Fire Station 80 crew received a call that FedEx Flight 1026, a Boeing 767, needed to make an emergency landing due to a malfunction with the landing gear.
Engineer Tomacruz and his fellow LAFD members were on the scene before the plane was expected to land, in position and ready to act fast.
The plane was able to land safely, save for sparks flying as it slid down the runway on its left side, where the landing gear had not deployed.
The FedEx incident was the largest the airport has seen since the 1990s, but Engineer Tomacruz knows firsthand the daily training that is required to be ready for the worst-case scenario. Fire Station 80 is a highly specialized fire station that exclusively serves LAX, the second busiest airport in the United States.
Engineer Tomacruz has a special Aircraft and Rescue Fire Fighters (ARFF) certification, which is required to even be employed at Fire Station 80 and to operate much of the technical equipment. The giant, green apparatus unique to Fire Station 80 are much larger than the average red fire engine. These rigs do not fit in a normal lane on the average roadway, so they never go offsite. Whether building and installing a new engine or changing the massive tires, all repairs must happen at the airport.
“It’s like going from driving a school bus your whole career to suddenly flying a plane,” Engineer Tomacruz said of his experience learning to drive the specialized rigs.
He is certainly no stranger to learning curves, reflected in his active role as an In-Service Training driving instructor. After promoting to Engineer in 2006, Tomacruz became an Employee Testing Program (ETP) member and has directly assisted in all aspects of LAFD firefighter driver training, from developing videos and virtual simulations to administering live driving exams.
Firefighters are required to obtain and maintain a California Class "B" or Firefighter's driver's license as a condition of employment, so any firefighters fresh off probation would recognize Engineer Tomacruz from the four training videos that they watch before their driving test.
In 2023, he completed more driving exams than any other ETP member, resulting in the program itself achieving the highest number of completed driving exams since its existence.
“I always wanted to try and give back in some way, and that’s how I got into teaching,” Engineer Tomacruz shared.
Engineer Tomacruz started his journey to become the first firefighter in his family “later in the game,” he says, at age 20. A neighbor from his high school years was an LAFD firefighter who steered him in the direction of the fire service.
He went through the LAFD Cadet program, secured his associate degree in fire science, and finished at the top of his Fire Academy class. Engineer Tomacruz was officially hired by the LAFD in 2001.
Before getting on at Fire Station 80, he worked for nine years at Fire Station 5 and did overtime at Fire Station 63. He vividly remembers the numerous brush fires that the crew would respond to, and even recalls getting smacked by Phos-Chek – the pink cloud of fire retardant that firefighters deploy from the sky – more than once.
“There’s a lot of stuff to learn on this job,” Engineer Tomacruz reflected, noting the differences between his day-to-day at Fire Station 5 versus Fire Station 80.
Engineer Tomacruz considers himself both a teacher and a lifelong student. He completed his bachelor’s degree in emergency management in just eight months while in his first year at Fire Station 80.
“What makes your career is the people you work with. I’m very fortunate to be able to work with great people,” Engineer Tomacruz expressed. For firefighters pursuing a career in the fire service, he encourages an open mind and willingness to take on the inevitable learning curves step by step.
“It’s all about the process. If you show initiative and put yourself out there, people will be there to support you and help you succeed.”
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
JANUARY 2024
DAVID HINOJOSA, FIREFIGHTER
FIRE STATION 14, SOUTH CENTRAL
Firefighter David Hinojosa, a first-generation U.S.-born citizen and firefighter, grew up in a rough area of Orange County and hails from a family of immigrants.
His mother migrated from Guatemala, put herself through 10 years of college, and worked as an emergency room (ER) nurse at the old Los Angeles County hospital. She knew she wanted her son to be like the kind and respectful firefighters that she connected with in the ER.
Some of Hinojosa’s earliest photos feature his childhood self in Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) firefighter turnout gear, and his first toy was a small red fire truck.
“I praise my mom for everything she went through with me and my older sister. She was tough on us, but she took care of us,” Hinojosa shared. Growing up in a community struggling against gang activity, he watched his friends go to jail, not graduate, and fall victim to violence. He was determined to change the narrative for himself.
In high school, Hinojosa occupied his time with football, track, and cross-country, but was most passionate about handball. He participated in local tournaments and would use the prize money for groceries and clothes to support his parents.
After graduating, he took fire technology college courses, working as an EMT and in the finance department of the ER where his mother worked to save up for the LAFD Training Academy.
Hinojosa graduated in the first COVID Academy class and was assigned to Fire Station 2 in Boyle Heights. “I was fortunate to be at 2’s. It was a very busy station and a lot of the guys had at least 15 to 20 years on,” he shared, which afforded him valuable perspective and experience early on.
Inspired by the strong work ethic of his father, who migrated from Mexico and worked construction and yard work to support his family, Hinojosa put in countless hours of overtime at Fire Station 14 in South Central during his probation. While on his second assignment at Fire Station 26 in West Adams, the Captain at Fire Station 14 was impressed with his dedication and invited him to take his next assignment there. Hinojosa completed probation and has been a firefighter at Fire Station 14 for over two years.
He was only two months on the job when his station was dispatched to the Boyd Street fire in Downtown Los Angeles, and his most recent significant fire shut down a portion of the 10 freeway, triggering a state of emergency. “You never know if this fire could be the one that you don’t walk away from,” he reflected, recalling the seconds just before he witnessed the explosion at the Boyd Street fire that triggered a fireball, injuring several LAFD firefighters.
Hinojosa is passionate about fighting fires, but his day-to-day mostly involves responding to calls involving people, and this aspect of giving back to the community is what Hinojosa values most. “There is a sense of fulfillment and a sense of responsibility, knowing that you sacrifice a part of your life every day to save someone else’s life. That is something I can live with and die for.”
He enjoys talking with the people he serves, offering encouragement and resources whenever possible. He is also bilingual, which has helped bridge communication gaps between firefighters and Spanish speakers.
Hinojosa has made a significant impact during his brief time on the job. He brings a “community-first” lens with him to all aspects of his work because he wants a better world for himself, and children like him. The teachers who supported him through school invite him back often to speak to their students, allowing him to share his story and inspire the next generation of youth to break the cycle of violence in their communities.
Unbeknownst to Hinojosa when he was playing in high school, handball is a long-standing LAFD tradition. Whether fighting fires, responding to a call for help, or inviting community youth to play at the station, Hinojosa employs handball tactics daily. The quick game requires fast reflexes, but also a keen sense of strategy.
“Training is so crucial because you don’t have time to go through every individual step in your head,” Hinojosa shared. “With training and practice, you understand what to do and how to respond quickly.”
Hinojosa’s story exemplifies what is possible when preparation meets opportunity. He humbly acknowledges that he has a lot more to learn and plenty more experience to gain, but one thing is for sure – Hinojosa would not trade his career as an LAFD firefighter for any other job.
He challenges the students that he speaks to with this question: “Why waste life not doing something for someone else?”
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
OCTOBER 2023
MATTHEW DAVIS, FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC
FIRE STATION 50, ATWATER VILLAGE
At the heart of Fire Station 50, nestled in Atwater Village, resides Matthew Davis - a firefighter paramedic with over 17 years of service under his belt. Davis' journey, from a childhood dream to becoming a member of the Los Angeles Fire Department, is a testament to his dedication and impact.
Davis’ path was set early when the local fire department paid a visit to his elementary school as part of a community outreach program. The experience left a lasting impression and spurred him to pursue a career in firefighting.
Hailing from Utah, Davis' transition to the bustling streets of Los Angeles in 2006 was a significant milestone. Having grown up in Salt Lake City, Davis has maintained strong ties to his home state while embracing the vibrant atmosphere of Los Angeles.
His journey is also one of balance. While serving his community as a firefighter, he seamlessly manages to prioritize his family. “The most rewarding aspect of my job is that I have the ability to serve the public on their toughest days, providing comfort and care in moments of crisis. Beyond the intrinsic satisfaction of fulfilling a childhood dream, I also acknowledge the stability and support my career offers my family, which I am truly grateful for.”
A commitment to continuous learning drove Davis to expand his firefighting duties and become a paramedic. He pursued further education through the Daniel Freeman UCLA program, an experience that has not only enriched his ability to serve but also benefited his personal endeavors.
At Fire Station 50, Davis' role as a paramedic brings a unique dimension to his career. He is involved in both firefighting and EMS activities, which allows him to constantly adapt and grow in his profession. “The most thrilling aspect of his job is the unpredictability,” Davis shared. “Whether it's a fire or an EMS call, the uncertainty of what lies ahead keeps me engaged and ready to face any challenge that comes my way.”
Davis emphasized the collaborative effort of firefighters and paramedics across different stations. Their dedication to stepping in where needed reflects their commitment to the community's safety.
"For those aspiring to join the fire department, seize the opportunity,” Davis shared. “I encourage anyone interested in becoming a firefighter to explore their local fire stations, learn about the responsibilities, and understand the commitment required to excel.”
Members like Matthew Davis stand as beacons of service in a world where every day brings new challenges and uncertainties. His story is an inspiration to aspiring firefighters and a reminder of the unwavering commitment of those who safeguard our communities.
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
FALL 2023
OMAR VELASQUEZ, FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC
FIRE STATION 25, BOYLE HEIGHTS
In the bustling neighborhood of Boyle Heights in Los Angeles, Fire Station 25 stands as a beacon of hope and assistance for the local community. Among the dedicated team of first responders at this station is Omar Velasquez, a firefighter paramedic whose journey into the world of firefighting began in February 2003. With 20 years of experience under his belt, Velasquez’s commitment to serving his community and his passion for his role continue to inspire both his colleagues and those he assists.
Velasquez's inspiration to become a firefighter was sparked during his childhood. The sight of fire trucks with their flashing lights left an indelible mark on his young mind. As he progressed through junior high and high school, his fascination with the fire department grew. The culmination of this interest came when he joined the LAFD Explorer Program while in the ninth grade. This program, which has since evolved into the LAFD Cadet Program, provided Velasquez with a hands-on introduction to the world of firefighting. From the age of 14, he embarked on a journey that would eventually lead him to his current position.
For Velasquez, the motivation to serve as a firefighter stems from his deep connection to the city of Los Angeles. "I was not only born and raised in LA, but I also continue to call it my home. The deeply fulfilling aspect is that I can make a positive impact on the very community that nurtured me throughout my upbringing and where I still reside.” Velasquez's aspiration to work on the medical side of the firefighting profession led him to become a paramedic. He pursued the necessary education and training, to make his dream a reality.
Velasquez's commitment to giving back extends beyond his daily duties. Having been a part of the LAFD Explorer Program and subsequently serving as an advisor, he has guided numerous young individuals on the path to becoming firefighters. "It's truly rewarding to witness the young adults I’ve mentored becoming members of the LAFD. Even those who didn't find a place within the LAFD have gone on to serve in other public safety roles, demonstrating the far-reaching impact the cadet program has on individuals.”
Outside of the fire station, Velasquez enjoys a range of hobbies that balance his demanding profession. Fishing, drawing, basketball, and soccer are among his favorite pastimes. Yet, his greatest joy comes from spending time with his family. With a teenage daughter and a younger son, Velasquez treasures moments of togetherness and enjoys the opportunity to travel with his loved ones.
As Velasquez marks 20 years of dedicated service within the fire department, his journey continues to inspire both his colleagues and the community he serves. His story is a testament to the profound impact that individuals can have when they follow their passions and channel their energy into making a difference in the lives of others.
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
SUMMER 2023
SEAN WILLIAMS, FIREFIGHTER/ENGINEER
FIRE STATION 24, SHADOW HILLS
Meet Engineer Sean Williams, a dedicated and seasoned firefighter whose illustrious career spans 32 years and is currently stationed at Fire Station 24, which serves the community of Shadow Hills in Los Angeles, CA.
From a young age, Williams knew he wanted to be a firefighter. His fascination with firetrucks and a love for the outdoors set the stage for his future career. As an active and athletic individual who enjoyed sports, BMX biking, and hiking, firefighting's outdoor nature perfectly aligned with his personality. However, it was his innate desire to help others that truly sealed the deal. Williams recognized firefighting as a perfect fit for combining his passion for the outdoors and his inclination to assist those in need.
Williams always envisioned himself as an engineer within the LAFD. "I've always admired the engineers that came before me. They always seemed to be very sharp, dedicated to their work, and possess another level of knowledge of the fire service. They were able to teach that and pass that along to me and I admired that. I wanted to emulate that.”
As an engineer, Williams saw himself as the crew's quarterback, responsible for the tools and equipment on the fire engine. He took this responsibility to heart, recognizing that keeping the fire engine in optimal condition was crucial for serving the citizens effectively. For Williams, becoming an engineer was not just about technical expertise, but also about serving the community to the best of his abilities.
His motivation to serve as a firefighter is deeply rooted in his family. While he chose this noble profession before starting a family, his children have become a constant source of inspiration for him. Sean's two children have graduated from prestigious universities, with his daughter obtaining a master's of public health degree in epidemiology from UCLA and his son earning a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from UC Davis. As a role model, Sean has instilled in them the importance of loving what you do for a living and serving others.
Williams identifies working with his team as the most rewarding aspect of being a firefighter. The camaraderie, teamwork, and shared dedication among his crew members create an environment where they can achieve remarkable things together. “There's a lot of cliches you can say like 'teamwork makes the dream work,' but it really does. We feel good working with each other, we really have a good time together."
When not donning his firefighting gear, Sean enjoys a variety of activities. Golfing, bike riding, and taking walks with his wife and their dog allow him to unwind and appreciate the simple pleasures of life. He also shares a love for traveling and attending Dodger games.
Williams has begun thinking about his post-retirement plans. "My wife and I have given ourselves a quest when I retire, and that quest is to visit every professional baseball stadium in America," he said.
Williams’ journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring firefighters by emphasizing the importance of finding fulfillment in one's work and embracing the opportunity to positively impact others' lives.
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
MAY 2023
OSCAR CESPEDES, FIREFIGHTER/EIT
FIRE STATION 98, VALLEY BUREAU
“This organization has given so much to me. I’m humbled by this honor.”
Oscar Cespedes knew from an early age that he wanted to be a firefighter. His father raised him to focus on helping others and be a productive member of the community. Oscar remembers watching footage of firefighters from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) charging into dangerous situations on the news. “As a firefighter, you had to be a jack-of-all-trades.”
A family friend, Engineer Pedro Alonzo (retired LAFD), nurtured Oscar’s interest in pursuing a career in public safety. “[Pedro] gave me his old turnout gear and encouraged me to join the [LAFD] Explorer Program. I actually ended up right here, at Fire Station 98.”
Oscar’s father encouraged him to pursue this passion, and soon he was on his way to becoming a firefighter. “There were a lot of departments hiring, but I knew it had to be the LAFD. It is the best fire department in the world, and I wanted to be a part of it.”
Now, 21 years after first donning the uniform, Oscar has trained as an Emergency Incident Technician and serves as the Chief’s Adjutant for Battalion 12. “It’s an important and challenging role. When someone hits that ‘mayday,’ we’re the safety net.” Working as an EIT means supporting an incident from a macro perspective, tracking the movement of individual firefighters through the chaos and confusion of any operation. “It’s command and control, keeping things organized, managing resources, and coming up with plans in case things go sideways.”
Oscar attributes his success as the Chief’s Adjutant to his daughter Brooke. “When she came into my life, it changed everything. I knew I would do anything to take care of her, and that meant taking better care of myself too. It meant approaching my job with more maturity and care. In this position, that [mindset] is how you keep everyone else safe.”
Captain Steve Lopez pushed for Oscar’s recognition. “He’s not just a great firefighter. He’s a great person. One of the best people I’ve worked with.” Captain Gregory Galvez of fire station 98 agrees. “Firefighter Cespedes works hard and looks after you. A great guy to have on the team.”
In the future, Oscar aims to continue his career with the LAFD. “When I was younger, playing sports or in martial arts, I always sought out leadership roles. I was a peer trainer at the Drill Tower, and throughout my career I’ve looked for ways to keep learning and training. No matter where I am, my goal is the same: I want to make sure that when I leave, I made things better for you.”
Oscar remains humbled by being named Firefighter of the Month. “I mean, it’s these guys [gestures toward the fire station] doing the hard work. They deserve this. Everyone deserves recognition.” He expresses continued gratitude for his time with the LAFD and looks forward to the future. “In the LAFD, one person can be a solution. Someone you can rely on.”
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
APRIL 2023
FIREFIGHTER DANIEL NAKAMURA
FIRE STATION 33, SOUTH BUREAU
“In moments of crisis, I want to be there.”
Firefighter Daniel Nakamura heard the call toward a life of service at an early age. Born in Pomona, his mother’s family served in law enforcement and his father was a pastor. Each day brought new lessons about helping the community, selflessness, and responsibility.
As an Eagle Scout, Daniel lived the motto of “Do a good turn daily.” While he seemed destined to follow in one of his parents’ footsteps, he always wondered what path would be right for him. At church, one of the congregants was a captain in the fire department, and his stories inspired Daniel. When he neared the end of high school and started to plan his future, he saw three paths ahead: law enforcement, the military…and the fire department.
Yet of these choices, only one seemed to fit just right. “I wanted to give back to the community in times of need. To provide assistance to anyone, whether they were right or wrong.”
Before making his decision, Daniel attended school and learned how to perform as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). While in college, he met the woman that would become, in his words, “my WAY better half.” With his life coming together, only one part was missing: a career.
Daniel Joined the Los Angeles Fire Department in 2017, finishing out his probationary period in 2018. He soon found himself working out of Fire Station 33, supporting “Fire City.” This busy station earned its nickname with constant, chaotic calls. Daniel found it to be a deeply satisfying experience. “It’s different when the responsibility is on your shoulders. We’re held to a high standard. We have to bring our best to the community.”
Captain II Robert Barna of Fire Station 33 sees Daniel as “someone who brings people together. He organized a family day [at the station] on his own.” On the job, Captain Barna sees Daniel as “operating at the highest level of professionalism.”
Daniel’s motto after each call is “What could we have done better?” He constantly seeks to improve, to support, and that drive has led him on his next major path: To become a chaplain within the LAFD. “My faith is my foundation. I wouldn’t be the man I am without God’s grace.” Once he completes his training, Daniel will be called to provide a “ministry of presence” on especially difficult calls. He will lend his strength and support to the men and women of his departmental family.
Captain II Brian Wall, Daniel’s former supervisor, was thrilled to learn of his nomination. “[Daniel] is one of the most selfless people you will meet. He would do anything for anyone, anytime. His strong faith in God has genuinely shaped this family man into a role model for all of us. Having Daniel as one of my team members, firefighters, and friends was a privilege. He can often provide grounding and clarity to all around him. You will always make the right decision after consulting with Daniel.”
Daniel felt his nomination was only possible due to the love and support of his wife Desiree. “If I’m the Firefighter of the Month, she is the Wife of the Lifetime!” With 2 boys and a third on the way, Desiree and Daniel celebrate their blessings and look forward to the future.
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
SPRING 2023
BRIAN LABRIE, APPARATUS OPERATOR
FIRE STATION 3, LOS ANGELES
“It was a childhood dream.” Growing up in Montana, Brian LaBrie knew that his path led to the fire department. “My father and grandfather were volunteer firefighters. I was surrounded by this my whole life. It’s where I wanted to be.” Thirty-three years since joining the department, Brian has made a name as a hard worker, a dedicated colleague, and a disciplined trainer.
“Apparatus Operator (AO) Brian LaBrie is easily one of the hardest workers in our 3500+ member department.” Captain II Shaun Gath works with Brian at Fire Station 3, serving a dense 1.8 square mile area of downtown Los Angeles. Brian's vast skill set is put to work every day on Heavy Rescue 3, a 50-ton wrecker/recovery vehicle which is the only one of its kind on the LAFD.”
Heavy Rescue 3 is an imposing apparatus, towering over the other engines in the motor pool. With incredible lifting capabilities, it is a vital part of rescue operations in Los Angeles. As a leader of the Heavy Rescue team, Brian is responsible for training new members, equipment operation, and safety. “We’ve had service trucks roll over another car, cement trucks crashing into commercial vehicles.” The success of the Heavy Rescue team has inspired Orange County and even Ontario, Canada to launch their own programs.
Brian is one of the founding members of the LAFD Swift Water Team, a program that is just reaching the thirty-year mark. In coordination with dozens of local and federal organizations—including the Army Corps of Engineers—the Swift Water Team conducts rescue operations around the flood control channels and waterways of the city. Brian worked alongside the original 28 organizations to develop standards and practices that are still used to this day.
In addition to his work in the department’s Urban Search and Rescue and FEMA’s California Task Force 1 (CATF-1), Brian was the department’s logistics chief during the COVID-19 crisis. He oversaw the establishment and operation of one of the largest testing facilities in the country. Under his guidance, the department tested over 4 million people in just two years.
Captain Gath considers Brian's work to have been instrumental. “He was responsible for logistics at every department test site, vaccination site, and every COVID-focused operation that the City of Los Angeles undertook. The City of LA and the LAFD would not have been as successful in their COVID response without Brian and his tireless efforts.”
When he’s not working or training at Fire Station 3, Brian loves to spend time with his two children: Cameron (24) and Jacob (19).
Brian is a strong believer in the power of training, and he encourages the younger generation of LAFD firefighters to always be open to learning. “People lose motivation when they stop learning. And teaching is the biggest thing [to keep people motivated.]”
FEBRUARY 2023
FIREFIGHTER OF THE MONTH
SHAUNNA PURKEY, FIREFIGHTER III
FS 21, SOUTH LOS ANGELES
Firefighter Shaunna Purkey is a proud member of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), serving the residents of South Los Angeles from Fire Station 21. Purkey comes from a long line of firefighters, as her maternal grandfather was a volunteer firefighter. Before joining the LAFD, Purkey was a physical education teacher for elementary students with special needs in Rosamond, CA. In addition to her passion for teaching, she was also a collegiate softball player and a high school softball coach.
Her journey to become a firefighter began when one of her softball coaches, who was also a captain in the Kern County Fire Department, encouraged her to apply. Purkey visited his fire station and was immediately drawn to the fast-paced environment, team spirit, and comradery. She left her teaching and coaching career behind, but her desire to help young people never faded.
Purkey joined the LAFD in 2019 and less than a year after completing her rookie probationary period, she was named the Cadet Post Advisor at Fire Station 21. The Cadet Program allows teens and young adults to shadow and train alongside firefighters. This vital community program helps participants develop confidence, teamwork, and life skills to succeed in their future endeavors. It also doubles as an invaluable recruiting pipeline by cultivating future generations of LAFD firefighters.
Since September 2022, Purkey has held weekly training sessions for her cadre of cadets. Coincidentally, all the members of her group are young ladies from neighboring communities. Purkey blends the LAFD curriculum with lessons from her experience as a teacher and athlete to address real-world challenges and life skills. “Not all of them will pursue a career with the LAFD. But they’re learning incredible life skills alongside my fellow crew members and me,” shared Purkey. Thanks to this program, no matter what path these girls pursue, they’ll have great friends and mentors behind them.”
Firefighter Purkey’s dedication to her station and Cadet Post duties illustrate how even new department members can have an immediate and lasting impact. “Although I’m still learning and finding my stride, I’m committed to this cause 100%. My motto is you may see me struggle, but you will never see me quit.”
In her free time, Purkey enjoys a diverse range of hobbies, including learning the piano, hiking, backpacking, and dirt bike riding. She is also a semi-professional motocross racer, competing with the Women's Motocross Association. Her dedication to both her work and her passions truly sets her apart as a role model for all.
