LAFD Recognizes Wildfire Volunteers
On February 20, 2018, the Los Angeles Fire Commission recognized those volunteers that helped during the wildfires that occurred in September and December of 2017, for the “La Tuna”, “Creek” and “Skirball” fires. Congratulations to our volunteers and to our wonderful leaders, LAFD Captains John Ignatczyk and Christopher Winn.
Here is the article from the Los Angeles Fire Department:
LAFD Recognizes Selfless Wildfire Volunteers
LOS ANGELES – Groups of dedicated volunteers were formally recognized on February 20, 2018, by the City of Los Angeles Fire Commission and Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas, for their critical help at recent historic wildfires in Los Angeles.
Members of the Los Angeles Fire Department Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Rio Hondo Fire Academy, Notre Dame High School and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – VA of Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System exemplified a giving spirit during the multiple and sometimes concurrent crises that threatened homes and lives.
The Los […]
La Tuna Fire, Sept. 2017
On September 1, 2017, a fire broke out on La Tuna Canyon Rd, and it quickly spread in 4 directions. Through the next 4 days, the communities of Sun Valley, Shadow Hills, and Sunland-Tujunga as well as Burbank and Glendale were quickly affected. The activation of those LAFD CERT members who took specific classes to qualify for “call-out” duty was quickly implemented. They assisted at the Command Post at Hansen Dam, and without stop, supplied our first responders with water, Gatorade, and later on, with food and needed supplies as our firefighters stayed on the line.
The LAFD CERT call-out team has passed all requirements and been sworn in. Also residents of the North Valley were very active in supplying the firefighters with whatever was needed. They HAD to give since their gratitude to those brave firefighters and also to the LAPD for protecting their homes and their memories […]
CERT Assists with Memorial for LAFD Firefighter Wong – June 16, 2017
LOS ANGELES – Accompanied by hundreds of first responders and dignitaries from across the western United States who joined them in mourning, the men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department gathered on June 16, 2017 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, to celebrate the life of fallen LAFD Firefighter Kelly Wong, who died in an on-duty training incident on June 3.
LAFD CERT was requested to assist with set up of table/chairs/pop-ups, traffic/crowd control and hydration at the cathedral and at the reception.
LAFD CERT extends its heartfelt condolences to Firefighter Wong’s family and friends and to the men and woman of the LAFD on their tragic loss.
LAFD CERT & ACS Assist in the 2016 Hollywood Parade – Nov. 27, 2016
As in past years, LAFD CERT and LAFD ACS were happy to provide services to the 2016 Hollywood Parade held November 27th. The crowd was in a very festive mood, and the volunteers were thanked and wished Merry Christmas by those that attended. There were approximately 15 LAFD ACS volunteers and 24 CERT volunteers participating.
Main staging was at Fire Station 27 with the briefing given by Battalion 5 Chief Miyagishima where he alerted the volunteers to keep on the lookout for suspicious trucks that could be used as a weapon toward the crowd and gave specific instructions in the event of an active shooter situation. There were 3 Fire Stations involved and each station had two teams, one stationary at a First Aid Station and the other team circulated in the vicinity of the station mixing with the crowds. No incidents were reported, but with the winds picking up at […]
Cyber Attack – Are You Prepared? – Oct. 21, 2016
A major cyber attack hit the East Coast October 21 and spread to the West Coast. Sites like Twitter, Netflix, and VISA were reportedly down. In CERT training we talk about keeping cash on hand in the event of a disaster, but we don’t really talk about it for cyber attacks. What if you can’t access your ATM or bank account? Something to keep in mind. Keep small bills – you may not be able to get change. Start saving now. When you get home every day, take the dollar bills you have and set them aside. Every week, set aside a couple of five dollar bills or a ten dollar bill. They will add up.
Canoga Park Gas Explosion Drill – Aug. 27, 2016
CANOGA PARK, CA. With the recent drama surrounding the Aliso Canyon gas leak in Porter Ranch and reminiscent of the San Bruno gas explosion, the Canoga Park Neighborhood Council and the Valley Bureau CERT Coordinators decided to conduct a full functional drill centered around a gas line explosion.
In preparation for the incident, Grossman Burn Center conducted a Just in Time Training for the CERT members and as the training and briefing was completed, sounds of an explosion could be heard and the CERT members along with ACS found an alley way, almost a city block long, littered with debris and victims.
This drill presented a scenario that was outside of the typical earthquake drill and presented a major challenge for the CERT Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, accompanied by an Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) member as their communications member, began a survey of the blast area.
As the […]