Frank Borden, LAFD Assistant Chief (ret), passed away April 9, 2021. Below are some articles and memories of this man who gave so much to the LAFD and CERT.
Assistant Chief (Retired) Frank W. Borden Passed Away Today
By LAFD Spokesperson: Margaret Stewart
4/9/21 – Los Angeles – The Los Angeles City Fire Department is saddened to share the news today of the passing of true icon in the field of emergency management, Assistant Chief (Retired) Frank W. Borden.
The late Frank Borden pictured in the middle (white shirt) circa 1984
In the world of emergency management, Frank Borden is legendary.
In 1986, using information gathered by visiting both Japan and Mexico to studying their response to disastrous earthquakes, Frank launched the LAFD’s pilot program “Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)”. Community members were taught basic fire suppression, first aid and search/evacuation techniques. Just a year later, the value of CERT was demonstrated with the effectiveness of its members after the Whittier Narrows Earthquake. Seven years later, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) established it as the national standard, bringing this life-saving training and operation to cities throughout the country.
Frank Borden among other CERT members receiving certificate
Frank was also an instrumental leader in the development and implementation of the Incident Command System and the National Urban Search and Rescue Programs. Both of these programs revolutionized the disaster response system and built a better future for emergency management.
Frank retired after 36 years in the LAFD but did not retire from his tireless efforts to better prepare the country for disaster. As a consultant, he continued helping companies, agencies and organizations in both private and public sectors (both nationally and internationally) develop emergency plans, training programs and training exercises. He was committed to bringing effective emergency management to all the corners of the world.
Frank also never lost his love for the City of Los Angeles and his LAFD. He was the Director of Operations for the LAFD Historical Society (which runs two museums) for 23 years. He also continued to share his insights and thoughts via the articles and notes he shared on the Los Angeles Fireman’s Relief Association website (https://www.lafra.org/tag/frank-borden/)
Frank was known as the “Father of CERT” but his legacy reaches so much further. You can hear about how he developed CERT straight from Frank himself at the below video.
There will not likely be one single person who has the same transformative effect on an industry like he did.
The loss of Frank is deeply felt by all those who knew, respected and loved him. May his spirit rest easy knowing he made a truly lasting difference.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Frank’s name to the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society via mail to 1355 N. Cahuenga Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028.
Frank Borden, LAFD Assistant Chief (ret) & Founder and “Father of CERT”
By Carolyn Burleson, former LAFD CERT Battalion Coordinator
Frank Border with LAFD Chief Terrazas.
Los Angeles Fire Department Assistant Chief (ret.) Frank Borden was one of the nicest people who ever walked planet Earth. His leadership advanced Not only the Los Angeles Fire Department, but also left his imprint on the state, the nation and the entire world stage.
Frank’s dedication was instrumental in the establishment of the Incident Command System (ICS) now a national standard, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) now an international program, MySafeLA with a focus upon young children and senior citizens, as well as the LAFD Historical Society. I’m sure there is much more that I’m not aware of.
It was through the CERT Program that I came to know him. This great program engages communities world-wide to prepare for disasters and train it’s members on how to assist their neighbors until the First Responders arrive. His approachable, compassionate manner is what impressed me most.
He attended all CERT Conferences and mingled with CERT volunteers to encourage us.
From Left, Carolyn Burleson, Frank Borden, Captain Christopher Winn, and Douglas Choi at 2016 LA CERT Conference.
Chief Borden and I were invited to present at the CERT conference in Chile, but neither of us were able to make the trip. So we sent a video about the History of Los Angeles CERT Program instead. LAFD retired Assistant Chief Borden has earned his Angel’s wings! What a legacy he has left for us to carry on! The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program, has had far reaching impact upon communities around the globe and will continue to grow! Rest easy Assistant Chief. We will take it from here.
My deepest condolences to Frank’s family. May God bless and comfort you.
LAFD Assistant Chief (ret.) Founder and “Father of CERT”
By Bailey Rensing, MySafe:LA
This past Friday morning, [4/9/2021] Frank W. Borden passed away at the age of 82. Frank was a remarkable individual, and for those that knew him, no doubt you have lots of memories. For those that may not have known Frank, he retired as an Assistant Chief with the Los Angeles City Fire Department after 36 years of service. In his time with the #LAFD, he innovated, mentored, and pursued improvements in public safety on a grand scale. Frank was directly involved in the development of the Incident Command System, and the National Urban Search and Rescue programs (now both nationally utilized).
He may be best known for his efforts to improve citizen response following a disaster. In 1986, Frank visited Japan and Mexico, eager to learn how those countries managed the after effects of earthquakes. He returned home with lots of data, and subsequently developed the Community Emergency Response Team – CERT – concept. As you all know, CERT is now a FEMA supported initiative, and is utilized throughout the world.
Frank was also the Director of Operations for the LAFD Historical Society for the past 23 years – a non-profit organization that operates two museums. Cameron and I met Frank just as the Hollywood museum opened, and he was immediately welcoming and gracious. When Cameron Barrett and I conceived of a public education and awareness initiative, we presented it to the LAFDHS. While interested, their board of directors felt it was too challenging for their organization to pursue – and it was Frank Borden who pushed us to create MySafe:LA. Frank, along with William Rolland and Dean Cathy (all former LAFD members), were instrumental in the creation of MySafe:LA.
Frank had a wonderful knack for bringing people together – and keeping them together. When there were disagreements, Frank seemed to know how to overcome obstacles, and to find common ground upon which people could agree. He worked tirelessly to get the memorial plaza in front of Old Fire Station 27 completed, worked to develop support for the rehabilitation of Old Fireboat #2, the Ralph J. Scott, and attended countless meetings at the port, held fundraisers, and on many Fridays, joined the volunteers working on the boat in San Pedro. He was a friend to anyone who showed an interest in “community” and was loved by all that knew him. Whatever needed to be done – Frank was ready and willing.
Our most sincere condolences to his wife Raquel, and his young son, Frankie, Junior.
