LBFD Spark of Love (SOL) Campaign Kicks Off
By frhayes | November 24, 2009
Spark of Love Program Description
In the early 1950’s, firefighter Murray Cohn started collecting toys for needy kids in the area surrounding his fire station. This labor of love and generosity took root and grew to other crews in surrounding stations helping the cause and providing for even more kids. Upon Cohn’s retirement, Captain Jim Salisbury took over for several years. Captain Bob Caldon (retired) ran the toy program for over 20 years, and now other LBFD members wishing to carry on the traditions from long ago have taken on the program, to help hundreds of needy families each year.
In 1992, a cooperative decision was made to develop a regional toy drive. Known as the “Spark of Love,” local area fire departments have teamed with ABC Channel 7 for financial backing, supplies, and media coverage.
Through the combined generosity of businesses and residents, each year the Spark of Love program provides gifts to kids throughout Long Beach who would have otherwise gone without. Spark of Love works in conjunction with several other charitable organizations to both giving and receiving toys and donations. Each year we provide toys for about 400 families and over 20 different community groups. This builds goodwill within our community, and provides kids with positive role models.
Teachers in the LBUSD identify special need families throughout the year. Firefighters also see hardships in the areas they serve and can recommend families. Toys are collected throughout the month at various city events, parties, local businesses, and from residents who drop the toys off at our fire stations. The program runs as a result of numerous volunteer hours put forth by our LBFD firefighters, lifeguards, Ambassadors, and Honoraries.
Delivery are made to families and community organizations throughout the month of December, culminating in our CODE 3 Delivery Day where we make rounds all throughout the city with Santa in his fire engine sleigh.Donations should be new, unwrapped, toys, sports equipment, clothes, or school supplies. Items for teens are also needed.
These items can be dropped off at any local area fire station, CVS Pharmacies, City Hall, or select local area business. SOL also accepts monetary donations. Checks should be made out to Friends of Long Beach Firefighters, Spark of Love.
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Vehicle “Into the Brush” Off The 405 FWY at Lakewood Blvd.
By frhayes | November 23, 2009
On Monday, November 23, 2009 at 15:03 P.M., Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) units responded to a reported Injury Traffic Accident (ITA) Overturned On the South Bound 405 FWY, At LAKEWOOD BLVD, LONG BEACH, CA 90815.
Engine 17, the first arriving unit, arrived within 4 minutes of time of dispatch and found a vehicle that had exited the freeway at a high rate of speed, and had traveled approximately 100 feet down the embankment.
Fortunately other drivers had seen the vehicle travel from the fast lane all the way off of the freeway into heavy brush, and were able to direct fire crews to the scene of the accident. Otherwise the vehicle would have been very difficult to locate due to the brush “closing up” behind the dense shrubbery.
The initial crews made the difficult decent down to the vehicle and were surprised that the driver, an approximately 40 year old female had sustained only minor injuries, however due to the damage to the vehicle she was transported by ambulance for a full medical evaluation at a local hospital.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) assisted fire crews by directing traffic away from the emergency scene, and are currently conducting a full investigation into the cause of the accident.
A total of 7 apparatus and 11 personnel responded to this call.
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Post 1933 Long Beach Earthquake Film Footage
By stberge | November 23, 2009
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Don’t Tell Him He’s a Hero
By stberge | November 18, 2009
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Veterans Day Parade 2009
By Jackawa Jackson | November 10, 2009
On the morning of November 7, 2009, members from the Long Beach Fire Department again participated in the annual Veteran’s Day Parade in North Long Beach. Units in attendance included Engine 12, Truck 11, Lifeguard Dive 1, Lifeguard 1, as well as 3 museum rigs. City council members Andrews, Schipske, and Lerch rode aboard the three antique fire engines that were driven by retired Long Beach firefighters from the LBFD museum. Carsten Sorensen was recognized as this year’s assistant grand marshal of the parade. Carsten is assigned to Station 11 and retired from the United States Marine Corp after two tours of duty in Iraq and one tour in Afghanistan. Captain Mike Duree and Paramedic Lewie Silva were also in attendance and rode aboard the antique Mack with councilwoman Schipske. Mike served with the United States Marine Corps during Desert Storm and Lewie served with the US Air force during the rescue attempt of American hostages in Iran during the early 80’s. This year’s parade was well attended by veterans from all branches of the military and hundreds who came out to thank those who served.
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LBFD Rescues Dog From Three Story “Center Hallway” Apartment Building Second Dog Jumps and Sustains Life Threatening Injuries
By frhayes | November 9, 2009
On Monday, November 9, 2009 at 7:46 A.M. Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) responded to a reported Apartment Fire at 445 E 3RD ST, LONG BEACH, CA 90802.
Engine one the first arriving unit, on scene in approximately three minutes from the time of dispatch reported black smoke showing from a rear window of a three-story “center hall-way” apartment building. A second alarm was requested due to the configuration of this building. This type of structure has the potential for a large number of residents, and if a fire spreads the smoke can fill-up the hallways, cutting off the exit routes for the occupants. The initial crews began search and rescue operations with a coordination of locating the fire.
The fire was extinguished quickly and the crews were able to rescue a dog from the involved unit, where no residents were present. However prior to their arrival a second dog had jumped from the third story window to ground level and sustained injuries to his rear legs. Animal control was contacted and has transported the injured dog to the Park View animal hospital for medical treatment, the dog’s injuries appear to be serious and the owners may not be able to afford the required treatment.
The fire was contained to the unit of involvement, which sustained approximately 20,000 in damage. Public works has been contacted to secure the unit, and the Red Cross will be assisting the displaced residents if required.
Members of the LBFD Arson division are currently investigating the cause of the fire.
This fire occurred on the border between council districts one and two with a total of 18 apparatus and 44 personnel responding to this call.
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Late Night Accident Downtown Requires Extrication
By Jackawa Jackson | November 9, 2009
At 11:16 PM on 11/08/09 Long Beach Fire Department units, BC1, E101, T1, R1 and BLS 3 responded with LBPD and LACO Sheriffs to a two-vehicle injury traffic accident at Broadway and Long Beach Blvd. (Council Dist.2).
The driver of one of the vehicles apparently left the scene prior to emergency unit arrival. The driver of the second vehicle needed to be cut from the wreckage of his car using the Jaws of Life. The extrication was completed within 15 minutes. The extricated driver was a 27-year-old male with unknown extent of injuries. Rescue and 1 transported the patient to a local area trauma center. There were no other reports of injuries to firefighters or to citizens.
There was some damage that occurred to the light rail platform at the incident site. Due to this, Blue Line traffic was shut down at the site for an unknown duration.
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LBFD Visits Millers Children Hospital For Some Trick Or Treating
By JJohnson | November 3, 2009
On Friday October 30, 2009, both on and off duty members of the Long Beach Fire Department met at Miller Children’s Hospital to celebrate LBFD Kid’s annual Halloween Trick or Treat day. Children from the hospital, dressed up in their scariest or funniest apparel for the event. The participants laughed as they walked from one room to the next collecting candy and treats of all colors and flavors. Staff from The hospital also added to the festivities by dressing in costume themselves.
The LBFD Kids program is now in it’s 11th year and continues to bring smiles to the faces of many of the children who are treated at Millers. This program continues to be a success due to the tireless efforts of Captain Greg Curiel and all of the rest of volunteers from the Long Beach Fire Department.
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This Is What Could Happen If You Run From The Police
By JJohnson | November 3, 2009
Sunday, November 1st at around 3:15 in the afternoon, the Long Beach Fire Department received a call for an injury traffic accident with a vehicle fire at the corner of Del Amo Blvd. and Atlantic Ave. Engine and Truck 11 were on scene quickly and after viewing the severity of the damage, it was determined by the Captain that extrication of the victim was in order. The small fire was extinguished by a bystander who had a Dry Chemical extinguisher.
The driver was traveling at a high rate of speed when he smashed into a traffic pole about a half mile North of Del Amo on Atlantic. After about 10 mins of cutting the car from around the victim using the Jaws of Life, the man was taken to a local hospital in traumatic full arrest, and was pronounced dead a while later.
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Lose an Hour Gain a Life
By frhayes | October 30, 2009
Now that it is day light savings time, this video is a good reminder to change batteries regularly in smoke detectors and replace smoke detectors after ten years of use.
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