2011 LBFD Spark of Love Toy Drive
By Steve Yamamoto | December 17, 2011
Once again, the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) kicks off the Spark of Love Toy Drive. Through the combined generosity of businesses and residents, each year the Spark of Love program provides gifts to needy kids throughout Long Beach. 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 Long Beach Unified School District 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. Deliveries 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, school supplies, or gift cards. Items for teens are also needed and these items can be dropped off at any local area fire station, CVS Pharmacies, City Hall, or select local area business. Spark of Love also accepts monetary donations. Checks should be made out to Friends of Long Beach Firefighters, Spark of Love. Your donation is greatly appreciated and goes a long way in helping to make this holiday season special for those in need. Thank you for your support. Have a safe and joyful holiday season.
For more information, please contact the LBFD Community Services Division at 562-570-2519. All donations are tax deductible. Federal Tax ID #931223990
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SUSPECT(S) SOUGHT IN NUMEROUS ARSON FIRES IN CENTRAL LONG BEACH
By Richard Brandt | December 5, 2011
The Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) Arson Investigation Unit is seeking the public’s help in identifying and apprehending an arson suspect or suspects.
Since mid May 2011, a series of suspicious fires have occurred in the Central Long Beach Area. In all, 22 fires have occurred in this area ranging from trash fires, vehicle fires and commercial structure fires. Many of these fires have been determined to be arson and there is a possibility that they may be related. Additional evidence has been discovered that make these fires a federal crime. Investigators are analyzing pictures and surveillance video from a number of these fires.
The most recent fires occurred over the Thanksgiving Weekend where two separate mini-vans were burned within a block of each other. The fires occurred in the 800 block of Gardenia on November 25th and the 800 block of Rose on November 26th
This is a joint investigation with the Long Beach Fire/Police Arson Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Los Angeles Field Division. The ATF is offering two separate $5,000 rewards for tip(s) that lead to the capture and conviction of the suspect(s) for the two commercial building fires and the two car fires.
“Someone knows who is doing these senseless acts, so I urge all the good citizens of Long Beach who may know something about these fires to please call the Arson Hotline at (562) 570-2582. We will not let this case go; the individual(s) involved shows a careless disregard for the public’s safety”, says Karl Anglin, Assistant Special Agent in Charge ATF Los Angeles Field Division. “ATF and the Long Beach Fire Department Arson Unit will use every investigative tool available to pursue the person(s) behind these crimes before someone gets hurt. These $5,000 rewards being offered by ATF are just one of those tools.”
If you have any information regarding any of these incidents, please call the LBFD Arson Hotline (562) 570-2582.
In order to be eligible to receive the reward you must provide your identification and contact information.
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Video of the Memorial Service Honoring Fire Engineer Darren Rockett
By Steve Berger | November 19, 2011
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Active Duty Death of Fire Engineer Darren S. Rockett Memorial Service
By Steve Yamamoto | November 11, 2011
Subject: “Jeff Reeb, Deputy Fire Chief for the Long Beach Fire Department, speaking on behalf of the Rockett family releases the following memorial information.”
Event: Memorial Service Honoring Fire Engineer Darren S. Rockett
Date: November 18, 2011 at 11:00 AM SHARP *Please plan to be there by 10:00 AM as there will be a procession preceding the Ceremony*
Location: Cottonwood Church, 4505 Katella Avenue, Los Alamitos, CA 90720
Contact: For any other inquiries please call:
Rich Brandt: Personal Cell (562) 900-2784
Personal Email rich372@aol.com
For additional updates please visit: http://www.lbff.org/
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Passing of Fire Engineer Darren Rockett
By Steve Yamamoto | November 9, 2011
It is with great sadness that the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) announces the death of active duty Fire Engineer Darren Rockett. Engineer Rockett was born on November 10th 1963. He graduated from Van Nuys High School in 1981 and attended Santa Ana College where he studied Fire Technology. He married his wife Jeanne on July 27th, 1989 and together they have been raising their family in Long Beach since 1992. Engineer Rockett, a 14 year veteran of the LBFD, was appointed to the department on September 22, 1997. He served as a Firefighter at Station 10 and 11, promoted to Fire Engineer on June 6th, 2002 where he served at Stations 11 and 18. At the time of his death, Fire Engineer Darren Rockett was assigned to the Fire Prevention Bureau where his chief responsibility was a life safety inspector for all high-rise buildings in the City of Long Beach. During his career at the LBFD Engineer Rockett was recognized for his volunteer leadership of the LBFD Rescue Youth Program where students spend time with their firefighter mentor at a fire station near their homes and are taught various skills, including first aid, and CPR.
“Engineer Rockett was only recently assigned to the Fire Prevention Bureau where he quickly established himself as a competent and professional Inspector. His years of experience in fire operations made him uniquely qualified to evaluate the life safety requirements of high-rise buildings. He exhibited an admirable work ethic and his enduring approach to his coworkers made him very popular. He will be deeply missed.” -Deputy Chief Jeff Reeb, Fire Marshal, City of Long Beach.
Engineer Rockett was awarded nine LBFD Commendations, two LBFD Unit Citations, two Los Angeles County Unit Citations, and one Los Angeles County Meritorious Award. He was named LBFD Firefighter of the year in 2005.
“Darren was a humble, soft-spoken man. He typifies what it means to be a firefighter and what they represent. His peers recognized him in 2005 when he was selected as the Department’s Sworn Employee of the Year for his professionalism and community service in both his personal and professional life. His sudden loss is profound and will be felt by all the members of his fire family and the community in which he served. Our hearts go out to his wife, family and friends. Their loss is our loss.” – Fire Chief Alan Patalano, City of Long Beach.
Pastor Wayne Chaney Jr. of the Antioch Church of Long Beach appointed Darren as a church Deacon. As a Deacon, he had a passion for serving the Church, where he influenced people with his warmth, sincerity, and love of Jesus. “Darren Rockett was loved and admired by his fellow Firefighters, family, and friends.” – Jeanne Rockett
Engineer Rockett passed away at Los Alamitos Medical Center on November 6th, 2011. His mother Sydney Harston preceded him in death. His wife Jeanne, his daughters Tiffany, Alyse, Sydney, Daryn, and his father Victor Rockett survive him.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for November 18th, 2011 with a location to be determined.
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Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System
By Steve Berger | November 5, 2011
Administrator Fugate and FEMA’s Neil McDevitt explain the test in American Sign language:
FEMA’s Dawn Hart provides key information about the test in Spanish:
As part of our ongoing efforts to keep our country and communities safe during emergencies, we’re working in partnership with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The EAS test plays a key role in ensuring the nation is prepared for any type of hazard, and that the U.S. public can receive critical and vital information should it ever be needed.
Over the past year, our agencies have been working with the broadcast community, cable operators and programmers, and other communications service providers that participate in the Emergency Alert System; our state, local, tribal, and territorial partners; and other critical stakeholders to help inform all members of the public regarding the nationwide Emergency Alert System test.
Here are specific items we want everyone to know about the test:
- It will be conducted Wednesday, November 9 at 2:00 PM EST.
- It will be transmitted via television and radio stations within the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.
- Similar to local emergency alert system tests, an audio message will interrupt television and radio programming indicating: “This is a test.”
- When the test is over, regular programming will resume.
As we get close to the test, the FCC and all of our many partners are working together to spread the word to as many members of the public as possible — so people know what to expect when the test takes place, and no one is caught off guard. We’re asking everyone to join us by spreading the word to your neighbors, co-workers, friends and family — share this web page, post a message on your social media site, and feel free to embed our videos on your website or blog.
For additional questions, visit the FAQ’s page and the FCC EAS Test page.
On November 9 at 2:00 PM EST, please remember:
don’t stress; it’s only a test..
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Annual Holiday Canned Food Drive
By Steve Yamamoto | October 31, 2011
The Long Beach Fire Department will once again be participating in the annual Holiday Canned Food Drive starting November 1st through the end of the year. This program operates very similarly to the Spark of Love Toy Drive. Large cardboard donation boxes will be placed at all Long Beach Fire Stations for the general public and Firefighters to drop off their canned or dry goods for those less fortunate. These donations can be made during normal business hours (8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), seven days a week. Once collected, the food donations will be given to the organization “Food Finders” in Long Beach. Thank you in advance for your consideration and generosity.
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2011 Halloween LBFD Kids
By Steve Yamamoto | October 31, 2011
On Halloween day 2011, The Long beach Fire Department (LBFD) stopped by Miller’s Children’s Hospital at Long Beach Memorial for their annual LBFD Kids Halloween visit. This year there were about 23 Firefighters both on and off duty that came down to take the children of Miller’s “Trick or Treating.”
All of the children from the hospital were dressed up in their best costumes as they walked throughout the entire hospital for candy and treats. There were also an array of spooky rooms setup by the hospital staff that the children could walk through.
This is just one of many LBFD Kids visits to the Miller’s Children’s Hospital throughout the year to help make the young patients stay more enjoyable. The LBFD Kids program is now in it’s 13th year and continues to bring smiles to the faces of many of the children who are treated at Miller’s. This program remains a success due to the continued efforts of Captain Greg Curiel, the Miller’s Children’s Hospital staff, and all of the volunteers from the Long Beach Fire Department. Thank you to all for another great event.
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Fire Ambassadors Installment Dinner
By Steve Yamamoto | October 31, 2011
On the evening of October 7th, 2011, The Long Beach Fire Ambassadors hosted their annual Installation dinner at the Reef Restaurant near the Queen Mary. This event is put together to award and recognize individual Fire Ambassadors with their years of service pins. This marked the 20th Anniversary Installation that was kicked off with a beautiful sunset water display by the crew of Fire Boat 20.
This year receiving pins were:
10 years
Barbara Haney
Joe Morales
Dorothy Wolf
15 years
Barbara Anders
Evelyn Ives
Sherman Lewandowski
20 years
Charter member Bob Ellis
The Fire Ambassador Board Members consist of:
Chair – Tacy Hunter,
1st Vice Chair – Nancy Nash
2nd Vice Chair – Barbara Mac Arthur
3rd Vice Chair – Dorothy Wolf
Secretary – Judy Mattson
Congratulations to all and thank you for your continued dedication to the program.
The Fire Ambassador program consists of retired volunteers ages 55 years old and up. The Mission of the Long Beach Fire Ambassadors, in partnership with the Long Beach Fire Department, is to increase awareness of fire safety at home and in the community and to educate children and adults in ways to prevent injuries to persons and property damage as a result of fire.
The Long Beach Fire Ambassadors are always seeking new members. Volunteers must be retired and over the age of 55. For further information please visit the link below.
http://www.longbeach.gov/fire/special_programs/the_long_beach_fire_ambassadors.asp
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Sparky at Pacific Hospital
By Steve Yamamoto | October 27, 2011
On October 21st, 2011, the Long Beach Fire Department and Sparky the Dog stopped by Pacific Hospital to say hello to over 300 students from the Jackie Robinson Academy. The hospital staff did great job directing the numerous waves of kids and giving them all plastic fire helmets. The kids were all very excited to give Sparky a “High Five.” After pictures were taken they had a chance to ask the Firefighters from Engine 7 an array of questions about their rig. This was another great event where the kids had a chance to interact with their local Firefighters.
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