It's off to California!

[JBE 328]

Since I ran a little late with the errands today, the laundry is going to have to wait a few more days. Which truly stinks. I'm running out of socks!!! Anyway, Someone asked about Los Angeles and why there is so much LA Stuff on what was originally (IMHO) started as a NY/NJ/CT-centric buff site. My biggest buff destination, aside from the 13th Division, is Los Angeles County. These guys, City and County do a pretty decent amount of fire duty, Brushfires notwithstanding. The yellow helmets have to go, but that's another story for another time. Anyway here's some pictures from my last two trips out west.

First, to wet the pallette of a certain LAFD Buff, I offer these little tidbits.

LA City Engine 88. Pierce Arrow XT.

LA City USAR 88, Brand spankin new Pierce Arrow XT. This is the chassis rumored to be going to FDNY Rescue 1 as a Demo.

LA City Truck 4. 2002 or 2003 ALF 100 foot TDA.

RA-4 LAFD ALS Bus. In the new paint scheme.

RA-804 BLS Bus. In the obviously, old paint scheme.

The Business end of LAFD Fireboat 2. The Warner J. Lawrence, which replaced...

The Ralph J. Scott. This boat is being restored and will be turned into a museum eventually. Not sure if it's going to be floated again.

LAFD Squad 4. The Squads in LAFD are their Haz Mat Units. However, they do respond on all working fires in their first due area.

LAFD Engine 4, in for repairs at the shops.

LAFD Engine 112, Quartered with FB-2.

Next up, LA County.

[JBE 328]

First stop from my trip last March. LA County Station 69 in Topanga Canyon. It's known as the Penalty Box because it is a very remote station. Also it's a pain in the neck to get to. This is also where Mike Stoker of "Emergency!" fame, worked as an Engineer in between shooting. Tony Dow, formerly Wally Cleaver, was also a Call Firefighter(kinda sorta volunteer) at this station.

Next up is the brand new Patrol rig.

Then the CFF Engine. Engine 269. This is a 1974 Crown.

What's a trip to California without seeing the Baywatch truck??? Unfortunately, no red swimsuit wearing babes, but I did meet Mike Newman, who was the only guy in the show who was actually an LA lifeguard.

Here's Engine 127, part of Light Force 127, also known as the Fire Station where "Emergency!" was filmed back in the day. It's a 1986 Seagrave.

Off to Pomona, Here's Engine 188 and Quint 187.

LA County USAR 134. They got an FDNY R-1 sticker on the window, so these guys are OK by me.

LA County Engine 88. Gotta love it when you're a FF or FF/PM in Malibu. Couple hundred feet off the beach. More LA County coming...

Edited November 23, 2005 by JBE

[JBE 328]

LA County Station 170. This is Inglewood. This is not the greatest neighborhood for everybodys' favorite blue eyed weirdo to be. TRUST ME!!! These guys are a Light Force, But are counted as a Truck company. Sorry guys, since you got an Engine with you, you are not the busiest Truckies in the country.

Took a ride out to Cerritos to visit my buddy RJ over at FS 30, and he goes off on a run.

The ULTIMATE BUFF DESTINATION!!!! LA County Station 51 in Universal Studios.

The Squad....

And yours truly, at his happiest...

They also have a Patrol rig for the studio, and a golf cart for the Captain. I got some pretty sweet video of the Engine and Squad going out on a run. Once I figure out how to post that on here, I will.

I think that about sums it up. I did have some shots of Long Beach Engine 5, which I came across on a fluke. But that can wait. My next trip out there will probably be strictly LA County and Long Beach, with maybe a little Anaheim thrown in.

Edited November 23, 2005 by JBE

[Guest]

Wasn't that Mike Newman fella also an LaCounty firefighter as well as a lifeguard?

[JBE 328]

Yes he is. I actually met him at the fire station he works at. Nice guy.

[Firemn2742A 14]

Great Pictures !! I love the modern day Squad 51 !!

[JBE 328]

I liked it even more without the stripes.