The lights were flashing as Engine 69 roared down Sunset towards the fire station at Carey Street on Saturday. The truck and 12 firefighters, representing three shifts, were returning to Station 69 after an almost five-year absence.
Aboard the fire truck was Councilman Mike Bonin, who took up former Councilman Bill Rosendahl’s fight to restore the engine—one of 18 cut during the 2011 budget crisis. This is the fourth engine company to return to duty.
“This is a great day for Pacific Palisades,” Bonin said. “The City decided to decimate the fire department. They shut down engine companies in every area of the city.”
He thanked LAFD Chief Ralph Terrazas and Mayor Eric Garcetti for their help.
“I used to work in this area,” said Terrazas, who cited the need to restore service because “this area is isolated geographically and there is a threat of brush fires.”
Also on hand for the ceremony were Assistant Chief Pat Butler, LAFD Commander of Operations Joe Castro and former Station 69 Captain Frank Lima, who now serves as president of the firemen’s union.
“This is a great day,” Lima said.
Fireman’s union president Frank Lima, Councilman Mike Bonin and LAFD Chief Ralph Terrazas announced the restoration of Engine 69 company. Von Nesselrodt, 3, practices driving the fire truck at Fire Service Day at Station 69. Photos: Shelby Pascoe
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