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Entries in Santa Monica Fire Department (103)

EXPLOSION IN SANTA MONICA


EXPLOSION - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz

The FBI and the Santa Monica Police and Fire Departments respond to what may have been a hate crime (pipe bomb explosion) behind the Chabad House of Santa Monica (an orthodox Jewish synagogue) on Thursday, April 7, 2011.

Responding bomb technicians conducted initial field testing and found evidence of what appeared to be an industrial incident involving cement and other materials; however, a continuing investigation ensued to determine what caused the explosion.

Over the next 24 hours, bomb technicians and detectives conducted further forensic analysis at the scene and, after unearthing much of the large portion of the cement found, uncovered materials indicating that the device appeared to have been deliberately constructed. Investigation has determined that Items found in and around the mechanism are linked to an individual by the name of Ron Hirsch, identified as a transient. 

Hirsch is known to frequent synagogues and Jewish community centers seeking charity from patrons. Hirsch is currently being sought on state charges of possession of a destructive device and unrelated local charges. 

Based on his suspected involvement in this incident, Hirsch is considered extremely dangerous. Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Hirsch is urged to contact the investigative agencies. The Santa Monica Police Department’s Watch Commander can be reached 24 hours by calling 310 458-8427.

No known motive for a deliberate attack is known at this time. A joint investigation by the Santa Monica Police Department, the FBI, the ATF, the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Santa Monica Fire Department is ongoing.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME (1-800-78-27463), or submit the tip online at www.wetip.com. You will remain completely anonymous and may be eligible for a reward, up to $1,000.00, if your information leads to an arrest and conviction. 

No one was injured.

 

SuperBowl-A-Thon

Santa Monica Fire Chief Scott Ferguson bowls during the Fifteenth Annual "SuperBowl-A-Thon" at AMF Bay Shore Lanes on Friday, Feb. 4, 2011. The SuperBowl-A-Thon brings together the private and public sector in an effort to eradicate homelessness in Santa Monica and transform the community. It benefits the Westside Shelter & Hunger Coalition’s efforts to strengthen services to homeless and at-risk, men, women and families through education, advocacy and service coordination.

SMFD

Fire Engineers (left to right) Dan Woelfel, Walter Patton,  Eric Nagao, Johnny Maccini and Paul Bellante swear-in during Santa Monica Fire Department's promotional and special recognition ceremony at City Council's Chambers on Thursday, January 13, 2011.
 

Firefighter Code of Ethics

 

"As a firefighter and member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, my fundamental duty is to serve humanity; to safeguard and preserve life and property against the elements of fire and disaster; and maintain a proficiency in the art and science of fire engineering.

I will uphold the standards of my profession, continually search for new and improved methods and share my knowledge and skills with my contemporaries and descendants.

I will never allow personal feelings, nor danger to self, deter me from my responsibilities as a firefighter.
I will at all times, respect the property and rights of all men and women, the laws of my community and my country, and the chosen way of life of my fellow citizens.

I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of the fire service. I will constantly strive to achieve the objectives and ideals, dedicating myself to my chosen profession--saving of life, fire prevention and fire suppression.

As a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, I accept this self-imposed and self-enforced obligation as my responsibility."
Posted on Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 04:08PM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz in | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

Candy Cane Drive

Santa Claus arrives at Reed Park in a convertible during Santa Monica Firefighters & Police Officers Association's Eighteenth  annual 'Candy Cane Drive' on Saturday, December 4, 2010.



NEW HEROES CELEBRATION


16th Annual New Heroes Celebration - Images by Fabian Lewkowicz

Santa Monica police Chief Timothy J. Jackman and Santa Monica Fire Chief Scott Ferguson introduce their newest police officers and firefighters during Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce's 16th Annual New Heroes Celebration at Le Merigot on Thursday, October 19, 2010. The event is held to welcome new educators, police officers, and firefighters to the Santa Monica community.



HIGH PRESSURE

(top) Santa Monica Fire Fighter Nick Angel and SMFD Captain Davis perform an annual 'flow test' on a fire hydrant located at Bay and Main Street on Saturday, October 9, 2010.  (above) Sam Schnaars, 6, and his sister Ella, 8, help Santa Monica Fire Fighter Nick Angel perform the flow test. The fire hydrant passed proving that the hydrant can pump out 65 pounds of pressure. The tests are necessary to ensure proper hydrant operations at the time of emergencies. The SMFD will be testing all the fire hydrants in Santa Monica throughout October.



St. Baldrick's Day 

(above) Vidal Sassoon Academy students Deborah Shirey cuts Santa Monica Fire Chief Scott Ferguson's hair during St. Baldrick's Day at Barney's Beanery  on Friday, September 24, 2010. (top) Cami Davis, 9, cuts her fathers (Santa Monica Fire Paramedic CJ Davis) hair during  St. Baldrick's Day at Barney's Beanery  on Friday, September 24, 2010.

Men, women and children baldly stand in solidarity with the 160,000 kids diagnosed with cancer each year while raising money to fund pediatric cancer research

Over 50 caring shaves accepted the lofty challenge issued by the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and shaved their heads in exchange for donations to help raise much needed money for childhood cancer research at local popular restaurant, Barney's Beanery on 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica. 

An astounding $20,933.91 was raised  as part of a worldwide effort to conquer kids’ cancer by the Santa Monica Firefighters. 26 Firefighters including the Fire Chief led by example by eagerly shaving off their locks for this worthy cause. 

Along with them were members of the community, including four women, and several children- some of whom decided to shave on the spot like 11 year old Lincoln Middle School pupil, Oliver Peake who raised $300 in under five minutes!Participants willingly shaved their heads knowing that is a small sacrifice in comparison to what these children endure, and helped raise much needed funds to help find a cure for children with cancer now and in the future. 

This was a very special day by our own Santa Monica Fire Fighters for a very special cause.

To help with this worthy cause and make a difference please visit the website and encourage your friends, family & children to make a difference.

1.888.899.BALD or visit

www.StBaldricks.org.

 

About the St. Baldrick's Foundation

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation makes grants to research institutions to find new cures for childhood cancer, and to find treatments to ensure a better quality of life for patients and survivors. The foundation funds research projects conducted by established pediatric cancer experts, as well as younger professionals who will be the experts of tomorrow. Funds also enable hundreds of local institutions to participate in national pediatric cancer clinical trials, offering the best available care for every child. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is grateful to its many volunteers (bald or not!) and donors, including Allied World, Barbicide, Dowling & Partners, elope and PartnerRe.

Posted on Friday, September 24, 2010 at 09:38PM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz in | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint

911 Remembrance Ceremony

(top) Santa Monica Fire  Engineer Jim Enge lowers the flag to half mast during the 911 Remembrance Ceremony at SMFD headquarters on Saturday, September 11, 2010. The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in New York, at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va. and in Shanksville, Pa. resulted in the deaths of more than 2,700 people.  Of those killed, 343 were FDNY Firefighters.  In recognition of those who perished on that tragic day, the Santa Monica Fire Department will annually conduct a brief and solemn remembrance ceremony consistent with the International Association of Fire Chief's recommended protocols. (above) A giant American flag hoisted from a Santa Monica Fire truck pays tribute to 911 at Santa Monica Beach on Friday, September 11, 2010.

SMFD Engineer Enge's motorcycle license plate pays tribute to 911. 
Posted on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 08:19AM by Registered CommenterFabian Lewkowicz in | CommentsPost a Comment | EmailEmail | PrintPrint