By Deputy Chief John B. Tripp – Los Angeles Co Fire Department.
FAMILY
I would like to share a few events I was part of the last couple of weeks that remind me how fortunate it is to be part of the family. The family often referred to as the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Saturday, October 11
I attended the California Firefighters Memorial in Sacramento. It was a very emotional experience to see the flags presented to the widows, orphans, parents and family of our three brothers. It was harder this year than some, as I had served shoulder to shoulder with all three over the past 29 years. John, Darrell and Shawn were all great men who gave it all for others.
It was hard to see the pain that lingers on my men from Firehouse 111. They are supporting Lori and the boys, but the hole left with the loss of one of the best Captain’s ever to serve, will never be filled.
During the ceremony, all our family members in attendance shared tears and had solemn moments. At the same time, there were moments of pride and gratitude for the family.
We marched together as brothers in the firefighter’s procession. No rank. Not an individual station. One family.
We watched the pride and honor of our honor guard. Their professionalism, respect and purpose remind us how we treat our fallen, and how we never forget.
The dedication of Alfred, Dallas, Richard, and David. Their fights to define the sacrifice, make the laws real, and help make this place special for all fallen 1014 members.
Another special moment for me was talking with John’s dad, Battalion Chief Bob Mazzaco. Bob retired many years ago, and I was humbled, as Bob was a Captain in Klinger when I was a student worker. We talked about John and the job. Reflecting with a man I had such respect for was very special. Bob, like John, had earned so much respect from all. They displayed the values people live to obtain.
During the ceremony Captain Robert Mora, Santa Fe Springs Department of Fire-Rescue shared stories of his brother Captain Armando “Mondo” Mora, who died from job related cancer this last year. Mondo would often share the following words with his brother firefighters:
“We are so fortunate for what we get to do and so fortunate for what we have”.
Wednesday, October 15
I attended the Promotion Ceremony in Commerce. As a Deputy Chief I am expected to attend the family events: Recruit Graduations, Promotion Ceremonies, Retirement Dinners, and Celebrations of Life.
Promotion Ceremonies are always great, as they show the place the brother/sister is, while completing the family journey.
• The new engineers get up with the young family and babies who always steal the room.
• The Captains with school age children unsure of standing in front of so many for photos.
• The Chiefs: With adult children, grandchildren and a big group photo.
• The civilian, lifeguard, forester, and dispatcher: Groups of coworkers who celebrate the success of their brother/sister.
• The parents: Beaming with pride of their son or daughter.
• The wife or husband: Although they don’t serve, you see the amount of commitment, support and sacrifice the job has required. You see their love and accomplishment, as they know how much it means to both families.
This day was particularly special, as two of my mentors and great brothers were celebrating their children’s accomplishment.
Assistant Chief Scott Jones, ret., celebrated with his daughter Kelly and the Abadie brothers from 166’s and 29’s. Captain Tony Hill, ret., celebrated the promotion of his son Andrew Hill, 147’s. This illustrates how you don’t stop being part of the family after 30 years of service and sacrifice, but are blessed to share the like experiences with your children.
Tuesday, October 7
I visited my daughters’ kindergarten classroom in Altadena. Bailey, like all daughters of the family, grew up without dad attending many events.
She had to be quiet and let dad sleep because he had 5 after midnight. She had most of her holiday dinners at hose house 40, 54, 1, or 33’s. She understood when I left her college graduation to run a fire. She shared the highs and lows of the family. She attended the recruit graduations, promotions and a lot of funerals.
Bailey, again like many daughters of the family, grew up with the family pride. As such, this day she asked Ryan and I share the joy of the job and help the next generation understand how special the family is. How special we get to do what we do: serve others.
Wednesday, October 15
I saw what our firefighters do everyday to help deliver the same message to the next generation. Bailey and her teaching partner Melissa walked their 40 students over to Fire Station 11. Captain Robert Aldana and FF Joshua Diamante did an outstanding job of making the day, and a lifetime memory for forty 5 year olds.
I share these events, as it reminded me how blessed and grateful I am to be part of the family. Each family member could reflect and express hundreds of events they experienced over the last week too. I hope this helps everyone reflect and remember how fortunate we are. I see so many live with the same gratitude. Sworn and civilian. Marty, Jeff and the Kevin’s remind us monthly and thank you for that.
Some children of the family choose to serve. They know what the job is about and how hard the sacrifice can be on their own family. They lived it. They know how hard it is to get on the job and what it takes to prepare. They know their name gets no privilege, and how they have to earn it like all others.
Even with all this knowledge, they still choose to serve and sacrifice. WHY? Because they were raised to know how special and important it is to serve others.
As a Deputy Chief for the last eight years, I have seen all the great characteristics our family has. Unfortunately, I have also come to experience the hate a few people have towards our family or the individuals within.
To the one’s dedicated to tear at our fabric and try to destroy a 92 year old family of thousands, I will share a line a FDNY brother said at the concert a couple of weeks after 9/11:
“YOU CAN KISS MY IRISH @$%” !!!
Brothers and sisters, we cannot let a few, take away from so many, that gave so much.
We are so fortunate for what we get to do and are so fortunate for what we have.
Thank you for your pride, service and sacrifice,
Firefighter John B. Tripp Jr.
PS: Thank you to: Foreman Jack B. Tripp, Union Hook and Ladder
Lieutenant John B. Tripp Sr., Citizens Hose Company # 6.
