Our Lady Queen of Angels Seminary San Fernando, California Class of 1970 Reunion August 5th, 2017 Battalion Chief Steve Ruda
I graduated from OLQA in June 1970. I went on to attend St John’s Seminary and finished one year of the College Seminary. I attended Pierce College and transferred to California State University Northridge. I received a BA in Journalism with hopes of attaining a position in broadcast journalism. I joined the US military and was commissioned a Lieutenant of Marines in 1975. I attained the rank of Captain of Marines. I served as a Platoon Commander and an Aide De Camp for the Commanding General of the 1st Marine Brigade. I was honorably discharged in Feb 1978. I joined the Los Angeles Fire Department in September of 1978. I am a decorated and seasoned Commander with more than 39-years of service. Retirement is planned for early 2019. I recently earned the honor of Firefighter of the Year. An award given by my peers. I was awarded the Medal of Merit in recognition of heroism after saving another Firefighter's life. The rescue that I led, put me and my fellow firefighters at great risk to our own lives. I am currently a Battalion Commander and assigned to the Northwest San Fernando Valley. I have been married for 25 years to Susan and have been a father to her 3 children and a proud grandfather of 5 with twin boys recently delivered. I consider myself a man whose foundation was created by my early life and experiences as a young seminarian. I think about my early days the many characters that I still call friends. Our time together in class, on the sports fields in the rec rooms and the chapels made me the man I am today. Thank you all to you my classmates. I am grateful for each and everyone of you for what you gave to me. Long live all of us from those who started in 1A as freshmen for they were the salt of the earth, a little slow, but none the less great guys. And the lucky ones in 1B, 1C and the brains in 1D remember we were all brothers from the beginning. Let us remember in our prayers our brothers who have passed and those who were ordained and achieved their goal set so early in their lives. And to those who called OLQA home away from home I wish you great success in our years to come.