L A F D I SSUE 8
VALLE VALLEY YVie iew w O PERATIONS V ALLEY B UREAU
M AY /J UN 2016
CHIEF’S MESSAGE
COMMAND CHANGE It was not long ago that I assumed the helm of the San Fernando Valley representing your Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) as the Valley’s Fire Chief. If you recall on January 11, 2015, the LAFD reorganized its administrative model to mirror that of the Los Angeles Police Department. Prior to the reorganization, administrative control primarily existed Downtown along with the several layers of bureaucracy. Under the old model, business and community concerns rarely received the appropriate level of attention or reached the correct person.
BUREAU COMMANDER DEPUTY CHIEF Daryl Arbuthnott
ASSISTANT BUREAU COMMANDERS ASSISTANT CHIEF Trevor Richmond Andrew Fox Emile Mack Gregory Reynar
TRAINING OFFICER CAPTAIN II Richard Fields
EMS OFFICER CAPTAIN I Danny Wu
OFFICE 4960 Balboa Blvd. Encino, CA 91316 818-728-9921 818-728-9931 Fax
lafd.valleybureau @lacity.org
LAFD Valley
The reorganization caused the LAFD to grow and revisit its methods for connecting with the communities it serves. Since the reorganization, your Valley Bureau engaged the community, businesses, public safety partners and local public officials on every level. The list of initiatives and accomplishments include activating a Fast Response Vehicle (FRV) in the Sylmar area; securing political support through City Council Motions for recreational hiker warning signage to be activated during extreme fire weather; and the establishment of a senior care facility ordinance aimed at regulating care facilities housing seniors; we created a newsletter and effectively used social media to reach you at every turn. (See Change continued on Page 2)
RECRUITMENT Captain II Kristine Larson The LAFD recruitment campaign started in January with the theme, “Wear Your Strength On Your Sleeve”, reflecting our extensive efforts in recruiting the next generation of firefighters. OVB is highlighting firefighters in our bureau to help guide community members who may be considering a career in fire service. Kris Larson has been with the Los Angeles Fire Dept. for 25 years since graduating from UCLA on a full athletic scholarship. She is currently assigned to Fire Station 74 in the Tujunga/Sunland community as a Captain II. WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST CHALLENGE GETTING ON THE DEPARTMENT?
HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR WORK AND HOME LIFE?
My greatest challenge was that I did not know much about what it meant to be a firefighter before I began my career. I went to the library to research the specifics of the job, and then attended a recruitment event to get even more information. I was confident in my ability to handle the physical requirements of the job, but I had no idea what the all-encompassing job of a firefighter truly entailed.
I try not to work too many consecutive days because it takes a toll on my sleep habits. I am currently enrolled in graduate school so I’m focused on completing my master’s degree. I also try to recharge my batteries whenever possible by taking mini-vacations and spending time with friends and family on my off days. (See Larson continued on Page 3)
Proudly serving: Arleta, Bell Canyon, Canoga Park, Chatsworth, City of San Fernando, Encino, Granada Hills, Lake View Terrace, Mission Hills, Noho Arts District, North Hills, North Hollywood, Northridge, Pacoima, Panorama City, Porter Ranch, Reseda, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Sunland/Tujunga, Sylmar, Tarzana, Toluca Lake, Tujunga, Universal City, Van Nuys, Warner Center, West Hills, Winnetka, Woodland Hills.