L A F D
VALLEYView
Issue 6
Operations Valley Bureau
Jan/Feb 2016
EL NIÑO PREPARATIONS By Deputy Chief Daryl Arbuthnott
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
Email:
lafd.valleybureau @lacity.org
With seasonal wind and rain expected in Southern California, the Los Angeles Fire Department is encouraging residents to take the simple steps necessary to protect themselves from injury and their property from storm damage. When rainstorms impact the Los Angeles area, flood control channels, rivers and arroyos can quickly fill with fast-moving water, creating a potentially lifethreatening danger to anyone who gets caught or swept away. It is against the law to be inside most flood control channels, regardless of the weather. You've heard the forecasts of the upcoming “Godzilla” El Niño. This one is supposed to be recordbreaking...and the biggest ever. But don’t worry—we have the tools necessary to get you prepared! The City of Los Angeles has set up a website www.elninola.com to assist Angelenos with this powerful storm that is headed our way. On the website you can learn how to prepare, report a problem, sign up for emergency alerts, and utilize the resource library to better educate yourself on this meteorological phenomenon. We urge you to also visit the National Weather Service website at: www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr, listen to NOAA (All Hazards) Weather Radio or local radio and television stations—for the latest weather information and emergency bulletins. We have also created a list of Flood Prevention and Storm Preparedness tips to assist you on Page 2 of this newsletter. Prepare your family, neighbors, and friends—so together we can create a resilient Valley community in anticipation of the “Godzilla” El Niño.
CHIEF DEPUTY MARIO RUEDA BIDS LAFD FAREWELL... BEGINS NEW CHAPTER AS VERDUGO CITIES FIRE DEPARTMENT’S FIRE CHIEF Mario Rueda has retired as the Chief Deputy for the LAFD to assume the Fire Chief position for the Verdugo Cities Fire Department, which includes the cities of South Pasadena, San Marino and San Gabriel. Mario has significant experience in emergency operations, administrative duties, training and special operations, and left this final message to his fellow LAFD members: “I leave the job with a tremendous amount of fulfillment and pride knowing that I have been part of one of the finest organizations in the fire service. When I reflect on how remarkably our Department has performed throughout the years, I feel a distinct sense of honor and privilege to have served you and the residents of Los Angeles as the Department’s Emergency Operations Commander. Furthermore, as I look back at the people and relationships that have influenced my career, it only reaffirms my belief that our greatest strength and success as an organization, lies in our teamwork, commitment and continued support for one another. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have known all of you and will forever cherish my 36 years serving as a member of the Los Angeles Fire Department.”
Thank you Chief Rueda for your service and dedication to the LAFD. You created a culture of forwardthinking, and we became better employees, better communicators and better providers of community service. The Verdugo Cities Fire Department is fortunate to have you serve as their Fire Chief.
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.
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