Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby (center) is joined by representatives from the Department and the Hermosa Beach Fire Department. Photo by Douglas Morrison.
By Laura Walters
On Sunday July 9, 2017, residents gathered at the Hermosa Beach Fire Station for the Hermosa Beach Annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser which featured a “Meet and Greet” with representatives from the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD). The event was significant as it signaled the change of Hermosa Beach officially moving into a contract for fire services with LACoFD. The City of Hermosa Beach, the Hermosa Beach Firefighters Association, and LACoFD hosted the fundraiser.
Children meet LACoFD firefighters at the Hermosa Beach Annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser on Sunday, July 9, 2017.
Hermosa Beach firefighters and residents volunteered their time to cook and serve the pancake breakfast and sell tickets and the remaining inventory of Hermosa Beach Fire Department t-shirts. Many residents spent time talking with LACoFD personnel to explain their initial opposition to losing their city fire department and their eventual support of contracting with the County, as they learned the benefits to their community and, most importantly, to the firefighters that they love.
The residents shared many stories of their interactions with Hermosa Beach firefighters, whether it was during a fun-filled event or during a tragedy in their life. The residents also picked up LACoFD materials that described the resources and programs the Department provides and asked many questions.
Kids attending got to take pictures with the firefighters and climb in the vehicles on display from the Hermosa Beach Fire and Police Departments, and LACoFD. All proceeds from the breakfast benefited the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation.