In this edition of Size-Up, the County of Los Angeles Fire Department (LACoFD) proudly spotlights the Los Angeles County Fire Museum.
Led by the Los Angeles County Fire Museum Association Board of Directors, this unique community offering was the idea of two LACoFD firefighters in the mid-1970s. The Los Angeles County Fire Museum has four main components in its mission statement:
· Celebrate the history of the American fire service and the contributions made to that history by the LACoFD.
· Document and present the evolution, history, and impact of fire-based emergency medical services.
· Acquire, preserve, and present artifacts, apparatus, photographs and documents, along with other materials, which assist in the presentation of our history.
· Restore antique fire apparatus to accurately reflect their respective histories.
They continue to meet their mission while maintaining strong ties to the LACoFD. For example, Los Angeles County Fire Museum hosts special events including the annual LACoFD East Region Fire Service Day, annual retirement celebration, Department promotional ceremonies, recruit academy dinners, and more. One of the museum’s permanent exhibits is dedicated to “EMERGENCY,” known as the most influential television shows dedicated to firefighters.
On any given day, visitors to the Los Angeles County Fire Museum are greeted by docents, retired Department firefighters, who volunteer their time to provide guided tours of the many exhibits.
The Los Angeles County Fire Museum embraces its role to preserve the past, honor the contributions of LACoFD personnel, and to inspire future firefighters. To schedule a future visit or learn more, visit lacountyfiremuseum.com.
