Fire Trucks | Visiting with Huell Howser | KCET

[@cascadiaemergencymanagemen4282]

I have known Joe Ortiz since 1982, and I feel honored to call him my friend. Joe is a retired paramedic from the LA City Fire Department who dedicated his life to serving his community. Joe owned a 1947 ambulance that he used for movies, parades, and charity fundraising events. Eventually, his collection grew adding fire engines, ladder trucks, and much, much more. Joe got me my first job as an EMT. He introduced me to Mauran Ambulance, which LA City Fire Department had a contract to provide BLS transportation to the hospitals. Joe and I often found ourselves on medical responses together. Joe’s collection has been featured in hundreds of television shows and motion pictures. One day I received a call from Joe to be in a movie along with my father, Bob. Together we provided vintage fire apparatus and Specialized Fire Department Extras for movies. Our extras were often real firefighters and could make a scene look authentic. On one occasion, a small group of us were lucky to participate in a recreation of a scene from a famous Laurel & Hardy movie involving a massive pie fight. It was shot in the same location as the original 1930s scene and required 300 pies. We used Joe's 1932 REO Speedwagon to wash down the crowd at the end of the scene. In 2007, I was deployed to Los Angeles for the wildland fires with my FEMA Incident Management Support Team. After my assignment was completed, Joe called me with a message: "Meet me at Warner Brothers Studio at 6:00 o’clock, East Gate. You'll be a Chicago Firefighter on ER." This was typical Joe; you never knew what he would get you into. I worked with actress Sally Field that night. Joe was also instrumental in establishing the LA City Fire Department Museum. We were in countless parades during the 1980s and special events. If Joe was not in a parade, running medical calls, or involved in raising money for a charity, he was likely working at Warner Bros. Studios in a major motion picture. Throughout his career as a LA City Fire Department paramedic and his work in the film industry, Joe was respected and admired for his dedication, professionalism, and kindness. He worked tirelessly to save lives and protect his community, often putting himself in harm's way to help others. He was a true hero, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all. But Joe is more than just a paramedic and a film industry professional. He is a friend, a mentor, and a source of inspiration to all who know him. He has a way of making everyone feel welcome and valued, and his infectious sense of humor can brighten even the darkest of days. Joe's love for his work and his community extends far beyond his retirement. He continues to volunteer his time and expertise and is always eager to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. His legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire and uplift us all. Thank you, Joe Ortiz, for your many years of selfless dedication and for making our world a better place. You are a true hero, and we are grateful for everything you do. -Michael Fearnehough Chief of Emergency Management

[@errittsmith4536]

I love seeing the old fire engines 🚒 and the old ambulances 🚑

[@ricksadler797]

Awesome

[@hfdshrimp3973]

Wait, did that 40 year old dude say he was an explorer?

[@virgilbrown5287]

Lol yes you heard him right he did say he is an explore with Station 89 LA City Fire

[@chris-SDI]

Lime-A not leema😂 people can never get that right

[@wiggerj0nes104]

LYTE F0RCE 54

[@davidmack4495]

that ladder truck is a 1982, not 1986..I used to work for AFD.