Passed away 8/12/2009.

Tonya Burns broke new ground for female firefighters. A natural athlete, she earned scholarships in track and basketball at UCLA and worked alongside teammates Jackie Joyner and Florence Griffith Joyner (Flo-Jo) to prepare for the 1984 USA Olympic trials. After graduation, she followed her father’s footsteps in the fire service. She started her career with the Oxnard Fire Department in 1985 and later joined the Los Angeles County Fire Department in 1988, making her the department’s first African American female firefighter. In 1988, she helped found the Black Female Firefighters Association of Southern California. Tonya’s life was cut short at 49, after contracting job-related breast cancer.

Passed away 3/3/2009.

Born and raised in Southgate, Roy spent his childhood years enjoying many types of sports. He graduated from Bellflower High School, where he lettered four years in football, basketball and baseball. While attending Cerritos College, Roy was drafted into the Navy and served on the battleship USS Pyro during the Vietnam War. Upon his return from military service, Roy joined the Los Angeles County Fire Department. He was a dedicated firefighter and worked hard to reach the ranks of battalion chief. He developed lasting friendships along the way and valued each one of them greatly. Roy’s love for sports prompted him to accept the role as director of training. His commitment to training was unparalleled; he took his drills seriously and expected the same from his crew. Roy is survived by his wife of 27 years, Linda and his three sons, Michael, Derrick and Patrick.

On February 10, 2025, Firefighter Specialist Crag Foster passed away. Craig dedicated most of his adult years serving the people; first, as a proud member of the Navy and then as a devoted member of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. He served our country faithfully, with joy and honor aboard the USS Tigrone and was honorably discharged after fulfilling his duties. He carried the same strong work ethics to the Fire Department, where he became a Firefighter Specialist and made many friends over the years. Growing up, Craig enjoyed a few hobbies with his dad, especially collecting quarter-midget racing cars. While attending high school, Craig picked up water polo and played for the varsity team. During his high school years, Craig exhibited the spirit and heart of a firefighter, often helping out around campus where needed. Craig leaves behind his adored wife, Dorothy; son, Jonathon and daughter, Breanne. He will always be remembered to those closest to him as the “gentle giant.”

Captain Gibbs, known as “Denny” to family and friends, passed away on January 30, 2003 after a courageous two-year battle with job-related cancer. He dedicated 29 years of service to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, spending the final decade with the department’s Hazardous Materials Response Unit. Denny loved being a firefighter and often said it was the best thing that ever happened to him. His passion for the job inspired both his son, Gary, and grandson, Danny, who continued his legacy as members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Captain Gibbs is survived by his wife, Donna, and their two children, Lynn and Gary.