Philip B. Goodell, Captain

On June 21, 1968, Fire Captain Phil Goodell of the Los Angeles County Fire Department was assigned to the “Liebre Fire” burning in the Castaic area of Los Angeles County, California. When flames overran Engine 382 on a power-line access road, the crew took shelter beneath the apparatus. Captain Goodell stood between them and the advancing fire, courageously manning a hose line in an effort to shield them. He was ultimately overtaken by the flames and suffered fatal burn injuries. Captain Goodell gave his life to protect his crew, who sustained burns but survived.

Cecil Gehr, Fire Chief

Line of Duty Death

Cecil Gehr, Chief of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, was fatally injured in a vehicle accident on January 1, 1953, while responding to the Gold Fire, a brush fire in the Angeles National Forest near Little Tujunga Canyon, California. Chief Gehr was the third Fire Chief in the department’s history and was widely respected for his leadership and dedication to public service.

Edward J. Duffy, Construction Supression Operator

Construction Suppression Operator Edward Duffy tragically sustained fatal burn injuries in the line of duty on August 5, 1947, while engaged in fire suppression efforts on the Bryant Canyon Fire in Big Tujunga Canyon.

Robert Combs, Firefighter

Firefighter Combs passed away after sustaining fatal injuries on a structure fire on August 31, 1942.

George F. Elsey, Firefighter

Firefighter Elsey was killed in the line of duty on April 26, 1931.