Firefighter Carlin passed away on February 6, 1981, at the age of 55.

Firefighter Stippitch passed away on June 6, 1980 at the age of 58.

Firefighter Jim Michelli was killed in the line of duty while battling a fire in a commercial building in the city of Baldwin Park on December 18, 1979. His loss has been deeply felt throughout our department by everyone who knew him, as well as by his many friends.

Jim was truly a remarkable individual. He brought infectious enthusiasm to everything he did. As a Paramedic, he was highly skilled and deeply compassionate, always driven by a desire to help others. As a firefighter, he was fearless, dedicated, and consistently went above and beyond, whether on the fireground or around the station.

Jim was also an active member of our community. He played on the County baseball team for many years and, in 1979, took on the thankless but important role of team coach.

Jim’s funeral was a profound display of brotherhood and respect. Over 1,000 people attended, including several hundred uniformed members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department, along with representatives from numerous departments across the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles Basin. Law enforcement agencies were also in attendance.

The funeral procession stretched for miles, led by sixteen engines, two truck companies, dozens of command vehicles, and countless private vehicles—all with emergency lights flashing. Along the route, fire engines and crews stood at attention in silent tribute. It was clear to all who witnessed the procession that a firefighter had fallen and was being honored by his extended fire family.

Firefighter Hughes passed away on August 8, 1978 at the age of 26.

On the night of July 24, 1977, while supporting firefighting operations on the Middle Fire, a 3,800-acre wildfire in the Angeles National Forest, Thomas Grady was tragically killed in the line of duty. During a nighttime landing at Mill Creek Heliport, the Bell 205 helicopter he was piloting collided mid-air with a U.S. Forest Service Bell 212. The accident seriously injured his co-pilot, Theodore Hellmers, and the two pilots of the other aircraft.

Thomas Grady proudly served his country with the United States Army before continuing his career in aviation with Air America, Inc. From May 29, 1968, to June 30, 1975, he worked as a rotary-wing aircraft pilot based out of Saigon, South Vietnam.

Following his service overseas, Grady returned home and became a dedicated helicopter pilot for the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Thomas P. Grady gave his life in service to others. He is remembered for his bravery, commitment, and sacrifice.