Message from the President
June 2005
June 19th Fathers Day
I am pleased to announce that our two board vacancies have been filled by long-time
volunteers, Nancy McFarland and Gil Garcia. It has been a pleasure to work with
each of these individuals and to get to know them over the past few years.
Nancy, a local businesswoman, has been a CLAFMA volunteer since 2001. She is responsible
for the creation and management of our online store, Third Alarm Fire Shop. The
profit from the store helps fund the day-to-day operations of your museum. Nancy
has also attended several fire and EMS related trade shows throughout the country,
promoting the museum through the sale of merchandise and distribution of literature,
always representing CLAFMA in a professional manor.
Gil Garcia has been a dedicated volunteer with the museum for many years. He has
assisted with a number of our projects, including the Tournament of Roses Parade
in 2001. He is currently assigned to the Support Services Bureau of the Los Angeles
County Fire Department. He is well-versed in County policies, and is well liked
and respected throughout the county. In his role as a board member, Gil's experience,
contacts and reputation will be an asset to the museum.
Nancy and Gil have different backgrounds and will lend their varied experience to
help further our goals. This is exactly what our board needs, as running a museum
is much more than restoring old fire engines.
I am also pleased to announce that actor Randolph Mantooth, long-time museum friend
and advocate, has accepted our offer to become the County of Los Angeles Fire Museum's
Honorary Chairman. It has been our pleasure to work with Randy and his wife in the
past, and we are looking forward to great things in the future.
The County of Los Angeles Fire Museum has hired Matt Knabe of MWW Group, a highly
respected public relations firm, to write the museum's business plan. Matt is as
excited to be working with us as we are to be working with him. The plan is nearing
completion, and will open new opportunities as we work toward the goal of a new
facility.
Despite the fact that Fire Warden newsletter editor Tim Elliot
frequently travels from coast-to-coast, he continues to produce a high quality quarterly
publication for the museum. The July newsletter will be a full-color issue, thanks
to a generous donation from the people at Selman Chevrolet in Orange.
Desire' Gonzales continues to amaze me with her work on the website, continually
updating it, and always looking for something new to share with our members.
Though our membership numbers continue to grow, we are gearing up for a large-scale
membership drive in the near future, which will target fire department personnel.
At first glance, it appears that we have less than fifty percent of the badged personnel
donating on a monthly basis, and it?s our goal to increase that number significantly.
Paul Schneider has numerous restorations in various states of completion. He has
recently completed our 1955 Crown. I can say it is most likely the nicest vintage
Crown fire engine in existence. Our next open house is in early October. Don?t miss
the opportunity to see this engine for yourself.
Dave Boucher has completed his assignment with the Year Book, and will resume writing
articles in various publications on behalf of the museum.
Museum personnel have attended several events in the last few months,
including Super CPR Sunday at Anaheim Stadium, the Ventura County Wildland Expo,
El Camino College firefighter graduation, and two Los Angeles County Fire Department
graduations.
We have more events planned in the next few months. Check our web site calendar
for dates, and join us if you can.
Thank you for your continued support,
Joe Woyjeck
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