Glendale Fire Department - "Community First"







	Harold Scoggins, Fire Chief

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1936 - Cadillac ambulance which responded from Fire Station 2

Paramedic services have been provided to the city by a private ambulance company from 1976 to 1998. Prior to 1976 the service was provided by the Fire Department. Starting in 1999 the paramedic services will once again be provided by the Glendale Fire Department.

1947 Cadillac Ambulance

In 1932, the City Council funded the beginnings of the Fire Department ambulance. During the first year the ambulance responded to 375 calls. Two firefighters from each shift were assigned to the ambulance on a rotating basis to serve as either driver or officer, thus allowing each firefighter to work in this important capacity at some point in his career. The total number of calls logged in the final year of service was over 1500.

Circa 1970, Dave Brandt and Don Busik pick up a child
that was involved in a traffic accident.

Due to the large brush area of the city (approximately 1/3 of the total city) and the continuing fire problems, city officials formed the "Fire in the Hills Committee". Members of the committee came from the fire department, water department, civil defense, engineering, planning, and street departments. This committee planned and executed an aggressive campaign to upgrade the fire road system, construction of tanks and cisterns, hydrants, helicopter landing pads and the establishment of a regular hill patrol to maintain off-road facilities. One firefighter was assigned from each shift to this position. Today the patrol is manned by one firefighter working a 24 hour shift and also assigned to fire prevention, assisting in the annual weed abatement (brush clearance) program.

1969 - Chemical manufacturing plant fire.

In 1968, Glendale went to a three platoon manning system. Each shift works a continuous 24 hour shift with manning of at least 50 personnel per shift. In 1973, Fire Chief Norm Stolley retired after 35 years of service. Allen R. Stone became the next Fire Chief. His sincere professionalism and dedication in maintaining an efficient department allowed the department to acquire better equipment, more efficient communications and increased manpower. The adoption of the task force concept (a two-piece engine company) increased our capability to deliver a larger amount of water to a fire scene with fewer personnel. Chief Stone was instrumental in the creation of the tri-city Verdugo Communications Dispatch with the cities of Burbank and Pasadena.

1984 Fire Chief John Montenero took the reigns from Chief Stone and continued to refine and develop the organization, helping it to become one of the finest fire departments in the country. He retired in 1991.

In December of 2001, Fire Chief Richard Hinz retires and promotes Assistant Fire Chief Christopher Gray to succeed him.

On December 31, 2001, Chris Gray became the current Fire Chief. maintaining the goal of protection of life & property while maintaining courtesy and service to the community of Glendale.

1984 Fire Chief John Montenero took the reigns from Chief Stone and continued to refine and develop the organization, helping it to become one of the finest fire departments in the country. He retired in 1991.

In December of 2001, Fire Chief Richard Hinz retires and promotes Assistant Fire Chief Christopher Gray to succeed him.

On December 31, 2001, Chris Gray became the current Fire Chief. maintaining the goal of protection of life & property while maintaining courtesy and service to the community of Glendale.

GFD = We Help People!

If you want to know more about the Glendale Fire Department contact our Public Education Unit by E-mail or call (818)548-6404

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