This Spring, Wilmington residents feared losing their local fire station when in fact the station was never scheduled for closure.

Ralph Morales Terrazas, a Wilmington native and Fire Assistant Chief, assigned to South Division “A” Platoon said, “What did occur was the elimination of Light Force 38, which was composed of a hook and ladder fire truck and a fire engine. The hook and ladder truck was staffed by a Captain II, Apparatus Operator, an Engineer, and three Firefighters for a total of six people. What remains at Fire Station #38 is a Fire Engine and a Paramedic Ambulance. The Fire Engine is staffed by a Captain I, an Engineer, and two Firefighters. The Rescue Ambulance is staffed with two Paramedics.”

Although there was confusion on the closure of Fire Station #38, it was clear to residents that resources, highly needed in Wilmington, were at risk of being taken away.

In April, I wrote a blog post on the huge turnout at the Wilmington Neighborhood Council meeting. At the meeting, residents demanded board members to act quickly and ensure that no resources or jobs at the local fire station were lost.

During public comments, people gave testimonials on how firefighters saved their lives or the lives of their loved ones. Kids held signs that read, “Please save station #38, they saved my brothers life.”

People were in shock at the fact that the City of Los Angeles would risk such assets considering Wilmington is a town surrounded by refineries, and one of the largest ports in the nation.

“The major concerns I have in the Wilmington Community include: proximity to the Port of Los Angeles, multiple oil refineries, miles of underground pipelines, and heavy commercial traffic on Pacific Coast Highway and the Harbor Freeway,” said Terrazas.

In the past months firefighters and local supporters have fought to save all jobs at Fire Station #38, but were barely able to keep a fire engine and a paramedic ambulance in exchange for a staffing reduction.

All this was necessary as a result of the citywide budget reductions. These budget cuts have affected communities throughout the City of LA in parallel ways.

Currently Terrazas is hoping to become the next fire chief, which is the Chief Administrative Officer of the Fire Department. If he gets this position, he would be responsible for overlooking firefighters in Wilmington.

“The Fire Chief has the powers and duties stated in the City Charter, and is responsible for administering the Fire Department in accordance with the City Charter. In other words, the Fire Chief manages the LAFD under the supervision of the Fire Commission. The Fire Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor,” explained Terrazas.

Terrazas attended the WNC meeting in July asking the community for their support. He introduced himself and gave a quick summary of all his work experience.

Terrazas made it clear he was committed to securing fire resources.

“My primary initial focus would be to ensure that the citywide fire resource closure plan supports effective public safety in terms of emergency response times and emergency call loads,” said Terrazas.

This week a decision will be made on whether Terrazas is elected as the next fire chief.

Even though, changes continue to occur in Wilmington, residents can feel some relief from Terrazas’ statement that, “Yes, you can safely say that Wilmington will always have a Fire Station.”

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The public has been invited to provide their input into the selection of the next Fire Chief to the following email addresses:

Eileen Decker Deputy Mayor for Homeland Security

eileen.decker@lacity.org

Paul Hernandez Associate Director for Homeland Security

paul.hernandez@lacity.org