La Habra Heights Firefighters Learn About the Fatal "Hacienda Fire" in 1955

During our recent Wildland Training, La Habra Heights firefighters were given a history lesson on the dangers of wildland firefighting as well as how these tragic events shape future firefighting tactics and safety procedures.

On September 2, 1955, Los Angeles County Fire Captain Glenn E. Rockey was killed on this La Habra Heights hillside during the "Hacienda Fire". The fire also took the lives of five young members of the Los Angeles County Probation Forestry Camp 5-1, and severely burned seven others.  Fire investigators mark the spots where some of the men were killed. (Los Angeles County Fire Department Historical Archives)

Almost 57 years after he was killed, the heroic efforts of Captain Glenn E. Rockey to save the lives of other Firefighters was finally recognized.  Los Angeles County 2012 Valor Awards: 
  

La Habra Heights Fire Department Hosts 2016 Wildland Training

 

In April, 2016, the La Habra Heights Fire Department had the privilege of hosting the "Area E" regional wildland firefighter training in the Heights. Firefighters from La Habra Heights joined with firefighters from Compton, Santa Fe Springs, Vernon, and Downey fire departments. We spent 3 days in a combined classroom and field exercise training sessions, designed to enhance our ability to support each other during the upcoming wildfire season.

 

 

Fire Chief Doug Graft from La Habra Heights shared his 38 years of knowledge and experience in wildland firefighting operations during the presentation. This presentation included a discussion of the 1955 "Hacienda Fire" in La Habra Heights which killed 5 firefighters and a Los Angeles County Fire Captain during an entrapment.

 

Firefighters then caravanned thru the Heights to a remote location to practice working together; extending nearly a thousand feet of hoseline and pumping.

 

Firefighters were able to practice deploying fire shelters in simulated wind conditions.

 

In all, over 100 firefighters from local mutual aid fire departments participated in this training. Residents can expect to see other local and regional mutual aid fire departments, who are likely to support La Habra Heights in our firefighting operations, conducting pre-fire training and planning. In addition, command staff from La Habra Heights is working  with allied agencies to improve communication among their command staff.

Firefighter Paramedic Job Opportunities

The City of La Habra Heights Fire Department is currently accepting applications for Part-time Paid Firefighter Paramedics. This position is not an auxiliary or additional Firefighter on duty. This is a Firefighter Paramedic position assigned to an engine company responding to 911 calls.

The La Habra Heights Fire Department is comprised of 100+ personnel, providing Fire and Paramedic 911 services to the community. La Habra Heights is a community of residential homes in rolling hills and valleys. The La Habra Heights Fire Department is the primary 911 provider for the city and surroundings auto/mutual aid areas.

Firefighter Paramedics work an average of one 24 hour shift per week (0630-0630), with an opportunity to work additional shifts. They perform the duties of a Firefighter Paramedic on an engine company. Firefighter Paramedics currently receive $10 per hour, and are limited to working 960 hours per year. Firefighter Paramedics are not eligible for city benefits.

Minimum Qualifications for Firefighter Paramedic:
- Completion of a CA state certified Firefighter I academy within the last 3 years or FF1 certification.
- Hold a current certification as a paramedic in ALS through the State of CA with Accreditation in Los Angeles County as an EMT-Paramedic within 30 days of the date of hire.
- Current CPAT or Biddle.
- Have a valid CA Class C Driver’s License and are able to complete a Firefighter Endorsement within 1 year of employment (Preference given to OSFM Driver/ Operator certified).
- Must have a satisfactory driving record clear of misdemeanor convictions and have no felony convictions.
- Able to work an assigned shift; averaging 24 hours per week.

Applications will be accepted on a continual basis for openings that arise throughout the year. Qualified applicants will be contacted for interviews when positions open.
If you feel you are qualified, please e-mail a completed city application found at (www.lhhcity.org), resume, list of certifications, and cover letter to humanresources@lhhcity.org.

La Habra Heights Fire Department Recruitment Video