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: