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Los Angeles Fire Department
Historical Archive


 

M. BRUFLAT
Driver Hose Co. No. 3
1900
Appointed callman Aug. 1st 1897.  Promoted to ladderman Oct. 7th, 1897. Promoted to permanent fireman Jan. 1st, 1899.  Promoted to driver second class, Jan 31st, 1900.

 

by Dan Rodriguez

They Were Sent Out
Two by Two...

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The Los Angeles Fire Department was founded in 1886, and, like many old fire departments, is steeped in tradition. One of those traditions was started by a fellow believer named Martin Bruflat, who began his career in 1897.

To get a sense of time, there's an old photo of him, after promoting to driver, which shows him holding the reins of a "two horsepower" hose cart —horses! He later retired as a captain, and upon his retire- ment, provided a Bible as a gift for all of the fire stations in the department. An inscription inside each Bible read:

"THIS BIBLE is presented to Engine Co. No._____________ , Los Angeles Fire Department, on the _____ day of _____ , 19 __ , by a former member of your department, and fellow traveler to Eternity (Martin Bruflat, retired May 1, 1920) with hope and prayers that the precious truths recorded therein may find its way to the hearts of many, who are wise enough to stop in the material strife and turmoil of life to seek and find the 'Living Hope' which is most beneficial in life, and the only vehicle by which we may respond to the 'Last Call' with gladness and joy."




There was more in the inscription, including some recommendations on what to read. 

Martin had the forethought to realize that the department would grow and put aside $1,000 to fund this outreach. He organized the "Bruflat Bible Committee" which presented each new fire station with a Bible. I heard someone once refer to him as the Gideon of the LAFD. This tradition continued for about 60 years before slowly fading away. Firefighters For Christ, International, was recently given the balance of this account, earmarked for Bible distribution, and resurrected this outreach. Many new stations have been built in Los Angeles since and were without this original "Bruflat Bible".

The Los Angeles chapter, supported by the International, took on this outreach of Bible distribution. Our department now includes 106 fire stations, within 16 battalions, and about 3,600 sworn members. An LAFD station is staffed with anywhere from four people to 21 on duty at a time. The Bible provided by FFC, International, is a nice leather-bound study Bible, custom-embossed with each fire station's number on it. Our goal was to send out teams of two from within each battalion and present this as a gift to each fire station. We introduced our FFC chapter via a DVD put together by a talented member of our team, gave a brief history of this tradition started by Martin Bruflat, and also presented each station with a DVD of the movie Fireproof.

This outreach was a huge success. It achieved far more than we had hoped for or imagined. The Word of God is now implanted within the library of each fire station. The original mission of our "fellow traveler to Eternity" (Martin Bruflat) continues, other believers in the firehouse were encouraged, and most of all, those who went were blessed. This seems to be God's hallmark of approval for every outreach He's ordained – that those who go are blessed more than those intended to be ministered to. Perhaps the best way to understand the experience of those who went is through their own words. Here are some email correspondences regarding this outreach:

                                                              * * *
"I have to admit, I was a little apprehensive about the reception that we might run into when delivering the Bibles. All members were very open and receptive to the Bible, FFC, and the DVD. Oh me of little faith. Not one negative comment or question. God, I believe opened doors and hearts."

                                                              * * *
"Every station we went to we were welcomed and were told in some cases that the members of the LAFD needed this organization. There was interest in when our meetings were and even several questions about the Christian Faith that were surprising. We had a true spirit of welcome in every house. The Holy Spirit opened all doors and the kitchen tables were filled with the guys and gals. The crews were very impressed with the quality of the Bible and its personal touch of their Station number on the cover. So we have planted the seeds and let's see what happens. Thanks for asking us to be involved in taking the Gospels to the field."

                                                              * * *
"We were well received by all. There was initial apprehension on the part of some but by the time we finished everyone was engaged.  Thank you for all that prayed and supported, and ventured out to bring God's love and message to our fellow firefighters."

                                                              * * *

 

CAPTAIN MARTIN BRUFLAT
Engine Company No. 13
1908

 

                                * * *
"We met for breakfast and prayed over the day's activities. Still nervous about being received, but it was in God's hands. And He delivered, no problems, warm welcomes...truly a Blessed day!!!"

 

                                * * *
At the following monthly breakfast meeting, Rick Kirkwood spoke about his experience in this outreach. He gave a truly inspiring message that impacted many, including George Negrete, one of our department chaplains. George wrote an email about this breakfast and his trip home, as described in the following excerpts:


                                                              * * *
At the following monthly breakfast meeting, Rick Kirkwood spoke about his experience in this outreach. He gave a truly inspiring message that impacted many, including George Negrete, one of our department chaplains. George wrote an email about this breakfast and his trip home, as described in the following excerpts:

                                                              * * *
"Wednesday, I was blessed to be in a room of brother firefighters in Christ. I was blessed to hear about the apparent success of the Bible distribution. I left breakfast very refreshed and inspired. Spurring one another on to love and good deeds are the words that come to mind. After breakfast, I decided to take a little detour and see if the "Spark of Love" program was up and running. The overseer of the program was voicing his concern for the program and (questioned his ability) to pull it off. Having that morning's testimony of
boldness fresh in my mind I decided to pray for the firefighter and the program. You should have been there after the 'amen'. He was so blessed. God was glorified." George made two other stops on the way home to bless and encourage others. He continued, "I am thankful for the breakfast, for the fellowship and how the Lord used it to prompt me to greater boldness. Thanks."

* * *

Lord, we thank You,
for empowering our messengers and
encouraging us in our faith.

FIREFIGHTERS FOR Christ
Spring/Summer 2011


This is the inscription found on the inside cover of one of the original Bible's distributed by Captain Bruflat.

 

Grapevine obituary notice.


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