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Historical Archive


In Memory
of the Firefighters of Fire 3
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Apparatus Operator
Michael D. McComb

Fire Station 90
B Platoon
Appointed May 13, 1972
 
Firefighter Lead Paramedic
Eric F. Reiner

Rescue Ambulance 81
B Platoon
Appointed November 28, 1988
 
Firefighter Paramedic
Michael A. Butler

Rescue Ambulance 81
B Platoon
Appointed December 9, 1984

 


 

MESSAGE FROM FIRE ADMINISTRATION - 12:19:32      03/23/98-PAGE 1
                 S P E C I A L N O T I C E

MARCH 23, 1998

EARLY THIS MORNING, LAFD UNITS RESPONDED TO A TRAGIC
ACCIDENT AT SUNLAND AND WHEATLAND IN FS-24’S DISTRICT.
THEY REQUESTED AN AIR AMBULANCE TO TRANSPORT A 12-YEAR-0LD FEMALE PATIENT TO CHILDRENS HOSPITAL. FIRE-3 RESPONDED WITH A PILOT AND TWO HELITAC PERSONNEL FROM FS-90. TWO FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDICS FROM RA-81 WERE ON BOARD PROVIDING TREATMENT. WHILE REROUTE TO CHILDRENS HOSPITAL, THE HELICOPTER CRASHED AT RED OAK AND FERNDELL DRIVE IN FS-82’S DISTRICT. THREE DEPARTMENT MEMBERS AND THE YOUNG PATIENT PERISHED AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT THE TWO REMAINING DEPARTMENT MEMBERS WERE TRANSPORTED TO COUNTY USC MEDICAL CENTER IN SERIOUS BUT STABLE CONDITION.

KILLED IN THE CRASH WERE:

APPARATUS OPERATOR MICHAEL D. MCCOMB, FS 90-B
FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC MICHAEL A. BUTLER, FS 81-B
FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC ERIC R. REINER, FS 81-B

SERIOUSLY INJURED WERE:

PILOT II STEVEN L. ROBINSON, AIR OPERATIONS
FIREFIGHTER DENNIS J. SILGEN, FS 90-B

NOTIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE TO ALL THE FAMILIES. AT THIS
TIME, PLEASE REFRAIN FROM MAKING CALL TO THE FAMILIES.

UNTIL PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION IS COMPLETED, ALL LAFD
HELICOPTERS HAVE BEEN GROUNDED AND ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN
MADE WITH L.A. COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT TO COVER OUR NEEDS.

ALL DEPARTMENT FLAGS ARE TO BE FLOWN AT HALF STAFF UNTIL
AFTER THE FUNERALS. MEMBERS ARE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO WEAR
MEMORIAL BADGE COVERS FOR THE SAME PERIOD. THE DEPARTMENT
WILL BE WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION
SAFETY BOARD TO FULLY INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL BE RELEASED AS SOON AS IT IS
AVAILABLE.

 


 

- ADMINISTRATIVE MESSAGE - 17:14:19         03/23/98 -   PAGE 1-

     *************S P E C I A L N O T I C E***************

HOSPITALIZED MEMBERS

STEVEN ROBINSON, PILOT II, AND DENNIS SILGEN, FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC, WERE ADMITTED TO COUNTY USC HOSPITAL EARLY TODAY. BOTH MEMBERS ARE BEING TREATED FOR INJURIES RESULTING FROM A HELICOPTER CRASH.

PILOT ROBINSON’S INJURIES INCLUDE DAMAGE AROUND THE EYE AREA, SINUS FRACTURE, MINOR SKULL FRACTURE, FACIAL BRUISING, FRACTURED LEFT FEMUR, AND FRACTURED RIGHT HAND.

FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC SILGEN’S INJURIES INCLUDE A DEEP CUT ABOVE THE LEFT EYE, AND A SERIOUSLY INJURED LEFT ANKLE.

BOTH MEMBERS ARE LISTED IN SERIOUS CONDITION, NO CALLS OR VISITORS ARE ALLOWED AT THIS TIME.

 

SIGNED: COMMANDER, OPERATIONS

1       2       3        4


 

4 Killed as Fire Department Copter Crashes
L.A. Times, March 24, 1998

Heroes in real life --Editorial
Dailynews, March 24, 1998

Probe of Fatal Copter Crash Focuses on Tail Rotor
L.A. Times, March 25, 1998

Crash Spotlights Funding Need -Editorial
L.A. Times, March 25, 1998

L.A. plans large-scale tribute to three fallen firefighters
Orange County Register, March 28, 1998

Service salutes fallen firefighters
L.A. Times, March 29, 1998

3,300 Mourn Firefighters Killed in Helicopter Crash
L.A. Times, March 29, 1998

Crack in Copter Tail May Have Led to Crash
L.A. Times, April 2, 1998

Metal fatigue cited in helicopter crash
Dailynews, April 2, 1998

Preliminary NTSB Report


BELL 205A-1                                      FIRE 3                                                    N90230

MIKE McCOMB

    Mike McComb, husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend!  Mike McComb; firefighter!  Mike was all of these--and much more.  Mike was a kind and gentle man dedicated to family and job.  Skilled in firefighting as he was in family matters, Mike leaves a great void in the many lives he touched along the way to March 23, 1998.

    In the morning hours of March 23rd, the Mike McComb that we knew and loved met his maker doing what he had spent most of his life doing--saving lives.  Mike had a love of life and shared that in too many ways to tell.  That love is best expressed in the many warm memories that he leaves with us, and as we mourn the loss, acknowledging the fact that Mike died doing a job that few men are qualified for.

    As a firefighter and air crewman Mike was often in harms way but he faced the challenges and dangers with a calm professional demeanor, based on high personal standards of training and performance.  In the end, circumstances beyond his control took over the events that brought his career, and life, to a close.

    Mike leaves behind family, friends, fellow firefighters and airmen;  but Mike will NEVER be forgotten.  May he rest in peace in that special place reserved for the good and brave!

 Mike, Mikie, Pug, Grandpug, Mac, Icabod or whatever name you remember Mike McComb by, we will all miss him.  I only knew Mikie for six and a half years, but in that time we became great friends.  He was the kind of guy that never knew a stranger, and a man I was privileged to call my friend.

 

  
  
    Fire station 90 was an assignment Mike hoped to get because of his interest in helicopters. The opportunity finally came for him to primary in, but he let his friend Sam Mundt put in for it because Mike had promised (Captain) Dick Alder he would stay at 2's until Dick retired.  When Mike finally made it to 90's he wanted to learn everything about this special place.  He loved to fly and his goal was to become Heli-Tac certified.  At every opportunity, he worked toward his goal, always striving for perfection, wanting to train every day.  He set high standards for himself and became impatient if he thought he hadn't met them.  It didn't take long for  mike to become a member of the 90's family.
  
    Heli-Tac training is a great memory, but we also enjoyed ski trips, handball, games, volleyball and Greek theater outings.  Then there is the everyday routine things that come to mind;  having to close his locker to get to mine, or pushing the chair from in front of my locker with him still in it as he read about UFO's, aliens, the stock market, or listening to his claims that Aloe cures all.  Then there is that special little Indian healing stone he carried in his pocket that helped relieve stress, give inner peace and balance.
  
    Like clockwork every morning, Mike came into the kitchen to make his favorite and only breakfast of toast, peanut butter, banana and honey, wrapped in a paper towel, but fist he offered coffee to anyone with an empty cup.  And when Mike cooked dinner you could always count on his "Red Hot" chili verde that made everyone's forehead bead-up with perspiration.
  
    A day didn't go by without Mike spending time on his rig.  He was always the last driver putting that final little touch on his rig long after everyone else had stopped.  No matter how much polishing he did, on the day of inspection he was always worried the Chief would find a drop of grease where it shouldn't be.
  
    Mike loved his family first, his job second, and was developing another passion for soaring.  Mike, we all know where you are now, soaring with a permanent pair of wings.  Watching over the loved ones that meant the world to you.

by  Glen Prine

 




 


PARTNERS

Side by side we race through the night
With blaring siren and flashing lights...
A life's at stake, a precious soul,
Perhaps too late, beyond our control...
Times like this have come before.
Never quite knowing just what's in store...
When we arrive, our actions as one.
No thoughts need be spoken, just simply done...
To soothe a child's cry, to ease the pain.
Knowing times like this will come again...
Though it's done many days a week
The bond between us is quite unique...
Different than that of a man and wife.
For we can say we've saved a life...
To some it may just seem routine.
The things we've done, the sights we've seen...
But you and I know it's changed our hearts.
The ways we've seen life torn apart...
And seen life begin new and fresh.
All the while praying we've done our best...
Some day another will take our place.
A youthful still unknown face...
But never will time cloud my view.
Of all the thins I've shared with you..
for we are Partners...


by Michael Butler
 

 

ERIC REINER

    Eric Reiner chose to take the high road in life.  As a United Stated Army Ranger he defended his country.  As a Los Angeles City Paramedic he chose to save lies, in spite of the danger.  Most importantly,  as a devoted husband and father, he dedicated his heart, mind an soul to loving his family.

    He was an inspiration to all who knew him.  Eric once said, "If I die tomorrow I want everyone to remember that I walked the walk.  I want to die an honorable death, the death of someone who was on the path."  An honorable man died and honorable death, and that is how all who knew and loved Eric Reiner will remember him.

  Eric's journey in the life of our family has come to an end, but the continuation of his life with our Lord had just begun.
  
    Eric Reiner chose to take the high road in life.  Form the very beginning his concern for others shined through as he pulled a woman free from an accident while on his fist date with Lisa, his wife.
  
    As a United States Army Ranger, he defended his country.  Eric joined the military in 1983 and was dedicated to serving our country for three years.  Always focused, serving in the military inspired him to continue serving our society.
  
    As a Los Angeles City Paramedic, he chose to save lives, in spite of the danger.  Eric was an individual who always put the life he was trying to save before his own.  This was clearly evident in how he lived and finally, in how he died.  He was so strong, mentally, physically, and spiritually, that he was able to put these lives ahead of his own.  It was second nature and a way of life for him, which he shared with his partner, Michael Butler, who was another strong individual.
  
    Both as the "Dream Team" were able to save so many lives and touch so many hearts.  They were beautiful in action and seemed tireless when working.  Their focus was encouragement to all that worked with them and a comfort to those they assisted.  Their dedication to their oath will always live on.
  
    Most importantly, as a devoted husband and father, Eric dedicated his heart, mind, and soul to loving his family.  He loved them so much that he was an inspiration to all who knew him and was a precious gift from God.
  
    All close to Eric could always rely on his strength.  In life he touched so many people, in death he will touch countless more.  We know god has a special plan in allowing his time on earth to be so brief.
  
    Eric Reiner chose to take the high road in life and walk with our Lord.  He was a warrior who stood for what he believed in and sought the perfection of the warrior spirit.  Quite simply, he was a life-giver, committed to saving lives and following the Lord.
  
    Eric once said, "If I die tomorrow, I want everyone to remember that I walked the walk.  I want to die an honorable death, the death of someone who was on the path."
  
    Eric lives on in his beautiful wife, Lisa and four wonderful children, Nicholas, Jessica, Marissa, and Lucas.  His soul is free from his body, free from our earthly constraints and he is raised up on eagles' wings, shining like the sun in heaven with our Savior!
  
    Remember, character survives. Goodness lives.  Love is forever!

 

MICHAEL A. BUTLER

    As a child Michael A. Butler knew he wanted to help people.  At the age of 21 he realized his dream of becoming a paramedic with the LAFD.

    Mike's true love and devotion to his wife Maria was apparent to everyone.  He was eagerly anticipating becoming a first-time father in August.

    He will be remembered as a loving husband devoted son and thoughtful brother.  He was a loyal and considerate friend and his passing will leave a void in the hearts of all that knew him.

    Michael Andrew Butler was not only a Firefighter Paramedic, he was a devoted family man, caring friend and loving husband.
     
    Michael became a Paramedic at the age of 21, becoming the youngest Paramedic hired at the time.  In his 13 years with the Los Angeles City Fire Department he served the communities of Midtown, South Central, Van Nuys, Downtown Silverlake and Arleta.
    
    As a Paramedic, Michael enjoyed meeting with many different people, especially children.  He liked to provide help and comfort whenever he was called upon, but sometimes tragedy made him value life more than ever.
  
    At Fire Station 68, Michael became partners with Firefighter Paramedic Eric Reiner.  This partnership continued on at stations 57, 55, and 81, and became an enduring friendship of 9 years.
  
    In his spare time, Michael enjoyed outdoor activities and music.  On weekends he played music as a disc jockey, Michael's family and friends were his priority.
  
    As the oldest child of Bill and Jennie Butler, Michael showed his devotion to his parents, his sister, Stephanie, and brother, Daniel, through phone calls, cards and visits.
  
    Michael loved children and as an Uncle, he showered his nieces, and nephews with gifts.  The most important gift he gave them, though, was the gift of time. He took them to sports games, amusement parks, movies, and many other places.
  
    Michael was also considerate to his many friends, always remembering birthdays and special occasions.  He was always willing to drop all to help a friend in need.
  
    In 1993, Michael met Maria Alejandre on a blind date (arranged by Eric's sister-in-law, Christina).  "M&M," as they were known, became inseparable and were married September 1996.
  
    Michael was devoted to making Maria happy.  He constantly put her needs above his and enjoyed spending every minute of his free time with her.  Their dream of having a family was realized on Christmas 1997 when Maria told Michael she was pregnant.  He was joyfully anticipating fatherhood and the couple purchased a new house in January 1998 to plan for their new family.
  
    On March 23rd, Michael was helping a child in need and was killed in the line of duty.  He died doing a job he loved, with his friend and partner, Eric, by his side.
  Michael Butler will be missed by his wife, Maria, family, and many friends.

 


The Eternal Scar

March 23rd, an ordinary day, just one to forget.
Maybe for you, but not for me, not yet.
I was changed that morning, changed in my soul and my heart,
A morning for me that will stand apart
My Dad died that day doing what he did best 
Saving lives without much rest.
The helicopter--the cradle of life had rudder failure and started to descend.
The girl in the chopper dying, my dad and others gave a hand to lend.
The aircraft was lost, my Dad lost with it.
I was thunderstruck, shocked, and utterly sad
That my life had taken this turn because of the loss of my Dad
I didn't know what to think, or say
I experienced nothing but sadness that horrible day.
I was left without a father to guide me on my way.
Left without a leader, I began to sway
Back and forth with a question I had
Why did God choose to take my Dad?
Why me, why him, why o why?
What would my life be like if he were here, alive?
How would I have been, what would I have done?
Would I have been a good or bad son?
I'll never know, because I can't change the past
This is why my memories and prayers must last
One of his favorite quotes was "Always take the high road."
Well, when I think of him I ponder this quote.
And I think that if he died to save then I can stand up and be brave
Face my fears, and take up my crosses
Accept hardship, and deal with my losses
I am scarred forever because he died
Unable to forget what is contained inside
This wound, once open and throbbing without control
Now silent, numbed, a deep meaningful hole
Eternally present, once only pain,
Now death gives way to hopeful gain
A tear, a smothered cry, anguished undenied
Find here a knowing, a caring and warmth supplied
The day is gone, the scar will stay
His courage, now mine, will lead the way.

 By Nicholas Reiner, 15


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