Oct. 22, 2024
Pictures below from the 2024 RFA Cookout. Huge thank you to Ricky Moore, and all the others that put this together. Another wonderful get together keeping the Brotherhood alive.
Pictures below from the 2024 RFA Cookout. Huge thank you to Ricky Moore, and all the others that put this together. Another wonderful get together keeping the Brotherhood alive.
April 15, 2024
Another fun and very successful RFA Florida Reunion. A huge thanks to Joe Rainwater, and all that helped him in making this reunion a total success!! Absolutely a great time. If you haven't been to one, you owe it to yourself to make it! Same location next year. Details will be posted once they are available.
Pictures below:
Another fun and very successful RFA Florida Reunion. A huge thanks to Joe Rainwater, and all that helped him in making this reunion a total success!! Absolutely a great time. If you haven't been to one, you owe it to yourself to make it! Same location next year. Details will be posted once they are available.
Pictures below:
|
Oct. 8, 2023
Message and photos from Ricky Moore: I have 1 windbreaker and a couple of food containers that were left behind. EMail me to arrange. Thanks, Rick Moore Photos below: Oct. 7, 2023
Another great RFA Cookout! Huge thanks to Ricky Moore, Joe Goldsmith, Pat and Joe Healy and others for putting on a wonderful event. Great people, food and drinks! Pictures below: Jan. 10, 2023
DCFD Retired Lunch bunch (along with a few in pre-retirement) at Champion's in Frederick. Several of the crew had departed before the picture. More stories and a good time had by all. April 26, 2022
Huge thank you to Joe Rainwater and crew for another successful Florida Reunion. Approximately 130 members attended. May 2, 2021
Wally Gooding sent a link to more Florida Reunion pictures. Link below www.dropbox.com/sh/3ip9y93upwqn717/AACbWmTERj_tu8_5wIEiRBHYa?dl=0 Sept. 21, 2019
We had another great RFA cookout!! A huge thank you to Rip Gardiner and so many others that put this all together. We had over 200 guests, great food, wonderful weather! A perfect day. Below is the link to pictures srventura.smugmug.com/DCRFA/RFA-2019-Cookout/ 
April 1, 2019
Once again the Florida Reunion was a huge success!! A big thank you to AJ Winterwerp for putting this whole thing together. This was AJ's last year. Next year Joe Rainwater is taking over. The reunion next year will be in Punta Gorda Florida!! Photos below: https://srventura.smugmug.com/DCRFA/2019-Florida-Reunion 
April 25, 2018
Florida Reunion wrap-up by AJ Winterwerp Brothers All, First, lets just say you Brothers who didn't make it down for the Florida Reunion, you missed a great time by all. Some tried to start Thursday evening when Carol and I got there to drink but had to kick them out until Friday morning. It, as always is great to see your Brothers who you slept,sweat, and cried with again. And the stories as always were BIGGER than last year. A lot of new faces coming out, and saying they don't know why they didn't come before. We had 2 Brothers who were still under the equalization retirement. These Brothers retired before 1980. They have been retired longer then they worked on the job and that's a great thing, at least to me because they have screwed the man. LOL Between the silent auction and the sale of tee shirts this year, along with donations by these Brothers we raised $2500.00 for Heroes Inc. What a great thing for the younger Brothers on the job. As retired guys, WE still care about the job and the ones who have taken our place working. I want to thank a couple of people, Denny Thomas, Brother you always come through for us and donate the tee shirts for sale, Elliott Goodman, Brother you again always come through for us to auction things off. The Brothers who donated items for the auction, wow if it wasn't for you guys the money raised would be a lot lower. Also Cathy Lockrow, Carol and all those who helped load, pick up things and helped around the hospitality room. I did still have to make the coffee for the General. I told him I wasn't a rookie no more and I was told I would always be a rookie to him. Love it, Brothers it doesn't get any better. We had 142 attending the reunion this year. I am in negotiations now for next year. I do know it will be the 1st, weekend in May. May 3rd, 4th, and 5th 2019. This is the second weekend after Easter. Will let you all know as soon as I know where. Be safe out there Brothers and hope to see more come out next year. A J Winterwerp Below is the link to AJ's photos srventura.smugmug.com/DCRFA/Florida-Reunion-2018/AJ-Winterwerps-Photos/ Below is the link to the pictures taken by Stefan & Nicole Ventura srventura.smugmug.com/DCRFA/Florida-Reunion-2018/Florida-Reunion-2018/ March 5, 2018
Great turn out for today's RFA meeting. Topics of discussion were the latest update from Bill Mould from the Annuity Committee, Charlie Hottinger from L-36. The Local is at arbitration with the new contract hoping for a decision by April. 24 new wagons have been ordered along with 3 new ladder trucks. A great lunch was provided by Mike Skahill!! New members were announced. Scott Sefton Algenon (Al) Johnson attended the meeting Graydon (Pete) DuPree Jr. Michael Shea We had Jack Moore from WTOP in attendance interviewing members who worked the 1968 riots. The program will air next month. When an exact date is selected, it will be posted. Sept. 30, 2017
Rip Gardiner and his crew put on another fantastic reunion/cookout again this year. We had a record turnout, with over 200 members and wives attending. Below is a link to pictures taken by Nicole Ventura Reunion Photos June 24, 2017
Update on Jim Kelly from Bill Kelly: Kelly Boys Visit Jim Kelly in Annapolis June 21, 2017. Dennis, Bill, John, and Joe Berry visit Jim Kelly in Annapolis. We talked about the old days in Petworth DC, Jim has been at Heritage Harbour since June 12, of 2016. It seems that Jim has reached a leveling off point on his improvements. Still likes cards at 2700 South Haven Road Annapolis, Md. 21041 and Visits if you make it. 
March 20, 2017
Updated on the Kelly Family: Hi Jim Kelly Family & Friends F/F's Want to give an Update on Jim Kelly and photo of the Four Kelly F/F's at Pat Kelly,s Retirement(3-19-17) for April 1, 2017 at E-15 for a Great Dinner supplied by the E-15/RS-3 and Mike Skahill with his Bar-B-Que Beef/Chicken Dinner. Jim was brought down from Annapolis by his son Tim Kelly of E-6. A great time was had by all Family-Friends-F/F's in attendance and Lt. Pat Kelly received many nice plaques-praises for his fine 31 yrs. service with the DCFD. Jim is slowly making progress with his slow walk around the Annapolis Home. Jim stated that Skahill's chicken was outstanding. He said the snow slowed the staff down with his daily walk-about. Jim says he still enjoys the visits and cards. The Heritage Harbor Health Center is located at 2700 S. Haven Rd. Annapolis. Md. 21401 Room #259 At last Sunday's St. Patrick's Day Parade/Party in DC many commented on Jim K's progress and appreciated Stefan Ventura keeping us all updated on Jim's condition with the Retired F/F's newsletter. Today is the first day of Spring, so breath easy and stay connected. Jim says thanks for all the support in helping him get well Siochain Bill K. 
Dec. 5 2016
DC Fire Chief Gregory Dean attended todays RFA meeting. Chief Dean told us a bit about his Fire Dept. background with his 40 plus years with the Seattle Fire Dept. and the status of the DCFD today. He was kind enough to take questions from the audience. We also had Bill Mould talk about the successes with on going battle with the pension issues. Charlie Hottinger addressed what was going on with Local 36. After the meeting a wonderful lunch was provided by Mike Skahill. Pictures below: Oct. 23, 2016
Jim Misenheimer sent links to tribute videos for Engine 18 100 year celebration link below Engine 18 100 year celebration Skip Ramsey www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDSP8KGQ7t4&feature=youtu.be and Jimmy McIlvaine www.youtube.com/watch?v=gD5gy7Q2ruc&feature=youtu.be Sept. 10, 2016
Dave Hollinger was kind enough to send a picture of Bill (Big Bird) Taylor getting ready for the National Fallen FF Memorial Click on the image below to enlarge Aug. 10, 2016
The picture below is from the Frederick Luncheon Aug. 9, 2016. Please send in photos from events so they can be posted and shared. Click on the photo to enlarge it. July 14, 2016
Below are a few pictures from "Red" Heflin's funeral. Photos by Dave Ashley Florida Reunion Pictures by Jean Deuvall
Click Here to see the whole gallery 
More pictures from the Fla. Reunion.
Current L-36 President Ed Smith and Past L-36 President Joe Granados 
Florida Reunion 2016 Pictures:
Click here to see the whole gallery Please send your pictures to srventura@aol.com 
Oct. 5, 2015
Even More Reunion Pictures! Below is our 2nd VP Tom Gregory and his photographer wife Gloria. 
Here is a link to the rest of Gloria's Photos
Sept. 27, 2015
More Reunion Pictures. 
Above Rip is set up and cooking at 06:30!!!
Photo of Rip by his daughter Fritz (Kimberly) to see all of her photos click here
Sept. 26, 2015
Great turn out, Great weather for today's Reunion. A huge thank you to Rip Gardiner, and all the people that help put on this great reunion! The food was fantastic, and all of the side dishes that were brought in were just great. It was nice to see so many wives again this year. It was a huge success, and even at the end, Rip said he would be willing to do it again next year!!! 
Joe Healy, and Rip Gardiner
To see more pictures click here If you have pictures, we would love to post them. Please send them to the webmaster 2015 Reunion Photos by Jimmy Breen
Click on the photos to enlarge them
Aug. 5, 2015
Robert Lohr presented Fire Box 684 from N. Capitol and S St. to the management of the Engine 12 Restaurant on Aug. 5th at 14:00 hours. Here is his write up: For many of us back in the day for those who served at Engine 12 as well as the 1st Battalion you remember Box 684 North Capitol and S St. One of many Fire Alarm Boxes we had to rewind on the cold winter nights, and the blistering summer days. Now Box 684 has come home to its old first due area at the quarters of old Engine 12 now the WASHINGTON FIREHOUSE RESTAURANT. Donated by Robert Lohr who was assigned at Engine 12 from 1977-1979 and then moved on to Engine 24, and retired as a Wagon Driver there in 2004 As you go into the restaurant on the far left wall you will see a picture of a group of men around Engine 12s Wagon the year was about the late 1930s. At the far right on the running board of the Wagon sits his Grandfather Harold Dovovan who was the Wagon Driver there at that time, and retired in the 1940s. Also his Roberts dad road the back step of Engine 12 along with Eddie Miffleton , and the late Rudy Radish not as a firefighter but as a Police Officer. Back in the day the beat Police Officer was responsible for his beat so if he was in the firehouse, and a alarm came in on his beat he was expected to jump on the back step as well. His dad also hooked a few boxes in his day when he saw a fire on his beat too. I hope this box will still serve the community in remembering of one of the greatest generations of firefighters this city had. Box 684 North Capitol and S St. In service 1897 retired 1982 A history that has gone by......... 
May 4, 2015
We had over 30 members in attendance for this months membership meeting. Several issues were discussed, but it might have been Mike "Dawg" Skahill's famous BBQ that brought most members to the meeting. Thanks Dawg for a delicious lunch. To see more pictures Click Here March 17, 2015
The Emerald Society Band played for Ben Self on his Birthday Here is a link to the video 
Photos from the Circle D Reunion from Gloria Waddell Purvis-Gregory (Tom Gregory's wife)
Click Here for the gallery 
Sept. 9, 2014
The RFA presented a plaque to Joe Healy at the Frederick Luncheon today. The plaque read: Presented to Joseph C. Healy In recognition of your more then 20 years of devoted and faithful service to the Retired Firefighters Association of Washington D.C. as Editor of "The Vocal Alarm" August 2014 
Aug. 4, 2014
There was a nice turn out for the Special Summer meeting held at the American Legion Post in Hughsville MD. One of the members attending was none other then Jimmy DeCarlo with his new right leg and tricked out Harley Trike! Great to see Jimmy out and doing so well! Thanks to Gary Boyd for taking the pictures. More of what was gone over during the meeting will be posted soon. Click Here to see the full size image Photos from Station 7 Luncheon James DiCarlo and his new ride Click Here 
|
Nov. 25, 2022
Below are pictures from the 2022 Cookout from Sonny Conley Feb. 29, 2020
Below are pictures scanned from a book Mike Gilson Jr. had possession of, and was kind enough to let us scan it. The book contains the reason the RFA was founded. I did not scan about 15 more pages of advertising. Dec. 7, 2019
Below are pictures from the most recent Bethany Beach Lunch. Photos sent in by Rick Moore Dec. 13, 2018
Frederick Luncheon Joe Healy gave the owner of Champion Billiards a plaque thanking him for his support of us and picking up the tab on 9-11 Photo by Tim "Cos" Jones 
Dec. 11, 2018
George Dunn shared some pictures from today's Frederick Luncheon at Champion Billiards. Looks like another good turnout. Pictures below from the Oct. 2018 RFA Meeting
Sept. 22 RFA Cookout:
The cookout was a huge success!! Many thanks to everyone who helped put this on especially Rip Gardiner for taking the lead and making sure everything was taken care of. Over 200 people in attendance. Below is a link to the gallery of pictures. https://srventura.smugmug.com/DCRFA/2018-RFA-Cookout/ 
April 4, 2018
Below is a link to the interview by Mark Seagraves that aired on NBC Channel 4. www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Firefighters-Remember-1968-Riots_Washington-DC-478582643.html April 2, 2018
Below are pictures from the meeting. 5 former Truck Drivers from Truck 6. Left to right Stefan Ventura, Jim Embrey, Bill Embrey, Steve Souder, Mike Gilson Feb. 25, 2018
Good Afternoon, I am the daughter of Clifford Bates who passed away on January 20, 2018. My mother Margaret asked me to send you this picture after looking at the Retired Firefighter newsletter. Due to the fact that we live in Southern MD; it did not appear at first that we would get our wish that dad would be honored and pass through Flag decorated fire equipment on his way to the cemetery. With the help of some good friends, my daughter made this happen. You see they usually don't do this for Firefighters from out of the area. It was a windy day but the flag hung true and still as he passed under; unfortunately, by the time we were able to take pictures the wind had picked up again. Hollywood and Leonardtown Fire Houses presented and I know I heard my daddy saying "be still my heart" as he did whenever he heard sirens. Thanks for all the help you have given to us as we figure everything out. Sharon Dvorak Some old photos sent in by Mike Gilson
Jan. 2 2018
The image below was sent in by Billy Ridgeway. 5901 East Capital St. about 1992, l to r, Wayne Ward, Charlie Mack, Ray Thomas, Mike Montgomery, Timmy Jones, Billy Ridgeway Click on image to enlarge May 2, 2017
2017 Florida Reunion Pictures and video Photos by AJ Winterwerp
Photos below by Jim Misenheimer
Photos below by Penny
Photos below by Joe Healy
Photos below by Stefan Ventura
Dec. 5, 2016
Engine 28 is having it's 100 year anniversary!! Below are the pictures from the event DCFD E-28 Centennial Celebration 12/4/16 (photos) https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanjaws/albums/72157675835011171 100th Anniversary of DCFD Engine Co.28 "Cleveland Park" 12/4/2016 (Photos by Kurt Waters) http://photoguykurt.zenfolio.com/p41858736 DC Fire House Engine Co. 28 turns 100 http://www.fox5dc.com/news/local-news/221543551-story Cleveland Park Celebrates Fire Station's 100 Years http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Cleveland-Park-Celebrates-Fire-Station_s-100-Years_Washington-DC-404659896.html D.C. Fire celebrates 100 years of service http://wjla.com/news/local/dc-fire-celebrates-100-years-of-service Sept. 25, 2016
Yesterday was another great Reunion/Cookout. Huge thanks to Rip Gardiner and his crew! Great turnout, and lots of great food! If you took photos and would like to share, please send them to srventura@aol.com Video featuring Engine 16 and Truck 3 with Jim Reilley, Jimmy Carpenter, Butch Wilson and many more.
1976 We’re No Heroes', Filmed by WMAL (May take time to load) https://vimeo.com/56270340 Below is a link to a story shown on WJLA Channel 7 about the oldest living "Frogman" and retired DCFD firefighter Bill Dawson
http://wjla.com/features/abc7-salutes/honoring-an-original-navy-frogman-the-oldest-living-member-of-his-company_ Oct. 5, 2015
Tom and Gloria Gregory attended the service for Bobby Mann on Sat. Oct. 3 2015. Below is a picture of Bobby's son and Grandson. A link to the full gallery is below. Thank you to Gloria for sharing her photos. 
Here is the link to the full gallery of photos
Sept. 14, 2015
After attending the services for Ralph Creel, Joe O'Neil, Vinnie Austin and Marion Sanchez went to see James Hash(oldest living retired DCFD and RFA Member). He was really glad to see them and was very talkative, albeit his voice was a little weak. They visited for about a half hour and took these photos. 
July 2, 2015
Below is a letter from Tom Locke. He is the son in law of what could be the oldest living retired DC firefighter James Alvin Hash. James Hash was born 10-21-1916, and is now in failing health. 
Florida Reunion 2015 Photos
Here is a link to photos sent to the Webmaster http://srventura.smugmug.com/DCRFA/Florida-Reunion-2015 
"Bird" Taylor relaxing poolside. Photo by Jim "Root" Reilley
Oct. 11, 2014
From Steve Reid: Members of DCFD Class 267 were appointed to the District of Columbia Fire Department on October 11, 1977. Thirty-Seven years later on October 11, 2014, following the retirement of the last member, DFC Kevin Byrne, they gathered at the Maryland National Golf Club Schroyer’s Tavern in Middletown, MD to celebrate. Eight of the twenty-four classmates attended and shared many of their career stories. Classmates in attendance included Stephen Reid and his wife Pat, Thomas Herlihy and his wife Aleida, Kevin Byrne and his wife Nancy, John Parry and his wife Kathy, William Wallace and his wife Holly, Leroy Hosgood and his wife Ruth, James Talbert, and Steven Klein. Click Here for more pictures 
On August 13th the Retired Firefighters Association of Washington DC presented a commemorative plaque to Ben Self in recognition of his years of service to the Association. In attendance, representing the Association were President Marion Sanchez, Vinnie Austin, Joe O'Neil and Gary Danley along with Ben’s family and friends.
Ben and his family would like to express their deep appreciation to the Retired Firefighters Association for this presentation and for everything they have done for Ben and his wife. This is from Ben's son Dave Self: I'm Ben's older son, Dave Self. Unfortunately, I had to work and wasn't able to be at the house when you recently presented Dad with his certificate. I am working to pass the word about Dad's 2014 Walk to Defeat ALS team. We're walking in DC on November 1 and are seeking donations and / or folks to join our team. I was wondering if you could share the link to our team page to the DCRFA membership. http://web.alsa.org/site/TR/Walks/DCMDVA?pg=team&fr_id=10122&team_id=277543 I also invite any of your members who are on Facebook to like the Ben's Buddies Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/bensbuddies.als Thanks, Dave Self 
June 13, 2014
Ben Self with Doug Wheeler and Robert Lohr. The photo was sent to me by Debbie Self The prints that were presented are of old Engine 4 and Robert Lohr wants to thank all of the members, who signed the prints at the Retired Members lunches. Click Here to enlarge the picture | ||
June 20, 2014
Hello all, I write to send a huge thanks to the wonderful firefighters both retired and active who did an awesome job in replacing the walkway to our home. Mike Reilley instigated the project and found the perfect help he needed that included John Faulkner, David Del Balzo, James Snyder and "Rags" Haggerty. Thank goodness it was a low humidity, in the 80's weather day which made the job seem effortless to the guys. See pictures. We are so lucky to have such dedicated and caring FF friends who call, visit and help us around the house to make life less stressful. Thanks again from the bottom of our hearts. Ben and Debbie Self Click Here to view gallery August 31, 2014
Jim Misenheimer sent a link to some pictures taken over many years. Some recent and some from on the job. Fun to look at. If anybody else has pictures to share from luncheons, reunions, or old Job photos please send them into the webmaster to get them posted. Here is the link to Jim Misenheimer's Pictures Click Here |
These are some old photos sent in by Jim Misenheimer. If anybody else has some photos of your time on the Fire Dept. or from Reunions, please send them to the webmaster.
The late Nick Wokovich and Mcvey at the National Cathedral 1981 Engine 28 and Truck 14 drilling outside 1988 Engine 21 Outside drill 1988 Engine 31 and Squad 4 1989 Click Here to view the gallery |
|
2014 Florida Reunion
Photos by Jim Misenheimer |
|
May 14, 2014
At the last general membership meeting a motion was made and passed to make a one time donation to L-36's general fund in the amount of $5,000.00. This is to help offset the costs of the on going battle with the current administration. This is an unusually difficult time for the department, and it is costing Local 36 a lot of money each month to fight the constant battles. This was a gesture to show our support to the active members. Click here to enlarge the photo. 
Photos from Circle D Reunion 9-2012
By Dennis Lewis |
May 14, 2014
A group of both active and retired members rented an RV for a road trip to Myrtle Beach to make this months luncheon. A good time was had by all!! Click here to enlarge the photo Feb. 13, 2014
From Bobby Drevo from the last Frederick Luncheon: Photo of New RFA Web Master, also 2 members hashing out a ??? Fire,,,Waitress>>??? or shootin the breeze |
