Santa Monica's streets came alive with holiday spirit on Saturday, December 7, 2024, as the city marked its 32nd annual Candy Cane Drive, a cherished tradition organized by the Santa Monica Firefighters' & Police Officers' Association. The event featured a special early visit from Santa Claus, who toured the city in festive style, escorted by local firefighters and police officers. In a vibrant display of community spirit, Santa, accompanied by the lights and sirens of a firetruck, stopped at several key locations, including Douglas Park, Reed Park, Virginia Avenue Park, and Clover Park. Families from across Santa Monica gathered at each stop, eager to greet Santa and receive candy canes. The event served as a joyful reminder of the vital contributions of first responders to the community. Children and families lined the streets, their excitement palpable as Santa and his escorts made their way through the city. For over three decades, the Candy Cane Drive has been a cornerstone of Santa Monica's holiday traditions, fostering a sense of unity and celebration among residents. It reflects the season's values of generosity and togetherness, bringing the community closer each year. The enduring commitment of the Santa Monica Firefighters' & Police Officers' Association to this beloved event underscores their dedication to community engagement and support. The Candy Cane Drive is not only a festive celebration but also a testament to the role of first responders in creating a safe and joyous environment for families during the holidays.
Saturday, December 7, 2024
Santa Monica's Heroes: Police and Firefighters Bring Holiday Magic with Annual Candy Cane Drive
Sunday, November 24, 2024
Breakfast Blaze: Homeless Cooking Fire Extinguished by Santa Monica Firefighters
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Police Arrest Suspect After Unprovoked Assault with a Deadly Weapon at Venice Beach
On Tuesday, October 14, 2024, Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to reports of an assault near the Venice Beach basketball courts. Upon arriving at the scene, officers quickly located and arrested the suspect in the area.
Witnesses stated that the suspect approached an elderly man who was drinking water from a fountain and struck him on the head with a metal pole without provocation. Los Angeles Fire Department personnel promptly arrived and administered first aid, bandaging the victim’s head. The man was later transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment.
The suspect, who had a tent near the basketball courts, had his belongings collected and processed by police after they dismantled his encampment. While the exact charges remain unconfirmed, it is suspected the individual will be charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Beachside Injury: Emergency Responders Aid Man Hurt on Santa Monica Bike Path
A Behind-the-Scenes Look: Santa Monica Fire Station Open House Welcomes Families for a Day of Exploration
Friday, September 27, 2024
Disturbance in Venice: Paramedics and Police Respond to Violent Encounter in Venice
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Pit Bull Attack on Elderly Woman Sparks Emergency Response in Santa Monica
Santa Monica Fire Department Hosts 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony to Honor the Fallen
The Santa Monica Fire Department held its annual September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance Ceremony on September 11, 2024, at Fire Station #1, in line with protocols recommended by the International Association of Fire Chiefs. The ceremony, attended by firefighters, police officers, community members, and local officials, was part of a city-wide effort involving Fire Stations 1, 2, and 3.
At 8:46 AM, a moment of silence was observed to mark the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center in 2001. The ceremony featured the traditional ringing of a bell, a sign of respect for the 343 FDNY firefighters, 60 police officers, and 8 EMT/paramedics who lost their lives in the attacks. In total, the 2001 attacks resulted in 2,977 fatalities, including five individuals with connections to Santa Monica.
- At 6:59 AM, a city-wide alert was issued to all fire stations, followed by three alert tones, signaling all Santa Monica units to stand by for the 9/11 detail.
- At 7:01 AM, additional alert tones were sounded, and a moment of complete silence was observed.
The ceremony concluded with a reminder of the ongoing sacrifices made by first responders.
The Santa Monica Fire Department’s remembrance ceremony served as a solemn tribute to the lives lost and as a reaffirmation of the community's commitment to never forget the bravery and sacrifice of those who serve to protect. #WeWillNeverForget
Thursday, September 5, 2024
Venice Beach Fire Training Drill: LAFD Engages in Comprehensive Exercise
Los Angeles, CA — On Thursday, September 5, 2024, firefighters from Los Angeles Fire Station 37 conducted an extensive training exercise at a historic four-story building located at 417 Ocean Front Walk in Venice, originally constructed in 1921.
The drill covered multiple critical aspects of firefighting, including tactical ventilation, fire protection strategies, laddering techniques, building construction analysis, inspection of sprinkler systems, and roof examinations. The session aimed to enhance the firefighters' preparedness for real-life emergency scenarios.
A significant element of the exercise was the strategic deployment of a fire truck and engine along the Venice boardwalk. The fire engine extended its ladder to the rooftop, simulating conditions where rapid access to upper floors or roofs might be necessary during an emergency.
Tactical ventilation, a key focus of the drill, is vital for enhancing safety and efficiency during firefighting efforts. The training underscored the necessity for firefighters to maintain a diverse set of skills for various emergencies beyond fires, including natural disasters and vehicle accidents.
The "laddering" technique, practiced during the exercise, involves positioning ladders against a structure to enable swift entry and exit—a fundamental component of firefighting operations.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) remains committed to its mission of safeguarding life, protecting property, and ensuring community safety through preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery. Guided by core values such as service, character, competency, and collaboration, the department serves over 4 million residents across the nation's second-largest city.
On average, the LAFD responds to approximately 1,368 emergency incidents daily, encompassing medical emergencies, traffic accidents, and fires. The department’s 3,510 uniformed personnel, supported by 392 professional staff, handle a wide range of responsibilities, from firefighting and emergency medical services to technical rescues and hazardous materials management.
With 1,018 firefighters on duty at all times across its 106 fire stations, strategically located throughout Los Angeles, the LAFD maintains a constant state of readiness to protect the city's residents and visitors, underscoring its dedication to community safety.
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
Firefighters Respond to Pepper Spray Incident at Venice Beach Restroom
Saturday, August 31, 2024
Santa Monica Standstill: Concerns Rise as Man Found Asleep at Wheel on Busy Boulevard
Santa Monica Closeup obtained a firsthand account from a witness at the scene during the ongoing investigation. The witness, who was driving a rented car behind the individual in question, provided crucial insights. "I was just driving up the Boulevard and the fellow wasn't moving. I got out to see what was going on, and he was sound asleep at the wheel," the witness recounted. Concerned for the driver's safety, he approached the vehicle and initiated a conversation to assess the situation.
"He seemed very incoherent," the witness explained. "When I asked if he was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, he denied it but mentioned he was on medication for a mental illness." Despite the driver's incoherent state, he was not left to handle the situation alone. "I didn't call for help; my phone was recently stolen. But someone from a nearby pub noticed and helped me wake him," added the witness, who revealed she is a retired probation officer.
As the situation unfolded, paramedics evaluated the driver and confirmed that he was not under the influence. The incident took a turn for the better when a family member arrived and was able to persuade the driver to safely exit the vehicle. Assisted by the police, the driver crossed the street to a waiting vehicle and was securely placed in the back seat.
In a decision that highlighted a commitment to community care, the police allowed an acquaintance of the driver to drive the vehicle away instead of having it towed. This non-confrontational resolution helped de-escalate the situation while ensuring the safety of all involved.
During the resolution of the incident, Santa Monica Boulevard was temporarily closed in both directions, ensuring a safe environment for the emergency responders and the public. No arrests were made, illustrating the police's emphasis on supportive responses in situations involving mental health issues.
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Venice Mystery Blaze: Prius Goes Up in Flames, Cause Still Unknown
On Thursday, August 29, 2024, a Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) hazardous materials specialist was on the scene of a burnt-down Toyota Prius at Rose Court in Venice. The specialist utilized a thermal camera to monitor the temperature of the vehicle's battery, ensuring there were no fluctuations before authorizing the car to be towed. The precaution was necessary because any rise in temperature could have prevented the vehicle from being moved. After approximately an hour, a tow truck arrived, and following a final temperature check, the specialist gave the green light for the car to be loaded onto the flatbed truck.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined, with both electrical failure and arson being considered. A neighboring resident, who witnessed the incident, spoke with Santa Monica Closeup, providing insight into the events leading up to the fire.
According to the witness, the car belonged to a tenant who had just moved in the previous day. The resident described how the car’s doors were found open before the fire started and speculated about the possibility of arson, although the battery was reported to be intact. The witness also mentioned that ring camera footage from the area showed an individual walking away from the scene around the time of the fire, but no conclusive evidence has been confirmed.
As the investigation continues, the cause of the fire remains a mystery. The incident has left the new tenant with an unfortunate welcome to the neighborhood.
Monday, August 26, 2024
Firefighters Extinguish Dumpster Fire in Venice Beach
Friday, August 23, 2024
Venice Beach Boardwalk: Assaulted Homeless Man Hospitalized After Fight
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Building Bonds: Firefighters Engage with Locals at 'Coffee with a Firefighter' at Starbucks
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Firefighters Rescue Two People Trapped in Venice Public Restroom Stall.
On Sunday, May 19, 2024, Los Angeles Firefighters and Los Angeles Police Officers were dispatched to a distressing scene where two individuals were trapped inside a public restroom stall due to a malfunctioning door lock. The incident, which unfolded in the heart of Venice Beach, drew a prompt response from emergency services after reports that the door would not unlock.